Category: Southwest

Posts about the Southeast Area Commission

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United Way Survey

survey graphic

Pandemic Survey: Please take a moment to fill out the United Way of Central Ohio’s Pandemic Impact Survey. This survey is to determine the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on families in our communities.  The information gathered from this survey will be used by UWCO to help identify what is and what is not working in our community, and how community partners can help.  The survey is open until June 15th at

https://unitedwaynnj.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9F5T4Zu48g4r56m

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Liaison updates 3/18/2021

Neighbors, Partners and Friends:

Here are my updates for March 18, 2021.

  • Covid 19 Opportunity Clinics: Attached is a flyer for the upcoming CPH Opportunity Clinic on Wednesday, March 24th.  Please share this with your networks or individuals living in our priority zip codes of 43203, 43204, 43205, 43206, 43207, 43211, 43219, 43222, 43223, 43224, 43227, 43229, 43232.  Registration for this clinic opens March 18th .  To register for an appointment, email health@columbus.gov
  • South Side Roundtable March 24: Our next virtual Community Roundtable will feature the topic of safety. We will be joined by our Community Liaison Officers and will have special presentations from our Comprehensive Neighborhood Safety Strategy team.  Join us at – Weds. Mar 24, 5:30 p.m.  Join from the meeting link: https://cocmeetings.webex.com/cocmeetings/j.php?MTID=m11d5df5ba4d4ae7fccc6cc2441e8bc56  OR Join by meeting number
    • Meeting number (access code): 160 611 6723, Meeting password: mC4FDt4paC2 
    • Join from a mobile device  1-650-479-3207 Access Code: 1606116723##
  • South Side Thrive: South Side Thrive will host its next All Network Forum on Thursday, March 25 from 10:00 – 11:30 am via Zoom! Community partners and stakeholders are encouraged to join – please share with your network! Register here for the Zoom link.  Attached is the 2020 partner impact report.
  • Free Wifi: The Smart Columbus team of community partners will test ways to make in-home internet access more affordable and reliable for everyone in Columbus, starting with the South Side.
    • We are looking for up to 300 volunteers to try in-home internet service for a year. For this program, we’re looking for participants who: Have children or family members who are completing distance learning of any kind in the home, and For South Side residents, between Southwood Ave. and Hosack St., and between High St. and Ann St. If you are eligible and would like to participate, please submit your interest here, and you will receive your next steps from the Cbus WiFi team: https://cbuswifi.com/
    • If you want to know more before signing up or cannot use or access the form, the Cbus WiFi team will be at the Reeb Avenue Center starting March 29th through early April to answer questions or sign you and your family up, as long as spots in the program are available. Please call or text 614-245-2847 ahead to schedule a time to visit.
  • Solicitation Code Amendments: Attached is a FAQ and the proposed amendments. City Council held a hearing on March 10, 2021 where an amendment to the city ordinance on soliciting was heard.  Many of the people who testified were in support of increasing penalties against sex buyers because of the harmful impact they have on the lives of people stuck in the cycle of prostitution. and you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-azwHpaLCtE
  • Do you care about trees?: We are excited to share that the Urban Forestry Master Plan draft is now available for your review! Deadline for public comment is Weds. March 31. Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s new Urban Forestry Master Plan is the first citywide, strategic plan to invest long-term in Columbus’ trees. Over the next decades, the Urban Forestry Master Plan will serve as a blueprint for revitalizing our urban forest and strategically investing in neighborhoods where trees will do the most good.  The link to provide comment is: https://www.columbusufmp.org/get-involved.html
  • Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic, we will be delivering $50 produce boxes to eligible SFMNP participants accepted into the program throughout Summer 2021. The produce boxes are in place of the customary $50 worth of coupons that are eligible for use at area farmer’s markets and roadside stands. Produce boxes will be delivered on a first come, first served basis.  Sign up here: https://www.lifecarealliance.org/programs/meals-on-wheels/farmers-market/
  • Safe Sleep Ambassador Training: There are upcoming dates in April May and June. All trainings are still being held virtually. Contact Jill Guinan at jeguinan@columbus.gov
  • Columbus City Schools: Registration for the Summer Experience and information about the return for grades 6-12 blended learning are available here: https://www.ccsoh.us/
  • Jazz Arts Group Struggle for Freedom: Columbus Jazz Orchestra Artistic Director Byron Stripling will lead a top-flight rhythm section and singers, as well as a conversation with Michelle Alexander, the award-winning New York Times opinion writer and author of the best-selling “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.”  The FREE event (and available online until March 31) is presented by PNC Arts Alive and the Jazz Arts Group. To view online: https://www.jag.tv/events/struggleforfreedom

Thank you all and have a great week! 

