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

"Schottenstein pitch for Cooper Stadium grabs commissioners' interest" Business First of Columbus

Link: Schottenstein pitch for Cooper Stadium grabs commissioners' interest
Business First of Columbus
May 1, 2008

Columbus developer William Schottenstein wants to turn county-owned Cooper Stadium into a motorsports complex.

Franklin County commissioners said Thursday they will sign a purchase agreement in which King Holding Corp., an affiliate of Schottenstein's Arshot Investment Corp., will buy the 46-acre stadium site for $3.3 million.

The agreement, which the commissioners plan to sign May 6, includes a number of development contingencies, said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. Among them is determining if a motorsports facility - including the level of noise to be generated by racing events - is a compatible use for the site on Columbus' west side...

"Plan envisions race track at Cooper Stadium" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Plan envisions race track at Cooper Stadium
Barbara Carmen and Mark Znidar
The Columbus Dispatch
May 1, 2008

The home of the Columbus Clippers — called everything from The Coop to Jets Stadium since 1931 — might become a small Thunder Valley.

“All the stars have to align,” one county official noted.

Franklin County's deal to sell its old ballpark to Arshot Investment Corp. for $3.3 million could take 17 months to close and hinges on contractual “ifs” that could kill the deal. Among the contingencies: Arshot wants a 100 percent tax abatement for 10 years from Columbus.

But both seller and prospective buyer envision a motorsports complex with nice restaurants and a speedway, drag strip and go-kart track that would lure hot-rod races, car clubs and rallies...

"Influx of minorities keeps population from plunging" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Influx of minorities keeps population from plunging
Robert L. Smith
The Plain Dealer
The Columbus Dispatch
May 1, 2008

Thousands of people have said goodbye to Ohio in recent years but, fortunately for the state, reinforcements are arriving from afar and in surprising numbers.

A Plain Dealer analysis of new census data found that minority communities surged in size in Ohio this decade, helping to offset population losses and secure Ohio's position as America's seventh-largest state.

Most notably, the state's Asian community mushroomed by 32 percent between 2000 and 2007, exceeding the national growth rate, to reach 180,588 people. The Latino community grew by 30 percent during the same span, to 283,755, while the black community grew by about 4 percent, to 1.4 million...

"Census: Fewer young workers" USATODAY.com

Link: Census: Fewer young workers
Haya El Nasser and Paul Overberg
USATODAY.com
May 1, 2008

The number of Americans ages 25 to 44 has dropped 1.5% since 2000, shrinking the pool of young workers in some states despite a 7% increase in the country's overall population, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Census data to be released today.

The influx of immigrants, which has contributed to more than half of the nation's growth this decade, has not been enough to offset the aging of the nation's 79 million baby boomers, which has depleted the ranks of young workers.

The drain on the workforce is most obvious in the Northeast and Midwest, where most of the 20 states that registered declines of 5% or more in the 25-44 age group are located...

"CSX's National Gateway initiative to include South Side rail yard" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: CSX's National Gateway initiative to include South Side rail yard
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
May 1, 2008

CSX Corp. plans to invest $50 million in its South Side rail yard as part of a multistate project designed to increase the flow of goods through the Midwest.

The National Gateway initiative, as the company calls it, spans six states and involves building several new rail terminals and solidifying miles of track to support double-stacked shipping containers. The result would be more goods coming to Ohio from the East Coast, the company said today.

The project would include construction of “intermodal” terminals in northwestern Ohio and at the CSX yard at Groveport Road and Parsons Avenue that allow the company to move shipping containers back and forth between rail cars and tractor-trailer trucks...

...After decades of cutbacks and business lost to trucking companies, railroads are making a comeback thanks in part to high gasoline prices. Ward said railroads can ship a ton of freight 423 miles on one gallon of fuel and one train can carry the load of more than 280 trucks...

"CSX to Bring New Cars to Ohio" WOSU NewsRoom

Link: CSX to Bring New Cars to Ohio
Laura Schmoll
WOSU NewsRoom
May 5, 2008

...Strickland says CSX's plan will open up growth for the state by considerably increasing the power of the Ohio's railways to ship cargo.

