11/5/2007
November Call the Role - Michael C. Mentel Highlights
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Earlier this year I wrote about a group of dedicated volunteers who had been charged with the task of helping update the way City Council and neighborhood organizations interact with each other for decades to come.
In this edition of Call The Roll, you will have an opportunity to learn more about the efforts of the Area Commission/Civic Association Work Group and some of their findings.
The individuals who volunteered their time to participate in this Work Group truly embody the spirit of public service. Beginning in May and continuing through September, the Work Group held public meetings twice a month, taking testimony and gathering facts. They even spent eight hours one Saturday amidst tornado warnings to compile their findings into a final report.
Under the leadership of Gary L. Baker II, chair of the Greater Hilltop Area Commission, the Work Group members had complete autonomy to structure their organization and set the course for their study. First, they established their rules, then set their agenda and debated any and all issues that the public brought before them.
It is clear to me and Councilmember Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, who helped empanel the group, that these civic leaders have given thoughtful deliberation to the broad range of topics they considered.
In the coming weeks Councilmember O’Shaughnessy and I look forward to a public meeting that will allow even more discussion and input into the Work Group’s recommendations.
I would like to take one more opportunity to thank all those who served on the panel. Their hard work is greatly appreciated by Council and by the citizens whom they represent.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Mentel
City Council President
RASTRA PLANT PROMOTES JOB GROWTH AND GREEN INNOVATION
RASTRA is a Scottsdale, Arizona company that mixes crushed polystyrene (Styrofoam) with cement to create the framework for load-bearing walls and other building components. RASTRA is constructing a new $8.3 million facility at 2500 Jackson Pike that will create 50 new full-time jobs within the next three to four years.
"This is more than bringing good jobs to Columbus," said Charleta B. Tavares, chair of the Workforce Development Committee. "We are celebrating the fact that we can recruit a new business, improve our environment, and extend the life of our landfill—all of which will make a positive impact on Columbus for decades to come."
RASTRA proclaims that its product is strong enough to withstand hurricanes, tornados, fires, and termites. RASTRA products also provide outstanding sound and temperature insulation, and in some cases can help reduce certain utility bills by fifty-percent. RASTRA considered placing their new plant in two other states before choosing Columbus because of their strong working relationship with the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO).
“Opening this plant in Columbus helps position our company for growth in the Eastern United States,” said RASTRA President Karl Holik. “The strength of the Columbus workforce and the City’s commitment to green technology matches RASTRA’s mission to provide high-tech building materials for homes and businesses.”
RASTRA’s Columbus facility will produce about 3500 square feet of wall per shift, which is enough material to construct a mid-size house. After a short start up period there will be two shifts at the facility.
“This is a prime example of how SWACO acts as a catalyst in Central Ohio to spur public/private projects that reduce, reuse and recycle,” said SWACO Interim Executive Director Ron Mills. “It is also brings benefits to taxpayers as RASTRA’s use of polystyrene will save space at SWACO’s Franklin County landfill.”
WORK GROUP GIVES COUNCIL A PREVIEW
The culmination of nine months of work has paid off for the citizens of Columbus. The Area Commission/Civic Association Work Group, empanelled by Council President Michael C. Mentel and Councilmember Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, previewed the final report of their recommendations during a recent Council Meeting.
The report recommends methods for improving Columbus’ neighborhoods as well as steps Council and the Mayor’s office can take to increase collaboration and communication between City Hall and neighborhood groups.
“I’m extremely proud of the work you have accomplished,” said Council President Mentel. “Beyond the scope of this report, you now have a way of organizing yourselves and unifying your voice. This is going to allow City Council to better meet your needs.”
The Work Group met at least twice a month, working its way through a list of topics they had agreed to consider in their study.
“From the outset we understood the critical nature of our task,” said the Work Group’s chair, Gary L. Baker II. “Each meeting was full of spirited debate and passionate public testimony. The Work Group arranged a retreat at the end of September to develop our final recommendations based on the deliberation of our previous meetings. The retreat, which was originally scheduled for four hours, lasted for eight. We stuck with it and complied a list of recommendations which we strongly feel will help make Columbus an even greater city to work, live, and raise a family.”
A community briefing will be held in the coming weeks to discuss the full results of the report as well as the next steps the City can take to implement the Work Group’s recommendations.
“Councilmember O’Shaughnessy and I agreed from the outset that we were handing the gavel over to you,” said President Mentel. “You effectively brought together a diverse group of neighborhoods and presented Council a formal report that represents your combined goals and objectives. I look forward to seeing the impact that this effort will have on the community.”
Visit City Council’s Initiative Web page for more information on the Work Group’s proceedings.
LINCOLN THEATER REVIVAL
It was once one of the most important buildings for African American culture in Columbus. Now, the Lincoln Theater on East Long Street is set to undergo an $11 million restoration that will restore the former prominence it once held as a center of arts and entertainment on the near East Side.
“There are times when the slate needs to be wiped clean and a neighborhood starts over again,” said Council President Michael C. Mentel, who joined Mayor Michael B. Coleman and County leaders to celebrate the start of the Lincoln Theater restoration project. “When it comes to the Lincoln Theater, there is simply too much Columbus history in those walls to wipe the slate clean. It would be a tragedy to lose this beautiful building.”
That is why the City of Columbus and Franklin County each committed $4 million to the project, and have worked with the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) and local business leaders to raise additional private funding for the renovation and operation of the theater.
“This theater is an empty cavern today, but with the support of the community we will make sure that its stage is filled with life, dance, music and laughter next year,” said Mayor Coleman.
The Lincoln Theater opened in November of 1928 and has hosted a long list of entertainers including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, James Brown, Sammie Davis, Jr. and Columbus native Nancy Wilson. The improved Lincoln Theater will be fitted with state-of-the-art lighting, as well as new sound and rigging equipment. The second floor ballroom will still be available for meetings, wedding and other events. In addition, the Jazz Arts Group announced that a new Jazz Academy will make the third floor of the theater its home. The theater is just one of many economic revitalization projects that City Council and Mayor Coleman have advanced to turn around the King-Lincoln neighborhood.
“I want to thank Mayor Coleman for putting his money where his mouth is and helping us make the King-Lincoln District a place of pride for all of Columbus,” said Annie Womack, CEO of the Long Street Business Association.
The restored Lincoln Theater is scheduled to open in late 2008.
CRIME STOPPERS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Several members of Columbus City Council joined local law enforcement and community leaders to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers program.
Council President Michael C. Mentel, President Pro Tem Kevin L. Boyce, Public Safety Chair Andrew J. Ginther, Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson and Judiciary and Court Administration Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig were all present during the anniversary breakfast.
All of them congratulated various award winners, including Linda Henry. Henry, who serves as president of the South Side Neighbors Against Crime, is a tireless crusader working to remove criminals from Columbus streets. City Council and the Mayor proudly presented her with the Citizen of the Year Award.
“We need more people like Linda Henry, who are willing to stand up and do whatever it takes to make their neighborhood a safer place to live,” said President Mentel as he thanked her for her vigilant efforts.