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Neighborhood Liaison Update 3/5/2021

Neighbors, Partners and Friends,

Here are my updates for 3/5/2021:

  1. Columbus Public Health is opening registration for our “No Waste” list: We sometimes have COVID-19 vaccines left over at the end of a clinic due to no-shows.  The health disparities present in our community have been made even more apparent during this pandemic.  In an effort to reach our most vulnerable populations we are opening registration for any individual under 60 that does not currently qualify for vaccination.  This list is capped at 250 people. 

Please email your name and telephone number to health@columbus.gov or call 614-645-1519.   You must be able to arrive at the clinic within 30-45 minutes of receiving the call that vaccine is available. 

You must live in one of these zip codes: 43203,  43204,  43205,  43206 , 43207 , 43211, 43219, 43222, 43223 , 43224, 43227,  43229 , 43232

Please remember that being added to our “No Waste” list is not a guarantee of vaccination. 

We encourage you to sign up for vaccine text updates that may present a more timely opportunity.  Text “VaxCbus” to 888777.

  • Climate Action Plan: Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy will host a virtual hearing to discuss and gather resident feedback on the City of Columbus’ Climate Action Plan (CAP). Please join us on Tuesday, March 9th at 5 pm on Facebook live to hear a presentation on the CAP from the Sustainable Columbus team. The CAP is in draft mode, and can be found here: https://www.columbus.gov/sustainable/cap/
  • Demand Reduction: Join Councilmember Mitchell Brown on March 10 at 3:00pm to discuss changes to the solicitation code focused on reducing demand. The proposed ordinance would increase the penalty for johns, requiring education and counseling and increasing fines for repeat offenders.  (FAQ attached). For more details you can email Legislative Assistant Grant Ames at GMAmes@columbus.gov
  • Listen to this: The world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis comes to Columbus for one performance only Monday, March 8 at 8 p.m. This FREE event will be live streamed from the historic Lincoln Theatre via JAG TV. The event is presented by PNC Arts Alive, Denison University and the Jazz Arts Group. Steinway grand piano provided by Hartzler Pianos. For more information, https://www.jazzartsgroup.org/event/jazz-at-lincoln-center-orchestra-with-wynton-marsalis/
  • Strong Towns: Ohio’s legacy cities have many highly-sought features such as dense, walkable centers, abundant and affordable housing and infrastructure, and closely-knit communities and skilled workers from their industrial past and immigration history. How can legacy cities leverage these assets to restore their economic vitality while promoting a socially just and sustainable communities?  On March 12th, 2021 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, join The Ohio State University Center for Urban and Regional Analysis for this special presentation with Charles Marohn the founder of StrongTowns.org. Mr. Marohn is the author of  Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity and is a highly influential urbanist, #10 on the Planetizen The 100 Most Influential Urbanists list. It is free and open to the public. Read more and Register: https://cura.osu.edu/events/strongtowns

Thank you for all you do for our neighborhoods!

Beth

Beth Fairman Kinney, MPA

NEIGHBORHOOD LIAISON

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Neighborhood Liaison Update

Neighbors, Partners and Friends:

I hope that you are well. Here are my updates for 2/26/2021:

