City Council to hold public hearing on Texting While Driving Ban
Posted By president on March 4, 2010
Posted By president on March 4, 2010
Posted By president on March 1, 2010
| Plan to join us at 7:00 p.m. on March 10th for a potluck and General Membership meeting to inaugurate OTENA’s new home in the Columbus Music Hall 734 Oak Street. OTENA will provide the main dish (meat and vegan) and drinks.
Members with last names beginning with A-P bring side dishes. Members with last names beginning with Q-Z bring desserts. The General Membership Meeting March 10, 2010 will present Leslie Montgomery, P.E. Project Manager, ODOT. Information to be presented will include urban avenues plans, sidewalk (s) and caps. The community is encouraged to attend. For questions or information e-mail info@oldetowneeast.org
|
Posted By president on March 1, 2010
Posted By president on February 26, 2010
Olde Towne East Block watchers are gathering volunteers to clean exit 6 off I-670 (Leonard to Taylor) and exit 102 off I-70 (Kelton). Michele Santini has volunteered as Ramp Site Supervisor and Team Captain for exit 6 (Leonard) so that location is now active. If you are interested in volunteering for this site, please click on the following link, register and find that exit under “OTE Blockwatchers”.
http://kickbuttcolumbus.eventbrite.com
We need another volunteer to be Ramp Site Supervisor and Team Captain for exit 102 (Kelton). If someone is able to volunteer for this position, we can get both ramps cleaned! If you would like to adopt this exit, you can either do it by using the link above and choose “Ramp Site Supervisor” and “Team Captain” when you register, or you can contact Michele Santini at micawal@aol.com.
Please sign up for this event so that we can get these ramps cleaned!
The clean up is Saturday, March 27th from 8:30am to 1pm.
Posted By president on February 23, 2010
As part of ODOT’s commitment to communicate and engage the stakeholders and neighborhoods along the I-70/71 corridor, this is the first of several progress reports on the I-70/71 “Columbus Crossroads” project.
The re-building of I-70/71 will improve safety, connectivity, aesthetics, and multi-modal access, and help create an attractive front door to Columbus for generations to come. ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris has charged all of us on the team to make the I-70/71 project a “first in class” project for Columbus neighborhoods, Ohio and the nation – and we stand ready to meet this challenge.
To that end, we are eager to work with you to ensure the I-70/71 project is also an award-winning “Complete Streets” pilot project, and to ensure that you have multiple opportunities to stay informed and engaged as this effort moves forward. To quote from the www.completestreets.org website,
“The streets of our cities and towns are an important part of the livability of our
communities. They ought to be for everyone, whether young or old, motorist or
bicyclist, walker or wheelchair user, bus rider or shopkeeper. …A complete
streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently
design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind – including bicyclists,
public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.”
We look forward to partnering with you and the City of Columbus to realize this vision.
On A Listening Tour
ODOT was listening closely as we convened stakeholders and neighborhood groups at a public meeting last November. We heard a lot about preferred design enhancements and streetscape concepts for bridges, crossings, neighborhood streets, and the mainline freeway. Since then, ODOT has met with many individuals and stakeholders to gain a fuller understanding of specific concerns. Among other things, we have learned how important landscaping — and trees — along city streets are to the community.
ODOT has been meeting with the Federal Highway Administration and the City of Columbus to find ways to meet these community goals while also ensuring safe movement of goods and vehicles. Much progress is being made, and we will have revised design concepts to share with you at public meetings to be held later this spring. We will alert you when public meetings are scheduled.
No Stimulus Funding, But Columbus Crossroads Still Moving Ahead
While ODOT did not receive the federal stimulus funds it was seeking for this project, funding is in place to start construction of the I-670/I-71 segment of Columbus Crossroads in 2011 or 2012. There are many details yet to work out, and ODOT will proactively seek public input on detailed design on this portion of the project, along with the East Interchange and the roadway between I-670/71 and the East Interchange. Detailed design includes such items as streetscape, bike lanes, sidewalks and bridge crossings.
