Columbus Streetcar Website: Just a little bit longer

Just dropping a quick status report on the Citizen Support Site for the Columbus Streetcars that I mentioned at the beginning of the week for those of you who may be looking for it:

I've made significant progress on the site, but haven't gotten close enough to where I want it to be when I send it out into the world. After studying a handful of other cities streetcar support sites, I've deciding to use my web developer super-powers to take things up a notch, adding a significant chunk to the development time.

The idea is not to drop another e-brochure on the web, but to create a living and growing resource that will allow us to educate ourselves not only on the system we are pursuing here in Columbus, but to also keep tabs on where things are at with other cities going forward.

In order to communicate the bigger picture and purpose of the Columbus Streetcars, we've really got to look out beyond our own neighborhoods and whether or not we'll use the streetcars ourselves. There is a bigger ongoing story that I believe we need to tap into if we want to be able to offer a prospective that skeptics may not have thought of yet.

That being said, look for the launch announcement to go out with this weekend's RetroMetro Newsletter. There will also be opportunities to contribute and lend a hand with the site going forward as I bring additional pieces on-line even after the launch, so look for my "call to action" to follow shortly after the launch.

"City seeks grant for Grandview Yard" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Link: City seeks grant for Grandview Yard
Alan Froman
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
April 17, 2008

The city of Grandview Heights is preparing to apply to participate in the Ohio Department of Development's Job Ready Sites (JRS) Program.

The city will be seeking a grant of up to $5-million to be used to help pay for infrastructure costs associated with the Grandview Yard project, according to Patrik Bowman, the city's director of administration and economic development. "We will be vying with other applicants from around the state," Bowman said. "It will be a very competitive process."...

"Grant denoted to study Third Street" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Link: Grant denoted to study Third Street
David J. Cross
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
April 17, 2008

The German Village Society will soon have a better understanding of what it will cost to renovate Third Street.

Bill Curlis, society trustee and immediate past president, announced at last week's board meeting, that the not-for-profit is planning to use a long-held $250,000 grant to study the street.

"The issue is, what do we want to do," Curlis said. "We don't know."

Some of the possible enhancements that will be studied include street lighting, power boxes, signs and sidewalks, Curlis said, adding that it will be an all encompassing study...

"Village Society seeks tax exemption" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Link: Village Society seeks tax exemption
David J Cross
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
April 17, 2008

An upcoming appeal hearing could determine whether the German Village Society's will have to pay property taxes on its meeting haus.

The society will go before the Board of Tax Appeals at 9 a.m. April 28 at The Rhodes Tower, 30 E. Broad Street. It's the not-for-profit's hope that the board will overturn an earlier decision in which the meeting haus was ruled not to be eligible for tax exemption...

...In a 2006 document, the Ohio Tax Commissioner said the society's goals were commendable, but serve a self-interest and as such it is not exempt.

"The society's purpose and the clear results of its efforts have been to protect and to increase the property values in German Village, and to improve the economic benefits of business in the area," the document stated...

"Area groups receive beautification grants" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Link: Area groups receive beautification grants
David J Cross
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
April 17, 2008

...Council member Priscilla Tyson announced earlier this week that the 10 groups received the full amount of grant money in the city's pilot program, the Landscape Enhancement and Beautification in Public Spaces project.

The grants required a dollar-for-dollar match from organizations. Money from the grants will help pay for flowers, mulch, weed control and other needs of the organizations...

...The other eight recipients are: Friends of Goodale Park, Krumm Park CRC, Friends of Westgate Park, Friends of the Cultural Arts Center, Park of Roses Foundation, Eastmoor Civic Association, University Area Enrichment Association and Friends of the Hilltop...

"Road budgets falling behind need for repair" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Road budgets falling behind need for repair
Donna Borak
The Columbus Dispatch
April 17, 2008

Frozen credit markets, sky-high gas prices and a rising federal budget deficit are hurting cash-strapped states as they confront increasing congestion on the nation's deteriorating roads and bridges.

Across the country, states are more desperate than ever to tap every possible source of funding -- tolls on leased roads, sharp hikes in motor-fuel taxes and working with the private sector -- to finance the building and repairing of roads and bridges.

Experts see a sharp increase in public-private funding collaboration. Some analysts say highway funding might be the next "sweet spot" for institutional investors as the burst housing bubble leaves companies looking for ways to put their money to work...

The RetroMetro Time Machine

As I continue to labor away at the development of RetroMetro 2.0 (pardon the cheesy Web 2.0 pun) I've been digging around behind the scenes in the plumbing of the existing site. I just stumbled upon an archive page for the weekly newsletters going back to May 2006, when I started using my most current e-mail campaign software. I never got around to publishing the page.

It's interesting to read my old metrospectives from way back and then think about how things are today, but also to review the news articles that are in the old newsletters. If I'm really brave, I may go back and see how I did in predicting the future.

