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Educator honored with scholarship

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JANUARY

28 2022

New owners plan changes but will keep Cuba, Wellsville Giant name, workers BY BOB CLARK Photo by Kathryn Ross Eliza Doolittle, played by actress Bridget Christman (left), and Professor Henry Higgins, played by Matthew Warren, confront each other at the flower market in Starlight Theatre’s “Mayfair Lady.”

Starlight Theatre Company to present ‘Mayfair Lady’ BY KATHRYN ROSS WELLSVILLE — Back on the boards a er a COVID-19 hiatus, the Starlight Theatre Company is doing its own take on a 100-year-old play. Thespians will present “Mayfair Lady” Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Grace United Mission Center on Maple Avenue. If the title seems familiar, their version is one of many adaptations, this one by Gary Peterson, of the George Benard Shaw rendition of “Pygmalion.” Shaw’s play, which was fi rst offered in 1918, is itself a rendition of

an ancient Greek play. Of course, most people will recognize the play as the romance musical “My Fair Lady,” but Brian Keib, the show’s producer, said the Starlight Theatre production is not the same romantic musical. For starters, no one will be hearing “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” or “I Could Have Danced All Night.” “This is not a musical,” Keib said. But then it isn’t a serious play, either, not with the delightful British accents and Victorian costumes. While

it is the light-hearted story of a pompous, upper-class linguist who accepts a tbet that he can turn a humble flower girl into a lady who could talk to a king, it is also about women’s empowerment. Shaw’s story was wri en at a time when British women were leading the international fight for women’s rights and reflects that struggle while Hollywood turned “My Fair Lady” into a romantic comedy where the two lead characters fall in love and live happily ever a er. “People will have to decide for themselves what will

happen to Eliza and Professor Higgins at the end of our last act,” Keib said. Keib, director Heidi Lawson and theater company members have been working on the play since November but have also put in time scouring the area for props and costumes. “We’ve go en some help with costuming from our own closet as well as the high school theater department, and we’ve gone on Amazon,” Keib said.

Starlight Theatre continued ..page 1

CUBA — Two of Allegany County’s grocery stores will see some changes coming thanks to new owners, but the names and faces should remain the same. Closing on a deal Jan. 17, the owners of Buffalo-area Market in the Square grocery stores purchased the Giant Food Mart stores in Cuba and Wellsville for an undisclosed amount. The stores are owned by a partnership among family members Brian, Nick and Erin Kumierski and Danielle Hastings, Nick Kusmierski told the Times Herald, expanding on father Brian’s two-store chain which opened its fi rst doors in 1999. The family has been in the grocery business for decades, with Brian Kusmierski starting out at age 16 working for Park Edge in Buffalo. Working with Wegman’s during the fi rm’s expansion into Buffalo and later with grocery wholesalers, the elder Kusmierski opened the West Seneca location in 1999

with a partner before becoming sole owner in 2015. The family made its fi rst expansion by acquiring Budway’s in North Tonawanda in 2017. Founded by John Berardi in the 1970s, Giant Food Mart was divided between his sons Michael and Chris following his death. Names and house brands will not change, Nick Kusmierski said, and officials are in the paperwork process of hiring as many employees who wish to stay. “We know those Giant Food Mart names have been there so long,” he said, with the Wellsville site carrying its name since the 1970s and Cuba dating back to the 1980s. Both Giant and Market on the Square chains use C&S Wholesale Grocers for groceries, including housebrands under the Best Yet label, and both were previously part of Olean Wholesale Grocery Co-op. Both chains already use the same website