New Project Team Faces
A few changes but the familiar faces – ODOT’s Ferzan Ahmed and Thom Slack — are still very involved. Two new members of the ODOT project team are Leslie Montgomery and Brad Jones. Leslie, with ODOT more than 20 years, is the project manager for the East Interchange project and roadway in between that interchange and 670. Brad, who has led the District 6 Construction Department for more than eight years, will oversee the 1-670/71 portion of the project. Kelly Angel in our planning office will also oversee the contracts and work of the consultants and contractors. Nancy Burton is our Public Information Officer at District 6. She will continue to work with the team on outreach efforts.
What’s Next
We will alert you and the public when public meetings are scheduled. In the meantime, if your organization would like to schedule a meeting with the Project Team, please contact Nancy
at Nancy.Burton@dot.state.oh.us or 740-833-8063.
ThankYou,
Ferzan M. Ahmed, P.E.
Acting Administrator
Office of Production
ODOT District 6
400 East William St.
Delaware, OH 43015
PHONE/FAX NUMBERS:
(740) 815-6025 (cell)
(740) 833-8367 (office)
(614) 887-4605 (Fax)
Posted By president on February 20, 2010
It has been a few weeks since we communicated with you as we continue to plan and work with ODOT regarding the I-70/71 Project, so I would like to provide an update.
The City forwarded your letter to ODOT to add to the public comment on this project. We also formally responded to the ODOT plan presented at the public meeting on November 9, 2009. I have attached a scan of the City’s letter for your reference. It clearly outlines our concerns and ideas for a better project.
The City has since had several meetings with ODOT to discuss our concerns and these discussions have been very successful. The Mayor personally made it very clear that ODOT should be working in partnership with the City to create a project that:
· Has design elements that benefit economic and neighborhood development in Columbus
· Reconnects neighborhoods to downtown
· Offers more Complete Streets that better serve pedestrians and bikes, as well as cars
· Heals the divide created so many years ago along the freeway trench, including better bridges and freeway caps at some locations
ODOT’s Director Jolene Molitoris and her team have communicated to us that the State wants the I-70/71 project to be something that we can all be proud of and is a model for the nation.
ODOT has taken note of our concerns and has started working toward a proposal that will address our Complete Streets concept. They will be sharing that information with us very soon. We expect ODOT will have an updated exhibit to present to the public in the coming months. Until then, please know that we will be working with them to help address the needs of our communities surrounding this very important project.
Sincerely,
Bud Braughton, P.E.
Division of Design and Construction
Department of Public Service
109 N. Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Work: (614) 645-8241
Fax: (614) 645-6938
Posted By president on February 15, 2010
Posted By president on February 10, 2010
Due to inclement weather, the OTENA general membership meeting for this evening, February 10, 2010 with ODOT has been cancelled. The next general membership meeting will be March 10, 2010 with ODOT. Questions or concerns email president@oldetowneeast.org Thank you
Posted By president on February 9, 2010
The Ohio/Parsons Block watch meeting for this evening Tuesday, February 09, 2010 is cancelled due to the weather. Any questions or concerns email katwebb222@yahoo. com
Posted By president on January 30, 2010
OTENA General Membership Meeting February 10, 2010 with Leslie Montgomery, P.E. Project Manager, ODOT. Information to be presented will include urban avenues plans, sidewalk (s) and caps. The Olde Towne Quarter Business District Economic Development will be looked at in regards to how urban avenues and sidewalks may/may not affect the plan.
Tim Hill will also be present to address the 106 process and will open up for public interaction after the presentations are completed. ODOT will be seeking public input on these topics to take back to development. At this meeting ODOT will present progress from November 2009 to present.
The Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association General Membership meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. located at the Columbus Public Health Building 240 Parsons Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43215 in the 2nd Floor auditorium.
The community is encouraged to attend. For questions or information e-mail: info@oldetowneeast.org
Posted By president on October 6, 2009
Entertaining and educational walking tours
led by local residents knowledgeable of the art, architecture
and history of Olde Towne East.
Tour goers will explore exquisite architectural elements,
magnificent mansions and
neighborhood gems.
Home to “Millionaires Row”, hear stories about
OTE business and
civic leaders who have shaped Columbus’ growth.
