columbus independent.

HELLO TINSELTOWN

2008-06-26T00:42:00.002-04:00

It is official - I have relocated to Los Angeles and with that I no longer get to see first hand the comings and goings in Columbus. Until I figure out my next steps I am going to leave this blog active and then update you.

Thanks for reading Columbus Independent the past year and I hope you consider joining me in my next adventure.

NINTH ANNUAL CITY HOP - 6/14

2008-06-10T21:08:00.004-04:00

Saturday June 14th - 10am to 6pm
Columbus Landmarks welcomes everyone to the 9th annual City Hop tour of 17 properties showcasing unique examples of downtown living spaces.

CITY HOP TICKET STOPS
JUNE 14th
Start tour at any of the 3 ticket stops:

1. Ibiza in the Short North Arts District,
830 N. High Street
2. Neighborhood Launch in the heart of downtown
Gay & Fourth Street
3. The Arena Grand Theatre in the Arena District,
175 W. Nationwide Boulevard
.....................
*KICK-OFF PARTY*
Fri, June 6th, 6pm - 9pm
TICKETS »
.....................
AFTER PARTY
June 14th, 4pm - 8pm
Harrison West Community Center
575 W. First Ave.
.....................
CITY HOP SPONSORS
ARMS Properties, Capitol South, Campus Apartments, Inc., Nationwide Realty Investors, Orange Barrel Media, The Edwards Cos., Wagenbrenner Development - Harrison Park
MEDIA SPONSOR Columbus Alive

17 TOUR STOPS:

Arena Crossing Apartments
The Buggyworks
Courthouse Condominiums
8 on the Square
Harrison Park
Hartman Lofts
Ibiza
The Jeffrey
Kramer Place
Lofts at Jeffrey Place
Neighborhood Launch
The Condominiums at
North Bank Park
Ohio Loft
199 S. Fifth
Rich Street Walk
The Seneca Luxury Apartments
Sixty Spring

CNN BUDGET TRAVEL PROFILE- COLUMBUS

2008-05-30T14:56:00.002-04:00

Columbus, Ohio's happening sideStory Highlights
The opening of the pro hockey arena helped revive the once-gritty area

Today the Short North district is packed with galleries, restaurants and shops
A lof of the same stores and locations highlighted but the review is positive and once people get here they can discover new locations on their own.

The North Market, an indoor food emporium, has been around since 1876
Next Article in Travel »

By Jason Cohen

(Budget Travel) -- Tens of thousands of people head to Columbus every fall during Ohio State's football season. I'm as much a road-trip loving football fan as the next guy, but I actually never thought the Ohio capital was as charming as say Madison, Wisconsin, or Ann Arbor, Michigan. I obviously wasn't looking very hard. With a revamped downtown and a booming population (it surpassed Cleveland in size in the 1980s), the city has restyled itself from a college town into a fairly happening urban center.

For the full article...
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/05/30/columbus.ohio/index.html

QUICKIES

2008-05-26T10:35:00.003-04:00

The former Coffee Table and 8 at Buttles and High is going to be called Black Olive. Signs in the windows say they are hiring all positions.

Best Apparel and Uniform sandwiched between the former Garden Church and Milk Bar is moving. This was the most random new business I noticed to locate in the SN last year. I hope a shortage of scrubs with kitty kats does not suddenly appear. I jest.

Industry Standard's building is for sale and most of the merchandise has been pulled from its shelves.

O Patio and Pub opened up on E 15th Ave in the former Four Kegs which adds to the number of campus neighborhood bars I will not frequent.

EAST FRANKLINTON REINVISIONED

2008-05-13T16:02:00.006-04:00

On Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. OSU City and Regional Planning Master Candidate students will be presenting their vision for East Franklinton. The presentation is designed to spur conversation about how to redevelop Columbus' first neighborhood. The presentation represents a culmination of a ten week long intensive studio class. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event but since space is limited you must confirm your attendance.

General details are (click on invitation image for full information):

Columbus Firefighters Union Hall (Local 67)
Former Toledo and Ohio Central Railroad Station

397 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
6:30 p.m.

R.s.v.p. by Tuesday, May 20
EastFranklinton@gmail.com

Complimentary parking available
in the adjacent Spaghetti Warehouse lot

POOCH OF THE WEEK - ABU

2008-05-12T23:07:00.003-04:00

Abu
Life of the Party

* Ward: ISO / I-10
* Boxer
* 10-12 mos
* 50 lbs. / Male
* # 80427007

Abu reminds me of an old, fedora-wearing Italian who sits on the same park bench each morning in the park. Check out Abu at Franklin County Dog Shelter.

STAMP OUT HUNGER - MAY 10, 2008

2008-05-07T21:52:00.002-04:00

This Saturday, May 10, 2008, the 16th Annual Stamp Out Hunger, the nation's largest one-day food collection event, is taking place. The food drive focuses on restocking community food banks, pantries and shelters across the United States. The drive is meant to coincide to when donations historically begin to drop off- after the holidays. The decline in donations is especially concerning because the hunger problem is its most critical during the summer when school provided breakfasts and lunches are no longer made available. The need is especially great this year as unemployment and gas prices rise and signs point to a recession.

So what do you have to do to participate- barely anything. Just place non-perishable food items in a bag by your mail box this Saturday morning and your letter carrier will collect it and drop it off at a local food bank. Since my mail box is directly on the street I am going to place my bag of goods by my front door and attach a note to my mail box. Just a thought. So clear out your pantry or make a special trip to the grocery store and help families stay healthy and fed this summer.

POOCH OF THE WEEK - SPANKY

2008-05-06T14:05:00.002-04:00

Spanky
I'm sweet, loving, and laid back at times! 99% housebroken. Will make a very loyal friend for life! I know sit and will dance for a treat. I've neen recently groomed and had my teeth brushed. I need an owner who will keep up on my general health and grooming. Please see Cassie at the shelter with questions!! Spanky is in foster care, please email Erin to meet him!
Mixed
6-7 yrs.
14 lbs. / Male
# 80406009

Yes- I totally admit to picking Spanky because of his name and the promise of a dance.

Check out Spanky and his 364 friends available for adopation at http://www.franklincountydogs.com/adoption/adoptSrch.asp

GLOBAL GALLERY INTL. DINNER

2008-05-06T12:21:00.000-04:00

Reward your taste buds with spectacular foods from around the world. On Thursday, May 8, 6-9 p.m., Global Gallery, 682 N. High Street, will be presenting global and local delicacies, music and fun. Global Gallery's annual International Dinner is a casual social event which brings the community together to celebrate World Fair Trade Day - a day to think about how Fair Trade improves the lives of many people.

Last year over 450 Columbus residents enjoyed the annual International Dinner. Coordinated by Global Gallery's group of community volunteers, this year's new features include a concert stage and educational games for children.

The ticket prices for this event are $10 in advance ($12 at the door) $18.00 per couple. For more information or to reserve tickets by phone, please call 614-444-5945,614-478-8007 or 614-621-1744.

682 North High St
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Thursday - May 8th, 2008
6:00pm-9:00pm

CROSS WALK SIGNS

2008-05-03T12:12:00.004-04:00

I was intrigued by Sweden's recent decision to introduce a female alternative to the walking-man crosswalk signs. Each local authority can determine which sign design is used. Do I think they are necessary? No. Do I think they provide an interesting variation to the streetscape? Yes.

I know when I travel I of course remember the signature landmarks that define a city but I also love to find and tell others about the quirky things I stumble upon. Those stories get passed from one person and while I am not saying people will travel to a city for quirky cross walk signs it plants a seed in people's mind about the city. These little features also get picked up by mainstream media far and wide as human interest pieces. News outlets can't tell just report about the sixteen shootings that occurred that day- they have to end the report on a positive, upbeat note so you can go about your day.

Clearly gender balanced crosswalk signs will not solve a city's woes but it certainly is different and in a time where cities are increasingly looking very similar it is a creative way to distinguish itself and of course, say it is now safe to cross the street.

And just for fun, here is another street sign that is making its mark in England.

THE FUTURE OF COOPER STADIUM

2008-04-30T22:05:00.004-04:00

Cooper Stadium in Franklinton will become a race track. I am sure the neighbors will just love the sound of gunning engines and screeching brakes. Nothing raises real estate values like junior Nascar right next door.

More details to follow in the a.m. from city officials.

COLUMBUS INK

2008-04-30T16:52:00.003-04:00

Good news - you can finally get that crescent moon or Chinese character tattoo that you have always wanted. Fat Tire Tattoo and Piercing is opening up at 1443 N. High Street (W. 8th and N. High). Check out their myspace page - they are offering a tattoo special.

And no, Mr. T is not Fat Tire's work. I trust that their team would not willingly put any A-Team member on anyone's arm. The Facts of Life girls....that might be another story.

BIKE TO WORK WEEK

2008-04-29T11:33:00.004-04:00

Compliments of DowntownColumbus.com. While I won't be biking to Gahanna for work, I will be biking to class. Even if you only bike once and it is to do a short errand you are still participating in promoting alternative transportation options.

GET YER REAR IN GEAR

Nothing makes an impression in the workplace quite like Martian green biker pants. It commands attention. It makes a statement.

And that statement is, “I’m celebrating Bike to Work Week, and my fashion sense is questionable.”

Bike to Work Week kicks off May 12, so the time to prepare is now. Putting your rear in spandex biker gear is highly optional, but some things are just required.

1. Know the Law
Casey Karnes of B1 Bicycles (124 E. Long Street) says that respecting the law is critical. Stay in the street and off the sidewalks.

2. Know How to Park
Some businesses have bike racks nearby, some don’t. Make sure there’s a safe place to store your bike once you make it to work.

3. Get Fuel
You’ll need to refuel after the morning ride, so plan on biking to the Statehouse lawn on Monday, May 12. The party will include bagels, coffee, a live band and a few political celebrities until 9 am.

4. Get Cajones
You’ll still need a little chutzpah when it comes to sharing the streets with cars. Karnes also suggests, “Hold your ground… stay two to three feet from the curb.”

5. You Need a Bike
The newly expanded B1 Bicycles definitely has bikes - there’s even special “commuter” bikes with compartments for carrying the regular workday clothes (hint hint).

Fun Links
These two websites can help you plan for Bike to Work Week

http://www.considerbiking.org/site
http://www.b2ww.considerbiking.org

NOT JUST DOG PARKS

2008-04-29T10:01:00.003-04:00

I think most people have noticed that this blog has recently thrown pet themed topics into the mix. True, I may have become a little dog crazed since we adopted Rilo but my peeked interest is largely due to the repeatedly expressed need for more pet amenities such as dog parks by Columbus residents.

While fenced dog parks are definitely needed to provide pets a safe place to exercise and socialize with other dogs, I have heard little discussion among pet owners about the need for better designed shelters, the place where most of these individuals have adopted their companions from. Shelters such as the Franklin County Dog Shelter (FCDS) are the intermediary care givers for our soon-to-be best friends so we should insist upon the inclusion of features that offer better treatment and care of animals. Just as we set new standards for the care of humans we should be pushing for innovative facilities that promote healing and maximally enhance the physical and emotional well being of animals as they recover from past traumas and await adoption.

A couple stories in the past few months have gotten me thinking about the condition of animal shelters. In Morgan County, Ohio the dog warden was asked to resign or be fired because all the unclaimed dogs in his care were being killed - some by gunshots- and dumped in the back of the shelter. Most of these dogs went unclaimed because the shelter had no public hours to view them. The Humane Society admits that rural communities think of their pets in a different way than more urban communities and therefore the care of the animals is low on the totem pole.

The Franklin County Dog Shelter (FCDS) is clearly NOT the understaffed barn that housed dogs in Morgan County. The FCDS animals are well tended to by staff and a large volunteer corp but the conditions of the shelter are not ideal. The cramped environment limits the amount of interaction between dogs and potential adopters and the noisy, cold environment stresses out the animals and contributes to them getting sick and developing behavioral problems. Plans are on the books for an $18 million new shelter to be built but a new building does not necessarily mean better conditions or improved accessibility for potential adopters.

My friend Jean told me about the Washington Animal Rescue League's (WARL)new facility which has essentially set a new standard for animal shelters. I was amazed to read about how much thought they placed into the facility and wanted to share with you what Franklin County could have. The WARL shelter opened in the fall of 2006and can now accommodate nearly 400 animals, an increase of 66 percent.

Some of the new features include:

separate ventilation systems for each living unit
skylights and glass apartments to maximize natural lighting
privacy nooks
elevated beds
heated flooring
flowing water and music
hutch doors

Half of you reading this just thought to yourself "I don't have a skylight, why should a dog?". The other half of you said, "Fancy Feast should also be served on pewter platters to the cats".

The reason for these added amenities is that they improve the behavior and health of the animals which means a better behaved companion for potential adopters. In addition to the noise level subsiding to to occasional bark, the ventilation systems have been essentially eliminated respiratory problems and the animals get more rest and are less fearful of people. The improved condition of the dogs and the increased number of visitation rooms is expected to contribute to an increased number of pet adoptions. The quicker turnaround time for animals to be adopted means a reduced operating expense.

The Franklin County Dog Shelter is considering such improvements to the new shelter but which and how many of them that will eventually be included are unknown.

The other improvement I would like to see to the shelter is a more central location. It is likely that the new shelter will be similarly located out in no man's land near the existing location. I found this location during my visits terribly inconvenient, confusing and a little depressing. I know the shelter is considering other locations and I am at a loss of where it could be better placed but I am sure smart people like you all can recommend multiple options.