Reading some of my old "metrospective" editorials was actually a curious experience. It's like reading your old journal entries (if you ever kept one) back a few years to reflect on your state of mind at the time along with the events that where going on.

Poke around and even just open some of the old newsletters to see what was happening during that week in time:

Crack into the RetroMetro Newsletter Archives

"Councilwoman's housing plan calls for land trusts" Business First of Columbus

Link: Councilwoman's housing plan calls for land trusts
[account required]
Jeff Bell
Business First of Columbus
April 11, 2008

City Councilwoman Charleta Tavares is all for reviving Columbus' struggling neighborhoods, but she doesn't want to see long-time residents driven out in the process.

With that in mind, Tavares is trying to bring together government, neighborhood and business groups to discuss creating community land trusts in Columbus. The effort could ensure affordable housing is available in neighborhoods on the rebound and head off the sort of gentrification that has been seen in areas such as Victorian and Italian villages, she said.

Otherwise, much of the work force in revitalized areas, even those with moderate or middle incomes, may find themselves priced out of home ownership.

"The goal," Tavares said, "is to have affordable housing where price points are moving up quickly, particularly in neighborhoods with long-standing residents. I don't want them pushed out because they can't pay (higher property) taxes or afford to live in their community any more."

Tavares and Catherine Girves, director of the University Area Enrichment Association, have been working on details for a community land trust for more than a year. They recently met with leaders of neighborhood groups in the Ohio State University and Weinland Park areas, and with officials from city government and nonprofit groups with a focus on affordable housing...

"Ohio Insurance Department sets Lazarus move date" Business First of Columbus

Link: Ohio Insurance Department sets Lazarus move date
Business First of Columbus
April 15, 2008

The Ohio Department of Insurance is joining the crowd at downtown's renovated former Lazarus building.

The department said it plans to close its office at 2100 Stella Court off Dublin Road on May 8, with an expected move-in at its new downtown space on May 12. The move will consolidate the department's 265 employees on one floor. The department is spread out on several floors in two separate buildings at the department's headquarters, spokesman Jarrett Dunbar said...

...Development manager Georgetown Co. also has recommended recruiting tenants for 50,000 square feet of retail space, beginning around mid-2008.

"Will the exodus to the hinterlands run out of gas?" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Will the exodus to the hinterlands run out of gas?
Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch
April 16, 2008

This has been the central Ohio growth story for years: more people moving farther away from Columbus as developers turn verdant farm fields into housing subdivisions.

Farther and farther out the subdivisions sprout.

But no one's had to pay four bucks a gallon for gasoline on their way to work. Yet...

..."When you're dealing with $4, $5, $6 a gallon, depending on what the market will bear, there could be a different development pattern," said LaMantia, who thinks that future development has to be integrated with public transportation...

"Ohio's foreclosure rate quickens in March; No. 7 nationwide" Business First of Columbus

Link: Ohio's foreclosure rate quickens in March; No. 7 nationwide
Business First of Columbus
April 15, 2008

...Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac Inc. on Tuesday reported Ohio's foreclosure rate in March increased 9 percent from February with one filing for every 448 households, a ratio that was seventh-highest in the nation and 37 percent higher than in March 2007.

The state's foreclosure rate had dropped 19 percent in February, one of the few times over the past year the rate has fallen...

"Ohio SBA loan approvals drop 18% in first half of fiscal '08" Business First of Columbus

Link: Ohio SBA loan approvals drop 18% in first half of fiscal '08
Matt Burns
Business First of Columbus
April 15, 2008

With a year of healthy loan activity behind it and a lofty goal ahead of it, the Columbus district of the Small Business Administration is right in the middle of a rough one.

The SBA's local office, which manages loans in 60 of Ohio's 88 counties, reported that the number of loans approved in the first half of fiscal 2008 ended March 31 dropped 18 percent to 984 from the same period of fiscal 2007. The dollar amount of loans fell 15 percent to $158.1 million from $186 million. That follows 7 percent growth in fiscal 2007 ended Sept. 30 as 2,335 loans were approved totaling $372 million...

"Huntington pegs Skybus investment loss at $5.9M" Business First of Columbus

Link: Huntington pegs Skybus investment loss at $5.9M
Business First of Columbus
April 15, 2008

...Of that asset impairment charge, the bank said $5.9 million came from a venture capital loss on its Skybus investment.

Skybus filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection April 5, citing rising fuel costs and an uncertain economic environment behind the decision. Huntington was one of many investors from Central Ohio and Wall Street that contributed to the $160 million that the Columbus carrier raised before making its inaugural flight last May. Other high-profile Columbus-area corporate investors in the area included Nationwide Mutual Capital LLC; Wolfe Enterprises Inc., JMAC Inc. and Grange Mutual Casualty Co...