For more information about dates, times, prices, please click on the below link:
http://oldetowneeast.org/buy-olde-towne-east-walking-tour-tickets-online/
Posted By president on May 31, 2009
Posted By president on June 16, 2009
Posted By president on June 18, 2009
|
CRP Releases Creative Columbus Study
An article in Columbus Business First appearing on Friday June 12, 2009 discussed the findings of a study conducted by Community Research Partners for CCAD. It focused on understanding the economic effects of the Creative Economy which according to the study focused on arts, design, performance, media, and marketing fields. These fields generate annually over $3 billion in total business receipts, $932 million in employee wages, and $67 million in state and local tax revenues. Over 18,000 employees in 1,368 firms and 6,930 sole proprietors work in the creative sector, for a total of 25,000 people. Several thousand more have creative occupations working for employers outside of the creative sector.
The study reflects favorably upon the Near East Side in that among the 810 survey respondents, Olde Towne East and King-Lincoln were rated as two of the 10 locations that are up and coming creative hubs. Below is Table 6-2: Top 10 up-and-oming locations in Central Ohio for creative businesses and organizations from the report:
1. Downtown Columbus 2. Short North area (including Harrison West, Italian Village , Victorian Village ) 3. Clintonville 4. Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff 5. Delaware County 6. Olde Towne East 7. OSU area (University District, Weinland Park ) 8. Easton 9. King-Lincoln 10. Polaris (n=816 self-employed individuals, employees, and students) Source: CRP, Creative Columbus online survey
The report then goes on to state that even though our neighborhoods were not yet identified as creative hubs in the data, the survey respondents may be seeing things that is not yet reflected in the data. We all know the wonderful local talent that exists in our neighborhood and it sounds like people and organizations outside of our neighborhood are starting to recognize it!
We’ve had a long history of creativity within our neighborhood which can be seen showcased at many places such as the Columbus Cultural Arts Center/Columbus Music Hall, the King Arts Complex and the Hot Times Festival. There are local artists that have lived in this neighborhood for over 30 years. Over the last few years, we have been seeing the addition of new galleries, studios and businesses along Parsons Avenue and Long Street. New l ocal, independent businesses are considering relocating here. It’s an exciting time within our neighborhood and if we continue to promote Olde Towne East through our efforts collectively or independently, the study will get the data to back up what we already know: We’ve been and will continue to be one of the best creative hubs in the City. To view a copy of the report visit: http://communityresearchpartners.org/14651.cfm?action=detail&id=123 |
Posted By president on June 18, 2009
|
Music, food and fun were in the air at the corner of Oak and Parsons during the first “Taste of Olde Towne”! On June 13, the Taste of Olde Towne brought residents, near neighbors, artists, musicians, and area business owners, together to experience the creative culture that Olde Towne East has to offer. Jazz music with Olde Towne East residents bellowed out of the Columbus Music Hall , piquing the interest of those who walked and drove past. Bluesy harmonies and guests filled the hall throughout the afternoon while inside artists painted away; outside artists created hand-made papers as jewelry, decorative glass ware, pottery, and photography was sold. Then, there was the art of food… customized 8” pizzas baked in fire ovens were everywhere as generous samples of chocolate raspberry cake, coconut-pineapple cookies, pound cake, and sweet-potato tart, were passed around with pleasure—all easily washed down with a variety of fruit smoothies or wine from the featured wine-tasting selections. Veal brats, and burgers and hot dogs, were available while rock-n-roll played into the later hours. The outdoor-only walking tours of OTE took place every hour between 1-5 p.m. Led by long-term OTE residents, these tours highlighted social and built histories of the neighborhood that featured architectural details and personal stories. There was a pause in the activities at 4 p.m. when Columbus City Council members Hearcel Craig and A. Troy Miller appeared with OTENA Trustees and committee members in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Olde Towne East sign at the intersection of Broad and Parsons. Also, WBNS-10TV made a surprise appearance at the festivities to catch guests and tour-goers in action! A good time was had by all! Great thanks to the artists and vendors, the Taste of Olde Towne planning committee and volunteers as well as City Council members for a victorious, new, Olde Towne East event! Olde Towne East Neigborhood Association Board of Trustees |
Posted By president on June 19, 2009
The July 2009 Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association General membership meeting will be held Wednesday July 8, 2009 starting at 7:00 p.m. located at the Columbus Public Health Building 240 Parsons Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43215 in classroom 119-C.
