| University District Civic Organizations |
|
The primary website for information about the University District is www.universitydistrict.org. The University Community Association (UCA) dates back to at least 1961 when residents formed this membership-based civic association to promote the interests of homeowners and other permanent residents of the area. In addition to UCA's interest in public policy issues affecting the area, UCA in recent years has encouraged civic spirit through social activities such as an annual ice cream social and a pancake breakfast. Membership dues are inexpensive. The president of the UCA board is Jonathan Riley. The Ohio State University, Battelle Memorial Institute, Chemical Abstracts, the City of Columbus and neighborhood civic leaders established the University District Organization (UDO) in 1971 as a planning entity for the university area. Under a contract with the city, UDO in 1974 prepared Area Plan 38, the first city plan for the University District. Over the years, UDO, as a non-profit charitable organization, has provided a variety of services to neighbors and civic associations. UDO currently is governed by a nine-member board, including representatives from the University Community Association, University Area Commission, University Community Business Association, Campus Partners and Ohio State. Patrick Harsch is the office manager for UDO located in room 200, Northwood-High Building, 2231 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43201; (614) 294-5113 and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Columbus City Council in 1972 created the University Area Commission (UAC) as the official advisory body to city government. As described in city code, the commissions boundaries have defined the University District: Fifth Avenue on the south, Glen Echo Ravine (just north of Arcadia Avenue) on the north, the Conrail tracks on the east and the Olentangy River on the west. UAC is composed of 12 representatives from the neighborhoods (chosen at informal neighborhood elections in June) and several representatives from specific constituencies, such as the university and owners of rental property. The president of the UAC is Ian MacConnell. The commission meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in room 100 of the Northwood-High Building, 2231 N. HIgh Street; (614) 441-8174. Vist the UAC website. The University Community Business Association (UCBA), founded in 1984, is a membership-based organization representing rental property owners and managers, retail business owners and other businesses in the University District. Pasquale Grado is the executive director. The UCBA office is at 8 E. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201; (614) 299-2866. Catherine Girves and neighbors formed the University Area Enrichment Association (UAEA) a few years ago to provide more opportunities to residents to become involved in issues such as litter, graffiti prevention and removal, public safety and programming for children and youth. UAEA also has been effectively in working with student organizations at Ohio State to promote community service and service-learning in the University District. Ms. Girves is executive director of the UAEA located at 82 E. 16th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201; (614) 371-8232 and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit the UAEA website. Tom Wildman and Lydia Pantages are the co-founders of the Olde North Columbus Preservation Society and the Findley Avenue block watch organization. They hold "town meetings" for the neighborhood north of Lane Avenue a couple of times each year. The Weinland Park Community Civic Association was founded in 2003 as an advocate for the residents of the Weinland Park neighborhood south of Chittenden Avenue and east of High Street. The civic association took a leadership role in the development of the city’s Weinland Park Neighborhood Plan. The association normally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Schoenbaum Family Center, 175 E. Seventh Ave. Joyce Hughes is the president of the association. Updated May 6, 2009. |