Mayor Coleman, City Councilmember Klein, OSU and Consider Biking Mark Completion of City’s First Bicycle Shelter

Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City Councilmember Zach M. Klein, The Ohio State University, Consider Biking and OSU area community groups today marked the completion of the City’s first bicycle shelter.  The new bicycle shelter, which will hold up to ten bicycles, is located in front of Charlie’s Grilled Subs and Salads at 1912 North High Street.  View full press release 

Councilmember Zachary M. Klein Attends Groundbreaking Event for Multi-Million Dollar CSX Intermodal Terminal Expansion.

(Columbus) Councilmember Zachary M. Klein joined Mayor Michael B. Coleman and CSX officials this morning for the groundbreaking of the $59 million CSX intermodal freight terminal expansion.  The terminal expansion is part of the National Gateway initiative, linking deep water east coast ports with Midwestern markets.  The overall project covers six states and the District of Columbia and includes rail capacity enhancements and intermodal terminal capacity improvements.  Earlier this year, CSX opened the cornerstone of the National Gateway, a new $175 million intermodal terminal in Northwest Ohio.

The Columbus terminal expansion will ready the region with the capacity needed for anticipated growth in business and continue to enhance the economical and environmentally-friendly rail intermodal service offered to customers. The expansion, which is part of the company’s previously stated capital investment plans, includes a redesign of the site footprint, installation and realignment of tracks, reconfiguration of inbound and outbound truck gates, additional onsite parking, and three, high tech, rail-mounted, electric wide-span cranes. 

This investment expects to create over 400 construction related jobs over the course of the project here in Columbus. The wide-span cranes will operate with zero emissions and regenerate power back to the terminal grid or to the electric utility. Railroads are the most environmentally-friendly and energy efficient way to move goods on land.  On average, railroads are three or more times more fuel efficient than the alternative. Trains can also move a ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel. A single train can carry the load of more than 280 trucks.

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation’s leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia. CSX’s network connects more than 240 short line and regional railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports.

Columbus City Council Announces Graffiti Removal Program  

(Columbus)The Columbus City Council has unveiled a proposal to help residents and business owners fight graffiti, a plan that includes the option of removal at no cost to the property owner.   The graffiti abatement initiative was arrived at after multiple community meetings and public hearings to discuss the matter.  The plan will help clean graffiti as quickly as possible while holding property owners accountable if the vandalism is not removed in a timely manner. 

“This plan will help fight crime and improve economic development in our neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Zach M. Klein, chair of the Development Committee.  “By helping residents and businesses remove this blight in a reasonable, cost effective manner, we are helping to build a safer, more business friendly Columbus.”

The City Council proposal will do two things – add “failure to control graffiti” to the municipal code and require all property owners to remove graffiti within 30 days of receiving a notice from code enforcement.  The property owner will have the option of removing the vandalism themselves or signing a waiver to allow a city contractor to remove the graffiti at no cost to the property owner.  

“Our goal with this legislation is to provide a way to remove the graffiti quickly in a way that is not punitive to the property owner, who already has been a victim of crime,” said Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Safety and Judiciary Committee.  “Numerous studies have shown the faster graffiti is removed, the less likely it is to reappear.”

Residents and business owners can report graffiti to the city’s 311 call center or by using the MyColumbus app for their mobile phone or tablet device.  The City of Columbus will competitively bid for removal services and require companies to photograph, geo-tag and share photos with the City Attorney’s office to add in prosecution efforts. 

Franklinton Building Demolished to Make Way for Creative Community District

Mayor Michael B. Coleman today was joined by City Councilmember Zachary M. Klein, representatives of Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and Urban Smart Growth, and Franklinton neighborhood leaders as the former B&T Metals site, 435 W. Town Street, was demolished to make way for future development efforts. Once completed, the District will catalyze and sustain neighborhood revitalization and provide a place for the creative community to live and work.

“The demolition of this blighted building allows us to create a new vision for this neighborhood,” Mayor Coleman said. “This begins our efforts to market, incentivize and build an affordable neighborhood tailored for our city’s creative sector.”