The community is encouraged to attend. For questions or information e-mail president@oldetowneeast.org
Posted By president on June 22, 2009
The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, in Greenwich Village, NYC, that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969.
Christopher Street Liberation Day, June 28, 1970, marked the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots with an assembly on Christopher Street and the first Pride march in U.S. history. Pride marches took place simultaneously in Los Angeles and Chicago; the following year, Pride marches took place in Boston, Dallas, Milwaukee, London, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm. By 1972, additional participating cities included Atlanta, Buffalo, Detroit, Washington D.C., Miami, and Philadelphia. In June 1999, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated 51 and 53 Christopher Street and the surrounding streets as a National Historic Landmarks.
On June 1, 2009, President Barack Obama declared June 2009 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, citing the riots as a reason to “commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans”.
Sincere appreciation goes to all of the volunteers who contributed time, effort and materials for the construction of the float. Special thanks to the parade observers from Olde Towne East for your cheers. A very notable thank you to OTENA’S past leaders, Roger Bohn, Nina Masseria and Bill Shaffer for the pride of leading our neighborhood float.
Posted By president on June 23, 2009
Posted By president on July 1, 2009
The Mennonite Church USA conference is being hosted at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. 4,500 volunteers will be giving of their time in the afternoons from one o’clock to four o’clock to give back to the community of Columbus and surrounding areas. The planning for this event started back in February/March 2009.
Posted By president on July 2, 2009
The Mennonite Church USA conference is being hosted at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. 4,500 volunteers will be giving of their time in the afternoons from one o’clock to four o’clock to give back to the community of Columbus and surrounding areas. The planning for this event started back in February/March 2009.
Posted By president on July 5, 2009
Tuesday August 4, 2009 starting between 5:30-6:00 pm National Night Out 2009
FREE BICYCLE HELMETS, COLORING BOOKS AND OTHER ITEMS WILL BE GIVEN AWAY SO BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY!!!
*limited supply of items to be given away including bicycle helments*
Join Monica Day, of WCMH/NBC 4 and your neighbors at the Olde Towne Gardens located on the corner of Garfield and Oak Street (775 Oak Street) On Tuesday August 4, 2009.
Starting time for National Night Out will be between 5:30-6:00pm and we will wrap up between 8:00-8:30pm.
We will have time to talk, meet new and current neighbors while enjoying hot dogs and other refreshments. Dogs on leashes are encouraged to join us.
Posted By president on July 1, 2009
Posted By president on September 11, 2009
Plenty of Good Times at Hot Times
Posted By president on August 7, 2009
Posted By president on August 20, 2009
Posted By president on August 22, 2009
Posted By president on September 20, 2009
Entertaining and educational walking tours
led by local residents knowledgeable of the art, architecture
and history of Olde Towne East.
Tour goers will explore exquisite architectural elements,
magnificent mansions and
neighborhood gems.
Home to “Millionaires Row”, hear stories about
OTE business and
civic leaders who have shaped Columbus’ growth.
For more information about dates, times, prices, email: info@oldetowneeast.org or call 1-866-234-0414
Posted By president on September 1, 2009
|
|
|
Posted By president on September 13, 2009
Olde Towne 2009 Holiday Tour of Homes
Sunday, December 6, 2009 – from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m
Featuring the historic Broad Street Presbyterian Church, the newly-renovated Lincoln Theatre and historic homes on Hamilton Park and Monroe Avenue.
For more information click on this link: http://www.otholidaytour.com/
Posted By president on September 5, 2009
The September 2009 Olde Towne East Neighborhhod Association General Membership meeting will be held September 9, 2009 starting at 7:00 p.m. located at the Columbus Public Health Building 240 Parsons Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43215 in room 119-C.
Posted By president on September 5, 2009
NBC 4 Community forum is planned with Olde Towne East on Thursday September 10, 2009 at the Blackburn center located at 263 Carpenter Street starting at 7:00 pm.
We invite you to attend and to encourage fellow residents to attend as well. We have specific goals for the forums:
Posted By president on September 20, 2009
Posted By president on September 25, 2009
Show your neighborhood support. For only $10.00 have your name or your neighbor recognized in the tour booklet. For more information contact: info@oldetowneeast.org
Posted By president on October 1, 2009
The October 2009 Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association General Membership meeting will be held October 14, 2009 starting at 7:00 p.m. located at the Columbus Public Health Building 240 Parsons Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43215 in room 119-C.