  1. Building and Zoning: Thanks for those who attended last night’s South Side Roundtable. Attached are the files from Assistant Director Celebrezze’s presentation. Please share your thoughts with the zoning code update, the survey is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/98FT8H5 If you have any follow up questions, feel free to reach out to me. If you weren’t able to attend the roundtable, you can watch the recording here: https://cocmeetings.webex.com/webappng/sites/cocmeetings/recording/4deffb6664ff41f7ade9577a2c74e11f/playback
  2. COVID 19 Vaccine: Columbus Public Health is continuing to offer Opportunity Clinics for residents in specific zip codes (see attached). The February 26th and March 5th CPH Opportunity Clinics are Now Full. Please call back or register online on Monday, March 8th from 10:30 – 2:30 when we will begin scheduling for the Friday, March 12th CPH Opportunity Clinic. Call: 614-645-6444, M-F, 10:30am – 2:30pm Email: health@columbus.gov
  3. New Website: A new website, http://www.cbusareacommissions.org, was launched by the Department of Neighborhoods to provide all residents with up-to-date information on Columbus’ 21 Area Commissions. Visit http://www.cbusareacommissions.org “To have strong neighborhoods, we must have engaged residents. Columbus’ 21 Area Commission are a vital link to ensure our neighborhoods have a strong voice at City Hall. This new website is an important next step to boost awareness and ensure even more residents are at the table when Commissions make recommendations” said Carla Williams-Scott, Director of the Department of Neighborhoods.
  4. Video from CLO Peck: Officer Scott Peck is covering Pct 13 for CLO Stacy. He’s shared a video about personal safety, with some book recommendations – you can watch it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DgoOXeS8VKZg_UjFrmo2YGZTiHWWXXkF/view?usp=sharing
  5. Urban Forestry Master Plan draft: Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s new Urban Forestry Master Plan is the first citywide, strategic plan to invest long-term in Columbus’ trees. Over the next decades, the Urban Forestry Master Plan will serve as a blueprint for revitalizing our urban forest and strategically investing in neighborhoods where trees will do the most good. Let us know what you think! Read the draft plan and share your comments online. https://www.columbusufmp.org/get-involved.html The deadline to share your comments is Wednesday, March 31.
  6. Summer Camps: CRPD has a new site for all summer camps. It’s time to register! https://crpdcamps.com/
  7. Free Produce: Next dates for produce are 3/5 at Scioto Southland and 3/25 at Marion Franklin. For more dates and locations, visit https://www.golunch.club/
  8. City Council Districting FAQ: If you have any questions about the districting process, here’s the link with information and timeline – www.columbus.gov/districtingcommission
  9. Columbus City Schools: Columbus City Schools will transition students in grades 6-12 to Blended Learning in March. Dates are set for students to return to classrooms with grade levels phased-in March 15 and 22. Visit https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/9035 for more information. For informational videos on returning to the classroom, visit: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/9199 For questions or concerns, contact the Superintendent’s Office of Customer Relations at (614) 365-8888 or by email at: customerrelations@columbus.k12.oh.us .
  10. Tax Help:
    a. Nationwide Children’s Hospital has expanded their Free Tax Prep Clinics: Eligible households must earn under $65,000 in 2020 to file their taxes for free. Their new website: http://www.614filefree.org has detailed information on what to bring to an appointment and COVID procedures. Schedule an appointment by calling 614-623-0081, email: Amarie.Matthews@nationwidechildrens.org or going to: https://614filefree.org/contact-us/
    b. United Way is coordinating Free Tax Clinics as well but all appointments are being done virtually. Scheduling is via 211. https://www.taxtimecentralohio.org/
    c. VITA is offering free tax preparations at Marion Franklin Recreation Center. For appointments, call 614-727-4701. Please leave your name and number one time and they will call you back. In addition 211 is scheduling sites.
  11. South Side Neighborhood Leadership Academy Applications: Apply to be part of the South Side Neighborhood Leadership Academy: https://communitydevelopmentforallpeop.regfox.com/south-side-neighborhood-leadership-academy-class-of-2021-application The South Side is a vibrant community, with rich diversity and a strong history. The South Side Neighborhood Leadership Academy will equip participants with the relationships, knowledge, skills, and abilities to help the South Side continue to thrive. Upon completion of the program, graduates will use what they have learned to achieve transformative change in South Side communities. We seek participants that aspire toward a safe, opportunity-rich South Side that maximizes diversity, builds relationships, secures and advances current residents, all while maintaining the unique fabric of the community. Applications must be submitted by March 19, 2021.
  12. USPS: I reached out to Congresswoman Beatty’s office about some of the neighborhood complaints about USPS. They shared that if you are having issues about mail service, please call the USPS Consumer Affairs line at 513-684-5794. USPS is constantly hiring to try and make sure all the routes are covered. If one person calls off, that requires a substitute, and that sub may be pulling double duty resulting in late, late mail. However, those concerns should still be directed to Consumer Affairs. There may be an underlying issue which they can then try to address. Just as a reminder, please sign up for informed delivery to get an email about what packages or mailings are on the way. https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action
  13. Social Work hotline: 614-645-6807 Please call if you need assistance.
  14. Save the date for our March Roundtable: Save the date! Weds. March 24, 5:30 p.m. Our subject of focus in March will be Safety. Email bfkinney@columbus.gov to receive the webex calendar link.

Have a great week!