Plans for the area include affordable housing, including live/work space that will allow the creative class to invest, create and live in the neighborhood. Homeownership opportunities will be offered in an effort to stabilize the community. 

“There is an energy and excitement surrounding the partnership between the city, Urban Smart Growth and the Franklinton community that will we believe will transform this area into the next great Columbus neighborhood,” said Councilmember Klein, chair of the Development Committee. “The residential growth will lead to greater commercial development that will have a ripple effect throughout Franklinton.”

B&T Metals closed its doors in 1982, and once produced aluminum products, including carpet strips, door frames and weather stripping materials. It was also the first manufacturing plant owned by an African-American family in the U.S. and employed 500 people.  The site will be redeveloped by Lance J. Robbins of Urban Smart Growth.

“I am excited that the B&T Metals project is finally starting,” said Carol Stewart, chair of the Franklinton Area Commission. “I signed the demolition permit with great joy, having given up on saving the building and realizing the need to move forward.”

“This is the beginning of something really big,” said Jim Sweeney, President of the Franklinton Development Association. “Together we’re going to develop a whole new neighborhood in East Franklinton.  Thanks to the mayor and the city for having a great vision.”

Other large and small cities have experienced economic and neighborhood revitalization through catering to the creative sector including:

Miami Beach, FL Cultural Arts Neighborhood District Overlay Incentive

Boston, MA

Covington, KY The Covington Artist Residential District Homeowner Loan Program

Paducah, KY The Artist Relocation Program

Seattle, WA

Austin, TX

“Urban Smart Growth will be offering a unique community of studio spaces, performance and event venues, galleries and music, food and drink to the Columbus artistic and creative class and the community at large,” said Lance Robbins of Urban Smart Growth. “Franklinton is truly on the move after many years of quiet preparation.”

Columbus City Councilmember Zachary M. Klein Trains with Capital Kids in Preparation for Upcoming Capital City Half Marathon

Columbus City Councilmember Zachary M. Klein joined Mayor Michael B. Coleman, CapitalCity Half Marathon Race Director David Babner, & 50 of 335 “Capital City” kids yesterday as they began training to run in their first Capital City Half Marathon.

For the first time, in partnership with The Capital Kids and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, M3S Sports and the Capital City Half Marathon is presenting the “Be a Champion – Youth Training program.”   M3S Sports, founder of the Capital City Half Marathon, developed and printed fitness guides, purchased pedometers and donated them to all kids in the Columbus Recreation Centers who wanted to participate. With the training program, the kids are encouraged to run or walk 13 miles before May 6th.  If they do, then they qualify to run the final .1 mile of the Capital City Half Marathon down Nationwide Blvd and cross the finish line with the Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and Councilmember Klein on race morning, Saturday, May 7. The kids will receive the exact same champions medal that all the adults receive for running the 13.1 mile half marathon.

So far, 335 kids in the Capital Kids After School programs held at Columbus Recreation Centers are participating in the “Be a Champion – Youth Training Program” and have logged a total 3,522.1 miles !  At least 250 kids are expected to complete 13 miles and cross the finish line with Mayor Coleman and Councilmember Klein on race day. 

The 8^th Annual Capital City Half Marathon will be held May 7, 2011 with over 12,000 runners/walkersand feature four distinct races, including the namesake 13.1 mile half marathon that has been held annually in downtown Columbus since 2004. This year’s race will feature a new championship course that will take runners through a collection of neighborhoods along a five-mile stretch of High Street between the University District and German Village now known as High Five Columbus.

“We will Celebrate Columbus in 2011 by featuring a dynamic new race course that will guide our participants through the many unique neighborhoods that make up the character of our community,” race director David Babner said. “The High Five course includes the University District, South Campus Gateway, Short North, Arena District and the German Village neighborhoods that represent the qualities that make Columbus great.”

The 8th Annual Capital City Half Marathon will also feature the inaugural Capital City Quarter Marathon, which will take runners and walkers along a 6.55-mile course through downtown Columbus and the Short North Arts District; a 5k Fun Run/Walk; and the Capital Kids Mascot Chase, an annual fun run for children and mascots of all ages with all proceeds benefiting the Capital Kids Afterschool program.