We will discuss potential upcoming spring events. We want your input on whether or not you think we should go with a Spring Tour or the Taste of Olde Towne event, or no event at all next year.
The final decision will be made over a vote at this general membership meeting. PLEASE plan to attend. The meeting will be Wednesday, October 14th at 7pm at the Health Dept.
The community is encouraged to attend. For questions or information e-mail president@oldetowneeast.org
Posted By president on November 14, 2009
2009 Tour Information
Date: Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Time: 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm
Place: Tour begins at Broad Street Presbyterian Church located at 760 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio (map). Participants may walk the compact tour route. Shuttles are available.
Ticket Prices:
Day of tour: $15, must be purchased at the door at Broad Street Presbyterian Church (map)
Advance tickets: $12 — can be purchased online or at the main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library (on Grant at State) and Black Creek Bistro (on Parsons Avenue in Olde Towne East).
Purchase your tickets on line at: www.otholidaytour.com click on “Buy Tour Tickets”
Children 12 and under: free.
visit www.otholidaytour.com for more information
Posted By president on November 2, 2009
Posted By president on November 3, 2009
Columbus City Schools Community Meetings on Student Reassignment
To fulfill the 2008 levy promise to reduce the district budget by $76 million, the district is developing a new kindergarten through 12th grade reassignment plan with direction from the External Oversight Committee. The plan’s goal is to effectively use school buildings through balanced enrollment, aligned school feeder patterns and high quality academic programming at every school.
The community is invited to attend a series of meetings to share thoughts on the developing student reassignment plan.
- Nov. 10 (Tuesday), 6-8 p.m. at East High School, 1500 East Broad Street, 43205
- Nov. 12 (Thursday), 6-8 p.m. at Walnut Ridge High School, 4841 E. Livingston Ave. 43227
- Nov. 16 (Monday), 6-8 p.m. at West High School, 179 South Powell Ave., 43204
- Nov. 18 (Wednesday), 6-8 p.m. at Northland High School, 1919 Northcliff Drive, 43229
- Nov. 23 (Monday), 6-8 p.m. at Marion-Franklin High School, 1265 Koebel Road, 43207
Schools being considered for closing (at least 6 to be chosen)
Elementary Schools
• Deshler Elementary
• Douglas Alternative Elementary
• Fair Elementary
• Lit. Based Alternative at Hubbard Elementary
Middle Schools
• Beery Middle School
• Clinton Middle School
• Eastmoor Middle School
• Franklin Alternative Middle School
• Indianola Middle School
Posted By president on November 4, 2009
Information regarding the Main Street block, from 22ND to Ohio Avenue will be presented at the OTENA General Membership Meeting on November 11, 2009. Find out who has a contract on these properties and what the future development plans are for this area.
Also the speaker will be highlighting the NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) project in the area.
Want to find out more? Plan to attend the OTENA General Membership Meeting, Wednesday November 11, 2009 starting at 7:00 pm located at the Columbus Public Health Building in Room-119-C.
Posted By president on November 4, 2009
View the November/December 2009 issue of the Olde Towne Times by clicking on the link below.
|
|
|
Posted By president on November 21, 2009
As one of the recipients of the 2009 Neighborhood Partnership Grant, the Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association purchased new banners for the Main Street/Parsons Avenue area and the area located in front of the Columbus Public Health Building.
These new banners allow OTENA not only to educate people that this is an historic area but will be replacing banners, which have worn out over time. By having new “Welcome to Historic Olde Towne” banners placed on Parsons Avenue and East Main Street this will improve the community environment along these streets leading up to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and in front of the Columbus Public Health Building.
Thank you Constance, Luke, Melissa and Walter for hanging the new banners in the first section of this project.
Posted By president on November 25, 2009
Wishing you all the best this Thanksgiving Season and throughout the coming year. – The Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association
Posted By president on December 1, 2009
Posted By president on December 1, 2009
Yes, the pizza is great!! Larry and I had carry out last night w/neighbors Michele and Rob. I’m excited about having them in the neighborhood!