POOCH OF THE WEEK - ALLIE

2008-04-29T09:31:00.004-04:00

Allie
Life of the Party
Allie is an energetic, sweet girl. She would love an active home where she can get in plenty of exercise and playtime!
Ward: 2 / 241
Australian Cattle Dog
1 yr
51 lbs. / Female
# 80327006

Isn't she adorable? Plus if you bring her home all the uncooperative cattle that I am sure are lingering outside your door can finally be coralled.

Check Allie out and the other 363 available dogs at the Franklin County Shelter at http://www.franklincountydogs.com/adoption/adoptSrch.asp

POOCH OF THE WEEK - FOXY

2008-04-20T22:07:00.003-04:00

Foxy
Busy Bee
Foxy is a timid, yet loyal and affectionate girl. She is already housebroken and knows sit, down, come, and give paw! Foxy needs a home with no small children. Foxy is in foster care, please email Erin to meet her!

* Mixed
* 2 yrs
* 41 lbs. / Female
* # 71208008

Poor Foxy...she has been at the shelter for months and all though she is in foster care right now she hasn't found a permanent home to call her own. She was completely lovable when we were looking but she was just a little too big for our apartment. As the shelter notes, she tends to be a little shy but I think it is because all the other dogs barking nonstop has her stressed out.

Can you give Foxy a home?

http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/ancl/

COLUMBUS IS SEXUALLY SATISFIED

2008-04-18T11:11:00.003-04:00

Congratulations Columbus you did it! You set a goal and accomplished it. Yes, Columbus is ranked second as the city with the most sexually satisfied men by Men's Health magazine. A proud distinction you all had a part in.

I decided to post this for two reasons. One, I find most rankings ridiculous because of the determining criteria and two, because people tout them as fact if they are on top of the list but scorn them if they don't get the ranking they agree with.

Of course Men's Health did not speak to anyone to gauge their sexual satisfaction instead they base it on condom sales, birth rates and sex toy sales from Babeland and Pure Romance. Ummm, really? I hardly think a guy getting someone knocked up demands good sex. Sometimes all it takes is three drinks, five minutes and a poor decision.

Check out the rest of the rankings....http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=health&category=metrogrades&conitem=f60098dda8e59110VgnVCM10000013281eac____

MARGARITAS ON THE PATIO?

2008-04-15T13:53:00.002-04:00

Looks like La Fogata is finally replacing the dirt patch and sometime parking lot in front of the restaurant with a patio. Saw cement being poured this morning on what appeared to be a patio foundation. The most important question at hand is will it be ready for Cinco de Mayo?

Their website (www.lafogatagrill.com) still has them only being located in Pickerington which is uber great and all but that oversight certainly can't be helping them sell tacos in the Short North.

La Fogata
790 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Not margarita related and thus infinitely less interesting, the Annunciation- Greek Orthodox Cathedral has razed their orginal structure and has begun construction on an expansion project to house education classes, etc.

POOCH of the WEEK

2008-04-14T16:19:00.005-04:00

I thought it would be fun to do a photo of the week and while Nuns on Bikes and the men from Thunder Down Under were contenders I thought I should choose something more cause driven.

So while there won't be habits or scantily clad men on here there will be dogs that are available for adoption from the Franklin County Shelter in hopes to draw more foot traffic to their website and physical location. My partner and I recently adopted a dog from the shelter and while she is still learning and may or may not pee when she gets excited we never realized there was something missing from our lives until she came home with us. If your lifestyle and finances allow it, seriously consider adopting a dog or volunteering.

This week's featured dog is Magic- the dog we almost took home

Magic aka Ozzie
Life of the Party
This handsome boy is a real gem! He is smart, affectionate, curious, and LOVES to play. He's a good-natured pup who loves toys and to play with other dogs. He still has puppy energy so will need adequate exercise. Knows sit, down, & come. Crate-trained and housebroken.

I can attest Magic is a beautiful and fun dog and if our apartment allowed it I would take him in a second.

To adopt Magic or see more of the other 372 available dogs available at the Franklin County Dog Shelter, visit http://www.franklincountydogs.com/adoption/adoptSrch.asp

SHORT NORTH BUS ASSN "CLEAN OUT YOUR BASEMENT"

2008-04-14T09:34:00.003-04:00

The Italian Village Society was posting fliers on doors this weekend announcing two pretty great events for the neighborhood.

First is the Clean Out Your Basement Recycling Event hosted by AEP. To help keep things out of landfills the Salvation Army will be collecting clothes and furniture, Fireproof will be shredding documents and paper and TechUsed will be taking electronics and household appliances. This is everyone's opportunity to get rid of the Debbie Gibson and long unworn pair of jellies that have been hanging around the house. Collections will be at the Fireproof parking lot at 2nd Avenue and High Street.

Soap box moment- I wish the SNBA would have selected an organization other than the Salvation Army which refuses to offer domestic partner benefits to their employees in adherence to their biblical principles. The Short North was largely redeveloped by and remains home to many GLBT individuals and GLBT-owned businesses and organizations participating in these types of neighborhood events should reflect the values and needs of the SN community. Soap box put away.

Second, the Italian Village Society Amicis will be fielding gardening questions and offering tips at Christopher Columbus Park - the triangular park in the middle of Warren Street between Summit and 4th. The first 200 villagers to visit the booth will receive a free packet of flower seeds. Volunteers can also help the Amicis spruce up the flowerbeds in the park.

SKUNK CABBAGE WEEKENDS

2008-04-05T21:40:00.007-04:00

One of the reasons I like living in dense cities is that despite the large number of people around you are somehow able to go about your business unnoticed. I find comfort in being swallowed up by large groups but every once in a while I seek out the opportunity to be truly alone. Today I found the chance at the Gahanna Woods just off Havens Corner Road in, you guessed it, the City of Gahanna.

It could have been the clear blue sky, comfortable weather or my sidekick Rilo (puppy) but the woods provided the perfect escape. However, not all went well. I wore flip flops in celebration of the first warm day of the year without fully understanding that woods are actually a swamp forest. Swamp forest + heavy recent rains = not so good flip flop conditions.

Regardless the setting was serene and the trails were very well taken care of. And according to the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves I saw the best remaining complex of buttonbush swamps and vernal pools in central Ohio. All I know is that I saw trees and bodies of water and I thought it sure looked pretty. Now I didn't see these but apparently there are going to be yellow water-crowfoot and skunk cabbage coming up soon.

No one in their right mind should ever pass up the chance to see skunk cabbage. Just think of the great water cooler conversation opportunities that arise from it.

"So Chuck, how was your weekend?"
"Amy, it was fantastic. The new crop of skunk cabbage is fuller and more pungent than I've ever seen it. It should be the next yankee candle scent."

I digress. Any way, set aside an hour and drive out to Gahanna and enjoy some cypress-knee sedge. More information can be found at http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/location/gahanna_woods/tabid/940/Default.aspx

EARTH DAY -APRIL 26, 2008

2008-04-04T23:00:00.004-04:00

Earth Day for me parallels New Years Eve - minus the excessive amount of alcohol I typically consume- because I make a conscience effort to evaluate how I am living my daily life and how it impacts the environment. Do not get me wrong- I am not health nut nor do I chain myself to trees but I do believe that we have a responsibility to ourselves and our friends and families to reduce our environmental impact.

There are a million of ways you can introduce more environmentally-friendly behaviors into your daily life. Here are a couple easy and affordable suggestions:

*Use tupperware containers for your lunch instead of sandwich bags
*Bring reusable bags for your grocery trips; if you do use plastic grocery bags
take them back to the grocery store on your next trip to recycle them
*Cut up old clothing i.e. socks, t-shirts, etc. to use as rags instead of using
paper towels
*Turn off lights when you you are not using them. No one cares if your house
looks cozy from the street.
*Walk or ride the bus to work at least once a week to work. A work out might
shave off a couple pounds while you are at it.
*Get your coffee in a reusable coffee mug instead of a disposable paper cup.
Most coffee shops reward good behavior by shedding off a dime for your total.
*Decline a bag with your next take out meal. Do you really need a paper bag to
carry your single aluminum foil-wrapped Chipotle burrito?
*Wear your jeans and other articles of clothing more than once. Febreeze it.
*Wash your dishes by hand to control how much water is used or ensure that your
dishwasher is fully loaded before pushing starting the cycle.
*Buy "green" cleaning products. Clorox just launched a new brand, Green Works,
that is only few cents more than non-green brands and actually clean.
*Don't pick up crap freebies from events, etc. if you are not going to use
them. Chances are you will throw them away.

Most of these simple behavior changes require minimal changes in your daily activity and can help you save money, get fit and feel better about your place in life. So why not kick off Earth Day and a new way of living by volunteering for Earth Day this April 26, 2008. You decide how much time you can contribute and what activities you are able or willing to do.

To volunteer, visit http://www.nowgetbusy.org/volunteer/.

ROSSI EXPANSION- OPENS APRIL 1

2008-03-12T09:55:00.004-04:00

Last night we went to dinner at the Rossi last night and noticed that they are nearing completion of their expansion into next door. According to the waitress the new side is relatively complete, they just need to frame up the wall in the front which they knocked through to connect the two units. The planned opening date is April 1. The most amazing thing is that despite them almost doubling their floor space they are maintaining their existing kitchen to servic the whole restaurant. Admittedly I love the restaurant but the service is not uber fast so I hope they can make do with this tiny space.

On a food note - my partner loved his burger but I was pretty disappointed in the pizza and our friend scoffed at the pasta. Normally we love this place - especially the entrees - so I am not going to acknowledge that this dinner ever took place and of course go back to see the bigger and better Rossi.

CCAD DORM APPROVED

2008-03-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

I really have to give CCAD credit for beginning to distinguish itself in a city which is OSU obsessed. I like their plan to replace a purely functional and non-aesthetically pleasing structure with a dorm to house more students but transfer the functions of the classroom building to their newly acquired and more visibile space on Broad Street. I think the blend of office and government workers with college students will add a new energy along that corridor and get people to notice the campus more since students will be going in and out of the Broad St location after 5 p.m. when that stretch is typically deserted.

Art college to finish off quad with dorm that's in demand
Monday, March 3, 2008 6:17 AM
By Mike Pramik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The glass facade of the new dorm at Columbus College of Art & Design will face the quad.
College students typically can't wait to ditch the dorms.

But when a 1,300-student school has residential space for only 250 students, suddenly young people might well come knocking on its door, looking for a place to stay.

That's the case at Columbus College of Art & Design, where plans for a new dorm received approval last week from the Columbus Downtown Commission.

The college's planned $11 million dorm will provide an additional 208 beds, as well as another landmark framing the campus quadrangle. College President Denny Griffith said work should begin in mid-May.

"We have heard a clarion cry from families who would very much like to see additional on-campus housing for upperclassmen," Griffith said. "At some later stage, we might want to add more."

For the full article:
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/03/03/ZONE0303.ART_ART_03-03-08_C8_GJ9G2KT.html?sid=101

DO MORE THAN JUST VOTE

2008-02-27T17:48:00.002-05:00

Once again I'll be getting up at 5:00 a.m. this coming Tuesday to help out Franklin County. The work is extremely rewarding and helpes provide legitimacy to the election process. Consider volunteering your time. Contact informatin is below.

338 sought to work polls on March 4
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 5:47 AM

Franklin County is looking for 338 poll workers for Tuesday's primary election.

The Board of Elections will keep telephones open until 8 p.m. weeknights and until 5 p.m. during the weekend to sign up workers. Training courses run through Monday. Register online at vote.

franklincountyohio.gov or call 614-462-5393.

Workers are paid at least $110 for the day, depending on their assignment. They must attend a two-hour course, be able to work from 5:30 a.m. until at least 8 p.m. on election day and have transportation.

The board expects to hire about 5,000 poll workers for this election. It still needs 200 Republicans and 138 Democrats, including 30 as presiding judges.

Areas short on Republican poll workers include Bexley, Gahanna, Dublin, New Albany, Reynoldsburg, and central and northeastern Columbus. Democrats are primarily needed in suburban precincts outside I-270.

-- Barbara Carmen

DOWNTOWN FOOD OPTIONS GROW

2008-02-26T10:05:00.003-05:00

The Dispatch reported on a few new restaurant openings in the SN and downtown area. Most of these have been reported on elsewhere but this article clears up opening dates, etc.

VegiTerranean- Chrissie Hynde creation. Locations currently being scouted.
Cafe Lola- focuses on grab and go lunch crowd. Broad St and N High.
Original Soupman- you guessed it...soup. Next door to Lola and will open next week.
Cinco- Mexican fare. Huntington Building. Open in five months.

Read the article at:
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/02/26/rest_0226.ART_ART_02-26-08_C10_VA9FB20.html?sid=101

EXILE REOPENS

2008-02-24T16:28:00.002-05:00

Camera is still crapped out so you are just going to have to trust me on this.

Exile on 4th Street reopened this past Friday evening and I have to admit the remodeled bar is pretty great. No longer do you enter through a side door and the boarded up street windows have been replaced with actual windows. The interior has been freshened up and feels more opened. The remodel continues with a larger dance, stage and patio being added. Fourth Street seediness just got a little less.

Welcome back Exile.

GAHANNA RECONSIDERS OHIO HUB PLAN

2008-02-22T17:44:00.003-05:00

This Monday, February 25, 2008, the City of Gahanna's City Council will once again consider passing a resolution in support of the Ohio Hub Freight and Passenger Rail development. In October 2007, the Council rejected the proposition 4-3 but due to a few new faces on the board and additional time to learn more about the hub plan the resolution stands a favorable chance at passage.

If you are in support of the Ohio Hub plan, consider attending the Gahanna City Council meeting Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Gahanna City Hall is located at 200 S. Hamilton Road and offers plenty of free parking since you can't ride the rails there just yet.