“The Capital City Half Marathon’s four races provide runners and walkers of all ages and capabilities the opportunity to Celebrate Like A Champion,” Babner said. “The first-ever Capital City Quarter Marathon will give participants a challenging middle distance and will quickly become one of the  most popular distances.”

To encourage runners and walkers to spend a weekend, race organizers will debut the two-day Health & Fitness Expo Party at the newly-renovated Battelle Grand in 2011. The party will feature a one-of-a-kind pre-race experience including a VIP Lounge, the first-ever Panel of Champions and an appealing lineup of vendors that extends beyond the traditional shoe and apparel companies. “The Race Party will redefine the concepts of race expo and packet pick-up,” Babner said. “This won’t be your stand pipe-and-drape. We will provide an atmosphere that will allow us to properly Celebrate You.”

The Hyatt Regency Columbus, attached to Battelle Grand and a short walk from the Capital City Half Marathon’s start and finish lines, will serve as host hotel for the first time in 2011. A limited number of rooms have been reserved for Capital City Half Marathon participants. Call 1-614-463-1234 to book a room.

The Capital City Half Marathon has added additional charity partners and will unveil a charitable effort aimed at raising $1 million for all partner charities.

For more information or to register for the Capital City Half Marathon or related events, visit www.capitalcityhalfmarathon.com and www.m3ssports.com.

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Councilmember Zachary M. Klein discusses the upcoming Development Committee public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss graffiti and proposed legislation that will increase the penalty for those found guilty of graffiti and additional requirements for property owners to remove graffiti in a timely manner. 

City Council Invests in Economic Development, Job Creation  

(Columbus)— Columbus City Councilmember Zachary M. Klein, chair of the Development Committee, visited The Ohio State University campus to detail four exciting, new economic development projects that are part of the proposed 2011 Columbus Capital Budget.  City Councilmembers will consider the more than $800-million spending plan this evening during their scheduled Council meeting.  One project Councilmember Klein highlighted invests $1.5-million in support of the Cannon Drive relocation project.  

“This particular project represents another phase in the ongoing and growing economic and community development partnership between the City of Columbus and The Ohio State University”, said Councilmember Klein.  “Moving Cannon Drive to the west will allow Ohio State to continue expansion projects near the Medical Center and Battelle Memorial Institute, creating jobs and growing our economy along the way.”

In addition to the Cannon Drive project, Councilmember Klein also discussed road and sidewalk improvements in the area known as the Creative Campus.  The Creative Campus is near the Columbus College of Art and Design and Columbus Museum of Art.  The $1.5-million item in the Capital Budget, part of the Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan adopted by City Council in 2010 as a blueprint for downtown development, will lead to creating a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere and community campus feel to the downtown.

Councilmember Klein is also sponsoring an amendment to the Capital Budget that will lead to even more neighborhood improvements near Nationwide Children’s Hospital.   A $500,000 investment will allow for the design and engineering work to be completed on street improvements along 18^th Avenue on the eastern edge of the hospital’s campus.   This is the last major roadway project in the hospital’s $840-million expansion project that will create more than 2,000 new jobs and help support neighborhood improvements already underway with the Healthy Neighborhood/Healthy Families initiative. 

Finally, City Council is creating a new way of investing in capital projects that will help ensure funds are available when job creation efforts occur.  Council’s Economic Development and Job Creation Fund will allow Council to use capital dollars to invest in development opportunities that will bring jobs and growth to Columbus. 

“This first of its kind fund will give City Council the flexibility and responsiveness to support capital budget projects in our community that will continue the momentum of economic development we currently have in Columbus,” said Councilmember Klein.  

The initial deposit in the fund will be $250,000.  Council will vote on the proposed Capital Budget this evening at 5 pm in City Council Chambers.

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA ALERT

For Immediate Release: February 16, 2011

For More Information:

John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798

Web – Facebook – Twitter

Councilmember Zachary M. Klein Tours Columbus Recreation Center 

For decades, the Woodward Park Recreation Center in the Northland neighborhood has been a cool place for families to take part in numerous activities in a safe, fun filled environment.   Soon, with the investment of capital dollars by the City of Columbus, the recreation center will truly be a cool place.  That is because the building is about to receive something it has never had before, air conditioning.