-Rita
Chris & I stopped in and had dinner last Friday. The atmosphere is really cool… the music is good… the staff is friendly… and the pizza is FABULOUS!
-Amee
The Yellow Brick Pizza place just opened up last Friday at Oak & 18th.
Cara & Ron (Carabar) bought a couple of pizzas and brought them in for some of us to try last Saturday. I have to
say the pizza’s went over verrrry well. Extremely good!!! Three thumbs up (two weren’t enough).
-Roger
We checked it out tonight and it is good, and a welcome addition.
-Lynn
We ate at Yellow Brick Pizza Sunday night.
The pizza was great! Lots of choices for toppings and three different sauces. They will also have rootbeer on tap and will have ice cream available for floats. Yum!
We are happy to support our neighbors and wish Orin, Lily and Josh the best of luck in this endeavor.
-Judy
They are great pizza’s and the place turned out very nice.
-Randy
I just stopped in the store, too. The place looks great inside, they even got a player piano.
-Brad
Posted By president on December 3, 2009
Board of Education to Host Additional Student Reassignment and Consolidation Meeting Dec. 8
Board Members Seek Additional Community Input
The Columbus Board of Education will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., at the Columbus Downtown High School, 364 S. 4th Street, to provide an additional opportunity for community feedback about the student reassignment and school consolidation plan. This is the district’s first comprehensive review of the student assignment plan since 1996. It is anticipated that the Columbus Board of Education will vote on the two plans at its December 15, 2009, meeting. Pending board approval, the plan will be implemented for upcoming 2010-2011 school year.
Michael Straughter
Columbus City Schools
Communications Office
614-365-5680 office
614-365-5884 direct line
614-365-5814 fax
Posted By president on December 8, 2009
The 16th annual holiday home tour took place north of Broad in 2009. The tour started at Broad Street Presbyterian Church, to four historic homes on North Monroe; then, a stop at the renovated Lincoln Theater and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Columbus Jazz Academy. Other stops included the majestic Hardesty Home on Hamilton Park, and the redeveloped condos known as Hamilton Park Condominiums.
Olde Towne East residents are proud of our area’s architecture and history, as the homes on the tour display,” said Mike Moore, OTENA president. “A common thread that unites this community is the desire and commitment to make this neighborhood the best in Columbus.”
OTENA thanks cochairs Alan and Stephanie Duffy, Ann Heffernen and Ann Twiggs along with the entire tour committee, tour home-owners, and the numerous volunteers who worked to make this event a success.
Posted By president on December 13, 2009
Posted By president on December 17, 2009
This Holiday Season, The Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association had the privilege of donating to Central Community House a check to assist Central Community House with area families and residents needs during this holiday season.
Posted By president on December 18, 2009
The Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association had the privilege of presenting an Award of Appreciation to Angela Mingo, Director, Community Relations (right) and Carla Fountaine, Community Relations Specialist (left) of Nationwide Children’s Hospital for their ongoing support and community partnership with OTENA.
Posted By president on December 22, 2009
Wishing everyone safe and happy holidays
The Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association
Posted By president on December 28, 2009
|
Posted By president on January 4, 2010
Olde Towne East and the Near East Side to be Cut-Off from Downtown, Again?
Columbus, Ohio—Residents and business owners in the Near East Side are very concerned with the revised plans for the Interstate 70/71 corridor project and the pending decisions by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Olde Towne East, and particularly the Parsons Avenue Olde Towne Business Quarter (from Broad to Bryden), will suffer the greatest impact. We are particularly concerned that, despite the proposed demolition of two historic buildings near the intersection of Bryden and Parsons, the proposed intersection redesign is unsafe and unworkable.