CSX Spokesperson Robert Sullivan says stacked cars will allow the state's businesses better access to cheaper shipping.

You basically double the efficiency," Sullivan says. "Double the shipping power. And you drastically increase the number of trucks you can take off the road. We estimate that one train can carry the equivalent of about 2080 to 300 trucks and do it at tremendous fuel savings too...

"Fed cuts rates, willing to cut more" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Fed cuts rates, willing to cut more
Kevin G. Hall
McClatchy Newspapers
The Columbus Dispatch
May 1, 2008

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark lending rate by a quarter-point yesterday, the seventh such move since September, and made it clear that it was willing to cut rates in the future if the economy slows further or raise them if inflation sparks.

For the second consecutive meeting of the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, two voting members came out against the move in light of concerns that the high price of oil and commodities will increase inflation.

Many financial analysts had predicted that the Fed would issue language that signaled it would now pause, having brought its benchmark federal funds rate, which banks charge one another for overnight lending, down from 5.25 percent in September to 2 percent yesterday. But the Fed made it clear that it still sees an economy facing turbulence...

"How Low Will Real Estate Go?" Forbes.com

Link: How Low Will Real Estate Go?
Matt Woosley
Forbes.com
April 28, 2008

Though the national real estate market remains bleak--in some neighborhoods vacant homes outnumber those that are occupied and sellers are being forced to lower asking prices in a bid to lure bargain hunters--it's assumed that when housing dips to a point where buyers think it represents a bargain, they'll buy back in.

The problem is many of the markets that experienced steep 2007 price drops are still a long way from recovery.

That's based on a Moody's Economy.com report prepared for Forbes.com. It predicts that 2008 isn't going to be any gentler than last year on slumping markets like Los Angeles, Sacramento, Calif., Las Vegas and Tampa, Fla., where market weakness is expected to cause 10% to 25% drops over the next year...

Streetcar Brings Broader Vision for Expanding Transportation Options in Central Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Laura Koprowski
Tel:  614-233-4126

(COLUMBUS, April 30, 2008) – Following Monday night’s robust discussion at the Columbus City Council public hearing on the streetcar project, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is encouraged by the growing public recognition that central Ohio commuters need more and different transportation options than just the automobile.

“MORPC greatly appreciates and thanks Councilwoman Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee, and Columbus City Council for hosting a public discussion on the streetcar project,” said MORPC Executive Director Chester Jourdan, who gave remarks at the hearing.

“We believe that Mayor Coleman is correct in talking about streetcars as a part of a bigger conversation that the entire community must have, so that this can be a first step toward a regional mass transportation system and more transportation options available for our residents.” 

MORPC recently completed the CapitalWays Regional Transportation Plan, which has a main goal to provide an accessible transportation system with a range of choices. Public comments about the regional transportation plan included support and interest in a regional rail system.

“The era of cheap energy is behind us and we need to create options that will help residents address rising transportation and fuel costs,” said Jourdan. “We are also faced with growing air quality and sustainability challenges. Transportation options need to address tomorrow’s challenges and possibilities. We need to look at a broad spectrum of options – streetcars, transit, light rail, rideshare, walking and biking - and then we’ll have a transportation system to rival other regions around the country and the world.”

Mayor and Council Join Franklinton Development Association to Dedicate Newly-built Home

For immediate release
April 29, 2008
Contact:  Mike Brown, Mayor’s Office, 614-645-6428
Cynthia Rickman, Development, 614-645-8795
Jim Sweeney, Franklinton Development Association, 614-275-4988

(Columbus)  Efforts continue to build and sell new, quality homes in Columbus’ oldest neighborhood, and the Franklinton Development Association today invited Mayor Michael B. Coleman, neighborhood leaders and residents to join them in cutting the ribbon on the first of three new homes that they are building.