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Resurfacing, Bikeways, Sidewalks and Rec and Parks Improvements Highlight 2010 Capital Improvements Budget Proposal

Joined by Columbus neighborhood leaders, Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City Council President Michael C. Mentel and members of City Council announced the proposed 2010 Capital Improvements Budget on the North Side. Mayor Coleman and council members unveiled the $130 million proposal on Strawberry Farms Boulevard, which will be improved by an upcoming resurfacing project.

“Our greatness lies in our neighborhoods, and we must continue to invest in them,” Mayor Coleman said. “By investing in our streets, parks and bikeways, we will increase our quality of life and create jobs in the process.”

Highlights of the mayor’s proposal include

$20 million for street resurfacing

$8 million for recreation center renovations

$7.3 million for bikeways

$6 million for fire apparatus

$3.8 million for renovations for our swimming pools

$3.2 million for sidewalks and pedestrian safety

$2.6 million for playground improvements and for park acquisition

$1.25 million for housing and homelessness prevention and services

$1 million for increased broadband access 

$1 million for the Green Columbus Fund development grant program

$675,000 toward a South Side health center

“The commitment we are making today through our capital improvement priorities represents an investment in our city’s future,” said City Council President Michael C. Mentel. “The investments in public safety, broadband accessibility, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced livability will keep Columbus progressing and moving forward.”

City Council is expected to vote on the 2010 Capital Improvements Budget on Monday.

Mayor, Commissioners President and Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley Making Sure City and County Get Fair Share of Federal Funding with Support for 2010 Complete Count

US Census Begins Mailing to 130 million American homes

Columbus City Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley joined Mayor Michael B. Coleman, County Commission President John O’Grady, State Treasurer and Ohio Census Complete Count Committee Chair Kevin Boyce, MORPC Executive Director Chester Jourdan and others  this afternoon at Columbus’ Main Post Office as the USPS begins national delivery of 130 million 2010 Census Forms. The US Census is critical to local officials because the count affects some $400 billion in annual Federal funding to cities, counties, schools, health care and transportation projects.

The group was given a tour of the Twin Rivers Drive Sorting Facility, which was upgraded in 2009 with the most high-tech sorting equipment in the nation, processing 612,000 magazines, periodicals and large envelopes on an average day. The Twin Rivers Drive facility, along with the Postal Service's Processing and Distribution Center on Citygate Drive, handle about 6 million mail pieces daily and processes mail for about 1.26 million homes served by 322 Post Offices in their 48-county Columbus postal district. 

Census forms will be arriving at every American home between Monday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 17.

Neighborhood Leaders Celebrate Project to Reconnect Franklinton

Franklinton neighborhood leaders joined Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City Council members, Franklin County Engineer Dean Ringle, Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jolene M. Molitoris and MORPC Executive Director Chester R. Jourdan, Jr., to break ground on the new Rich Street Bridge today. The project will reconnect Franklinton with Downtown following demolition of the old Town Street Bridge in 2008. The bridge is scheduled for completion in August 2011.

“As we approach our city’s bicentennial, it is time to reconnect our very first neighborhood with our Downtown,” Mayor Coleman said. “The Rich Street Bridge project will create and retain jobs in Columbus while revitalizing Franklinton.”

The project will include improvements to West Bank Park and other areas on the west side of the Scioto River, making the area more pedestrian and bicycle friendly and better enable it to host festivals during the spring and summer.

“We’re thrilled to have this beautiful bridge in Franklinton,” said Franklinton Development Association Executive Director Jim Sweeney.  “Opening this new link to Downtown Columbus is another major step towards the rebirth of the peninsula and East Franklinton.  It will greatly enhance our revitalization efforts throughout the community.”

“We in Franklinton look forward to once again being able to cross the river without having to go to Broad Street or get on the freeway,” said Franklinton Area Commission Chair Carol Stewart.  “We are very happy about this.”

West Bank Park improvements will include new bike paths, lighting and landscaping.  Washington Boulevard between Rich and Town streets will be resurfaced and new sidewalks, curbs and street lighting will be added.