Community members are frustrated by ODOT’s “bait and switch,” which at one time promised aesthetic enhancements, signature bridge designs and a cap over Broad Street (similar to the cap of I-670 over High Street in the Short North) and has now come to a battle for trees. Residents have been working collaboratively with ODOT on the 70/71 project more than six years to ensure that Olde Towne East would not be abused or neglected as it was in the 1960’s, during the first freeway construction. Throughout the process, ODOT has promised proper design and beautification of the collector/distributor roads and bridges to promote safety and soften the freeway features that cut through our neighborhood. Many of our residents rely on a safe walking and biking environment to commute between work and home. If proper design is compromised, these collector/distributor roads will encourage higher speeds, lead to more accidents, and endanger pedestrians and cyclists. OTE was promised design enhancements and urban avenues for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. These enhancements have been scaled back so drastically we are fighting just to have tree-lined streets. The cap across Broad Street is no longer in ODOT’s plans; as eateries and retail outlets have spurred growth on the cap in the Short North, economic development has been stifled in OTE. Past and current ODOT directors promised us a reconnection to the city’s center to repair the damage that was created from the original freeway construction, although the revised plans presented at recent public meetings lack any concept of connection.
If ODOT has its way, we—OTE and the Near East Side residents—will likely never again see so large a project with detrimental results to our social and economic well-being. It took nearly 20 years for this area to simply begin growth after the last freeway construction project and more than 20 years for the area to be recognized for these efforts. ODOT’s construction plans will damage livelihoods in Olde Towne East and the larger Near East Side.
###
Please contact Mike Moore, OTENA President, @ president@oldetowneeast.org for more information.
Posted By president on January 5, 2010
The Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association (OTENA), a Section 106 Consulting Party for the I-70/I-71 project, is very disappointed with Nancy Burton’s statement and ODOT’s position as aired on WSYX ABC 6 during the six o’clock news on January 4, 2010. The news segment covered the pending 70/71 South Innerbelt Corridor project through Olde Towne East and included an interview with a local business owner who mentioned relocating his successful business if the construction project proceeds as currently proposed. Burton stated that the the plans were proposals, not promises, which OTENA has in writing, a letter dated March 13, 2009, from Timothy Hill, Administrator, Office of Environmental Services (FRA-70.893, South Innerbelt, PID 77369-Reading File) addressing these promises. In August 2007, OTENA sent a letter requesting enhancements and beautification elements during this project, of which ODOT acknowledged in a written commitment to visually appealing and safe streets, bike-friendly bridges, urban corridors, and the development of neighborhood-appropriate streetscapes and historically appropriate aesthetic treatments.
OTENA recognizes that this project’s implementation has begun, we are not fighting the issue. We are asking, and requiring, that ODOT adhere to the guidelines appropriate for urban design and that the Department upholds its written commitments to the residents of Olde Towne East.
Thank you,
Mike Moore
Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association, President
otenapresident@gmail.com
Posted By president on January 6, 2010
Tim Hill, ODOT’s administrator for Environmental Services, sent OTENA a letter in March 2009, which binds ODOT to specific project commitments that mitigate the negative effects of the I-70/71 project on our neighborhood.
Our neighborhood is upset that ODOT, with the support of the Federal Highway Administration has stripped many trees from the project due to concerns that street trees will pose a hazard to motorists. These trees and other neighborhood-friendly features, such as cap treatments and landscaping, were originally included in the project as a way to soften and hide the highway that cuts through our neighborhoods. These features were also meant to encourage all modes of travel including walking and biking.
Today, many of these features have been removed from the project because ODOT has chosen to apply design standards to city streets that are more suitable for high-speed highways, which require wide lanes and wide “clear zones” free of trees and other features. Yet these same safety features designed to protect motorists pose much greater risks to our neighbors and kids who will be walking and biking in these same areas.
1963-07-10-p19b-expressway-construction-progressing
In the 21st Century, we are faced with reconstruction of what became a piece of the Ohio interstate freeway system in 1963. What is not necessary now is the application of federal freeway guidelines to our urban streets. It is not appropriate, it is not ethically right, and it is not legal for ODOT to retract written commitments. ODOT has one chance to make it right or our neighborhood will be adversely affected again and disconnected from downtown Columbus if they do not involve area stakeholders and honor the letter of March 2009 for input into proper design and implementation.
Sincerely,
Mike Moore
Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association, President
Posted By president on January 11, 2010
Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association (OTENA) representatives and the I- 70/71 Corridor Project committee met with ODOT on January 11, 2010 to discuss revised construction plans and designs.
ODOT stated they intend to honor the design elements and enhancements outlined in a March 2009 letter, and have every intention of working on a neighborhood-friendly design plan.