BROS BOW OUT FOR THE GALS

2008-02-21T18:46:00.003-05:00

I rarely ever do more than just glance through The Other Paper because I never find any substantive journalism in it. I have come to accept that it really is just a big events calendar that lets me know just what is happening at Ugly Tuna every night of the week. I admit, I have been there once and I did consume a fish bowl of liquor while there. I digress.

However, in this week's issue of the OP, Kitty McConnell brings to light more information regarding the old Little Brother's Location. Apparently the new business, Liquid, is going to be debuting this spring as a bar/restaurant geared toward gay professional women. In my head I am imagining Jennifer Beals, Pam Grier and all the other L Word ladies hanging out on High Street and I am loving it.

The design of the new space is about half-way done and how it is described in the article sounds nice. I am anxious to get a sneak peek of the place and maybe convince the owners to name it something other than Liquid which just makes me think of it as a place where the clap is swapped back and forth.

Check out the article only available in print on page 15.

UNDERWHELMED

2008-02-19T16:54:00.002-05:00

I am all for placemaking and I agree that universities should make a greater effort to make sure residents, students and visitors know its defined boundaries. However, I think there are a couple things a little off with plan proposed by OSU students.

First, the coined name "Unidentity" is atrocious. I get where it came from and good for them for trying to be clever but using a prefix that means "opposite of" and "not" when trying to create identity isn't the smartest move.

Second, the arch is already taken by the Short North. Creating a unique identity means using symbols that are not already adopted by other entities. Sure, the SN does not have exclusive rights to the arch but when the areas are so close to one another they may want to try something more distinctive.

I give the students props for trying to create a more clearly defined campus. The banners are a great start but there are many other options to consider. I would suggest these good folks look to other colleges located in urban environments to see what they have done. George Washington University right smack dab in the middle of DC has done a great job.

Unidentity gives face to University District
By: Cara Shirley
Posted: 2/19/08
Block O banners suspended from lamp posts and archways curving over streets might adorn the University District by 2009.

This is part of a new plan developed by a group of Ohio State students. They call it the "Unidentity Project," an effort to define the boundaries of the University District and to make people feel more welcome when they enter it.

"I believe building the arches will identify and consolidate the community, instill pride and strengthen the community," said Nick Uhas, project director.

Uhas said the University District consists of OSU's campus and the residential and business areas that surround it. The north border is Arcadia Avenue, the south border is fifth avenue, the East border is the railroad tracks and the west border is the Olentangy River.

The group said its motives for creating the project are evident in the name it selected. "Unidentity" is a combination of the words "university" and "identity."

The arches were initially Uhas' idea and the banners were Taylor Meadows.' Because they are both members of the Undergraduate Student Government, they combined their goals into one project and gathered support from additional USG members along the way.

The project outline, which they began in the fall, designates that banners run along the lamp posts on High Street and Lane Avenue, while the arches will be constructed in four different locations on the north, south, east and west borders of the district, said Brennan Duty, USG member and co-project director.

Uhas thinks branding the edges of the University District with arches will help students and residents better understand the boundary locations.

After talking with fellow OSU students, Uhas said he realized, "there was confusion about where the University District stops and starts."

To gather more precise data on what students know and do not know about the district, Uhas created a survey. Jerry Dunleavy, a USG member helping with the project, sent out the survey to 10,000 students through Webmail last week.

The results are still coming in, but out of the 250 students who have responded so far, 61 percent do not know where the district starts and stops. The survey revealed that 75 percent of students would like a welcoming structure.

Once they finish gathering the survey data, Duty said those involved in the project will develop "a business plan" and present it to OSU's Campus Partners and Columbus City Council.

Because the lamp posts on High Street and Lane Avenue are owned by OSU, the university has the power to approve the banners. The arches, though, must be approved and funded by the city of Columbus, Duty said.

Duty said constructing arches around the University District has been proposed in the past by city officials, "but no one spearheaded it." However, the funds set aside for the arches still exist and are waiting to be spent, he said.

Uhas said he is so adamant about the project that he will make it happen this time around.

He said since the student population is contributing $250,000 a day to the part of the University District surrounding campus, the city should support the project.

"Look what Ohio State does for Columbus. We want Columbus to do something for Ohio State," Uhas said.

OHIO SUPERS

2008-02-19T07:59:00.003-05:00

Curious about who the 19 Democratic superdelegates are for the state of Ohio? These folks may have the power to decide the upcoming presidential election. If you want them to know who you think should lead the country in 2008, call their offices. Also know that superdelegates can switch their support up to the election.

Distinguished Party Leader
David Wilhelm- supports Obama

US House
Marcy Kaptur
Dennis Kucinich
Tim Ryan
Zack Space
Betty Sutton
Charles Wilson

US Senate
Sherrod Brown

DNC
Joyce Beatty
William Burga
Enid Goubeaux
Mark Mallory
Ronald Malone
Rhine McLin
Patricia Moss
Sonny Nardi
Chris Redfern
Stephanie Tubbs Jones- supports Clinton

HAPPY GREEK NOT ALL SMILES

2008-02-18T15:07:00.001-05:00

Two more storefronts may be opening soon along High.

Restaurant owner accused of mortgage scam
Monday, February 18, 2008 12:23 PM

The Columbus Dispatch
DELAWARE, Ohio -- The co-owner of the Happy Greek restaurants was arrested Friday as part of a lengthy investigation into a multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud ring that authoriies say operated in Franklin and Delaware counties.

Authorities on Friday arrested Gihan “Gigi” Zalat, 40, of Columbus, and charged her with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. She is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Delaware Municipal Court.

The Dispatch reported last year that law-enforcement officials suspected that Zalat and her husband, Mohamed Hassan, ran a fraud ring that involved foreigners buying houses in elite central Ohio neighborhoods.

Police have said real-estate deals were hatched at meetings in the basement office of the Short North restaurant location.

Real estate agents and mortgage brokers became suspicious when buyers began to offer sellers thousands more than the asking price for some homes.

POUND PUPPIES NEED YOU

2008-02-16T18:33:00.004-05:00

My partner and I have been checking out dogs for the past few weeks and I can't tell you how great the volunteers are at the Franklin County Dog Shelter. Each day wonderful individuals help walk the dogs, clean their cages and show them to prospective adoptive parents.

So, first I encourage you to consider opening your home to a dog if your lease allows it and you have the time and patience for one.

Second, consider volunteering. You decide what you are willing to do and when.

Third, donate money or needed items. Money is always the most helpful but think about contributing the following items on the shelter's wish list:

soft or chewy dog treats
extra towels or blankets
pet carriers
shampoo
canned or soft dog food
plain or vanilla yogurt
kongs and other toys

Find out more about the shelter at http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/ancl/

STILL FOR SALE- 1120 N High St

2008-02-15T22:12:00.003-05:00

Although the location is great, they are definitely asking too much for the site especially since the New Victorians purchased the beautiful Mason Building up the street a few years ago for only $500,000. I think this site will require a lot of work and a lot of money to meet the expectations of the SN clientele.

Info is as follows:
$750,000. 8 apartments, 2 commercial spaces in rapidly developing Short North. Recent improvements including roof, gutters, landscaping, tuck point, etc. Opportunity to add value. Condo-conversion potential. Off-street parking pad for 5 cars. Large-scale development directly across the street.

FIBRES HITS A SNAG

2008-02-15T22:04:00.002-05:00

Got $53K? If so, you can buy a cute little boutique business. Fibres at 791 N. High Street in the Short North is up for sale.

http://www.ohioequities.com/csauerzopf/791nhighstreet/index.htm

ECO-FRIENDLY STREET VENDORS

2008-02-15T21:29:00.003-05:00

I really enjoy street vendors. Admittedly I like their tasty morsels they hawk but they also add a unique vibrancy to city streets. Without street vendors I would sadly be without a Hebrew National and the latest issue of Hello! more often than I would like.

A group of investors in DC just launched a unique twist on the street vendor concept that would be great to duplicate in Columbus whether it be targeted to the business day downtown, post bar crowd or both.

On the Fly is an eco-friendly sidewalk vendor that promotes sustainability by offering locally produced food and drinks and serves it in biodegradable packaging... and of course, the carts are electric. Even better is that the food options are a little more upscale than traditional street fare and prepared by chefs from Zagat rated restaurants.

On a related note, for those of you interested in keeping street vendors part of the urban landscape, you can provide financial assistance to the Street Vendor Project. The nonprofit organization's focus is helping street vendors to continue operating as legitimate businesses in NYC and opposing "quality of life" efforts to remove them.

http://streetvendor.org/public_html/

TAX HELP AVAILABLE

2008-02-04T10:22:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the year again- tax season. However, I am glad to see that the City/County is attempting to help out low-income residents by offering free tax assistance. I am unsure how these entities are advertising the service but I hope they are attempting to publicize this opportunity heavily in social service agencies and non-profit groups. Unfortunately I have seen similiar services offered in the past that end up underused because they fail to get the word out. If you work or volunteer for a social service agency that administers services to low-income individuals, I encourage you to make this information readily available to your clients.

Coalition is offering free tax help
Monday, February 4, 2008 3:04 AM

Thousands of Franklin County residents may be giving too much of their hard-earned income to the IRS.

A coalition of county and city government offices, banks, universities and nonprofit organizations have joined to offer free tax-preparation services to households earning less than $40,000 a year.

Officials fear that low- and middle-income workers are unaware of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which makes qualified residents eligible for a credit of as much as $4,716. Or, worse yet, residents are paying for tax services that they can get for free.

Volunteers will be available at 18 sites in Franklin County throughout the tax-filing season to help prepare returns. To get more information, determine eligibility and find locations, call the 211 information line.

As an incentive to call, officials said that in 2005, the Internal Revenue Service returned more than $161 million to 85,000 Franklin County households because of the tax credit.

PARK SATISFACTION SURVEY

2008-02-04T10:09:00.001-05:00

A student in the City and Regional Planning Program is conducting a survey to measure student satisfaction with parks, open space and green space. If you are so inclined to participate in the 10 minute survey, visit:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2cEklg3DtMiIoRty8W7UVA_3d_3d

LOW COST GRAFFITI CLEANUP OPTION

2008-02-04T09:59:00.001-05:00

There has been a string of new graffiti popping up in the Italian Village lately and I thought it would be a good idea to remind people that the City offers free paint and tools from its mobile tool library to combat graffiti. Other home maintenance equipment is also available. Additionally, if you or a group wants to volunteer to help clean up graffiti, you can volunteer with Keep Columbus Beautiful.

Here are the contact numbers:

Mobile Tool Library: 614-645-8542
http://td.ci.columbus.oh.us/NeighborhoodsandResidents/housing/homeowner/mobile_tools.asp

Keep Col. Beautiful: 614-645-8027
http://refuse.ci.columbus.oh.us/kcb/

BRUTUS SAYS LIVE HERE

2008-01-31T17:22:00.000-05:00

The Dispatch reported today that OSU is considering requiring sophomore students begin living on campus in the coming years. As of right now this is all talk. No buildings have been proposed and no financing lined up- so we are told. Currently there are 6,000 sophomores enrolled at OSU, 2,900 of which live on campus. What surprised me about the article is that there is no discussion of the potential effect this may have on the Columbus housing and apartment rental market especially in the University District. Another threat would be to local merchants who serve the student population. It is true that many second year students live at home and most do not live alone but this decision can have some pretty bad effects. I am definitely interested to see what comes out of the Trustee meeting and if any realty managers or landlords come out in opposition to this plan.

OSU may require sophomores to live on campus
Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:20 PM
By Kathy Lynn Gray
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio State University sophomores, about 6,000 strong, would have to live on campus under a proposal the trustees are considering today.

President Gordon Gee is pushing for the change, fueled by studies that show on-campus students graduate quicker, have higher grades and are happier at school, Provost Joseph Alutto said this morning.

“This is all being driven by a concern for academic priorities,” Alutto said. “We have all the resources on campus for students to excel. They take full advantage of those things when they live on campus.”

OSU now requires freshmen to live on campus, although those whose families are in the area can live at home.

OSU houses 9,800 students on campus now. About 5,600 are freshmen and about 2,900 are students living in campus housing for a second year, said Rich Hollingsworth, vice president for student affairs.

Requiring sophomores to live on campus would mean adding enough housing for at least 3,500 students, Hollingsworth said.

How that would be done hasn't been decided, Alutto said. He and other OSU officials will discuss possibilities at a trustee committee meeting today.

Alutto couldn't say how quickly the housing could be added or what it would cost but said “we want to get it done as quickly as possible.”

Gee also wants to speed up $196.9 million in planned renovations to current dormitories, which include adding air conditioning and more private bathrooms as well as eliminating rooms housing more than two students. Those improvements would be completed by the fall of 2012. Under the prior plan, they wouldn't have been completed until 2014 or 2015.

Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where Gee was president before returning to OSU in the fall, required all students to live on campus.

Many Ohio public universities require sophomores to live on campus, Alutto said. At Miami University in Oxford, the requirement goes into effect this fall.

WHOLE FOODS SACKS PLASTIC BAGS

2008-01-23T18:35:00.000-05:00

A small little blurb showed up in the Dispatch this morning about Whole Foods phasing out plastic bags at all of its 220+ stores by Earth Day on April 22, 2008. There is only one WF in Columbus (Dublin-Granville) so while the impact in the region may not be dramatic it is a start. WF is a trend setter and hopefully other supermarket chains will voluntarily phase out plastic bags to keep pace with this juggernaut of a grocery store. However, since plastic bags are typically 3 cents cheaper than paper and the grocery market produces very thin profit margins it is doubtful that they will find goodwill in their hearts on their own. Some states including California have begun to require stores recycle plastic bags and San Francisco has gone one stEp further by banning plastic bags with some exceptions. My home town, San Luis Obispo, CA is also considering a city-wide ban.