Giant Food Mart continued .. page 7

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JANUARY 28, 2022

Paying the lease for music and art in Belmont BY KATHRYN ROSS BELMONT — The Fountain Arts Center has been a local mecca for the arts since it was known locally as the Belmont Hotel. Now it wants to open its doors for children. For several years, the ground floor of the center, which features a studio art room, dining area and gallery/dining space, had been closed by the owners, Arbor Housing and Development. Wendy Skinner, who took on the task of renovating the old hotel nearly 20 years ago, said that while the apartments were occupied on the second and third floors, the first floor had been empty for some time, with no one taking advantage of the restaurant or dining facilities. Only the small studio space was being used for an office. “I’d walk by and see it empty and think of what a beautiful space it was and wonder why it wasn’t being utilized,” Skinner said. Just before COVID-19 struck, the Fountain Arts board of directors received permission from the owners to use the space. They were given a short-term lease and started using the space as a concert venue and rehearsal space and a place where musicians of any level could get together and play. Referring to its website, the mission of center is driven by a love for the arts and cultural experiences, the community and faith. It states, “We began as a not-for-profit organization to provide a safe place for young artists to meet and express themselves, to learn new skills, and develop their talents. Now we are looking for the necessary funding to grow ourselves. Our plan for this crowdfunding campaign is to expand our music programming and outreach in the area.” To accomplish this, the FAC launched a GoFundMe page. Skinner explained that the funds will go to extend the lease, so the FAC can continue to offer art and musical opportunities to youth and adults. Venezuelan immigrant David Peralta is one of the forces behind the project. Born in a rural area, through the El Sisteme music program Peralta was able to learn to play stringed instruments. His talent was such that he traveled the world playing in

The Fountain Arts Center Wendy Skinner, teaching drawing, is leading the drive to raise funds to keep The Fountain Arts Center open in Belmont to provide art, musical education and meeting space. the Simone Bolivar National Symphony. He immigrated to the United States a few years ago and ended up staying

with friends in the northern part of the county. He has participated in several concerts at area churches and at Houghton.

Skinner said, “From growing up in a rural area David realizes the challenge of providing a musical opportunity to rural children. He wants to give the kids of Allegany County that opportunity.” “Last summer,” she said, “We held a workshop for students to make cardboard instruments. This helped budding musicians learn about musical instruments and concert participation. The highlight of the workshop was when the students got to perform on their instruments with our growing orchestra. “Our hope is to replace these cardboard instruments with real instruments and extend the lease on the FAC facility for music and arts activities.” Throughout the last two years, Covid-19 restrictions have curtailed many of the planned activities, but the FAC has been able to hold a few, both live and virtual concerts at the center and at area churches. Dubbed Crescendo, the group has also been able to establish a group practice session which takes place at the FAC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Any musician or anyone who wants to learn to play may a end the sessions. “This fundraiser will help us overcome the difficulty of finding rehearsal and performance space and meet the needs of our cultural community and increase our ability to impact lives with rich

arts-oriented opportunities,” Skinner said. Their goal for the funding is to lease the FAC, acquire musical instruments and orchestra supplies, increase arts education programs, offer recital and other performance opportunities and create a multi-use facility the

community can use for enjoyment and private functions. To donate go to the Fountain Arts Center Facebook page and follow the directions to its GoFundMe page: h ps://gofund.me/ bbdd0ccc

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Starlight Theatre continued from 1 They have also looked in area thri¡ stores to fi nd props that will make the sets more realistic. They were lucky enough to fi nd a Victrola, as well as Edison wax cartridges for it. With the fascination of “Downton Abbey,” “Bridgerton,” “Poldark” and Queen Elizabeth herself, Keib said he believes that Anglophiles will enjoy the work the cast have put in to

make it sound authentic. “We’ve go en some tutorials and looked at some YouTube videos to get the accents right, but we’ve steered away from watching the movie,” he noted. They are hoping that those familiar with the highbrow and low brow English accents will be convinced. The members of the cast are Ma hew Warren as Professor Higgins, Bridget Christman as Eliza, Seth Tinder, Shirley Mangels, Bella Wenslow, Ryan Keib, Stacy Cretekos, Felicity Morrison Ma hew Sanders, Ashden Hyslip, Izzy Tinder, Kennedy Ewing, Emily Usselman and Daphne O’Kelly. The members of the crew

include Jamie O’Kelly, Amy Thomas and Dakota Silsby. As part of the production the theater group will be offering its traditional desserts. “But because of COVID everything will be wrapped up and it will look more like a bake sale than a dessert table,” Keib said. Covid protocols will be followed with those a ending asked to wear masks. Ticket costs are $5 including dessert and the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for each performance. The venue can be reached from Main Street by turning east on to Fasse Lane or by following the state Route 417 cutoff on the Andover Road into the village and turning onto Maple Avenue.