“The Rich Street Bridge project is just one part of an overall rebirth of the downtown Columbus,” said Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, chair of the Public Service and Transportation committee.  “The West Bank Park is a focal point of pride and activity, a gathering place to celebrate a number of unique community events.”

The Rich Street Bridge project will be built with multiple funding sources, including $3.2 million in federal earmarks and nearly $2.1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 dollars.   

“The partnership between ODOT and the City of Columbus has never been stronger, as we work together on revitalizing one of Ohio’s core urban centers,” said ODOT Director Molitoris, who noted that the Recovery Act has allowed investment in several projects in downtown Columbus, including improvements along Parsons and Livingston Avenues. “Our historic investments in transportation are putting Ohioans to work today building a safer, greener, more multi-modal transportation system for our future.”

“This single event demonstrates what collaboration can achieve,” said MORPC Executive Director Chester R. Jourdan, Jr. “MORPC is proud to have played a part in this collaboration of both public and private partnerships.” 

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Columbus City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, will conduct a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Columbus City Code that will address the issue of distracted driving, specifically texting while driving. Councilmember Ginther intends to introduce a city ordinance to prohibit texting while driving in an effort to improve roadway safety for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians and all other road users. The proposed ordinance aims to prevent crashes related to texting while driving, and to reduce the associated fatalities, injuries, and property damage that all too often result.  

Public testimony will be accepted. Those wishing to testify should fill out a speaker slip on the day of the hearing between the hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in the lobby entrance located on the Front Street side of City Hall. Free parking is available in the Gay Street parking lot on the north side of City Hall after 5:00 pm.

Mayor Announces Intensified Pothole Repair Effort

The City of Columbus will conduct a month-long intensified pothole repair program in March in the wake of repeated winter storms that have battered city streets. Mayor Michael B. Coleman announced the plan to patch nearly double the 12,124 potholes repaired in March 2009 during his 11^th annual State of the City address Wednesday at the Lincoln Theatre.  The work will be done six days a week in March, weather permitting.

“Patching potholes is a priority to keep our roads safe.  For the next month, we will intensify our pothole patching efforts and repair nearly twice as many potholes than we fixed last March,” Mayor Coleman said.  “Our pothole repair crews have worked so hard between repeated snow storms, but this historically horrific winter has brought what we fear could become an historic number of potholes.”

The month-long pothole repair effort in March will use a two-pronged approach:

Filling two existing vacant Street Maintenance Investigator positions top, bringing the total number of investigators to a full contingent of six

City of Columbus crews will repair potholes at night and on all four Saturdays in March, using overtime to attack potholes.  Work will be done weather permitting.

“After such a particularly harsh winter, it is important for the city to double our efforts in repairing potholes in a proactive manner,” said Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee.  “I especially would like to commend our crews who will continue to work diligently to protect our streets.”

The City is responsible for repairing potholes on 6,348 lane miles of roadway; a lane mile is one mile of roadway multiplied by the number of lanes on the roadway.   

“The goal in March will be to get ahead of the game on fighting potholes in the middle of a difficult winter,” said Department of Public Service Director Mark Kelsey.  “The faster we repair these potholes, the cheaper our costs will be in the long run.  This preventative maintenance will stop some potholes from getting worse and becoming more expensive street resurfacing projects.”

The month-long pothole repair effort will be funded through the Department of Public Service’s Street Construction Maintenance Fund.

City of Columbus Pothole Patching Fact Sheet

The City of Columbus patches potholes on City of Columbus streets and parts of state routes 315, 33 and 104 that are in the City of Columbus

ODOT is responsible for patching potholes on I-70, I-71, I-270 and I-670

Columbus’ Pothole Patching crews are responsible for 6,348 lane miles of roadway.  

This effort is measured in lane miles because potholes can occur in each lane of a roadway

A lane mile is defined as one mile of roadway multiplied by the number of lanes in the roadway.  For example:

1-mile stretch of roadway x 5 lanes in the roadway = 5 lane miles

Pothole Patching  policy and practice:

The process for patching potholes begins two different ways:

Residents contact 311 (call 311 or 645-3111) to notify the City of the location of a pothole.  The locations are then forwarded to the Department of Public Service to be scheduled for patching,  or

Separate from, and in addition to, 311 requests, Department of Public Service crews are routinely deployed to locate and patch potholes.  These deployments are proactive standard practice that works in tandem with 311 requests to find and patch potholes.