Mayor Coleman continually talks up his Get Green initiative but I have seen no mention of a similar program. Once again Columbus is a follower instead of a leader. Maybe his campaign should just be renamed Get Green When Convenient.

WHO ARE YOU GOING TO CALL? MORPC

2008-01-20T13:59:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine stumbled upon this MORPC program advertised on campus and thought I should pass this along. I think a lot of people do avoid participating in carpooling programs or riding public transportation because they do not want to be stranded if their situation changes. The MORPC program aleviates the stress and financial burdenn associated with these unforseen circumstances eliminating one more excuse for not to carpool or ride the bus.

Guaranteed Ride Home Program (GRH)

RideSolutions' GRH Program takes the worry out of being stranded at work in the case of an emergency or unexpected overtime for commuters who rideshare. This MORPC program is free to anyone who carpools, vanpools or rides public transportation and is registered with our program prior to an emergency. Registration with the GRH Program is free, and entitles commuters to a 90-percent cab fare reimbursement. GRH can be used up to four times a calendar year.

For more information, visit: http://osuvanpooling.morpc.org/GuaranteedRideHome.htm

EAGLE IN EXILE FLOWN THE COOP

2008-01-17T17:19:00.001-05:00

Between the Sunset Lounge and the St. James on N. Fourth Avenue was a suprisingly fun gay bar called Eagle in Exile. Yes, the name is a little scary. Yes, you had to enter on the side. Yes, you had to park on neighboring gravel lot. Yes, the front windows were boarded up. Yes, a manequin in black leather was always in the window on the second floor.

So, not it was not a charming, quaint locale but the two times I went there the drinks were cheap, people were friendly and the sound system rockin'.

Any way, I drove past it this past week and they are actually renovating the 1940's structure and adding what appears to be a side patio. The windows are tinted but no longer covered and it looks like people will once again be invited through the front door. The Franklin County Auditor's website lists the property as being bought last month for a little less than $200K but not a bad deal since the redone retail/commercial/restaurant space should attract a lot of the new IV residents and they are getting apartments above.

I am assuming the Eagle is in a much better place now but this is just guess since the phone number is disconnected. I'll also post an old pic of the manequin- it always made me smile.

BIRDS PUT ON CARBS DIET

2008-01-16T00:53:00.000-05:00

While I remember loving to feed the ducks at the lake as a kid, I also remember giant geese running after me until I dropped my entire bag of Wonder Bread for them. I tell you those birds can run.

Columbus City Council is about to make feeding wildlife on city property off limits. It may sound like they are killing a charming afternoon activity but there are multiple valid reasons to support its passage including the health of the animals, disease control, overpopulation, etc. Selfishly I just want people to stop feeding birds in parks so I do not have to weave in between flocks of pigeons or hose down a bench to sit on it.

If people are looking to feed something hungry they should look to the multiple homeless shelters and soup kitchens that could use your help. I promise they will let you hand out Wonder Bread treats too. And if you can't stop feeding birds, look into buying a bird feeders that can be filled with tasty seeds or nectar for your backyard.

Columbus Dispatch article below.

Columbus Council proposal
Feeding critters wouldn't fly in city parks
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 6:48 AM
By Robert Vitale
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Life has gotten a little too easy for ducks and geese in Columbus -- and a little too treacherous for people walking through city parks.

Legislation proposed to the City Council last night would make feeding wildlife illegal on city property, which officials hope might shorten the animals' stay in local parks as they're forced to search for their supper.

"We've created an environment where they're not living like they were," said Alan McKnight, director of Recreation and Parks. "The biggest challenge has been geese. They've become very aggressive."

And very messy. Along the Downtown riverfront and at Griggs and Hoover reservoirs, the end result of the birds' free meals -- their copious droppings -- has required more frequent cleaning and prompted worries about possible health hazards.

McKnight and Councilwoman Priscilla Tyson, who's sponsoring the legislation, said the proposed ban isn't designed to punish well-intentioned parkgoers. They promise that police won't be patrolling Columbus parks looking for children with bird feed or slices of bread.

It's a health issue for wildlife, too, Tyson said.

The California-based International Bird Rescue Research Center says on its Web site that people who feed bread and other processed foods to ducks and geese "are killing the birds with their kindness."

Bread and crackers offer no nutrition for the animals, the center says. It says human feeding also makes them dependent and less likely to seek their natural sources of food.

Some wildlife advocates, though, say feeding bans have little impact on bird populations and that the idea of health hazards from bird droppings isn't supported by research.

Dublin passed a law in 2003 that bans people from feeding ducks and geese. The Columbus legislation, which extends to all forms of wildlife, likely will go before the City Council next week.

NO CURE FOR BARKING DOGS

2008-01-14T15:18:00.000-05:00

I enjoy advertising in the city landscape. Advertising often offsets administration/operating costs for public amenities such as bus systems and provides passerbys with public service announcements or something interesting to look at and evokes a "city" aesthetic and feel.

However, I have noticed that Columbus has a problem with bench signs. The benches I am talking about are not the ones that are in parks or at bus stops that are routinely used by pedestrians. These benches are those placed along roads with high volumes of vehicular traffic and are placed specifically to advertise products not to create gathering spaces or comfortable waiting areas. These benches are actually just small billboards in disguise allowed to exist because they are in a bench format.

I find that these benches detract from the neighborhoods by their half-hazard placement and allow companies to take advantage of loopholes in existing sign code ordinances. I called the City of Columbus Development Dept because I had some difficulty navigating their Graphics ordinance and am waiting a call. I'll post the result.

I plan on starting a list of locations of where I feel back bench advertisements are inappropriately located.

Speaking of benches, I hope the Columbus Public Arts Commission encourages bench designs similar to these.

YANKEE GOES BOUTIQUE?

2008-01-12T12:36:00.001-05:00

I love Yankee Trader but the building that it is located in has been neglected for a long time and as neighboring buildings are being renovated, the structure's condition becomes more obvious.

Turning the site into a boutique hotel is a great idea. People's lodging preferences have evolved from finding comfort in chain hotels and are looking to complement their visit to another city with a unique overnight accommodation. Currently the Lofts are the only boutique hotel in Columbus but the expanding hotel and airport market suggest there is a greater demand for the niche lodging style. The location alone directly across from the Convention Center and adjacent to the Arena, SN, IV, and VV districts will help make this property conversion a success.

As for the criticism that a boutique hotel would dilute City plans for a large service hotel, I doubt that. Boutique and chain hotels attract different clienteles who are able/willing to pay more for a more customized overnight stay. While some distance between the properties is admittedly more ideal I do not think one would hurt the other especially since the Convention Center is trying to attract larger conventions which would in turn demand more rooms.

On another side note, you can see that the building's asking price -$5.1M reflects the growing popularity of the downtown and neighboring districts.

Boutique hotel suggested
Talk of 155-room inn near convention center riles backers who want a full-service property
Saturday, January 12, 2008 6:48 AM
By Mike Pramik and Marla Matzer Rose
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
A funky novelty store predating the Greater Columbus Convention Center and today's trendy Short North may play a key part in the future of both.

The owners of Yankee Trader have enlisted a real-estate broker to seek a buyer who will convert their aging brick building at 463 N. High St. into an upscale hotel.

The downside: The potential development could hurt plans for a larger, convention-style hotel being considered a block away on property controlled by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, local officials said this week.

Yankee Trader co-owner Lynette Howard said she's not planning to close the quirky store, known for Halloween costumes, rubber eyeballs and plastic rats. But she says she might move.

"I would never sell the business," she said. "If the price were right, I might sell the building."

Broker CB Richard Ellis said the Yankee Trader building, directly across from the convention center, would be ideal for a "boutique" hotel -- an intimate, upscale property not affiliated with a name brand.

The price being asked for the building is $5.1 million, according to the CB Richard Ellis report. That's quite a change from 1966, when it was assessed at $20,630.

Continued at....http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/01/12/Downtown_hotels.ART_ART_01-12-08_C10_3G91L81.html?sid=101

DONDE ESTAS?

2008-01-10T18:38:00.000-05:00

Broken Camera+Holidays+School Restarting+Sick+Bad Eggroll= No Blog Posts.

Sorry for not posting anything lately but I will be back in the game soon. If you are curious about anything let me know and I will look into it.

Sincerely,

Your resident Nancy Drew

MIXED SIGNALS?

2007-12-22T20:08:00.000-05:00

Anyone notice that this signage at 5th Avenue and 4th Street changed to "New Retail Space Coming Soon"? Sounds promising. This is a prime location since all the new residential projects are a few blocks south on 4th and 5th is a major traffic corridor and a gateway into the City.

Of course, the little corner bbq place would need to relocate. I hear the ribs are good but the blue tarp on the leaky roof makes me a little nervous.

MARY, MARY, HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

2007-12-22T19:06:00.000-05:00

Back in DC I hoed my little heart out in a community garden plot for almost four years. The experience was great with the exception of when my plot neighbor cut down my sunflowers one day because she felt they shaded her squash too much. I digress. Not only was I able to grow my own fresh vegetables and flowers but gardening was a great stress outlet for me and allowed me meet my fellow neighbors. From spring till fall, we would hold monthly on site bbq's, volunteer projects, etc. so it was a very close knit group.

After moving here a year ago I wanted to replicate the experience but had a hard time finding a location or person to contact so after a while I gave up. However, I just recently moved to the Italian Village and stumbled upon what appears to be a rundown community garden on Punta Street between Hamlet and Fourth Avenue. Obviously the winter season is party responsible for the garden's condition but I have feeling it is not as well loved as ones back in DC where most people do not have backyards. Anyone know about this site? I thought I would reach out to the online community before I contact the Growing to Green organization.

On a related note, as of 2006 the Franklin Park Conservatory became home of the American Community Garden Association. This is a pretty big deal and I wish Columbus would do more to publicize this organization and how it chose to relocate here.

X MARKS THE SPOT

2007-12-13T17:18:00.000-05:00

I fell in love with diagonal crosswalks in Pasadena earlier this year and think that they would work well in areas in Columbus with heavier pedestrian traffic such as Lane and High and in downtown. For those of you who are unfamiliar with them, at a certain time in the lighting cycle all four directions of traffic gets a red light allowing pedestrians to cross the intersection in any direction. It allows pedestrians to save time by reducing the wait time for crossing multiple approaches and provides benefits to drivers to because drivers turning right or left are not hindered by pedestrian traffic.

GHOULISH DOGPARK

2007-12-10T14:24:00.001-05:00

Last month the Columbus Dispatch did a nice feature on the Old Franklinton Cemetary and its adoptive caretaker Gary Royer. I have always found historic cemetaries with their weathered markers enchanting and fun to walk around. Not only are may of the markers beautifully crafted but they represent a community's past. Unfortunately these old burial grounds become neglected as family members of the buried move or pass away and maintance funds are redirected elsewhere.

Victorian era cemetaries were designed to be pleasure grounds where families regularly gathered and enjoyed the landscaped grounds. As public parks and private backyards became commonplace cemetaries became just where Aunt Mildred went after she expired. How people began to perceive cemetaries became unnesarily completely different. While I doubt that I'll propose a game of touch football at Old Franklinton any time soon, I believe cemetaries can be better integrated into the still-living community.

One of the biggest gripes urban Columbusites talk about it is the lack of dog parks in the city so how about dog walking community adopt the Old Franklinton Cemetary as a designated site? I imagine several people just made horrified faces at this suggestion. Before you judge hear me out.

The Congressional Cemetary in DC,the final resting place of J. Edgar Hoover and John Philip Sousa, was until the 1990's a neglected, vandalized cemetary despite its historical significance. Dog walkers saved the park from going to hell. Residents formed a neighborhood association and began using the cemetary for their dogs to exercise. The increased number of people in the park discouraged illegal activity and allowed the community to meet one another. The focus of the group then turned to restoring the cemetary and funded its activities through a dog walking membership program. People pay $200 a year and $50 for each dog to use the grounds.

Check out their dog walking site at http://www.cemeterydogs.org/getcat.php?cid=9
and the cemetary at http://www.congressionalcemetery.org/

Hollywood looked to its past to save its historic cemetary. Every summer beginning in May the Hollywood Forever Cemetary hosts a movie series that features many of the stars buried on the grounds. Old movies are shown outdoors on the side of a masoleum and movie goers can bring refreshments. For one evening a week the cemetary comes alive and becomes a fun gathering space for the community.

The website is at http://www.cinespia.org/

I think people's mindsets need to be changed about cemetaries. Sure, cemetaries need to be respected but they do not need to become off limit areas. Deceased people are not disrespected by people enjoying the cemetary grounds with their pets and loved ones. The deceased are disrespected when we forget about them completely.

DONKEYS FIND NEW STABLE

2007-12-05T15:43:00.000-05:00

This is really great news since the current headquarters is really awful from both the outside and inside. I need to drive by the new location but I wish it was more centrally located in downtown. I believe this location overlooks 70/71.

Redfern states the need for the new accommodations very well- a new building will reflect the growing resurgence of the Democratic party in Ohio. I hope that the new headquarters will be open to having progressive groups use the new space for meetings and gatherings (if party rules allow).

Democrats buy new, bigger HQ Downtown
Wednesday, December 5, 2007 2:16 PM
By Joe Hallett

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Buoyed by a rebirth after the 2006 statewide election, the Ohio Democratic Party has purchased a new Downtown home, nearly tripling the size of its current headquarters at 271 E. State St.

State party Chairman Chris Redfern said today that the party will move its staff of 38 to the 29,000-square-foot building formerly occupied by the Salvation Army at the corner of Fulton and Grant streets on Dec. 14.