Retired Belfast, Fillmore educator honored with scholarship BELMONT — The family of retired teacher Rose Fleming has established a scholarship in her honor through the Allegany County Area Foundation. The $500 award will support an aspiring teacher with priority to graduates of Belfast or Fillmore central schools who will be pursuing teacher training at Fleming’s alma mater, St. Bonaventure University. The fi rst scholarship will be made this spring for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students can apply through the regular ACAF online application process (accessible through the ACAF website). A fi rst-generation college student from Rome, N.Y., Fleming a ended the only college she applied to — St. Bonaventure — and is grateful for that education and the scholarships that made it possible. She cherished her time at St. Bonaventure and to this day is a “loud and proud” alumna. She can be found at nearly every home SBU men’s basketball game in her Bonnies gear. A Southern Tier resident since those college days, Fleming taught for 39 years, most of that time at Belfast and Fillmore schools as a reading specialist. She developed a reputation as caring, generous and highly skilled teacher. Fleming taught hundreds of children to read and nearly seven years into retirement former students still thank her and credit her for that ability. Fleming actively contributes to her communities — she has been a school board member and club advisor.

Rose Fleming

She is active with St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church and continues to encourage reading in her part-time librarian position at the Belfast Public Library. For information about contributing to the Rose Fleming Scholarship or establishing a new fund, contact Bruce Campbell at ACAF via director@acafny.org or (585) 296-5616.

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Wellsville school employee charged with taking photos, selling for profit WELLSVILLE — A former Wellsville Central School District employee is facing a misdemeanor charge for allegedly selling photos of students through at least one stock photo agency. Wellsville police charged Barrie R. Fanton, 79, of Wellsville, on Jan. 13 with official misconduct, a class A misdemeanor. Fanton was issued an appearance ticket and released. Wellsville Central School District officials confirmed Fanton was a district employee, and said the photographs taken in the school were during work hours without permission. “The District was recently made aware of one of its now former employees, Barrie Fanton, taking unauthorized photos of students and/ or others engaging in school activities during the school or workday, and then selling those photos to at least one other company (as stock photos) for her personal profit,” said district Superintendent David Foster in a statement. “The District is working with law enforcement and its School A orney regarding a

full investigation of this matter. It is our understanding that Ms. Fanton was arrested today. Additional information will be forthcoming, as

publications or advertisements without having to hire photographers for individual assignments. Based on the charge filed

A screenshot of a photograph of an unidentified Wellsville school student taken in 2017 was available for sale online Thursday. School district officials and Wellsville police allege the photo was taken by a then-school employee who was not authorized to sell the image for commercial use.

appropriate, as further details are known.” The district website identified Fanton as a special education staff member at the middle school on Thursday. Stock photo agencies license photographs to forprofit and nonprofit groups to illustrate websites, print

and a review of one agency’s website, the photographs did not appear to be of a pornographic nature. A review of several stock photo websites carrying the photographs showed students, faculty

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and staff at the school during school hours and at special events participating in various activities. More than 300 such images were available on the website of stock photo agency Age of Stock on Thursday, but some had been removed from purchase later in the day. While students were not named on the website, hundreds of faces were identifiable in images and some

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were identified in captions as special education students. Other photos by Fanton also appeared previously on the stock photo agency Ge y Images, but were taken down on Thursday. Typically, photographs of people for commercial use — for which the agencies were selling one-time licenses for up to $500 per image — have to have the permission of the subject to be sold, such

as a signed model release by a parent or guardian in cases involving a minor. In addition, photographs taken by government employees during the course of their duties are considered under the state Freedom of Information Law to be public records, and as such are generally not covered by copyright or to be sold for commercial use.