Patching potholes is a City of Columbus priority:

The City’s standard:  Potholes are typically patched within three (3) days after a service request is filed with 311 to do so

This standard may go beyond three days because of:

A very large volume of potholes being reported.  In these instances, the standard is to patch potholes as soon as possible

A snow, ice or rain storm prohibits pothole patching

Columbus’ Pothole Patching crews are responsible for 227 square miles, much more than their counterparts in other Ohio cities:

Cleveland:  82 square miles

Toledo:  80 square miles

Cincinnati:  79 square miles

Dayton:  57 square miles

Hot patching potholes

During winter, is most effective above freezing (32°).

However, hot patch, at 300 degrees, does not bond well with the dramatically colder pavement in cold winter weather, including cold temperatures above freezing

The hot patch shrinks away from, and does not conform to, the surrounding asphalt and the contours inside the pothole.

Because hot patch does not bond well with a cold pothole and pavement, it is like cold patch:  a temporary fix

Therefore, cold patch is typically used during winter months

Cold patch is less expensive ($75/ton) than hot patch purchased during the winter from a private vendor ($100/ton)

Cold patching potholes

Cold patch is a temporary fix designed to repair potholes until they can be hot patched during warmer weather in the spring and summer if the cold patched hole reopens

Lifespan of a cold patch varies and is affected by traffic volume and speed of the roadway where the cold patch is made

City does have a limited supply of hot patch that it produces in an asphalt recycling machine.  The recycled asphalt is the waste asphalt when a street is torn up for resurfacing or reconstruction.

Total potholes patched

2009:  114,475 potholes patched

2008:  115,390 potholes patched

2007:    70,183 potholes patched

2006:    70,618 potholes patched

Total cost for asphalt (hot mix and cold mix) purchased to patch potholes

2009:  $355,390.84 (5,044.51 tons)

2008:  $391,132.73 (6,946.61 tons)

2007:  $183,910.50 (5,170.24 tons)

2006:  $177,550.03 (4,685.89 tons)

Tons of hot patch used

2009: 3,100 tons

2008: 3,208 tons

2007: 2,636 tons

2006: 3,367 tons

Tons of cold patch used

2009:    793 tons

2008: 1,006 tons

2007:    558 tons

2006:    402 tons

Columbus Pothole Patchers have other job responsibilities including, but not limited to:

Snow removal

Street cleaning

Alley surfacing treatment

Mowing

Underpass cleaning

Graffiti removal

For immediate release

February 3, 2010

City, County and Stakeholders Announce Public Process to Plan Next Steps for Downtown Columbus New Apartments for Grant and Gay Also Announced

Mayor Michael B. Coleman today joined a group of downtown residents, business owners, developers, retailers and advocates to outline the progress of the Downtown Business Plan launched in 2002 and next steps for bringing new investment, people and activity to the central business district. The team announced a series of public town hall meetings to get citizen input on a long-term strategic plan for Downtown’s next 10 years of development.

“Downtown is the economic center of the region, home to more than 80,000 jobs, creating more than 20 percent of our local income taxes that pay for neighborhood services, and we need to keep it healthy,” said Mayor Coleman. “We’ve come a long way in the past few years, but more needs to be done as we build our way out of a tough recession. Downtown is everyone’s neighborhood. Many of us come here for dining, entertainment and recreation, and many of us work or live here.”

The Mayor was joined by Franklin County Board of Commissioners President John O’Grady; City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Guy Worley of Capital South and the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation; Cleve Ricksecker, executive director of the Capital Crossroads and Discovery District SIDs; Michael DeAscentis of Lifestyle Communities; and Alex Shumate, CDDC board member.

“Job creation and growth in the Downtown are key to the long-term economic success of Columbus and the Central Ohio region,” said Councilmember Ginther, chair of the Finance and Economic Development Committee. “Last year Columbus voters supported a three-point plan to move Columbus forward, which included a commitment to do all that we can to create jobs and grow the Columbus economy. That effort begins Downtown, and the strategy we are developing now will carry us through the next stage of economic development in our city’s core.”