“We’re beginning to make a difference, one house at a time throughout the neighborhood, because of the efforts of partners like the Franklinton Development Association, and it isn’t just the visible improvement from programs like Home Again, but also the growing neighborhood pride,” said Mayor Coleman.

Located at 40 Martin Avenue, the new 1,488 square-foot house has three bedrooms and 2½ baths and has already been sold for $110,000.  It was constructed by Saad Enterprises and the Franklinton Development Association, who plans to build two more houses on Dakota Avenue and on West Park Avenue.

“The Franklinton Development Association is very pleased to have completed our first new house in Franklinton.  Several programs and partners came together to make this a great house that is also affordable.  We’re especially pleased to be selling the house to Karen Drake, a Franklinton resident who has worked for many months to prepare for homeownership,” said Jim Sweeney, executive director of the Franklinton Development Association.

The City of Columbus provided $55,000 toward the construction and for down payment assistance.  The house is located in a Neighborhood Investment District, which makes the property owner eligible for a 10-year property tax abatement.

“In 1993 a group of Franklinton residents and three Franklinton non-profits formed the Franklinton Development Association to improve homeownership for Franklinton residents and to get boarded up houses back into use. Mount Carmel donated the lot this new house is built on. What a positive result of that gift.  Homeownership is very important to us as we go into the future,” said Carol Stewart a Franklinton resident and Area Commissioner.

The house will aid in the neighborhood’s momentum and the overall revitalization on and around Martin Avenue, where the City’s Home Again program has focused on home rehabilitation.

In 2008, the Home Again program plans to:

• Build and rehab 50 properties
• Help demolish 90 vacant and blighted properties
• Help 84 residents stay in their homes with emergency roof repairs
• Refer 220 nuisance cases to the City Attorney’s Office for legal action

The City completed 24 of the Home Again Properties in Franklinton, including 18 rehabbed homes (15 sold and one in contract) and six new homes, built with Habitat for Humanity.

“As the sponsor of the Housing Preservation Fund which supports the Home Again Initiative of the Mayor I am very proud of the work our  housing and community develop partner, Franklinton Development Assoc. is doing to create homeownership, community revitalization and a continuum of housing options in Franklinton. New housing brings new residents and excitement to our first Columbus community", said Councilmember Charleta Tavares, chair of the Health, Housing and Human Services Committee.

“This is good news and a great addition to the Franklinton neighborhood," said State Representative Dan Stewart, "and shows how public, private and non-profits can work together to help rebuild communities."

In 2007, Home Again was responsible for initiating 84 roof repair cases; demolished 27 properties and another 86 were demolished by the City and private owners.  To date, 600 properties have been impacted at a cost of $10,000,000 through Home Again.
Also, the City’s Neighborhood Pride Program kicked off last week on the North Side of Columbus and will conclude 2008 in Franklinton, its 60th neighborhood this fall.

"Freight by rail enjoys comeback" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Freight by rail enjoys comeback
Frank Ahrens
The Washington Post
The Columbus Dispatch
April 30, 2008

...The freight railway industry is enjoying its biggest building boom in nearly a century, a turnaround as abrupt as it is ambitious. It is largely fueled by growing global trade and rising fuel costs for 18-wheelers. In 2002, the major railroads laid off 4,700 workers; in 2006, they hired more than 5,000. Profit in the industry has doubled since 2003, and stock prices have soared. The value of the largest railroad, Union Pacific, has tripled since 2001.

This year, railroads will spend nearly $10 billion to add track, build switchyards and terminals and open tunnels to handle the coming flood of traffic. Freight rail tonnage will rise nearly 90 percent by 2035, the U.S. Transportation Department forecasts.

In central Ohio, rail activity is big and could get bigger. Norfolk Southern has operations in the Rickenbacker area, and CSX, which operates a West Side terminal, has expressed interest in expansion elsewhere in central Ohio. In Marion, CSX and others operate an "intermodal" center, moving shipping containers between trucks and railroad cars...