JANUARY 28, 2022

Working with Buffalo Bills to punt away childhood cancer Madison Szpaicher, an Alfred State College sports management graduate from Ellico ville, has been able to fi nd a career that combines her love of sports and her desire to help others. Szpaicher, a U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association AllAmerican volleyball player at Alfred State and a member of three consecutive teams that played in the USCAA Championships, works for the P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative of Western New York as its assistant director. Hired as the program and event coordinator in July 2019, Szpaicher moved to her current position this past July. “If you would’ve told me five years ago a er graduation that I would end up in non-profit I would have laughed,” she says. “But now, I could not imagine being anywhere else.” P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative fi nancially and emotionally assists Western New York families facing a Provided pediatric cancer diagnosis. The organization works with Attending an event in Nashville are (from left) Louie Wisener, Gwen Mysiak, Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, Madison Oishei Children’s Hospital, Szpaicher and John Giroux. Wisener and Giroux are the founders of the Nashville Bills Backers and Mysiak is the executive Roswell Park and Essential director of P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative. INSET: Madison Szpaicher. Care. “Our two biggest goals The organization’s roots are to assure Western New there fi nancially when they and being there for our fami- happens,” Szpaicher says. stem from the involvement of York families that we will be have nowhere else to turn lies when the unthinkable

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former Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl punter Brian Moorman and his wife, Amber. Those roots continue today as current Buffalo Bills players Dawson Knox, Tommy Sweeney, Reid Ferguson, Tyler Bass and Ma Haack work with the organization. A 60-second spot aired during the Bills’ Thanksgiving night game against New Orleans that highlighted Knox’s involvement with the organization. Knox also featured the organization on his cleats during the NFL My Cause My Cleats campaign. “A er the Thanksgiving game, we had donations coming in from all over the nation — even Alaska,” Szpaicher says. “It is so refreshing to work alongside these guys because they do it for all the right reasons. They get down on the floor with the kids who are hooked up to their chemotherapy and light up a patient’s smile with a simple FaceTime.” Szpaicher looks back fondly at her time at Alfred State. “My four years provided me with a foundation to launch my career into the sport business world,” she says. “It taught me that this business realm is ever changing, to think creatively and problem solve, and that networking is key.”

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Giant Food Mart continued from 1 hosting service, a Western

New York fi rm serving independent grocery stores. It was through C&S that Giant came on the Kusmierski family’s radar. “The opportunity was fi rst presented to us in December of 2020,” Kusmierski said, with C&S bringing the Kusmierski and Berardi families together on the sale. “A year later, here we are.”

The immediate plan is to let the Giant stores do what they do — and have done well for decades, he added. “We need to get our feet under us,” he said. Kusmierksi said he wished staff had been notified more in advance of the sale, but positive a itudes and a strong work ethic have helped things go smoothly since the closing on Monday.

“We’ve just been so impressed with the employees,” he said, noting a long-time standard of customer service will be maintained. “We really appreciate them.” Within the next few months, Kusmierski said, there will be slow but steady changes made to the stores. “We defi nitely think we can make some improvements, but it’s going to take

Common side effects of medications and supplements Health professionals recommend a bevy of medications to their patients when they the benefits of such remedies outweigh the possible risks. The same can be said for vaccinations and other health therapies, such as vitamin and mineral supplementation. While supplements and medications are safe when taken as directed, they still have the potential to cause some unwanted side effects . Over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions or even herbal dietary supplements can cause side effects. WebMD notes that most of these effects are minor and may only be a temporary inconvenience. But some side effects may be more serious. Recognizing common side effects may not make them easier to confront, but it can give people an idea of what to expect. WebMD, the DNA testing fi rm Sequencing and the healthcare services research experts at Sehat report that the following are some common side effects of medications and supplements. Stomach discomfort Since most drugs and supplements need to go through the gastrointestinal system to be absorbed, stomach discomfort, constipation and nausea can occur. This is one reason why experts typically recommend taking antibiotics, which can cause indigestion and diarrhea, with food. The vitamins and minerals in multivitamins also can cause stomach discomfort.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause the formation of gastric ulcers and stomach bleeding when taken for extended periods of time. Drowsiness Drowsiness is o en associated with antihistamines, anti-tussive (cough) medicines and muscle relaxants. Drowsiness can be exacerbated if medications are mixed with alcohol. Skin rashes and dermatitis Some topical medications, supplements and other medicines may lead to rashes or itchiness. A rash may be an indication of an allergic reaction. Severe allergic skin reactions may warrant cessation of certain medications and such side effects should be discussed with a doctor immediately. Vaccines also may cause pain or itching at injection sites, but that irritation tends to recede quickly.