The Downtown Strategic Plan will come from a series of three town hall meetings, hosted by the City, CDDC and moderated by MSI Design, beginning February 16 at Columbus State Community College.

“The 2002 Business Plan was a success because it set out a clear agenda for priorities and investment in our Downtown,” said Worley, president and CEO of the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation. “The best ideas came from a gathering of the best minds and we hope to have the same energy and excitement as we set action steps for the next 10 years.”

Mayor Coleman described local success in housing, parks and other projects, and announced another new apartment building that will be built near the Columbus College for Art and Design for college students. The 68 unit building will be home to 136 residents at the corner of Gay Street and Grant, opening in the late summer of 2011.

“I’m encouraged to see the Downtown Business Plan continue to evolve as we begin a new decade of development and progress,” said Commissioner O’Grady. “The Franklin County commissioners have actively worked with the City of Columbus to make the dream of a revitalized Downtown a reality. We look forward to welcoming new neighbors as we near completion on the new Franklin County Courthouse and start the second season at Huntington Park.”

Attracting jobs to downtown will continue to be a major focus of the city’s agenda, and one way it is getting done is through a partnership with the Capital Crossroads and Discovery District SIDs to attract more retail outlets.

“The work of the past eight years has set the stage for another wave of private investment in downtown, particularly in the retail sector,” said Ricksecker. “Downtown is extremely well positioned for growth.”

Successes of the 2002 Downtown Business Plan:

  1. Building more Downtown housing:

Through city incentives, 2,542 units were built since 2002, another 2,468 units are under construction or in development, and the Downtown population has reversed its 50-year decline, increasing by more than 2,000 since 2003.

2. Concentrating development of new mixed use neighborhoods:

Development has continued along the Gay Street corridor, with restaurants, hotels and new residential housing. The RiverSouth neighborhood, once filled with 23 blighted, underutilized blocks, is now bustling with activity, anchored by the newly renovated Lazarus Building to the north and the new County Courthouse under construction on the south. Columbus Commons began with demolition of City Center Mall in October 2009 and the park is set to open in December 2010. The city and the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District are working to bring retail back, from seasonal farmers markets, to the hiring of a full time retail ambassador to help fill empty storefronts, and working together on the Mile on High plan to attract retail back to High Street.

3. Bringing jobs Downtown to stabilize the office market:

In 2003, office vacancy rates peaked at 26 percent, but ended 2009 at 14.7 percent, while 1,000,000 square feet of office space was added. Two thousand incentivized jobs were added through city tax incentives to 25 companies.

4. Developing the riverfront as park and promenade:

The riverfront’s North Bank Park is open, as is the new Grange Audubon Center on the Whittier Peninsula, which was built through a partnership with Metro Parks. The Scioto Mile is set to open in June of 2011, funded through a historic partnership between the public and private sectors.

5. Improving parking and transportation:

Capitol South and the City of Columbus opened two new public parking garages, with 1,450 spaces. Two new bridges are connecting the east and west sides of the river at Main Street and at Town and Rich streets. New efforts are being made to add bike routes, trails and racks Downtown to make the area more rider-friendly. Columbus and the State of Ohio received a federal grant to start 3C Rail service with a new station to be built Downtown. In partnership with COTA and MORPC, the city will continue to work on solutions to create a multi-modal hub at the downtown station where 3C rail meets future light rail lines, bus lines and other transportation alternatives.

  6. Going beyond the Business Plan

The Columbus City Schools invested in a Downtown High School, on the corner of Mound and Fourth, which opened in January 2008. A new Downtown Convention Hotel will be a reality by the end of 2012. With 500 rooms, the new Hilton will help us be a national contender for travel, tourism and conventions.

Huntington Park, home of the Clippers, is an award-winning baseball stadium that opened in spring 2009 and has become the place to be. The County Courthouse is under construction.