In the upcoming weeks, OTENA and the committee expect to receive results from the studies being performed and will review revised drawings of the project. OTENA and the committee will meet again with ODOT in March. OTENA is pleased with the outcome of this meeting and look forward to a working relationship with ODOT.
Leslie Montgomery, the ODOT Project Manager with this project, will attend the February OTENA General Membership Meeting (February 10, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m). She will provide a project overview and present updates.
Thank you
Mike Moore
Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association, President
Posted By president on January 13, 2010
The January 2010 Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association General Membership meeting will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2010 starting at 7:00 p.m. located at the Columbus Public Health Building 240 Parsons Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43215 in classroom 119-C.
Updates from the meeting between OTENA and ODOT on Monday January 11, 2010 will be presented.
The community is encouraged to attend. For questions or information e-mail president@oldetowneeast.org
Posted By president on January 15, 2010
COLUMBUS, OHIO MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY EVENTS:
• The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St. The Rev. William J. Shaw, past president of the National Baptist Convention USA, is the keynote speaker. Tickets are $35 and must be bought in advance at the King Arts Complex, 867 Mount Vernon Ave., or by calling 614-252-0868.
• Holy Rosary & St. John the Evangelist Church, 660 S. Ohio Ave., will have its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Mass at noon. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Mamie Jenkins, a retired United Methodist Church minister. Call 614-252-3132, Ext. 251, for more information.
• The King Arts Complex, 867 Mount Vernon Ave., will host an open house from noon to 4 p.m. featuring choral and dance performances and a 1 p.m. address by Ohio State University football legend Archie Griffin. More information is available at kingartscomplex.com.
• City Year Columbus is organizing a day of community service to begin at 1 p.m. The service day follows a 10 a.m. ceremony at the Lincoln Theater, 769 E. Long St., for teenagers participating in a leadership program. To participate in the community-service projects, contact Anthony Geraci at 614-586-4529 or ageraci09@cityyear.org. More information on City Year is at cityyear.org/columbus.
• A Martin Luther King Jr. Day march starts at 4:45 p.m. at City Hall, 90 W. Broad St. Participants will walk to Veterans Memorial at 300 W. Broad St., where there will be music and dramatic performances. Visit http://community.ci.columbus.oh.us or call 614-645-1993 for more information.
Monday, January 18, 2010
12:00 Noon – 4:00 PM at The King Arts Complex
Happy Birthday Martin! Join NBC4 WCMH TV, American Electric Power, Fifth Third Bank and Cardinal Health for the Open House birthday celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event is an excellent opportunity for children, families and friends to see performances in the theatre, view videos, learn about the civil rights movement, participate in hands-on- art activities, view art exhibitions in the corridor and Elijah Pierce Gallery and meet new friends.
Open and Free to the public
Sponsored by:
NBC4, Fifth Third Bank, Radio One Inc. and AEP (part of the global traditions series)
The King Arts Complex
867 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 645-KING
Posted By president on January 19, 2010
To view this entire article click on the link below
Posted By president on January 24, 2010
|
Block watch groups are concerned citizens who have organized with the CPD Community Liaison Section and have decided to use problem-solving to better the neighborhood. They decide that the neighborhood is not going to be a place that allows criminal activity. They consciously decide to look out for one another, just like in the “good old days”, and work to reduce crime in their areas of control by working with the Community Liaison Officer and the neighborhood association. BLOCK WATCH MEETINGS Ohio-Parsons Block watch The 12th Precinct Police-Sub-station 950 East Main Street Columbus, Ohio 43205 7:00 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of each month Contact Kathy Webb at katwebb222@yahoo.com for more information South of Main Block watch The 12th Precinct Police-Sub-station 950 East Main Street Columbus, Ohio 43205 10:00 AM on the 1st Saturday of each month Contact Kathleen Bailey kathleendbailey@hotmail.com for more information Fair Avenue Block watch Meetings are the 2nd Monday of the month quarterly at the Word Church at the south-west corner of Fair and Wilson. Contact Michele Santini micawal@aol.com for more information Officer Terry Kalous
Community Liaison Officer
ACPI Certified Crime Prevention Specialist
645-1412
|
Posted By president on January 26, 2010
To view the response letter from the City of Columbus to ODOT, click on the link below.
Posted By president on January 27, 2010
To view this letter click on the link below.