"37 suburban dwellers have big say in molding Columbus Columbus Dispatch Politics" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: 37 suburban dwellers have big say in molding Columbus Columbus Dispatch Politics
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
April 27, 2008

Eighty people appointed by Mayor Michael B. Coleman are shaping the future of Columbus.

After their meetings, almost half go home to the suburbs.

They'll recommend how much city residents should pay in taxes, how many employees should be on the city payroll and what level of services city residents should receive in their neighborhoods.

They'll recommend which streets should get paved, which parks should be improved and which parts of town should get bike trails, sidewalks and streetlights...

"Streetcars aren't for all Columbus Dispatch Politics" DispatchPolitics.com

Link: Streetcars aren't for all Columbus Dispatch Politics
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
DispatchPolitics.com
April 29, 2008

Before friendly audiences over the past few months, Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman has been greeted by sign-waving and wild applause at the mere mention of streetcars.

City Council's first public hearing on the idea last night proved a lot of people still aren't on board, though, with his plan to spend $103 million on a 2.8-mile line from Downtown to Ohio State University.

Critics urged city officials to invest in a better bus system and focus on basics such as police and fire protection instead of bringing back streetcars that left Columbus 60 years ago...

"Streetcar forum draws mixed feelings from the public" WOSU

Link: Streetcar forum draws mixed feelings from the public
Mandie Trimble
April 29, 2008

More than 150 people showed up for a public hearing at city hall about Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman's streetcar proposal. Some people waited more than three hours to address the city council.

At 8:30 Monday night there were still a dozen or so people still waiting to express their concerns or offer up their support about Mayor Michael Coleman's proposed streetcar line. More than 50 people signed up to speak before city council. Some, however, left before their names were called - more than three hours into the public hearing...

"Gas Prices Continue To Go Up" WBNS 10TV

Link: Gas Prices Continue To Go Up
WBNS 10TV
April 28, 2008

...The statewide average for a gallon of regular-grade gas is now about $3.53, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. That's up from $3.40 last Monday.

Meanwhile, the Ohio price for diesel is now at a record $4.21 per gallon, on average.

The outlook for fuel prices continues to be pessimistic. Oil prices have soared to new highs at $120 a barrel after a weekend refinery strike closed a pipeline system that delivers a third of Britain's North Sea oil to refineries in the United Kingdom...

"Symphony gift delays "inevitable" suspension" Business First of Columbus

Link: Symphony gift delays "inevitable" suspension
Business First of Columbus
April 29, 2008

Facing what its chairman calls an "inevitable" suspension of operations, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra has bought itself some time through an anonymous donation from a board member.

Symphony Chairman Robert "Buzz" Trafford late Monday announced the organization will have necessary funds to run its Classical and Pops seasons to completion on May 31 thanks to an "extraordinary individual gift." The last-minute gift will satisfy subscribers and ticket-holders, Trafford said, but in no way pulls the symphony out of the woods. The amount wasn't disclosed beyond saying it was a "substantial six-figure sum."...

"Gift lets symphony finish season, but after that ..." The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Gift lets symphony finish season, but after that ...
Jim Weiker
The Columbus Dispatch
April 29, 2008

...Without the donation, the symphony would have closed Wednesday, said board President Robert "Buzz" Trafford.

The gift allows the symphony to proceed with its seven remaining performances, capped by two shows with Marvin Hamlisch May 30 and 31.

The board will meet before the end of next week to decide whether to hold the popular Picnic with the Pops summer series, Trafford said. The future of the 2008-09 season starting in October remains in doubt...

"Sky-high living" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Sky-high living
Story by Tim Feran Photos by Fred Squillante
The Columbus Dispatch
April 27, 2008

Anyone can live in an architectural masterpiece and look down on everyone else in town -- literally.

Anyone, that is, who wants to pay $4,500 a month to rent the penthouse pad in the LeVeque Tower.

The octagonal apartment, perched on the 43rd and 44th floors of the iconic Columbus skyscraper, is newly available after its tenant moved out...

"Many states appear to be in recession" WSYX ABC 6

Link: Many states appear to be in recession
WSYX ABC 6
April 25, 2008

A survey being released today shows that finances in many states have deteriorated to where they appear to be in a recession, even if that's not true for the nation as a whole.