"Former Skybus workers sue carrier over cutback timing" Business First of Columbus

Link: Former Skybus workers sue carrier over cutback timing
Matt Burns
Business First of Columbus
April 16, 2008

Three former Skybus Airlines Inc. workers have sued the failed airline, alleging it violated federal employment law when it abruptly cut its 450-person work force less than two weeks ago.

James Crawley, Aaron Greene and Jay Osterholt this week filed the suit seeking class-action certification in the Delaware district of U.S. Bankruptcy Court where Columbus-based Skybus filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection April 7. The employees accused the carrier of violating the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act because it did not give least 60 days advance notice before cutting workers at its hubs in Columbus and Greensboro, N.C. The complaint seeks damages in the amount of 60 days' pay and other benefits...

"Council members say Coleman is ignoring their input" The Columbus Dispatch

In the past 4 years, this is the first I've seen a hint of a public display of a divided front in city government, or at least that is how the Dispatch is making things appear. There was an allusion to this suggested rift in an article about the streetcars a couple weeks back in the Dispatch (which I can't seem to dig up):

Link: Council members say Coleman is ignoring their input
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
April 15, 2008

...Some council members say they feel overlooked by Mayor Michael B. Coleman, who is asking them to approve money for a streetcar line and neighborhood surveillance cameras before they’ve passed judgment on the merits of either idea.

"These are huge dollars we’re talking about to be obligated by the city of Columbus," Councilwoman Charleta B. Tavares said of the mayor’s request for $2 million on design and engineering for a streetcar line and $1.45 million to study how the Division of Police should deploy the cameras...

..."I’d like to hear from the public on these projects," Tavares said. "The mayor has had his process. We have the responsibility, I believe, to have our process."...

...Reese said Coleman isn’t ignoring council members, but he said policy is the mayor’s responsibility. City Council’s job is to "legislate when legislation is necessary," Reese said...

Honestly, I think the streetcar system is a decision for the Mayor, not the Council. The streetcar system is not something that is "neat." It is something that is necessary as the foundation of rail transit in Columbus and for the attraction of economic development. Of course, how I came to that conclusion is what needs to be turned into a formula and feed into the water supply. But that's not likely to happen very easily.

How could you possibly surmount the gap in public knowledge regarding transit's effect on economic development? How can you ask the public's input on something they are having a difficult time in understanding the bigger picture of? Do you spend 2 million on a marketing and education campaign, or do you spend 2 million on designing the system and pulling all the details together on how the system would work and what its impact would be on traffic and existing infrastructure? I suppose that is an answer that I'm just starting to chew on, but it's for this reason that I think it is a matter of "policy", not "legislation."

The mayor is betting his already proven mayoral career on the streetcars as a tool for economic development, among other things, and in a absence of great public knowledge on streetcars and rail transit which cannot be easily filled with a few typical public meetings, there are times at which leaders need to step up to the plate. Mayor Coleman is doing just that.

When I push my streetcar website live later this week, my efforts will in part be to find some bigger picture answers and perspectives on how to approach public education on the streetcars by digging into other examples from across the country.

Meanwhile, I'll be keeping tabs on these developments in City Hall...

"Painting of ballpark on hold" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Painting of ballpark on hold
Barbara Carmen
The Columbus Dispatch
April 15, 2008

Franklin County commissioners can hire a contractor this morning to paint Huntington Park, but the first drop can't go on until a court considers an appeal by a rejected low bidder.

That ruling yesterday by the Franklin County Court of Appeals will allow a contractor to begin drawings and coordinate work with other contractors for the baseball park until the appeal is heard next month.

"We'll probably be fine," county Administrator Don L. Brown said. "But warm weather is just around the corner."...

"Skybus buffets airport's budget" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Skybus buffets airport's budget
Marla Matzer Rose
The Columbus Dispatch
April 15, 2008

Skybus Airlines generated about $1 million in revenue for Port Columbus for each of the 10 months it was based there, and its absence will be felt in the airport's budget.

But airport officials said they will try not to raise the rates they charge other airlines as they look for other ways to address the drop in revenue...

..."As has happened in the past, the market didn't fail the airline. The airline failed the market," Whitaker said...

"Skybus sued by former employees who allege insufficient notice of layoffs" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Skybus sued by former employees who allege insufficient notice of layoffs
Marla Matzer Rose
The Columbus Dispatch
April 15, 2008

Skybus Airlines is being sued in bankruptcy court by former employees who allege the company violated federal law in not giving 60 days’ warning before it laid off 450 workers on April 7.

The class action suit, filed today, maintains Skybus is in violation of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. The so-called WARN act requires companies to give 60 days’ notice of any mass layoffs with only limited exceptions...

"When streetcars ruled" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: When streetcars ruled
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
April 14, 2008

Mayor Michael B. Coleman doesn't want to bring streetcars to Columbus. He wants to bring them back.

From Bexley to the Hilltop, from the South Side to Worthington, from Westerville and Upper Arlington into Downtown, earlier generations of central Ohioans were regular riders of the rails.