Beth Fairman Kinney, MPA
NEIGHBORHOOD LIAISON

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Department of Neighborhoods Weekly Update: 2/20/21

people doing group hand cheer

Neighbors, Partners, Friends:

I hope that you are doing well and staying warm. Here are my updates for 2/20/21:

1.       Upcoming Roundtable: Do you want to learn more about Building and Zoning? Join us on Thursday February 25 at 5:30 p.m. for our next South Side Roundtable where we will feature a presentation on how to access the Citizen portal, and GIS map and ask questions from Assistant Director Celebrezze. Join us on Thursday, February 25 at 5:30 p.m. at https://cocmeetings.webex.com/cocmeetings/j.php?MTID=me9f85d1639935d6ac73b7011659721cb

a.       Meeting number (access code): 180 172 6082, Meeting password: qeH4hF739uv 

b.      Join by phone 1-650-479-3207, access code 180 172 6082

2.       Operation Warm: WHEN: Tuesday, February 23rd from 3-5 pm WHERE: South High Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library – 3540 S. High St. (+ 9 other library locations!) Each branch has a supply of 150 BRAND NEW, high quality coats supplied by the Operation Warm program. There is no pre-registration and no eligibility requirement! First come, first serve. Sizes are 2T to Youth 18. In addition to a coat, each child will receive a FREE Book from Operation Warm, and a healthy snack (courtesy of our partnership with Children’s Hunger Alliance).  Please note that the event at the South High Branch will take place in our parking lot. Pandemic safety measures will be in place to ensure a positive and healthy experience for all. Please encourage families to mask up!  Adult and child masks will be available for any customers who need one. (flier attached)

3.       COVID 19 Vaccine Clinic: Columbus Public Health will continue to offer our Opportunity Clinics for residents in specific zip codes (including 43206 and 43207).  The next two will take place on February 26 and March 28.  We are working on enhanced language so that our seniors who don’t have IDs that include their place of residence will feel comfortable and safe coming in to these clinics.  Attached is the flier for Feb 26, 1-4, call 614-645-6444 to schedule an appointment. (fliers attached)

4.       COVID-19 Vaccine Pop-up Clinic: Hosted by Lower Lights on Saturday, February 27, 2021, 9am-2pm, Vineyard Community Center, 6000 Cooper Rd, Westerville, OH  43081.  This clinic will be refugee and immigrant friendly, and is for those 65+ or with qualifying health conditions.  The graphic is attached; register at:https://llchc.org/covid19vac/

5.       The Community Shelter Board COVID 19 Toolkit: The materials are available for download at a new page on their web site, found here:https://www.csb.org/providers/roll-up-your-sleeve-and-get-the-vaccine

6.       COVID 19 Transportation Guide: The Ohio Department of Medicaid guide is found here:https://medicaid.ohio.gov/Portals/0/COVID19/Ohio-Medicaid-COVID-Testing-and-Vaccination-Transportation-Support.pdf

7.       New Video: Please share this link to a newly released video highlighting vaccine messages from Black physicians in Columbus.  Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts is among them. https://youtu.be/OzrxLqcOqeY

8.       Parking Enforcement to Resume: Effective March 1, the City of Columbus will resume enforcement on inoperable, unsafe or abandoned vehicles not moved on city streets for more than three consecutive days. To report a potential 72-hour rule violation, contact the 311 Columbus Service Center at 614-645-3111 or https://311.columbus.gov . If possible, submit a photo of the parked vehicle. Residents who reported a possible violation while enforcement was suspended are asked to resubmit their 311 request. For more information about Parking Services,https://www.columbus.gov/publicservice/parking/Parking-Services-Home/

Hope you have an amazing week!

Beth Fairman Kinney, MPA

NEIGHBORHOOD LIAISON

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Conversations on the Climate Action Plan

The Southwest Area Commission will host Conversations on the Climate Action Plan on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Please join the conversation virtually through this link: meet.google.com/owa-asnu-hbf

Please RSVP with Liz Reed, liz.glean@gmail.com. We’ll ask for your name and email address. Attendees who RSVP are eligible for a one-time payment of $15 if they complete and submit the community input survey discussed during the meeting.

During the November 2020, SWAC meeting BG Energy presented their plans for a Columbus Solar Park. They plan to build beginning in 2022. The location of the Solar Park is planned on the old golf course (previously a  landfill) on Jackson Pike.Columbus Solar Park- August 2020 project Intro 11.17.2020