Things look even worse for the fiscal year that begins July First in most states...

"Public has chance to offer views on streetcar funding" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Public has chance to offer views on streetcar funding
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
April 28, 2008

..."We have to balance the needs of our community vs. the desires of our community, particularly in tough economic times," Councilwoman Charleta B. Tavares wrote in a letter to Coleman last week.

The mayor has pointed to petitions signed by more than 1,000 streetcar supporters and endorsements from business, community and environmental groups, but Tavares' letter called for wider discussion with "the community at-large."

Coleman has bristled at the notion that his administration hasn't had that debate. A group studying the proposal met for two years, he said recently...

...Tonight's council hearing, which includes time for public comments, will focus on streetcar funding. The mayor has requested $2 million for design and engineering in this year's capital budget, scheduled for a council vote next Monday...

"Downtown living: Here comes the Neighborhood" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Downtown living: Here comes the Neighborhood
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
April 28, 2008

...Now, the challenge for developer Edwards Cos. is to convince potential buyers that expectations for the rest of its Gay Street neighborhood will match the promise the first building has provided.

"Based on our experience in the Brewery District, and the experience Nationwide has had in the Arena District, there's no question that any development of size makes people feel better about their living decision," developer Jeff Edwards said. "Building a building in an island of parking lots, it's not as appealing as a planned neighborhood."

It will take several years to complete the neighborhood, bounded by Long, 6th, Gay and 4th streets. The first phase will include about 40 condominiums ranging in price from about $150,000 to $660,000...

"Streetcars ultimately will benefit everyone" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Streetcars ultimately will benefit everyone
Letter to the Editor
The Columbus Dispatch
April 28, 2008

...We need to talk more about how we all will benefit from streetcars, even those who say they will never ride one (although I think once the system is built, many of those people will find themselves coming on board). The economic return on the investment, with future private-sector dollars invested along the line, will expand our tax base, benefiting the greater Columbus region and helping it continue to grow into a 21st-century American city.

Streetcars are the beginning of smart growth and are being funded with a smart and equitable plan...

"High Street repairs to increase traffic" The Lantern

Link: High Street repairs to increase traffic
Eric House
The Lantern
April 25, 2008

...The proposed plan, which will cost $13.5 million, is part of the city of Columbus' Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program, according to a project document.

The bulk of the construction will take place on High Street from Lane Avenue up to Arcadia Avenue, including all side streets up to the first alley, Dodridge Street to Neil Avenue and north on Neil to Glen Echo Ravine. Hudson Street work extends from Neil to East Avenue.

The focus of the construction will be on separating sewer lines that carry stormwater drainage from those which carry sanitary flow to comply with EPA guidelines...

"Airline woes prompt Columbus airport to revise plans for terminal" WSYX ABC 6

Link: Airline woes prompt Columbus airport to revise plans for terminal
WSYX ABC 6
April 27, 2008

Airline bankruptcies and flight cancellations have come at a bad time for Port Columbus International Airport.

Preliminary ground work has begun on a new terminal. But with the recent bankruptcy filing of Columbus-based Skybus and other airline cuts, completion of the project has been pushed back from 2015 to 2018...

"CSO musicians reject contract offer" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: CSO musicians reject contract offer
The Columbus Dispatch
April 25, 2008

Columbus Symphony Orchestra musicians have unanimously voted to reject an offer for a new contract from the symphony board of trustees.

According to a statement from the Central Ohio Federation of Musicians, the proposed contract, to take effect in the 2008-09 season, calls for a 40 percent annual salary cut for all 53 full-time musicians with no restoration in future years...

"High Street gap may be filled with Kroger's razing, rebuild" Business First of Columbus

Link: High Street gap may be filled with Kroger's razing, rebuild
[account required]
Dan Eaton
Business First of Columbus
April 25, 2008

...Kroger Co. plans to demolish and rebuild its store south of the Ohio State University campus at North High Street and Seventh Avenue. It plans to expand the store's size and offerings but, more importantly to area planners, the company will move the store closer to the street while adding more than 10,000 square feet of space for further development...