Confusion or restlessness Medications such as decongestants may increase blood pressure and contribute to confusion, restlessness, and even insomnia. Decongestants, when taken in high doses, also can cause an intoxicating high, which is why they are so heavily regulated. Weight gain Certain medications, particularly those that adjust hormone levels like contraceptives and many

anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications, can lead to weight gain. Medications and supplements are o en the most effective way to help individuals confront issues regarding their physical and mental health. However, if any side effects become bothersome, individuals should speak with a healthcare provider to fi nd out if there is an alternative or if the medication should be discontinued.

some time and investment.” A tavern-style fish fry has been popular at the West Seneca and North Tonawanda stores, Kusmierski said, as well as Polish-style baked goods and expansions to the current, well-regarded meat departments. Such offerings are planned for Cuba and Wellsville as time, staffi ng and training permit. “That’s going to take a

decent amount of time,” he said, adding extensive changes are not expected, however. “We plan to keep doing the things they do well.” Not part of the transaction are the Berardi family-owned liquor stores, Cuba Liquors on Center Street or Park Plaza Liquors adjacent to the Wellsville Giant.

JANUARY 28, 2022

Wellsville vying for Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds BY KATHRYN ROSS WELLSVILLE — The fi nal public meeting for Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding is in the bag, now the commi ee gets down to the ni y gri y. Wednesday night marked the last public meeting with the village’s fledgling DRI commi ee and Associate Provost for Research and Economic Development at Alfred University Dr. John Simmins who is working with the local community on the village’s DRI projects. New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is part of the State’s economic development program which aims to transform downtown neighborhoods into centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation,

and economic and housing diversity. In its fi h year, the program will invest $200 million in up to 20 downtowns statewide according to Simmins. Participating communities will be nominated by the state’s 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) based on the downtown’s potential for transformation. Within each region, the REDC will nominate either two downtowns to receive $10 million each or one downtown to receive an award of $20 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization. Since the summer, a group led by businessman Mike Raptis has been asking the community to help develop projects that could receive

The role of engine air filters

Vehicle engines include complex parts that work in concert to ensure that the car functions properly. When servicing their cars and trucks, vehicle owners may look to many parts of the engine yet overlook a relatively mundane, albeit important, component: the air filter. All cars come equipped with air filters, which are essential to optimum engine operation. The engine air filter is the first line of defense against outside air that is being brought in to the car engine to be burned along with fuel to produce combustion. The filter will capture particulate ma er that would normally enter a vehicle’s engine and leave sediment. The automotive resource It Still Runs says dirty air can reduce engine efficiency and cause damage over time. Dirty air can compromise the air/fuel mixture that is involved in combustion. Any debris that enters portals in fuel injection systems can compromise that system.

funding from the DRI. “Even if nothing comes of this, it has inspired people to think of projects that could benefit Wellsville,” Raptis said at the meeting, while Simmins said some projects could be eligible for state or federal funding. For the last few months, the commi ee has been asking the public for ideas that would enhance the village. Wednesday marked the end of the suggestion sessions. The commi ee will now get down to whi ling the extensive list to two or three possible projects to be forwarded to the Regional Economic

In addition, debris can cause fuel to burn less efficiently, resulting in poor fuel economy. result in There is no simple answer as to how o en an engine air filter should be changed. It largely depends on miles driven and the environment in which the vehicle is used. Those who reside in rural or dusty areas will need to replace air filters more frequently. Drivers also can install air filters more suited to dusty areas. An engine filter is not the only filter in a vehicle. There also is a cabin air filter. The cabin air filter does not affect engine performance, but it does help to provide clean air inside of the vehicle. The cabin air fi lter helps to keep dirt, pollen, bacteria, exhaust gases, and dust from entering the HVAC system. It also can be a barrier against bugs, leaves and other particles from clogging up the system. The cabin fi lter also helps to keep the air fresh and odorfree. A clogged fi lter can

Development Council. The suggested projects need to be submi ed by June with a decision on funding to come as early as September. The commi ee members who will be looking at the suggested projects includes Dar Fanton, Bill Childs, Jody Pearson, Allison Green, Ed Fahs, Raptis and Simmins. Suggestions for individual projects include developing more restaurants, recreational opportunities, individual businesses based on retail, technology, Green Energy, and medical technologies. Ideas to benefit the public include increased parking

diminished heating and air conditioning performance, so it’s important to change this fi lter as well.

facilities, replacement of lead water pipes throughout the village and waterline improvements, façade improvements on Main Street, another bridge over the Arterial, repaving existing public parking areas, continued sidewalk repairs, lighting on the WAG Trail, construction of a public pool and indoor recreation facility and improvements to Tullar Field.