In streetcars' heyday in the 1920s, more than 700 miles of track crisscrossed the region, a system far more extensive than the 2.8-mile run between Downtown and Ohio State University that could make its debut in 2012 if the City Council approves spending $103 million to start it...

AEP, City of Columbus and Partners Celebrate Groundbreaking for The Scioto Mile

Park is set to transform downtown riverfront

(Columbus)  Project leaders Michael Morris of American Electric Power (AEP) and Mayor Michael B. Coleman today joined partners from the business community, Federal Government, State of Ohio and Franklin County to celebrate the groundbreaking for the $38 million Scioto Mile Park.  The Scioto Mile will transform Columbus’ downtown riverfront, creating places for festivals, families and recreation with water features, fountains, a café and variety of attractions for downtown residents, employees and visitors.

“Great cities are built around great parks, and it is time that we built the downtown park system that Columbus’ residents deserve at the Scioto Mile,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman.  “This new park system is historic in nature, with unprecedented partnership and funding from local businesses like AEP and our partners at the Federal, State and County level.”

In February 2007, AEP and the City of Columbus announced an historic partnership to fund the Scioto Mile, each committing $10 million as part of a 50-50 public/private sector fundraising effort to raise $38 million to build the park.

“Proven success in developing new public spaces has come from a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. That’s the approach we have taken with this project,” said Michael G. Morris, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Together, we have raised more than $38 million to build the project and endow a fund at The Columbus Foundation to support the ongoing operations, maintenance and programming of the Park.”

The Scioto Mile is another key cornerstone in the community’s plan to revitalize downtown, and is designed to attract and complement on-going residential development, boost property values and stimulate commercial growth.

“Every great American city has a place in the heart of their downtown where people can gather and enjoy the energy and vitality the community has to offer, said Council President Michael C. Mentel. “The Scioto Mile park will be the signature setting for all things Columbus for generations to come.”

When complete, the Scioto Mile will revitalize the riverfront with an interactive Promenade and a transformation of Bicentennial Park.  Key elements will be included that will attract people from all over the region.  The Columbus Downtown Development Corporation has been charged by AEP and the City to manage this project through completion. 

“The design of the Scioto Mile is unique in nature, with a Promenade that integrates water with a canal and fountain, and benches for seating and playing games,” said Guy V. Worley, President and CEO of the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation. “In addition to a café and permanent band shell, Bicentennial Park will also include a fountain unlike any other we’ve seen, serving as a signature element for the Scioto Mile.”

The Scioto Mile is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2011, in time for the City of Columbus’ Bicentennial in 2012.

The City of Columbus is helping lead the implementation of the Downtown Business Plan with CDDC and local businesses.  2008 marks the sixth year of the 10-year plan to bring new investment, energy and activity to downtown Columbus.  There is a new market for downtown housing – with more than 5,000 housing units opened or under development, including the recently announced Lifestyle Communities apartments and condos that will be moderately priced and attract younger local workers.  North Bank Park is already open and the Audubon Center Park on the Whittier Peninsula is going to begin construction later this Spring.  The City is also moving forward with the construction of two new parking garages, and private partners are looking at developing acres of surface parking lots into new housing and retail throughout the district.  Since 2002, the Mayor also has worked with 35 companies to keep or bring 3,000 jobs downtown.  The total new investment in downtown since 2000 is estimated at $2.19 billion, with $711 million in public funding helping leverage $1.48 billion in private investment.  This includes projects proposed, under construction, or built since 2000.

American Electric Power is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states.  AEP ranks among the nation’s largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S.  AEP also owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765 kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined.  AEP’s utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP’s headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.

Columbus Downtown Development Corporation is a private, non-profit development corporation designed to lead City-changing projects, including The Scioto Mile. The Board of Directors consists of senior business and institutional leaders who have a strong commitment to downtown revitalization.
Graphic renderings of the future park are available by contacting Amy Taylor at CDDC, 614-545-3942 or  at ataylor@downtowncolumbus.com

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2008
Contact:
Mike Brown, City of Columbus, 645-6428
Pat Hemlepp, AEP, 716-1620
Amy Taylor, CDDC, 545-3942

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: April 14, 2008

For More Information:
John Ivanic, 645-6798

NORTH MARKET IMPROVEMENTS:  The North Market is one of Columbus’ most popular destinations, with over 1 million customers visiting each year.  In an effort to continue providing critical upgrades to the publicly-owned marketplace, Finance Committee Chair Kevin L. Boyce is sponsoring ordinance 0583-2008 to appropriate $228,000 for renovations of the North Market’s hot water system, including interior finishes, plumbing and electrical work.

