News from Campus Partners

Click here for News Archives

Update from Campus Partners: 
Prepared for residents the University Area Commission
August 27, 2007

Contents:

· University Community Association honors three · Residents have pathway for jobs at Ohio State · Meeting on August 30 will discuss Iuka Ravine improvements

· Update on public safety · Special collection of bulk refuse continues through September 10 · State approves grant for Columbus Coated Fabrics clean-up

University Community Association honors three At its annual ice cream social on August 22, the University Community Association (UCA) honored three persons for their contributions to the University District. UCA unveiled a plaque in the Memorial Garden next to the Tuttle Park Recreation Center which recognizes Dorothy Cromartie, a civic leader for nearly 40 years, who died last May at the age of 95. Setting a high standard for energy and activism, she worked tirelessly for children, senior citizens and poor people until the last few weeks of her long life. She was a former member of the University Area Commission and the boards of Godman Guild Association and of UCA. UCA also honored Pasquale Grado with the annual Pavey Award for outstanding service to the University District by a resident. He has lived in the University District for more than 40 years and has served the area and Columbus for decades as an architect, historic preservationist and civic leader. He currently is executive director of the University Community Business Association and president of the University District Organization board. Greg Maynard received the annual Oscar Award for outstanding service to the University District by a non-resident. Mr. Maynard has been a leader in the preservation and maintenance of the city’s ravines. He has given particular attention to renovations in Iuka Ravine which the city plans to begin this fall. Back to the top Residents have pathway for jobs at Ohio State One of the major issues identified in the city’s Weinland Park Neighborhood Plan (2006) is the need for employment opportunities for residents. Growing from discussions on implementation of this plan has been a new pathway for job opportunities at Ohio State University Hospitals for University District residents, especially those from Weinland Park. Under the leadership of OSU Extension Agent Susan Colbert, the Weinland Park Human Services Subcommittee and Godman Guild have forged a partnership with University Hospitals and other Ohio State units to identify employment opportunities. Residents with appropriate experience are being referred directly to University Hospitals for job openings. Residents who lack the experience and skills are being referred to a temporary employment agency, where they can gain the requisite experience and training. Temporary employees are normally assessed charges for a background check, drug/alcohol screenings and other related expenses; however, as a result of an urban programs grant from OSU Extension, University District residents are exempt from paying these costs. In addition, other university units are working with the subcommittee to develop innovative workforce development initiatives for both adults and youth in the community. For additional information on these employment opportunities, call Godman Guild at (614) 294-5476, extension106, or visit Godman Guild, 303 E. Sixth Avenue. Back to the top Meeting on August 30 will discuss Iuka Ravine improvements Good news for Iuka Ravine. The city’s Transportation Division will begin repair and replacement of the brick streets and sandstone curbs in the Iuka Ravine roadway between Summit and North Fourth streets as early as this fall. In addition, the Recreation and Parks Department will install “period” underground lighting, according to Greg Maynard, a citizen activist on ravine issues in Columbus. Mr. Maynard has reserved room 100 of the Northwood-High Building, 2231 N. High Street, for Thursday, August 30, from 8 to 9 p.m. for a public discussion of the ravine improvements. Susan Delay from the city’s Development Department will attend and give a short presentation. Mr. Maynard plans to schedule a follow-up meeting with Kathy Spatz of Recreation and Parks to discuss the parkland aspect of the project which could begin in the spring of 2008. For additional information, contact Mr. Maynard by e-mail at maynardg222@yahoo.com. Update on public safety The University Area Safety Committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, September 12, at 3:30 p.m. in the conference room of 33 W. 11th Avenue. Meanwhile, the mayor and city council leaders on July 23 announced the chairs and steering group for the 2012 Commission which will lead a public engagement campaign to plan the Columbus bicentennial celebrations and neighborhood improvement projects to be completed for 2012. The commission’s Safety Focus Group will be led by Robert Caldwell, president of the Weinland Park Community Civic Association, and Ellen Moore, executive director of the Community Crime Patrol. Special collection of bulk refuse continues through September 10 The City of Columbus and neighborhood property owners are cooperating again this summer to conduct the 11th annual special collection of bulk refuse from August 22 to September 10. Campus Partners is assisting by identifying drop-off sites and conducting publicity. The eight sites are identified as drop-off locations for bulk refuse. For information, visit www.campuspartners.osu.edu. The University District Code Enforcement Task Force and the Campus Partners Public Service Committee on refuse and recycling will meet jointly on Tuesday, September 11, at 1 p.m. in room 100 of the Northwood-High Building, 2231 N. High Street. Back to the top State approves grant for Columbus Coated Fabrics clean-up The Ohio Department of Development announced July 25 that the City of Columbus will be awarded two grants of $3 million each from the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund to remediate the Columbus Coated Fabrics site and the TechCenter South site. In the statewide scoring of 15 applications for CORF grants, the Columbus Coated Fabrics site was ranked second and the TechCenter South site was ranked ninth. Champion Environmental Services has nearly completed demolition of the existing buildings on the Columbus Coated Fabrics site. Wagenbrenner Development Company and the City of Columbus are continuing discussions on an economic development agreement that is needed to more forward on environmental remediation and redevelopment of market-rate housing and a community park on the site.

Back to the top

Home | News | History & Organization | Committees | Contact

Campus Partners for Community Urban Redevelopment, Inc.
1824 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 294-7300; fax (614) 294-7333