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For immediate release

January 19, 2010

Contact: Dan Williamson, 645-5300

Penn National Gaming Chooses Former Delphi Plant For Columbus Location

Mayor Michael B. Coleman today joined representatives from Penn National Gaming, neighborhood leaders and other elected officials on the Far West Side to announce Penn’s decision to relocate a proposed casino to the former Delphi auto parts plant near I-270. The constitutional amendment approved by statewide voters in November specified the Arena District as the site for a casino development. However, after opposition from Mayor Coleman, City Council President Michael C. Mentel, Arena District residents and businesses, Penn agreed to consider additional sites. The Delphi site would have to be placed on the May 4 ballot by the Ohio General Assembly and approved by a statewide vote. If approved, the City of Columbus expects to work with Franklin Township to annex the Delphi site into Columbus.

“I am encouraged by the neighborhood support I’ve seen for a casino on the Far West Side of Columbus,” Mayor Coleman said. “I commend Penn National Gaming for working with us, and I appreciate all the input we’ve received on this issue from the Far West Side and all Columbus neighborhoods.”

A number of neighborhood and business groups have voted to support locating a Far West Side casino, including:

- The Greater Hilltop Area Commission

- The Hilltop Area Business Association

- The Highland West Civic Association

- The Westland Area Business Association

- The Westland Area Commission

- The Franklin Township Trustees

- The Prairie Township Trustees

“I would like to commend Penn National for listening to our concerns and working with our community to consider more viable alternatives for the casino location,” said City Council President Michael C. Mentel. “Penn’s decision to consider other sites, and ultimately choosing the former GM Delphi plant, showed their willingness to seek support from residents and business leaders who would welcome the economic redevelopment opportunities brought about by a casino in their area.”

In addition the City of Columbus has received letters of support from 47 different business owners located along the West Broad Corridor as well as thousands of petitions from residents supporting a Far West Side casino.

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Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee, talks about $3.9 million in Ohio Public Works Commission for three major area road projects in 2010.

Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig discusses "Loan Modification Scam Alert" Campaign

City Council President Pro-Tem Hearcel F. Craig today held the city’s annual inspection of the Snow Warriors in front of City Hall. The crews are ready to battle snow and ice during the upcoming winter.

“Our Snow Warriors are working harder and they are working smarter,” said Hearcel F. Craig, Chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee. “Global Positioning Systems on board our trucks allow for better coordination of road treatment and snow removal efforts before and during emergencies.”

Columbus’ 112 core Snow Warriors are responsible for 227 square miles, nearly three times more than the area covered by their counterparts in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. Columbus’ square mileage includes a total of 2,053 linear miles of roadway, the approximate distance between Columbus and Las Vegas. Each fall, they undergo extensive training to sharpen their skills and reacquaint themselves with equipment, routes and procedures. The city also cross-trains employees in several departments to help their Department of Public Service co-workers battle snow during the worst storms.

“I am so proud of our Snow Warriors. They have one of the most difficult jobs around and are the best in the nation when it comes to fighting snow and ice,” said Mayor Coleman. “They are on the job when duty calls, day and night, weekends and holidays, no matter how much snow falls.”

Every summer, the Department of Public Service reviews the responses to the past winter’s snow storms and adjust procedures and strategies as needed for the next winter.

“Fighting snow is a year-round job. We have tweaked our strategy to be more efficient and effective when the snow falls,” said Department of Public Service Director Mark Kelsey. “Our Snow Warriors are the best in the business because they are dedicated to always getting better.”

As in previous years, freeways, arterial streets and collector residential streets have the top three priorities for clearing snow. Residential streets are plowed after four inches of snow are on the ground and the top three priority roadways have been plowed and treated.

Columbus City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, will recognize members of the University Area Commission (UAC) and three liquor permit establishments on reaching Good Neighbor Agreements designed to improve the quality of life and safety in Columbus neighborhoods. The agreements will be signed during the UAC planning meeting and involve D & J Carryout, 1393 North Fourth Street, Kelleys Carryout, 1521 North Fourth Street, and Hamptons on King, 234-240 King Avenue.

Joined by neighborhood leaders and business owners, Mayor Michael B. Coleman and City Councilmembers Hearcel F. Craig and Eileen Y. Paley today heralded the completion of the North High Street revitalization project between Lane and Arcadia Avenues...