Redfern said the building was listed for sale at $2.2 million and the party paid $1.6 million. The party will use money from its state building fund, which can accept corporate contributions, to pay the mortgage. A single corporation cannot contribute more than 10 percent of the total cost of the building under Ohio law.

“We believe we’re now the most successful state party organization in the nation, and if you are, you need to have a building appropriate for that,” Redfern said.

Through much of the 1990s and early 2000s, the Democrats were on life support as Republicans controlled all branches of government. But the party made a comeback in 2006 by winning four of five state executive offices and picking up seats in the General Assembly and Congress.

Redfern said the party will sell its current headquarters after the November 2008 election. Meanwhile, it will make the building available for rent to Democratic presidential candidates during the primary election campaign and to the party’s eventual nominee through the rest of the 2008. The party bought the building from the Ohio AFL-CIO for $825,000 in 1998 and still owes just under $600,000, Redfern said.

The new headquarters, wheelchair accessible unlike the old one, contains a commercial kitchen and will be used for a variety of party functions, including state central and executive committee meetings and fund-raisers. The party has had to rent buildings for such functions until now. The new facility also has twice as many parking places as the old.

ART COMMISSION ROLLS UP SLEEVES

2007-12-02T11:37:00.000-05:00

FINALLY..

City's public art, such as it is, gets some oversight
Sunday, December 2, 2007 3:28 AM
By Robert Vitale
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
KIRK IRWINDISPATCH

One of Columbus' public sculptures, The City, sits rusting, wrapped in snow fencing at Bicentennial Park and bearing a sign admonishing visitors to avoid climbing it.
Who better to pass judgment on the merits of art than the men and women who pave Columbus streets?

Nearly 50 years after creating a Columbus Art Commission to oversee sculptures, murals, fountains and other works in public places, the city finally has convened the group, whose roster of artists and art experts will take over duties previously assigned to transportation engineers.

The commission's seven members have met three times since October. They will make decisions about maintaining city-owned art, buying or accepting new pieces, and allowing private owners to place artwork on city property.

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2007/12/02/artrules.ART_ART_12-02-07_B1_7H8L79S.html?sid=101

DISPATCH LAUNCHES CITY ARTICLE SERIES

2007-12-02T11:31:00.000-05:00

A great eight part series about the state of Ohio's major cities launched today. Check it out.

On the brink
Can Ohio's big cities be saved?
Sunday, December 2, 2007 3:47 AM
By Mark Niquette, Alan Johnson and Joe Hallett
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The pictures are old, faded, black and white.

But the vibrancy of Ohio's once-thriving big cities remains crystal clear. You see it in faces in the crush of people outside W.T. Grant's in downtown Youngstown in 1952, the frenetic shift change at B.F. Goodrich Co. in Akron in the 1940s, a bustling street market in Dayton in 1910.

Most of the stores, factories and people in those photos are long gone, reminders of an era when Ohio's large cities were powerhouses. Their workers helped build America with the steel, cars and tires they made. Their entrepreneurs gave the world powered flight, the automobile self-starter and other inventions.

Today, however, most of Ohio's seven largest cities are teetering.

With the exception of Columbus, they have shed more than one-third of their population and watched as income, home values and other economic indicators dropped below national averages while poverty, job losses, crime and foreclosures skyrocketed.

For the rest visit....http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2007/12/02/CITYFATE.ART_ART_12-02-07_A1_UF8K98V.html?sid=101

PLAN FRANKLIN PARK

2007-11-27T16:17:00.000-05:00

Here is a great opportunity for people to suggest what should happen on the Far East Side. This appeal comes from the City of Columbus planners. Read on.

We are in contract to buy the old streetcar facility at Oak &
Kelton. The facility was built in the 1880s, and covers about 3.2
acres in about 5 buildings in various stages of falling down. Our
goal would be to rehab and preserve the existing buildings -- I
repeat -- we have no plans for demolition!! !

We are exploring a couple different concepts for the site. The one
that has resonated the most with the people I have talked with is a
concept for a community market -- a gathering place where you can
come and spend a few hours on a weekend, browsing, looking, and
ultimately BUYING unique, one-of-a-kind items made by local
craftspersons or antiques.

This concept would involve leasing small spaces to craftspersons
(jewelery, pottery, woodwork, stained glass, artists, etc.) for
around $100-$150 per month, but running the market like a department
store with centralized management/cashier. Ideally, there would be
+/- 50-75 different small vendors, selling any number of mix of
items (ideally self-made), which could include:

- The aforementioned craftspersons
- Antique dealers (probably focusing more on furniture and home
goods more than knicknacks)
- Speciality food items (a hot sauce store, like in New Orleans!!??)
- Local/speciality beers and wines
- Health/wellness items, vitamins, nutritional supplements
- Candles, incense, aromatherapy, soaps/bath products
- Bakery
- Flowers/Greeting cards/Books
- Coffee shop/small restaurant or grill/gathering place

There is also room on the site for a small amphitheater that could
host things like clowns, jugglers, acoustic music, etc. In my mind,
if we went down this path, the goal would be to create a funky,
eclectic kind of place unlike any other in the city -- a place kind
of like my favorite book store, the Book Loft, that you want to show
other people because it is so unique.

Obviously, there would be zoning questions that would have to be
satisfied to do this type of thing, so what we could consider is
something that would ideally have the buy-in and rabid support of
surrounding residents. (And before that, there are project funding
questions -- can you create a solid enough plan to convince lenders
to finance something like this?)

The questions I have for the group are:

1) the site is off the beaten path -- do you think a concept like
that could survive (and then thrive) in this "tucked away"
location?,
2) what types of things could be offered there that the neighborhood
needs and that would draw steady business from within the
neighborhood?
3) what would need to happen to make this a funky, cool, quirky kind
of place where you would want to hang out with your friends for a
couple hours on a sunny Saturday (or is that even the right goal)?
4) what other concepts or ideas should we consider for the site?

Thanks much for your ideas and insights. Please respond robustly
(whatever that means) ...

-- Jon Beard
Columbus Compact Corp.
251-0926 ext. 101

COLUMBUS UNVEILS HUMAN FROGGER

2007-11-23T08:47:00.000-05:00

This is the site on N. High where I play human frogger every other day. Sometimes its exciting, sometimes it is just scary. My goal is not to become that tragic scene in many a Lifetime Channel movie where a woman crossing the street at the last minute sees a speeding car's headlights. All the viewer sees is the woman's panic stricken, wide-eyed face and then one shoe flying in the air. It never ends well.

After coming from a very pedestrian-friendly city, it can be alarming to be in Columbus where pedestrian traffic is an afterthought and drivers can be openly confrontational with pedestrians. I would love to see High Street, Cleveland Avenue and other streets add some pedestrian traffic safeguards to make people more comfortable with walking.

Some good options include adding in-pavement lighting and landscaped median islands. In-pavement lighting is essentially lights embedded in the roadway at crosswalks that are visible to oncoming traffic. Lights can flash continously or be triggered by a push button or sensed by automotic detection features. Median islands where pedestrians can safely stop midway during crossing a street. The islands not only provided a buffer from oncoming traffic but they improve the aesthetics of the street.

Or I guess I could wear neon green jumpsuits when walking.

GAHANNA IS GRINCH FREE

2007-11-21T14:37:00.001-05:00

While not in Columbus, Holiday Lights is a cute, hometown event in downtown Gahanna that kicks off the Christmas season. Pop into Seeker's Coffee Shop in the new Creekside Development and get yourself a peppermint latte to stay warm.

Join in the festivities at one of the most unique holiday parades and festivals in the Midwest! The Holiday Lights! Parade & Festival, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is most known for Central Ohio’s Original All-lighted Nighttime Parade, a spectacle that draws over 50,000 attendees to the streets of Gahanna to watch a stream of 100 entries including horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, floats, antique fire engines, and more!

Head down before the sun sets to enjoy festival activities for the whole family. Children and adults alike will enjoy crafts, games, entertainment, food and more! Be sure to come early to brave the crowds and get a good spot on the parade route!

Don’t miss this exciting kickoff to the season of magic, at the 2007 Ninth Annual Gahanna Holiday Lights! Parade & Festival, Saturday, November 24!

SOUTH SIDE SCHOTT TO GO

2007-11-16T16:45:00.000-05:00

City to raze old Schottenstein store
Friday, November 16, 2007 2:32 PM

The city plans to demolish the old Schottenstein store at Parsons and Reeb avenues, along with a nearby grocery.

The city plans to spend $325,000 to tear down the landmark department store and the IGA supermarket just to the west on Reeb. Some South Siders had said the city should redevelop the grocery site into a new community health center.

The Columbus City Council is set to vote on approving the money on Monday.

The city bought the building last year, saying the site would be a major component of the area's redevelopment. Plans call for some sort of commercial or retail use there, said Mark Froehlich, president and chief executive of Columbus Urban Growth Corp.,

Some residents and business owners have expressed frustration with the lack of progress on redeveloping the corridor, which thrived in the days when jobs at factories and plants were plentiful on the industrial South Side.

MERRY CIVIL WAR XMAS TO YOU

2007-11-13T11:15:00.000-05:00

While everyone loves a cannon, will people travel in from the suburbs just to hear it fire? I am going out on a limb here and say no. And what is with the Civil War re-enactors? Since when is the spirit of the holidays best represented by referencing state secession?

This annual event has the potential to be so much more than it is. I think this would be great if the Lighting of the Christmas Tree coincided with a free outdoor holiday concert that brought together local performing arts groups such as the Columbus Symphony and the Columbus Children's Choir. An outdoor holiday crafts fair, complimentary apple cider, and seasonal food vendors would really compliment this event and make it appealing to a diverse population. I also have issue with the timing. While this event may be able to attract downtown workers who are just punching out for the day there is little time for them to collect their family members and return to the Capitol.

I am hopeful that this event will evolve and perhaps when NBC relocates their broadcasting studio downtown across from the Capital they can help sponsor an overhauled and much improved Columbus Holiday Celebration.

And no mention of a menorah or Kwanza? Really?? I guess it really is an accurately told Civil War Christmas in Columbus.

Statehouse Holiday Tree Lighting and Festival
Get ready to celebrate the holidays Downtown. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, Governor and First Lady Strickland will kick off the holiday season by lighting the 92nd annual Statehouse holiday tree. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 pm on the West steps of the Ohio Statehouse. Immediately following the tree lighting, the Governor will command the firing of a Civil War era cannon, which will signal the simultaneous lighting of the buildings on Capitol Square.

The ceremony will be followed by a free festival in the Statehouse Rotunda, with refreshments, performances, a model train display, a Santa Claus photo station, a finger printing I.D. activity station, Civil War re-enactors, a theatrical reading of A Christmas Carol, and the opportunity to visit with Clara and the Nutcracker from BalletMet's The Nutcracker and Stinger from the Blue Jackets.

PEARLS RELATIONSHIP SOURS

2007-11-09T07:39:00.000-05:00

Shake-up at Pearl Alley farmers' market
Friday, November 9, 2007 5:38 AM
By Monique Curet
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Capital Crossroads will replace the Pearl Alley Growers' Association with its own farmers.
The group that pioneered the annual Pearl Alley farmers' market Downtown won't be part of it next year.

A long-simmering dispute over the location of produce and merchandise booths came to a head last week when Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District said it will replace the Pearl Alley Growers' Association with its own group of farmers.

Capital Crossroads, which represents High Street business owners, holds the permit for the summertime market.

Those who are part of the growers' group are welcome to join the new one, Capital Crossroads director Cleve Ricksecker said in a letter to the farmers.

Ricksecker introduced another element to the dispute in a separate letter to the farmers' market managers: too few vendors. The main reason for ending the relationship with the Pearl Alley growers group was its "inability … to attract and retain farmers in the market," he wrote to Marcy Musson, who manages the group with her husband.

"As farmers' markets flourish in central Ohio, the Pearl Alley Farmers' Market gets smaller each year. The presence and health of a farmers' market in downtown is too important to allow this trend to continue."

The heart of the dispute is vendor location. Traditionally, the farmers occupied the mouth of Pearl Alley near Broad Street and allowed general-merchandise vendors in that area at their discretion.

Capital Crossroads wanted to close the gaps between vendors on days when few farmers set up shop, to appear fuller and attract customers. The farmers were concerned about maintaining their identity.

"We wouldn't have done this if we weren't hearing from most of the farmers out there who are very unhappy with the way the market is being run," Ricksecker said in an interview.

Musson declined to comment.

Ricksecker told Pearl Alley growers that fees for participation would be reduced, although he didn't know how much. Farmers pay $350 to have a booth for the whole season, or they can pay by the day, $25 each day.

"I'm just hoping that the market continues in whatever capacity," said Mike Anderson, owner of Sundog Specialty Crops and a member of the Pearl Alley Growers' Association. He raises certified-organic fruits, vegetables and flowers at his Sunbury farm.

Anderson said he'd be willing to work with Capital Crossroads to keep selling at the market.

"It's important to our farm to have those marketing outlets."

PARKING LOTS OF THE FUTURE?

2007-11-08T15:53:00.000-05:00

Just like sex being safer (not safe) when a condom is used, parking lots can be eco-friendlier (not friendly as stated below) when fly ash is used.

Would love to see this incorporated into Coleman's Get Green initiative if the observation period at OSU shows promising results. A logical first location would be the to-be-redeveloped Weinland Park Kroger.

Hold up fly ash, hold up.

GROUNDBREAKING CONCRETE PAVES WAY FOR PARKING LOTS
Rachel Lichtenfeld
The Lantern Nov. 8, 2007

A motorcycle on the new parking surface in front of the Journalism Building.While many riders use the new motorcycle parking lot outside Caldwell Laboratory, which was installed in August, few realize the significance of the lot: It is made of eco-friendly pervious concrete and is the first project of its kind at Ohio State.