At the end of the meeting, Raptis said they are looking for an additional commi ee person. Interested parties should contact him. He also suggested that if DRI funding doesn’t come about, the village should still look into forming a commi ee to deal with planning and development to pursue ideas to improve the village.

JANUARY 28, 2022

Planning ahead is vital to a successful renovation Remodeling projects are significant undertakings. Homeowners must consider a host of variables before any such project can begin. While planning ahead may take time, it is essential to ensuring successful completion of a renovation project. Consider these pre-renovation planning pointers to help any job go smoothly. Determine your motivation for renovating Renovation projects o en involve balancing needs and wants, and determining if a project is a necessity or a luxury can set the timeline and course of the project. Is the roof leaking? If so, immediate action is necessary. Could the kitchen be a bit more functional? If the kitchen is still manageable, a homeowner may be able to wait a li le bit to get be er prices on appliances or contracting services. Separating needs from wants helps homeowners map out a viable timeline that maximizes productivity and affordability. Get professional advice Many homeowners are under the impression that doing the work themselves can save a considerable amount of money. This may be the case for homeowners with renovation experience. But by and large, professional contractors are an asset to any renovation. They can provide a realistic overview of the project, map out projected costs, point out areas that could be troublesome, and may have industry contacts that can keep supply costs low. Even if a homeowner will do a portion of the job, a contractor can do the bulk of the work and keep the project

on budget. Get necessary permits Permits are designed to ensure the work is being done to code and in a safe manner. However, they are not without additional costs and processing time, and that can cause some homeowners to skip this step. According to the home information site The Spruce, building permits cost anywhere from $400 to about $2,200 for new home construction. Building permits for smaller projects can cost $100 or less, and typically are based on a percentage of the anticipated cost of the obstacle can be avoided, plan- projects o en involve balproject. ning is a good way to start ancing needs and wants, and Renovation determining if a project is a A permit may be issued the successfully. day the application is submitted, while other cities and towns may issue permits up to two or more weeks later. Factor permit fees and processing times into the renovation plan. If it comes to light a homeowner did work without a required permit, he or she may face penalties; may have to tear out work done to have it inspected or redone; some may be unable to sell a home until permits have been obtained and work has been done to code. Homeowners insurance coverage also may be affected if homeowners do not obtain the proper permits. Other considerations when planning a renovation include writing out a strict budget, gathering inspiration, drawing up to-scale renovation plans, pouring over material reviews, and ge ing recommendations for reliable professionals to do the job. While not every

necessity or a luxury can set the timeline and course of the project. Is the roof leaking? If so, immediate action is necessary. Could the kitchen be a bit more functional? If the

kitchen is still manageable, a homeowner may be able to wait a li le bit to get be er prices on appliances or contracting services.

Explaining easements, setbacks and CCRs Property setbacks as well as easements and conditions, covenants and restrictions (CCRs) must be considered before renovating an existing home or building a new one. Setbacks are mandated buffers between surveyed property lines and permanent structures. Easements are legal designations that enable individuals or entities to use portions of a person’s property for physical access or to build on it for one reason or another. Easements may be owned by utility companies for gas lines or government agencies when sidewalks are on a private property. Additional examples of easements include greenbelt conservation easements, beach easements or view easements, according to The Spruce, a home and lifestyle resource. CCRs include rules established by many planned communities, subdivisions and planned unit developments. CCRs, easements and property setbacks can affect which type of renovations are allowed on particular plots and may affect the issuance of permits. It’s essential to learn about property easements, CCRs and setbacks in advance and discuss them with contractors when drawing

up preliminary plans. Your property deed or plat map as well as the local building inspection offices can highlight any regulations that may be in effect on your property and if they may affect future projects.

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