**Please also note that President Pro Tem Boyce will hold a pubic hearing to discuss the 2008 Capital Improvement Budget on Tuesday, April 15, at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers**

PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR CITIZENS IN NEED:  The Deaf Modification Program provides vital services to low income residents who are hearing impaired.  Health, Housing and Human Services Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring ordinance 0602-2008 to enter into a $47,250 contract with the Deaf Services Center to support the program.  City Council’s appropriation will help provide life saving equipment such as amplified telephones, communication devices, answering machines, motion detectors, smoke alarms, baby monitors, individual alert receivers, carbon monoxide detectors and alarm clocks to approximately 30 eligible applicants.

PRIORITIZING SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS:  The Columbus Division of Police has launched a new program that allows citizens to keep a “cyber-eye” on criminal activities reported in their neighborhoods.  To help educate the public about this new initiative, Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther has invited Deputy Chief Gary Thatcher to Council Chambers this evening to provide an overview of crimereports.com, the Division’s latest internet-based tracking system.  During the presentation, Deputy Chief Thatcher will give a live tutorial on how to navigate the Web site and access its numerous features.

PROVIDING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS:  The Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today (PASSPORT) program provides home care services as an alternative to nursing home admission for Medicaid eligible clients.  Ordinance 0541-2008 sponsored by Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson will authorize an appropriation of grant funds from the Ohio Department of Aging for the continued operation of the PASSPORT program.  Services include case management, adult day care, homemaker visits, meals, personal care, respite, transportation and emergency response.  Approximately 4,100 clients are currently being served by Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging under the PASSPORT program.  This legislation will provide continued operation of the PASSPORT program for the period July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

O’Shaughnessy to hold public hearing:  Development Committee Chair Maryellen O’Shaughnessy will convene a public hearing on Wednesday April 23, at 5:30 PM to discuss three ordinances:

• Fifth By Northwest Area Commission Boundary Change: Ordinance 354-2008
• German Village Commission Historic District Guidelines: Ordinance 573-2008
• Livingston Avenue Area Commission Task Force: Ordinance 368-2008

Click here to review electronic copies of the legislation.

Development Department staff will provide an overview of the ordinances, followed by public testimony.

CRAIG PRESENTING PEACEMAKER AWARDS:  The SAVE Awards Youth Peacemakers Training Program helps teach young adults how to peacefully resolve disputes in their schools and communities.  Minority and Small Business Development Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig will present City Council’s coveted Certificates of Honor and Recognition to program participants at this year’s SAVE Awards Premier on Thursday, April 17, at 7:00 PM.  Councilmember Craig will also provide the invocation at this year’s State of the Region Luncheon on Wednesday, April 16, at 11:00 AM at the Hyatt Regency Center.

MENTEL CONGRATULATES STATE CHAMPIONS:  Council President Michael C. Mentel will recognize the St. Charles Preparatory School swim team for winning the 2008 Ohio High School Athletic Association Boys Division I State Swimming Championship.  Resolution 0074X-2008 will honor the Cardinals’ talented athletes and coaching staff for their tireless dedication to academics and athletics.

"Work begins on Scioto Mile park project" Business First of Columbus

Link: Work begins on Scioto Mile park project
Business First of Columbus
April 14, 2008

Backers of a $38 million transformation of the downtown Columbus riverfront broke ground on the project Monday, three years ahead of the scheduled opening of the city's Scioto Mile park.

The groundbreaking comes about a month before roadwork is set to begin on Civic Center Drive, which will be transformed from a five-lane, one-way route to a two-way road with two lanes in each direction. With additional space, the city plans to add a Myers/Schmalenberger Inc.-designed promenade to the road between West Broad and West Rich streets, said Amy Taylor, spokeswoman for Columbus Downtown Development Corp.

Another key facet to the park, a central element of the city's move to revitalize downtown in time for its 2012 bicentennial, is a revamped Bicentennial Park featuring a permanent band shell and a fountain...

"Loss of earmark stymies 5th Avenue dam removal" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Loss of earmark stymies 5th Avenue dam removal
Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch
April 12, 2008

The demolition of the 5th Avenue dam on the Olentangy River, which is key to helping clean the river by returning it to its natural flow, won't happen anytime soon.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers couldn't secure more than $1 million needed to pay for the $1.82 million project.

Officials in the corps' district office in Huntington, W.Va., were recently told they would receive only $100,000 for environmental testing...

"Mixed-use developments often struggle to fill retail space" Dallas Morning News

Interesting observations on mixed-use retail in a story out of Dallas, Texas. I was driving by the South Campus Gateway on Friday and observed that they still have retail spots that haven't been filled. If retail can't fill out in a location that has as much traffic as the Gateway, albeit students with lower discretionary income, the question arises if we'd see the same vacancy issues if we were to barage downtown with multiple mixed use projects in the future.

This article brings up a few good points on the topic:

Link: Mixed-use developments often struggle to fill retail space
Steve Brown
Dallas Morning News
April 11, 2008

...Developers are hoping that retail business will pick up in the project when the DART rail station opens across the street in 2010.