Pervious concrete leaks water like a sieve, allowing water to return to the ground and eliminates the need for a drainage system. It is created by leaving most of the sand out of a concrete mixture and replacing some of the cement with fly ash, a coal by-product. The removal of most of the sand from the concrete mixture creates small holes that allow rainwater and snow to filter directly into the ground.

Tarunjit Butalia, a research scientist in civil and environmental engineering and coordinator of the Ohio Coal Combustion Product Center, said replacing cement with fly ash has environmental benefits.

"For every ton of cement in concrete that you replace with fly ash, you avoid 0.8 tons of CO2 emissions," he said. "And with pervious concrete, you're also recharging the groundwater instead of having standing water, which can be a health hazard."

For full Lantern article....
http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2007/11/08/Campus/Groundbreaking.Concrete.Paves.Way.For.Parking.Lots-3088400.shtml

STICKER ENVY

2007-11-05T16:40:00.001-05:00

Remember to vote tomorrow, Tues. Nov. 6.

If you have any questions regarding where you are scheduled to vote, what form of identification to bring with you, etc. check online at the Ohio Secretary of State home page. Jen Brunner's got your back.

Yours truly will single handidly preventing voting irregularities as a precinct poll worker from the ungodly hour of 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. I think I just heard a choir of angels begining to sing my praise.

TALES FROM THE STREET

2007-11-02T22:48:00.001-04:00

I've often found that the smallest details make the biggest impact. Take for example this choose-your-own-adventure sidewalk story that has been created by a street artist in San Francisco's Mission District. The artist using spray paint stencils on the sidewalk tells a love story between a man and a woman. Four different endings are possible based on which direction the reader chooses to follow the story.

In case you can't read the picture text here it is in a little larger font. "A sudden guest of wind blows the plastic daisy from his bike and across the street". If you want the character to retrieve it, you must turn left. If you want him to continue without it, you move forward. Based on what you want the character to do, you shape the story and the ultimate outcome.

This is just a beautiful, flirty idea and ideal for a downtown such as Columbus where sidewalks are large and not overly crowded so the story can be noticed and people won't be upset if you stop and read it. These stories can be written by local authors, tell a story about the neighborhood they appear in, be temporary or permanent, etc. Several different stories can appear along the same stretch and not be confused if the text border and paint color distinguish the stories.

I especially like this idea because I think it appeals to residents and tourists alike and is a surprising, fun and potentially heart warming experience to stumble upon. Sidewalks are blank pallets and it is up to us to make art.

ALL A GLOW

2007-11-02T11:59:00.000-04:00

Permanent installation
With gift, conservatory's Palm House to glow
Friday, November 2, 2007 3:35 AM
By Tim Feran
The Columbus Dispatch

A James Turrell project in various shades: the Gas Company in Leipzig, Germany
An internationally known artist will transform the Palm House at the Franklin Park Conservatory into a million-dollar art show, conservatory officials announced yesterday.
Using a gift from the Limited Brands Foundation, James Turrell will create a permanent installation to illuminate the Victorian-era glass building from dusk till dawn -- but not in a traditional way.
As with other Turrell works, the lights will mix colors within the space, essentially allowing the building "to perform," said Bruce Harkey, executive director of the conservatory.
The light will be controlled by a computer program
designed by Ben Pearcy,
under Turrell's direction, and delivered through low-voltage light-emitting diode technology.
The Palm House will remain open during the installment.
Harkey expects the project -- to premiere next fall -- to gain a worldwide profile, attracting visitors from around the globe to the conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St.

MAIN IS ALL ABLOOM

2007-10-30T10:57:00.000-04:00

Flowers on Orchard Lane is preparing to open its new digs at 139 E. Main St. on Nov. 9. Among the plans: a drive-up window on Lazelle for call-ahead orders.

We’re making it so easy for people,” says owner Janet Reese. “They don’t even have to get out of their car.”

After ten years in a small shop in Clintonville, Reese is moving her shop to a much larger space Downtown.

“Our whole family is urban-oriented,” she says. “We really like Downtown.”

With more space will come more offerings. Flowers on Orchard Lane will feature a full-blown flower boutique with a line of bridal accessories and chocolates from Pure Imagination, plus one-of-a-kind home accessories and gifts. And you can watch the flower people work their flower magic thanks to an open workspace.

The name, however, will stay the same. Reese says Knot magazine, the wedding industry bible, recently named Flowers on Orchard Lane one of the best in the Midwest, so a switch now would not be good.

“I’d love to be Flowers on Main,” she says. “But we’ll stick with the name people know.”

Flowers on Orchard Lane - on Main - will host an open house Nov. 9 and 10. Call 800-599-2994 for more info.

ATTACK OF THE BRUTUS CLONES

2007-10-29T12:53:00.000-04:00

This has been done a million times elsewhere but I am still game.

OSU to place 6-foot-tall 'Brutus on Parade' statues around city

Monday, October 29, 2007 12:21 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Cincinnati had painted pigs around town several years ago, and Cleveland had giant, specially-decorated guitars.

Next year, Columbus will host one of these public art projects, which Ohio State University is calling “Brutus on Parade.”

The school is looking for sponsors to help put 6-foot-2 fiberglass statues of the Buckeyes mascot around the city, to benefit the renovation planned for the campus library. The Web site for the project shows examples of possible designs for the statues, including Brutus painted to look like Elvis or Buckeyes' legendary football coach Woody Hayes.

The designs will be chosen by the sponsors.

Four statues will be unveiled at a kickoff event this Wednesday.

KROGER ON THE MOVE

2007-10-28T17:45:00.001-04:00

Looks like Kroger bulldozed the two houses that sat on Courtland Street adjacent to their current store. I haven't seen any proposed/approved design or a timeline associated with their new store but it appears that they are gearing up. I cannot wait for what the neighborhood calls "kro-ghetto" to close. The store is poorly constructed on the site i.e. parking lot along the street, large box facade, etc. and just plain dirty on the inside.

KUDOS FRANKLINTON

2007-10-28T11:52:00.000-04:00

I am really proud of the Franklinton Neighborhood Assoc for standing their ground on the style and quality of housing they want for the area. Too often developers come into struggling neighborhoods and build inferior houses or those that do not fit in with the existing community but expect to be heralded as a hero because they built something while others have not. City leadership frequently allows this development to occur because they can say that they have spearheaded change in a needed part of town. Infill development is tricky and must interact positively with its surroundings. What Gazarra is proposing is just another development that will do nothing for Franklinton.

Porches are especially important for this community because they are natural gathering spaces for residents and the more people outside means there are more eyes on the street. An increased street presence typically results in reduced criminal activity because people know they are being watched.

Homes not right fit for neighborhood, leaders say

Sunday, October 28, 2007 4:07 AM

By Mark Ferenchik

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Vince Gazzara wants to build four houses in Franklinton, the poor Columbus neighborhood of century-old houses just west of Downtown that is struggling to reverse its fortunes.

But he doesn't want to build basements, garages or porches. So neighborhood leaders -- as much as they want new construction -- don't want his houses.

The houses Gazzara wants to build aren't fancy. They're two-story, vinyl-sided homes on slabs that would sell for $75,000.

Carol Stewart, who leads the Franklinton Area Commission, said she wants better.

"We would rather see a green space than to put up something that doesn't match the neighboring houses," she said.

Gazzara said neighborhood leaders' requirements that he build houses with garages, basements and porches would make his homes unaffordable.

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2007/10/28/FRANKHOME.ART_ART_10-28-07_B1_538A74B.html?sid=101

BLUE BLOOD COMES TO N. HIGH

2007-10-27T15:02:00.000-04:00

Not my favorite name ever but apparently the Emperor's Newest Clothes has a loyal following at its current location in Grandview. Not sure if they are expanding to two shops or limiting their operations to just Columbus. Location is 636 N. High Street next door to East Village.

IT DOES A BODY GOOD

2007-10-23T17:45:00.000-04:00

New face at N. High and W. 5th.

I am intrigued.

JETBLUE GROUNDED

2007-10-23T09:29:00.000-04:00

JetBlue to quit Columbus

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:54 AM

JetBlue announced today it will discontinue operations in Columbus and Nashville on Jan. 6.

"We are taking the difficult but necessary step to discontinue operations in these two markets," Dave Barger, JetBlue's chief executive, said in a statement. "After more than 12 months of service and a detailed review of traffic and revenue trends in these two cities, we have decided to redeploy our assets."

The annoucement came as the company reported third quarter earnings. Net income for the quarter was $23 million, or 12 cents per diluted share, compared with a third quarter 2006 net loss of $500,000.

The New York-based company began its service from Port Columbus with four daily nonstop flights to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Oct. 3, 2006.

LOOK KIDS. BIG BEN, PARLIAMENT

2007-10-22T16:27:00.000-04:00

I am happy to see roundabouts finally coming into vogue in Central Ohio. The article is a nice introduction for many people to roundabouts but I thought I would add a couple of tidbits.

Roundabouts and traffic circles can be extremely beneficial to not only suburban communities and heavily trafficked roads but also to major urban centers. NYC and DC have been embracing roundabouts and traffic circles for years in their inner city. Many of these circles have become hugely popular parks and public spaces where city dwellers gather- some are even dog walking parks.

Roundabouts are also great opportunities for communities to place large public art pieces. Dublin has installed a faux ruin in one of their roundabouts and while I find it really cheesy I do applaud them for their attempt.

No getting around roundabout craze
Monday, October 22, 2007 3:42 AM
By Martin Rozenman
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Hilliard plans to build five more roundabouts like this one at Britton Parkway and Riggins Road. Statistics show the traffic circles reduce crashes and injuries when compared with traditional intersections. They save money and fuel, too."
Hilliard plans to build five more roundabouts like this one at Britton Parkway and Riggins Road. Statistics show the traffic circles reduce crashes and injuries when compared with traditional intersections. They save money and fuel, too.
Central Ohioans are turning to the right more often these days. That's because of the growing popularity of roundabouts, not conservative politics.
Long popular in Europe and Australia, the circular intersections where everyone turns right are becoming trendy here, too.
An unofficial count by the engineering and architectural design firm Burgess & Niple showed eight roundabouts moving traffic in central Ohio with four under construction and 19 more planned.

For more...
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2007/10/22/ROUNDABOUTS.ART_ART_10-22-07_B1_VT88EKR.html?sid=101

SKYBUS GOES COUNTRY

2007-10-22T16:22:00.000-04:00

Skybus to make Greensboro, N.C., second hub
Monday, October 22, 2007 12:23 PM
By Marla Matzer Rose
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Skybus Airlines will name Greensboro, N.C., as its first “focus city” outside Columbus today at that city’s Piedmont Triad International Airport. Flights to cities other than Columbus will begin in January, and will include current Skybus destinations in Florida and elsewhere.
State and local officials in the Greensboro area joined the airport in courting Skybus with millions of dollars worth of incentives. Greensboro’s main competition was Richmond, Va., which still hopes to add more service from Skybus as early as mid-2008.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP STRIKES OUT

2007-10-20T12:22:00.000-04:00

City has eyes on Cooper Stadium

Columbus seeks to annex 47 acres from township

Saturday, October 20, 2007 3:29 AM

By Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

As the Columbus Clippers prepare to move out of Cooper Stadium, their old home might move into Columbus.

The City Council will take up legislation Monday to annex the 47 acres of ballpark, work buildings and parking lots, which have been part of Franklin Township since before the stadium opened in 1932. Annexation also needs approval from Franklin County, which owns the land.

County commissioners put the stadium site up for sale last month, hoping it gets snatched up by private developers with big plans. A proposal backed by Franklinton business leaders, to turn the site into a Harley-Davidson dealership and tourist attraction, fell through this year.

The Clippers will play their last season in Cooper Stadium next year and then move to Huntington Park, which is being built in the Arena District.

In a statement yesterday, Mayor Michael B. Coleman said city government already is involved in projects around the old stadium on W. Mound Street, including the West Edge Business Park and improvements to housing in Franklinton.

"We want to see Cooper Stadium reborn as an asset to the entire community, whether as a site for recreation and tourism or jobs and business development," Coleman said.

Spokesman Mike Brown said annexation will give Columbus a say in the site's future. The city has more experience in urban redevelopment, he said, and will be able to offer tax breaks and other incentives to shape its future.

Cooper Stadium is valued between $3.25 million and $3.7 million. Its tax exemption under county ownership means no taxes for Franklin Township or South-Western City Schools.

Annexation to the city would shut out both -- and benefit Columbus and Columbus City Schools -- just as the property moves into private hands.

"We definitely oppose it," Franklin Township Trustee Tim Guyton said. "We have the same services we need to maintain as everyone else."

Guyton said there's nothing the township can do to stop annexation, though. He said county officials have promised him they will try to broker a tax-sharing agreement with Columbus.

South-Western schools officials weren't available for comment.

COURT DESIGN DISMISSED

2007-10-19T10:18:00.000-04:00

I am really disappointed to read that the Franklin County Court House design may change from the bottom image to the top image. Pizutti has really made a sincere effort to come up with a unique design that embraces environmentally friendly practices and interacts well with the site and the surrounding buildings. Downtown which has lost its architectural history through demolition cannot afford to put up another bland appearing building. While I recognize that their are financial limitations to consider I strongly believe that we are once again missing a unique opportunity to create a new image for our downtown by not creating an architecturally significant civic building. Full story below.

