Short North Residents Encouraged to Attend Streetcar Neighborhood Forum

May 15 Meeting to Explore Streetcar Costs and Benefits for Area Residents

COLUMBUS (April 28, 2008) — Residents of the Short North area neighborhoods are encouraged to attend a forum on May 15 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Goodale Park Shelter House to learn about the City of Columbus’ plan to build streetcars along High Street.

The forum will feature presentations by Michael Reese, Mayor Coleman’s chief of staff; John Rosenberger, former head of the Capitol South Urban Redevelopment Corp; and Mike Brown, Mayor Coleman’s public relations director. City council member Mary Ellen O’Shaugnessey and a representative from COTA are also expected to attend.

Those who attend the forum will learn detailed information about the City’s streetcar plan, which proposes a system that would run from the Franklin County Courthouse to The Ohio State University. They’ll also be able to ask pointed questions to clarify the impact streetcars would have on the Short North area and its surrounding neighborhoods.

“Building a streetcar system in our neighborhood would be a huge undertaking,” said Jeff Smith, president of the Victorian Village Society. “It’s imperative for our residents to come together, learn about the plan, and ask questions.”

The forum is sponsored by the Victorian Village Society, the Italian Village Society, the Short North Foundation, Friends of Goodale Park, and the Circles Association.

The Short North Foundation serves to advance the creative spirit, diversity, and vitality of the Short North Neighborhoods and Arts District. Through its partnerships with The Friends of Goodale Park, The Harrison West Society, The Italian Village Commission, The Italian Village Society, The Short North Business Association, The Short North Special Improvement District, The Victorian Village Commission, and The Victorian Village Society, it reflects a collective vision of the entire Short North region. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has contributed to projects including the Community Campaign for Creating Encounters in Urban Art and History, the Short North Parking Initiative, the Short North Pocket Parks Campaign, and the Short North District Roundtables. Once a year it recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact to the area with The Short North Community Leadership Award. Please visit www.shortnorthfoundation.org for more information.

Contact: Alexandra Kelley
614-573-1490