Such mixed-use developments with shops and apartments are all the rage with developers.

Although the apartments have been a hit, somebody forgot to check with the shopkeepers. And some of these projects – like the one on Medical District Drive – have been slow to lease...

..."It's a good idea to have multiple uses with a property," he said. "But you still have to have the critical mass and population density to support it."...

City Investing $7.9 Million for new West Side Health Center

New 35,000 sq ft facility will serve as community center and be a LEED silver facility

press release
(Columbus) In an effort to provide greater access to primary care and other health services to the residents of the West Side, Mayor Michael B. Coleman, members of Columbus City Council, Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long, neighborhood leaders and area residents came together to break ground on a new west side health center in the Hilltop. The new health center will be located at 2300 West Broad Street and the City will keep its promise to the community to preserve the old Fire Station #17 as part of the new facility.

“For far too long, families on the west side have been dependent on the small, outdated Hilltop Health Clinic on Sullivant Avenue and this new 35,000 square foot facility will triple the number of residents that can be served,” said Mayor Coleman. “This new Health Center will not only offer great quality health services, but it will also help spur economic development along the West Broad Street corridor.”

This $7.9 million modern West Side Family Health Center will replace the Hilltop Health Center, located at 2500 Sullivant Avenue and serve some 7,200 patients a year with more than 22,000 visits which will triple the number of patients and patient visits currently being provided at the Hilltop Health Center.

“Everyday, 45 million Americans are without health care,” said Charleta B. Tavares, chair of the Health, Housing & Human Services committee.  “This project continues the trend to build bigger, more efficient, environmentally friendly health care centers in Columbus.”

As one of five Columbus Neighborhood Health Centers, the new west side health center will offer a wide variety of quality primary care services, including OBGYN, podiatry, dental, family practice, nutrition services, immunizations and pediatric services.  The services are not only accessible and comprehensive, but also affordable.  The new facility will house Columbus Public Health’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program which offers access to nutritious foods, nutrition and breastfeeding education and support to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and infants and children under 5 years of age.

“We are pleased to be part of the important services that will be provided to our residents of the West Side – right in their own back yard,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long. “I am also proud of the efforts of West Side residents to work with primary care and public health leaders to bring these services to this historic site.  Together we are helping families build healthier, safer neighborhoods.”

A Citizens Advisory Committee made up of local members of the business community, the area commission, local historical society, neighborhood leaders and healthcare advocates was created to help facilitate community input on location and design. After listening to the residents concerns, the old Fire Station #17 was selected to preserve one of the most significant historic structures in the Hilltop and it will also serve as a family center that will have community space for meetings, social events and local groups. 

The DesignGroup was selected to lead the project because of their extensive experience in historic preservation, including the renovation of the Historic Blind School as the new home of Columbus Public Health. 

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony on the West Side and the South Side center recently announced, are two of the many accomplishments in the transformation of access to care in our community,” said Tom Horan, Interim CEO of the Columbus Neighborhood Health Centers, Inc. “Efforts over the last 8 years have helped us bring high quality access to primary care to every quadrant of our city.”

The new health center will help jump start the West Broad Economic Development Plan to revitalize the portion of West Broad Street from Highland to Terrace avenues, known as the Highland West District and serve as the cornerstone for future economic development that will bring in jobs and other opportunities along the corridor.

"After years invested in the process to locate a new health center on the west side of Columbus, it is gratifying to see the vision begin to take shape,” said Gary L. Baker, II, Immediate Past Chairman of the Greater Hilltop Area Commission and member of the Columbus Board of Education. "The new West Side Family Health & Wellness Center will bring historic Old Engine House #17 back to life and will also contribute economic and housing development in the Highland West District of the historic Hilltop area."

In keeping with the Mayor’s Get Green Initiative, the building will be a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified silver facility. This project will utilize a bioswale to control storm water run-off and for the first time natural light will be used in the dental area through a clearstory light well with a reflective roof as well high efficiency window and heating and cooling systems will be used as well.

“This project will provide an exemplary model of green urban development for the City of Columbus. In keeping with the Mayor’s Get Green Initiative, the building will be a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified silver facility,” said Lead Designer Michael Bongiorno.

Postcards from the Past: Deshler Wallick Hotel

Postcard Caption: A8 Deshler Wallick Hotel, R.K.O Theatre and A.I.U Citadel   Columbus, Ohio

Supporting Columbus Streetcars, Unofficially

On May 5th, 2008, the Columbus City Council is tentatively slated to vote on funding an initial 2 million dollars to allow the design and engineering phase of the proposed Columbus Streetcar System to move forward.

It's been more than a year since I talked about putting together a website to help promote the Columbus Streetcars. After collecting about 10 or so negative "Letters to the Editor" from the Columbus Dispatch about the system over the past several weeks, and  subsequently getting a clearer picture of some of the gaps in understanding the concept behind the system which people seem to have, I've been moved enough to make that website a reality.