Courthouse price tag soars by $11 million
Friday, October 19, 2007 3:53 AM
By Barbara Carmen
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Franklin County commissioners were reeling from sticker shock yesterday, after learning their dazzling, $105 million glass courthouse could run 10 percent over budget unless they make hard choices.
"It looks like $11 million in compromises," Commissioner Paula Brooks said after meeting with architects.
Designers described the proposed ways to stay on budget as "value engineering options."
Commissioners had an immediate reaction to the redesigned exteriors. They didn't like them.
"It looks kind of like an old post office," Brooks said. "Where have these issues been before? This is a pretty big design change."
Architects allowed that the projector they were using wasn't the best, but they didn't argue that they liked the original -- and pricier -- designs better.
Mike Bird of Pizzuti Solutions, which is overseeing the project for commissioners, said they're not over budget, and choices made in coming weeks by commissioners will keep it that way.
General conceptual designs were unveiled in June. Actual engineering recently provided a clearer price tag.
"This is how these projects go. You have to fine-tune. Rarely do they come in under budget," Bird said. "We're saying to commissioners: Here are some options. Here are some opportunities."
Some proposed cuts were better received than others. For example, commissioners indicated it makes sense to eliminate 4-foot-deep ledges on the north side of the building. That will save $2.2 million in construction materials. And the windows will be cheaper to clean because crews won't need to stretch.
"Four feet -- that's as big as me!" quipped Commissioner Marilyn Brown, who is not quite that petite.
The redesign might also please the Downtown Commission, whose members compared the deeply recessed facade to a parking garage.
That commission has the ability to kill a project it doesn't like, but Chairman Harrison Smith said he'll wait to pass judgment until he sees the choices commissioners make.
"It's a question of whether these trade-offs are made in sensible ways," Smith said. "I think we have to recognize budget constraints. The place I don't like to see them come, I guess, is at a time this late in the process."
One proposal already raising eyebrows is the use of pre-cast concrete on the west side of the building. The original design has walls of windows facing the river. This glass would be discarded in 2030 if the courthouse is expanded.
Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy appeared skeptical: "So it would look like that for 20 years? That's a significant change in the look and feel of the building.
"I've asked all along, 'Could we build this building with this budget?' The building seems not quite the same building we were getting before."
David A. Brehm of the DesignGroup, lead architect on the project, told commissioners they are keenly aware that they're producing an "important building … But, we're driven to meet budget."
The public likely won't notice many of the change options outlined yesterday: For example, designers suggested using cheaper floor coverings in support-staff areas and shaving a few inches off each courtroom.
Cumulative savings, however, would be huge.
Brehm told commissioners he wanted to "get a feel for your acceptance" before proceeding with more detailed design drawings and showing changes to those who will use the new Common Pleas courthouse.
Watching closely is Judge Richard A. Frye, who said commissioners must weigh short-term costs with a long-term investment.
"They've never really had any hard designs to put a budget against," Frye said. "This building will really be a landmark. We can't roll over and make this thing a mess."

EMPTY SLATE- N. HIGH AND E. FIFTH

2007-10-19T08:21:00.000-04:00

Update from the below post...Here is a pic of the cleared site.

My camera died on me this morning so I couldn't take a picture but I wanted to let you all know that the fuel station has been torn down. The canopy remains but crews were still onsite so that may be the next to go.

STATE CAPITOL IN MINIATURE

2007-10-18T11:21:00.000-04:00

I think this is another good step at bringing cultural centers alive downtown.

Interactive museum set for Statehouse

Thursday, October 18, 2007 4:00 AM

By Alan Johnson

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The new museum will be built on the ground level of the Statehouse. It will have touch-screen displays and images projected on the ceiling and walls.

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Hilferty Museum Planning and Exhibit Design

The new museum will be built on the ground level of the Statehouse. It will have touch-screen displays and images projected on the ceiling and walls.

State officials have approved building not one but two new Statehouses, both made entirely of glass.

One will light up internally to highlight architectural features. The second will project video and photographs on the walls showing major events in the 146-year history of the Statehouse.

Of course, the two new Statehouses will be pretty small: 4 feet wide and 18 inches tall, about one-64th the size of the real thing.

The models will be part of a $3.5 million interactive Statehouse Museum that by March 2009 will bring eye-popping interactive electronic exhibits and innovative hands-on displays to the rather drab ground-level floor or "crypt" level of the state capitol. The project will be funded with private donations from the nonprofit Capitol Square Foundation, along with $741,000 previously approved by the state legislature.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Committee, the panel that oversees the Statehouse and grounds, unanimously approved plans for the 15,000-square-foot museum yesterday.

"Our greatest hope," said Richard H. Finan, former Ohio Senate president and chairman of the board, "is that the Statehouse itself, complemented by the new museum, will inspire the next generation of public servants."

About 61,000 people toured the Statehouse last year; another 24,000 came for special events.

While it won't compete with Disney World, the new museum will feature state-of-the-art interactive technology: touch-screen displays, mini-projectors and images projected on ceilings and walls.

There also will be backdrops where visitors will be able stand at a podium and deliver their own State of the State speech or sit at the governor's desk and sign a bill into law as the governor -- and have it all captured on video.

Another electronic feature will allow visitors to try their hand at the daunting task of balancing the state budget, using a tabletop pie chart and colored balls to allocate spending for various categories. Computerized budget "experts" will be available to help.

Elections also will be highlighted, with a look at voting technology from the ballot box to touch-screens, as well as video displays for campaign TV commercials.

One highlight of the new museum will need no bells and whistles: the Ohio Constitution, displayed in a sealed case. Officials were uncertain whether the fragile original 1802 document or its 1851 successor will be exhibited.

Gerry Hilferty, president of Hilferty Museum Planning and Exhibit Design, a top national firm located in Athens that planned the museum, said no other working Statehouse in the country will match Ohio's high-tech presentation. Hilferty's clients include the Lewis and Clark Visitors Center in St. Louis, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Ky., and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

Charles R. Moses, chairman of the Capitol Square Foundation, said private donations still are being raised to pay for the museum project. More than a dozen local companies and foundations have contributed, including $100,000 from the Wolfe Foundation. John F. Wolfe is chairman, publisher and CEO of The Dispatch.

SPECTATORS WANTED

2007-10-17T16:07:00.000-04:00

The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon run starts at the intersection of Broad and High Streets in downtown Columbus this Sunday, October 21, at 8:00 a.m. for runners (7 a.m. for walkers).

Marathons are great special events because they showcase city neighborhoods to the hundreds and sometime thousands of participants and spectators.

If you are not running think about cheering on the racers. It is a fun and encouraging way to spend a Sunday afternoon and as a past marathoner can attest to how helpful it is to see people on the sidelines. If you do decide to go this Sunday think about doing one or all of the following:

Write well wishes in chalk on the street
Cheer, clap and whistle- call out bib numbers or names
Bring a poster or sign
Bring candy, granola bars or cut oranges to hand out

A full course map is available at http://www.columbusmarathon.com/ which can help you locate the runners or find alternative driving routes.

THE SKY IS NOT FALLING

2007-10-17T15:40:00.000-04:00

I've long admired the Addressing Machine and Supply building on E. Fourth Avenue across from the post office and was pleased to see it being cleaned out last Thursday. I did have to dodge objects being thrown into a pickup truck from the third floor but it still warmed my hear to see some progress on it.

Cue the rumor mill....what is going on in there? I hope they keep or fix the Adressing sign.

30 ALUMINUM CANS GET YOU A LATTE

2007-10-17T13:59:00.000-04:00

Every few days I load up my car with my recycling to take to Kroger on N. High. This never goes well for me. Either I forget to drop them off and my car ends up smelling like a mix of stale Diet Pepsi and red wine for a few days or I take a corner too fast and I end up with juice bottles wedged under my seat. I could simply pay for curbside recycling and end my self-inflicted suffering but I refuse to solely on principle. So the question is why should people be allowed to throw as much as they want in the trash can when it costs to recycle?

And now a vent followed by a suggestion.

To give Columbus credit, recycling collection sites and curbside recycling do exist and the City did experiment with the blue bag recycling for a short while. While these available options are better than not having any recycling programs, what we do have is insufficient and certainly not advancing environmentally friendly practices by the City. Mayor Coleman continually boasts his Get Green initiative but the plan is not all encompassing and only highlights his successes (i.e. Lazarus) and not what he is failing to do. Coleman has an awesome opportunity to make a bold decision and institute free curbside recycling but he fails to do so citing a promise made in the 1950's not to charge for waste collection. His lack of initiative reflects an overall complacency with maintaining the status quo.

Sorry, I got worked up. So if Mayor Coleman believes that people will not pay for trash collection how about starting an incentive-based recycling program similar to Philadelphia's Recycle Bank. This recommendation may sound familiar since it played on NPR this morning.

Recycle-Bank distributes green containers with identifying bar codes free of charge to any city resident. Collection trucks scan and weigh the containers to see how much is being recycled. Each participating household can earn up to 35 USD per month in the form of coupons to be used toward purchases at a major chain such as Starbucks. Participants can track and redeem their points online. Recycle-Bank makes a profit by charging the municipality about 24-30 USD per participating household which the City makes up in money saved in landfill fees.

I think this is a brilliant option that needs to be further explored by the City of Columbus. For more information on Recycle Bank, visit http://www.recyclebank.com/. Their pig/trashcan logo alone is worth the visit alone.

BIG BOX EVALUATOR TOOL

2007-10-12T08:34:00.000-04:00

The Orton Family Foundation enthusiastically announced its release of the Big Box Evaluator tool, designed to help communities and individuals learn about the impacts of big box retail stores. The unbiased tool is designed not to take a stand on big box development, but to help citizens make informed decisions based on each community's specific characteristics and values.

Available free to the public at www.bigboxevaluator.org, the web-based interface allows users to learn about commercial and retail development in general, but also to input specific information from their communities and receive customized reports on economics, values, planning and municpal services, and ways to improve the development process.

Citizens in communities facing proposals for big box development can select the type of town that most closely resembles their own, and the type of development proposed (neighborhood store to large "supercenter"). Users can then enter specific information and personal values in four categories (Economy, Environment, Society, and Visual), ranging from expected tax revenues to amount of signalized intersection work required, runoff mitigation requirements to the importance of community character.

The Big Box Evaluator creates a customized report for each user based on the specific inputs, with information like projected municipal costs and revenues, change in average wages, and annual price savings for family. Users are also given a list of action items based on the input values, which store developers can consider in order to help meet the community's concerns.

The Orton Family Foundation is a Colorado- and Vermont-based operating foundation supported by profits from the Vermont Country Store

RING MY BELL

2007-10-09T16:09:00.000-04:00

Last night I listened to a presentation on bike-sharing and started wondering if a customized program could work in Columbus. Bike-sharing has existed since the 1960’s in Scandinavia but has jumped the pond and is now taking root in Washington, DC and San Francisco with New York City, Chicago, Portland, and Seattle all eyeing it’s potential. I understand that Columbus is not a bicycle active or friendly community and that the City lacks basic bicycle infrastructure such as a connected network of bicycle lanes but still I wonder.

I was thinking that a bike-sharing program would have the best chance at succeeding in Columbus if it was introduced on local college campuses, parks and trail sites, and the couple of existing dense neighborhoods. Bike-sharing spares people the expense of purchasing a bike they may not ride often and provides them with access to an affordable recreational activity and another option for running errands.

If an advertising company is not willing to fund the program like in DC or SF, creative sponsorships could be explored. An obvious one to me is to have college’s recreation center or student housing departments sponsor the bikes located on their campuses as part of their physical fitness and student life programming. As for trail locations, AEP could sponsor bike-sharing sites along the Scioto Mile since they are the lead developer of the project.

I think it might work.

If you want to know more about the concept of bike-sharing and how existing programs curb against theft, vandalism, etc. check out this appropriately named blog http://bike-sharing.blogspot.com/

BEST PLACE TO RETIRE #22- SHORT NORTH

2007-10-09T11:09:00.000-04:00

CNN Money Magazine just named Columbus' Short North the 22nd Best Neighborhood to Retire in the U.S. Where do I mail my congratulations card?

Columbus, OH
Best place to retire: Short North
Pros: Super-affordable, close to the university
Cons: Not much in the way of nature around Columbus, and the downtown is still pretty sleepy
Real estate: One-bedroom condos can be found for $175,000 or so. Two-bedroom rentals can be found for $1,500.If you want to get back to city life in Columbus, skip downtown and go straight to Short North, an up and coming arts district. High Street, the main stretch, is lined with trees, galleries, funky restaurants and 17 beautiful lighted arches.It's a hip neighborhood, but there's room for all ages. "There's more empty nesters than young hipsters moving back," says local agent Joe Peffer. One gallery even exhibits work from retired artists. Short North is a stone's throw from the courses, lectures, and legendary football games of Ohio State, the largest university in the country.For a quieter neighborhood, Grandview Heights is just a couple miles west of downtown. It's on a river, close to OSU and has its own strip of restaurants on Grandview Avenue.

All 35 listed cities can be found at...http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/moneymag/0710/gallery.bpretire.moneymag/22.html

FINGERPAINTING DEBUTS DOWNTOWN

2007-10-09T10:14:00.000-04:00

Goddard School, an early child development school, opened up today downtown at 3rd and Town. This is a great option for parents who work and/or live downtown and are looking for a center to place their children during the daytime. I think this is a great sign of business and residential life dramatically improving in the downtown corridor because educational and daycare facilities typically do not lead the lead the transformation of neighborhoods, rather they respond to a growing need.

Since Goddard is a nationally respected franchise this should be a clean, well-run, and safe place choice for parents to consider. Check them out....

http://www.goddardschool.com//Schools/Columbus-OH/Schools.gspx

WHO ARE YOU 636?

2007-10-09T10:07:00.000-04:00

The retail space next to East Village on N. High is currently being remodeled but so far no signage has been posted by the mysterious new tenants. The property owner, New Victorians, won't reveal anything either other than the tenants were planning on posting an announcement during the Gallery Hop but did not.

