Bat species designation could delay projects, Kansas developers say

The northern long-eared bat’s population has declined by 99 percent in the Northeast, and the biggest threat against its survival, the white-nose syndrome fungal disease, appears to be spreading toward the west.

The Wichita Eagle reports that as a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is likely to classify the bat as either a threatened or endangered species this spring, and that could have an impact on Kansas projects. For example, if the bat is endangered, it could cause problems for the…

Proposed bill adds some teeth to Texas' eminent domain rules

Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, has filed a bill that he said will provide greater protections for private property owners against eminent domain property seizures.

Currently, state law requires that land taken by eminent domain be converted to a public use for fair and adequate compensation. Entities such as cities and counties that take property by eminent domain are also required to prove actual progress toward the stated public use within 10 years. If, after 10 years, no progress has…

PNM plans 40,000-panel solar farm near Santa Fe

Public Service Company of New Mexico will go before the Santa Fe County commissioners Tuesday as the company seeks to move ahead with plans to build a 10-megawatt solar energy facility south of town that would be visible from Interstate 25, according to a report in the Santa Fe New Mexican.

The solar farm would include 40,000 solar panels stationed on about 75 acres.

“The solar generating facility is needed to meet PNM’s 2015 Renewable Energy Plan,” the company said, adding that it will provide…

Golf entertainment complex for struggling Independence Boulevard site?

The Coliseum Center shopping plaza on Independence Boulevard in Charlotte has stood mostly vacant for years now — but that could be changing soon, if a local news report proves correct.

Last week, citing emails obtained through public-record requests, WSOC-TV reported that executives with Topgolf International Inc. have been in talks with city officials about the Coliseum Center site.

And a “major entertainment business with interest in the Independence Corridor” has come up in recent City Council…

Graham Commercial Properties forms management company

Graham Commercial Properties has formed a management services firm.

The Birmingham-based industrial acquisitions firm launched GCP Management Services LLC in order to integrate the property management and accounting divisions of its real estate company, Graham & Co. into GCP.

The firm was formed in January.

“We thought that forming GCP Management Services was a ‘win-win’ strategy for all concerned” said Steve Graham, co-founder of Graham Commercial Properties. “From this new larger platform, GCP…