Later this week I will be launching an "Unofficial Columbus Streetcar" site through which I plan on providing a venue for some expanded perspective on the streetcars in short and simple terms. No lengthy diatribes, pontifications or rants. Just facts, perspectives, and examples of what other cities are up to. That's the plan.

I've been posting nearly all of the articles and press releases I've come across that have been written about the Columbus Streetcar System since the system was proposed in 2006, which will be cataloged on this new dedicated site. I'm already doing all this research and investigation on a daily basis, but it tends to get lost in the mix here on RetroMetro, so the streetcar is getting it's own satellite site.

I'll also be starting my daily hunt for the other cities across the country that are working on streetcar systems and keeping tabs on them in real-time going forward. I personally feel that it is important that we all start to get a look at the bigger picture of streetcars and the effects they have on economic development and the initiation of rail-based transit in cities across the country. It's one thing to hear random facts stated, but it's another to have some concrete examples of what this system could mean to Columbus, and not just the neighborhoods it will immediately serve.

One closing note, most of the negative letters I mentioned above seem more to state concerns about the proposed streetcar system and the investment into it as opposed to investments into other areas of the city. I haven't posted the negative letters to RetroMetro as of yet because I'm using them to pull out questions that the writers of those letters made assumptions about or didn't think to ask before making what seemed to be their final judgment on the streetcars.

I want to be able to share some answers, not counterpoints, to the letters, which will help act as starter fuel the Q&A section of the new streetcar site.

Look for the new "Unofficial Columbus Streetcars" site to launch this Friday...

Community and Business Leaders to Break Ground on Scioto Mile Park

For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Brown, City of Columbus, 645-6428
Pat Hemlepp, AEP, 716-1620
Amy Taylor, CDDC, 545-3942

Long-held community dream will become reality

(Columbus)  The Scioto Mile will be a signature park for the community and will transform the riverfront into an active, urban amenity, attracting people from the entire region. The park will play an essential role in the revitalization of downtown – attracting and complementing residential development, boosting property values and stimulating commercial growth. The public and private sectors have joined together in an historic 50-50 funding effort to raise the $38 million to build the Scioto Mile.

WHO:
Mayor Michael B. Coleman
Michael Morris, Chairman, President and CEO, AEP
U.S. Representative Deborah Pryce
State Senator Steve Stivers
Franklin County Commission President Marilyn Brown
City Council President Michael Mentel
Guy Worley, President and CEO, CDDC

WHAT:
Groundbreaking for the Scioto Mile riverfront park

WHEN:
Monday, April 14 11 a.m.

WHERE:
Bicentennial Park
Corner of Civic Center Drive and Rich Street

Exploring Columbus History: Great Southern Hotel

"Airports' hopes left at gate" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Airports' hopes left at gate
Marla Matzer Rose
The Columbus Dispatch
April 13, 2008

The final departure of Skybus Airlines left Port Columbus with holes in its route map, at least $200,000 in unpaid bills and $2.6 million worth of custom-made terminal space that might be hard to fill.

Skybus' loss is a setback to Port Columbus, said David Whitaker, the airport's vice president of business development. But for other airports that Skybus served, the carrier's demise is devastating.

Skybus had been warmly welcomed in Portsmouth, N.H.; Chicopee, Mass.; Wilmington, Del.; Gary, Ind.; Punta Gorda, Fla.; and St. Augustine, Fla. As of April 5, when the airline announced that it would go out of business, Skybus was the only commercial carrier in those markets...

MORPC Clean Air Fair

Stop by the Clean Air Fair during your lunch break, featuring:

• Free ice cream and music thanks to CD101.
• Hybrid cars thanks to Clean Fuels Ohio and Central Ohio Toyota Dealers.
• Great raffle prizes, including a new bike thanks to Cyclist Connection; and gift certificates thanks to Buca di Beppo, Chipotle, Consider Biking, Cotters Restaurant, Earth Share of Ohio, Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar, Gordon Biersch, Max & Erma's, Rise & Dine Restaurant, and V Power Yoga.
• 15 exhibitors, including organizations representing the health, environmental and transportation sectors—emphasizing the importance of clean air.
• Clean Air Awards presentation at Noon, awarding three local businesses/individuals for their dedication to reducing air pollution in central Ohio.  To view those winners click here. 
• A press conference following the Clean Air Awards from The Breathing Association, announcing their new Clear the Air Initiative.

To reduce waste, very few promotional materials have been printed for this event.  Please help spread the word electronically. 

http://www.cleanairfair.org/

Columbus Arts Community Springs To Life with AGORA 2008

press release via ColumbusUnderground.com
The Couchfire Collective has announced Agora 2008 will take place on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19, 2008. Agora is the brilliant showcase of Central Ohio’s art, music and community - bringing artists and art patrons together to celebrate Columbus’ diverse and talented creative community.