GAY FRIENDLY

2007-10-09T09:47:00.000-04:00

Gay St. building sold at auction
$1.5 million deal could help drive street's revival
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 3:35 AM
By Mike Pramik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

An abandoned office building could become a cornerstone of a renovated Gay Street if its buyer follows through with planned improvements.
Out-of-state investors offered the winning bid of nearly $1.5 million for the four-story building at 1 E. Gay St., the former headquarters of Modern Finance and also a Dollar Federal Savings Bank office. The circa-1900 building was empty for two years after being abandoned by two bankrupt companies, Modern Finance and WorldCom.
Bob White, principal broker with Prudential Cres Commercial Real Estate, said the bidders are "a father and two sons out of Atlanta." He declined to identify them pending the closing of the deal.
"They're going to put a lot of money in it, without question," White said. "There are many possibilities for this building, one being office and retail for the first floor, office on the second, and the third and fourth could be converted to residential.

Want More? http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2007/10/09/Building_sale.ART_ART_10-09-07_C12_8B84OUD.html?sid=101

BEEF CAP

2007-10-09T09:40:00.000-04:00

Expansion of Short North steakhouse in the works
Monday, Oct. 8, 2007
By GARY SEMAN JR.ThisWeek Staff Writer
Hyde Park, the steakhouse that has become wildly popular during its short run in the Short North, soon will occupy the entire west side of the Cap at Union Station.
Rick Hauck, president of the Cleveland-based chain, announced Monday that the company will take over the remaining 7,000 square feet of the strip, which will be used for banquet dining.
"Our private dining space just is not large enough," he said.
In turn, confectioner Shokolad will move out of the Cap. Two other storefronts, once housing Quizno's and Cold Stone Creamery, are vacant.
Hyde Park currently occupies 5,000 square feet at 569 N. High St. Hauck said the additional space will have its own kitchen and bar, and also will seat 200. It will be ready early next year.
"It will all feel like the same restaurant," he said. "We'll try to make it feel as much of a restaurant as possible, not a dining hall."
Hyde Park has been a smash hit since it opened in the Cap two years ago, grossing more than $5-million a year, Hauck said.
"It's been pretty much a home run for us," he said.
It's known for its celebrity steaks, including those named after Archie Griffin, Jim Tressel, Kirk Herbstreit and Jack Nicklaus. The restaurant chain, which has four Columbus locations, was founded in 1988 by Hauck and Joe Saccone in Cleveland Heights.

I LOVE A MEATBALL

2007-10-03T18:17:00.001-04:00

Everyone's Italian this weekend at the Italian Village Festival. The neighborhood festival runs Oct. 5-7 and offers great food, entertainment, and an open market.

Buona degustazione!

http://www.columbusitalianfestival.com/

JUST ADD GRASS

2007-10-01T13:51:00.000-04:00

ReBar is a San Fran based, environmental/urbanism group that coordinates Park(ing) Da,y an annual event where inner city parking spots are converted into public green space. Park(ing) Day Columbus 2008 anyone? Witness the mayhem on their short video trailer.

http://www.rebargroup.org/projects/parkingday/images.html

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

2007-10-01T11:40:00.000-04:00

Your first thought might be the inappropriate use of spandex on the woman on the right. You would be correct but I am referring to the trash can sitting by itself at the Oktoberfest.

Despite the large number of trash containers throughout the festival grounds, not one was accompanied by a recycling container. In fact, I did not see one recycling bin at all and it was not because I had too much Warsteiner. Festivals are huge generators of waste and large consumers of energy so it should seem obvious to communities that they need to "green" up these special events. Here are some relatively easy to impliment suggestions:

Charge a cup deposit. Patrons pay a dollar deposit for each beverage in order to encourage them to reuse their cups. Subsequent refills cost the original amount. Before departing the festival, guests return their cup to any beverage vendor for a full refund of the cup. The deposit encourages recycling and also limits discarded cups on the ground.

Provide separate bins for recycling directly next to trash cans. If recycling and waste containers are separated people will not make the effort to find recycle. Recycling stations can also be monitored by volunteers (i.e. OSU recycling clubs) to ensure that trash and recyclables are not commingled.

Prohibit the distribution of paper flyers. Flyers tend to be a dominant source of trash thrown on the ground.

Require food vendors to use corn-resin based or polylactic, compostable plates, cups, and utensils.

Provide vendors with composting bags to recycle food waste.

Set up bicycle valets. Patrons are issued claim checks in exchange for their bikes. Staff monitor the bikes in a secure corral.

Weinland Park Goes to the Dogs

2007-10-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

Uptown Pups just moved to Courtland Avenue (behind Suds and Java) and the pictures on their website makes my puppy clock go crazy. If you mention you found their business on the web then they will give you $5.00 credit toward their Boarding or Daycare services.

I am not a fan of the building but it appears to be well maintained and is only on a hidden local street instead of a visible, major artery.

Check them out...http://www.uptownpups.com/index.html and if you don't have a pet yet, check out http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/ancl/.

CITY SNAGS MALL

2007-09-27T10:47:00.000-04:00

breaking news

City will buy ailing City Center mall for $2.88 million

Thursday, September 27, 2007 10:27 AM

By Mike Pramik

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Columbus has struck a deal with the owners of Columbus City Center to take over the struggling Downtown mall.

According to a source with Capitol South Urban Redevelopment Corp., the nonprofit developer created by the city in the 1980s to build City Center, Columbus will pay Simon Property Group and General Motors Pension Trust $2.88 million for the mall as well as vacant land at the northeast corner of S. High and E. Rich streets.

For more ..http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2007/09/27/city_center.html

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

2007-09-26T17:50:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THE NEW FACES ALONG N. HIGH.

Cleopatra's (e. 8th and n. high)- hookah bar

swash store (near ubx)- Tide product that allows you to rewear clothes.

http://www.swashitout.com/

pitaya (gateway) - women's boutique

aveda institute (gateway)- grooming
re-n-vintage (near little brothers)- vintage boutique

Dee's Shoes (between the adult stores) - shoes

Garden Church Move to Greener Pasture?

2007-09-24T17:40:00.001-04:00

COLUMBUS FOR CROTCHROCKETS

2007-09-21T15:17:00.000-04:00

There is a lot of discussion regarding bringing retail and residential development to downtown Columbus but there is little mention about creating new cultural activity centers/attractions in the heart of the City. Cultural destinations not only help educate but they attract people and their money. Retail and residential projects will follow the trail of money.

As the country’s 15th most populated city, Columbus is severely lacking in unique cultural institutions/attractions that can attract tourists and regularly engage its resident population. Not counting the Clippers or Blue Jacket Stadiums since the Arena District is its own distinctive neighborhood and not truly downtown, Columbus is limited to:

COSI
Columbus Museum of Art
Wexner Center for the Arts
Riffe Gallery
Santa Maria
Central Ohio Fire Museum
Ohio, Palace and Southern Theatres
Franklin Park Conservatory (somewhat downtown)
Assorted historic buildings such as Kelton Museum, Thurber House, etc.

Many of these sites do not warrant repeat visits (ie Santa Maria, Central Ohio Fire Museum) and collectively may not even occupy a full weekend visit.

Since I am not a city planner for Columbus I do not know if they are actively recruiting cultural centers to locate in downtown or even proactively purchasing property to court future leads with. New centers do open (ie Newseum, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, etc) and we need to be prepared to be a serious contender in being their host city.

In saying that, I would really like to see a greater diversity of attraction offerings downtown. I think it would be great for the Motorcycle Hall of Fame to relocate from Pickerington to downtown Columbus. I think the museum could have a great urban downtown street presence with a unique architectural design and fun window displays. Even better is that they have approximately 20,000 visitors annually.

One thing that I am excited about is that Elevator's brewing operations will be moving to Fourth Street so brewery tours are a strong possibility. However, brewery tours alone won't fill the attraction void downtown.

So what do you think?

STRUT YOUR STUFF

2007-09-18T15:33:00.001-04:00

Walking Town DC is day long heritage and arts program in Washington, DC that is absolutely brilliant. Throughout the day Cultural Tourism DC coordinates 45 different walking, biking, and boating tours in the 18 different neighborhoods across the city. The tours are all led by knowledgeable guides and cover topics ranging from spies to environmentally friendly buildings. The best part is that all the tours are FREE which provides individuals from all different socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to learn about and appreciate their city. While DC is extremely rich in culture, arts, architecture and history, Columbus possesses its own unique attributes that should be shared with residents and tourists alike. If you think about it the potential tour topics are endless....

GWM SEEKS RESTAURANT WEEK.

2007-09-18T13:46:00.000-04:00

I want a Restaurant Week in Columbus.

Restaurant Week began in 1992 in New York City to coincide with the Democratic National Convention when restaurant sales were sluggish. Since then both large and small cities have begun hosting their own versions of Restaurant Week. Restaurant Week in NYC has become the largest culinary event in the country.

The premise is simple. For a determined length of time participating restaurants create lunch and dinner menus for a set price. Lunch is typically between $20 and $25 and dinner about $30 to $35. Alcohol is additional and guests can always order of the normal menu. Depending on the demand, most Restaurant Weeks take place twice a year, last one to two weeks, and helps raise funds for a local charity.

So why should Columbus host a Restaurant Week?

Of the top 25 most populated American cities only nine of them including Columbus do not host a Restaurant Week. Come on…even Milwaukee has one.

Columbus is a great restaurant town and a week dedicated to celebrating local restaurateurs and chefs is appropriate.

Allows guests to take advantage of fine dining at a discounted price.

Great marketing tool for restaurants since many patrons will be first time guests. Word of mouth testimonials are the best form of advertising.

Promotes a business trickle down effect. Patrons visit new neighborhoods and discover stores, restaurants, and other businesses they did not know existed.

Gets people on the streets and enjoying their city.
Because I am tired of hearing from friends in other cities how much they love their Restaurant Week.

I am still waiting for Experience Columbus, the natural candidate to develop a Restaurant Week, to respond to my inquiry. However, since the receptionist did not know what a Restaurant Week was I strongly doubt they are cooking anything up down there.

Other cities that host Restaurant Weeks are: NYC, Houston, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Austin, Baltimore, Fort Worth, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Seattle, and Boston. Check them out.

HELP WITH THE POLLS

2007-09-18T12:53:00.001-04:00

FRANKLIN COUNTY POLL WORKERS NEEDED

More than 5,000 poll workers are needed on Election Day in Franklin County. The Board of Elections is presently searching for poll workers to staff any or all of the next three elections; the Nov. 6, 2007 general election, the March 4, 2008 primary election and the Nov. 4, 2008 general election. You must be a registered Franklin County voter to be eligible.

We need your help:

Franklin County pays poll workers $110 and more depending on the position held and level of training completed.

Training:
Easy two-hour courses are offered throughout Franklin County a few weeks before each election. We’ll provide on-site training at your workplace if at least 25 employees register.

Contacts:
Republicans call (614) 462-5209
Democrats call (614) 462-5206
Or register online at http://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/boe

MACHETES REQUIRED

2007-09-17T15:25:00.000-04:00

I really hate overgrown street trees. This man-eating monstrosity is just one of several along E. 3rd Avenue in the Italian Village that attacked my visiting friends over the weekend.

Neglected trees are not only unattractive but they are less structurally stable and a genuine threat to public safety especially for mobility challenged individuals.

The City of Columbus Department of Parks and Recreation oversees the maintenance of street trees since they are technically located on public property. A call to the 311 city information line or Parks Department (645-6640) will net you an inspector within three weeks but the actual pruning will take an additional six to nine months due to under staffing. The only other alternative is to apply for a permit to prune the tree yourself and knowing my abilities that would not be good for the tree or me.

Triple Sow Cow No More

2007-09-14T10:07:00.000-04:00

The cancellation of Skate on State is not a surprise. I want to see a show of hands of everyone that strapped on skates this past winter….anyone…anyone?

If you think of popular outdoor ice skating rinks you might think of Rockefeller Center and National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden where tourists, downtown dwellers, shopping, and nostalgia all contribute to making ice skating a popular and desirable activity. Since we are a city still in the infancy stage of developing a dense and vibrant downtown core we must be more creative in replicating that energy naturally inherent in these bigger cities. The opportunity to ice skate outdoors is not enough of a draw for people. To make Skate on State a successful event organizers need to develop supporting activities/events/programming that brings people downtown for a multiple number of reasons over a greater length of time.

So what types of programming?? Here are a couple of ideas.

The now cancelled Striezelmarkt, modeled after Dresden’s (Germany) centuries-old outdoor holiday market, used to take place in front of City Hall over ten days. Since retail shopping is so limited in downtown Columbus this event brought shopping opportunities to the people even if for only a limited amount of time. The availability of shopping and food concessions during the day and evening hours would appeal to several different population segments including workers, students, tourists, etc. The market was also a great tribute and promotion of Columbus’s sister city relationship with Dresden.

What about Roller Girls on Ice? These women have a tremendous following (including me) and they pack people in at all of their bouts. While there are no matches in December the league promotes fun promotion and fundraising activities throughout the year. Why not recruit an event with the local Blue Jackets? Dare I mention Disney on Ice promotional event? I abhor anything “on ice” but they frequently come to town so why not do a free show marketing piece with them. Clearly there are liability issues that would need to be worked out but we need to take a greater advantage of already existing resources.

The Pageant of Peace held in Washington, DC across from the White House is an annual holiday tradition that thousands turn out for to watch the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. There is also a menorah and other religious symbols included in the event. Why not create a similar tradition in Columbus?

Drop a few ideas yourself. Dialogue is good.

Skate on State cancellation article.
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2007/09/14/ice_rink.ART_ART_09-14-07_C12_G07T559.html?sid=101