...The redevelopment also includes a 1,378-square-foot retail space connected to the store at the corner of North High Street and Sixth Avenue and a separate, 8,666-square-foot building designated for retail and restaurant use at the corner of North High Street and Seventh Avenue...

"City sees jump in overflow of sewers" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: City sees jump in overflow of sewers
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
April 27, 2008

As Columbus begins a $2.5 billion, multidecade effort to boost its water-treatment capacity, it must deal with an overburdened system that sent raw sewage into local waterways and basements more often last year.

More than 670 million gallons of untreated sewage spilled from the city's sanitary sewers into the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, as well as into Alum Creek, according to a report from the Department of Public Utilities to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency...

"Port Columbus: Wild blue yonder" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Port Columbus: Wild blue yonder
Marla Matzer Rose
The Columbus Dispatch
April 27, 2008

...It's a tough time to be planning an airport expansion when your customers are struggling. Yet that's what Port Columbus officials are doing.

It's a problem that airports across the country face, even in good times. Major airport projects, which almost always involve a stew of federal and state money, bonds and other financing tools, typically take decades from inception to execution.

"The airlines plan in 90-day increments. The airports have to plan in 10-year increments," said industry consultant Andrew Vasey, who leads Indianapolis-based Vasey Aviation Group...

"Good-Bye, Cheap Oil. So Long, Suburbia?" BusinessWeek

Link: Good-Bye, Cheap Oil. So Long, Suburbia?
Mara Der Hovanesian
BuinessWeek
April 24, 2008

...Why is suburbia now threatened?
Cheap oil is what made suburbia possible. But we'll run into problems with spot shortages. As we get into trouble with these supplies, our economy will suffer. Major instabilities in the system will present themselves much sooner than we are led to believe. And by that I mean the way we produce food, the way we conduct commerce, and the way we move around...

"Intercity rail is what Ohio needs" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Intercity rail is what Ohio needs
Bill Hutchinson
Letter to the Editor
The Columbus Dispatch
April 26, 2008

...Leaders in cities that are secondary markets like Columbus, Dayton, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and others in Ohio have to realize that they will never have the level of air service they desire. They must come to grips with that fact and do the next best thing by developing a public-transportation system that allows people to move seamlessly from one mode to another to get where they want to go. That means the future of Columbus and similar-sized cities is more likely to be tied to the development of intercity passenger-rail service than new discount air service. There also should be a massive investment in connecting local rail and bus transit, focusing all those jobs and development Downtown, where it's needed. The streetcar is a start...

"Symphony musicians reject contract offer" Business First of Columbus

Link: Symphony musicians reject contract offer
Business First of Columbus
April 25, 2008

Columbus Symphony Orchestra musicians said Friday they roundly rejected a new contract offer they say calls for a 40 percent across-the-board salary cut.

The Central Ohio Federation of Musicians in a statement said orchestra members Thursday night voted unanimously to reject a "final offer" from the orchestra's board for a contract that would be in place for the 2008-09 season. The federation said the contract would cut the $55,000 minimum annual salary for its 53 full-time musicians to $33,000, without future restoration.

The symphony's board in a statement dismissed claims that discussions can't continue in light of the union's response, but said "the ability to complete the current season would very likely depend upon being able to reach an agreement with respect to a contract for next season."...

"Contract rejection may stop the music" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Contract rejection may stop the music
Jim Weiker
The Columbus Dispatch
April 26, 2008

The Columbus Symphony board of trustees will meet Monday to determine the future of the orchestra's current season, now that the musicians have rejected a board contract offer for next season.

The board must decide whether the symphony has the financial strength to finish its ongoing "indoor" season (including a May 15 performance with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma) and whether to proceed with the annual summer program (including Picnic with the Pops).

"The immediate question is whether we can complete the season in May," board President Robert "Buzz" Trafford said last night...