Agora guests have the opportunity to view and purchase hundreds of works of art, wander through over fifty working artists’ studios, experience performance acts and enjoy a variety of musical guests.

An exclusive preview event featuring art, a silent auction, musical acts and live performances will be held on the evening of Friday, April 18, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door. The evening will feature special guest Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, member of Columbus City Council and strong supporter of the arts in Columbus. Maryellen will be presenting awards to artists during the Preview Party. Food from local restaurants and drinks are provided.

There is a suggested entrance fee of $3 for the main event on Saturday, April 19, 2008. Doors open at 3 PM. Additional information can be found on the website.

Agora 2008 is being hosted and orchestrated by the Couchfire Collective, an innovative group of individual artists committed to furthering civic development by increasing awareness of the artistic community. The event will be co-hosted by Junctionview Studios, a multi-function warehouse where more than 50 artists and performers work, display and perform. Agora is located at Junctionview Studios, 889 Williams Avenue in Grandview Heights, Ohio.

Over 250 visiting artists, 50 artists with studios, numerous musical acts, video and performance artists have been selected and over 3,000 art patrons are expected to attend. Agora will also showcase a sampling of Columbus’s best local restaurants and eateries.

Preview night musicians will include acoustic guitar master John Morgan, experimental rock by Dayton band Paego Paego, electronic musician Count Funkula, and more. Main night musicians will include progressive rockers Six Gallery, indie folk band Russenorsk, Sinkane, Amanda Heironimus, and many more. Music runs from 3pm to midnight.

Performances by Kristina Isabelle Dance Company, HighJinks, Available Light Theatre, Queen Mae and the Bells, and many others will be scattered throughout both nights of the event.

Agora 2008 marks the first Agora and largest community arts event since Columbus, Ohio was self-proclaimed the “Independent Art Capital of The World.” The Columbus Independent Art Capital movement is fueled by and exists to support the exchange of ideas, attraction of speakers and art makers from around the world, and celebration of the rich arts culture tradition of Columbus. Agora 2008 will kick off the first summer of The Independent Art Capital of the World.

"Loss of Skybus means more layoffs" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Loss of Skybus means more layoffs
Amy Saunders
The Columbus Dispatch
April 11, 2008

Skybus Airlines' abrupt demise last week, which cost its own employees their jobs, has caused more layoffs.

A division of Delta Air Lines is laying off 119 employees at Port Columbus in response to Skybus' bankruptcy, the company reported to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The agency made the report public yesterday...

"Ohio Historical Society cuts hours, lays off 26 workers" WSYX ABC 6

Link: Ohio Historical Society cuts hours, lays off 26 workers
WSYX ABC 6
April 11, 2008

The Ohio Historical Society says it is laying off 26 workers and reducing the operating hours at several historic sites and museums across the state.

Officials on Friday said the moves will help offset a $2 million budget deficit, which they blamed on a sluggish economy and a decrease in state funding...

Columbus Division of Police Invites Public Comment

For Immediate Release:         
For further information, Contact:  Sergeant Rich Weiner or Amanda Ford at (614) 645-4593
Public Information Office
April 11, 2008
MA# 23-2008

press release
A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will be evaluating the Columbus Division of Police on April 13 -17, 2008.  All aspects of the Division’s policies and procedures, management system, operations and support services will be evaluated.

“Verification by the team that the Columbus Division of Police meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain re-accreditation a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Chief Jackson said.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm. The session will be conducted in the auditorium of the Columbus Division of Police Training Academy, 1000 N. Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.

If for some reason an individual cannot speak at the public information session, but would still like to provide comments to the assessment team, he/she may do so by telephone.  The public may call 645-4095 on Monday, April 14, 2008 between the hours of 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Telephone comments, and/or in-person comments, at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must address the Division’s ability to comply with CALEA standards.  A copy of the standards is available in the Columbus Division of Police Accreditation Unit located on the 8th floor of Central Police Headquarters, 120 Marconi Boulevard.  For additional information, contact Lieutenant Craig Stone, Accreditation Program Manager, at 614/645-4603. 

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the Columbus Division of Police’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030-2215.

The Columbus Division of Police must comply with 446 standards in order to gain accredited status, Chief James G. Jackson said.  “CALEA accreditation shows the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, as well as other agencies across the nation that the Columbus Division of Police personnel are adhering to a higher set of professional standards, thus improving the quality of service the citizens of Columbus will receive.”

The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar but out-of-state agencies.  The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed.  The assessors are: Team Leader Captain Howard Hall, Baltimore County Police Department, Towson, Maryland, Lieutenant Virgil Hubbard, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville, Tennessee and Master Sergeant Randy Scott, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the Division is to be granted re-accreditation status.  Accreditation is for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. please write the Commission at 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030-2215; or call (800) 368-3757 or (703) 352-4225.