Keep Rt. 161 Beautiful

Minutes - May 3rd Meeting

Minutes

KICK-OFF OF THE “KEEP RT. 161 BEAUTIFUL” CAMPAIGN
MAY 3, 2000 – 5:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.

We met at the Trueman Club Hotel. Five new businesses showed up that had not bee to a previous meeting.

George Schmidt began with 2 visions. A vision of a depleted, dying, rodent infested, trash burning on the pavement, city. The second vision was a Pasadena Boulevard, a colorful, alive, vibrant, city. Neither vision would apply to Rt. 161 in the near future, but he asked, “Which vision do we want to work toward?”

Matt Habash, Columbus City Council President, thanked us for what we are doing. He recognized the unique qualities of the Northland Community Council (NCC) and the Northland Area Business Association (NABA). Matt pointed out that all the success at the Short North was accomplished by the businesses. This was not a city endeavor. He promised his help. He was very excited about the community and businesses pulling together to make this a better place.

Steve Thompson, president of NCC, gave us a history of the efforts that have been done so far. The Columbus Foundation has given two grants to NCC. The first one provided funding for the 22 landscape boxes over 8 years ago. The second one, which is being administered now, has provided 100 trees with more to come. We want input from you as to what to do next. Many businesses already do their part to keep the area nice. The residents of NCC have contributed 1,000’s of hours in picking up trash, planting trees and flowers.

Steve also talked about a Special Improvement District (SID), for which we would need help from the city. There would be a tax assessment for each property owner along Rt. 161. The money would only be used to improve the area – completely redo the landscape boxes, plant more trees along the service roads, and plant trees and flowers in the medium strip.

Dave Cooper, co-owner of the Ink Well at the Beechcroft Center, told us several ways his business will benefit from a cleaner Rt. 161. No one wants to make his or her way through a mess to shop. Dave used the comparison that he benefits from thousands of dollars of advertising put together by the national Ink Well Corp., yet he only pays a fraction of that because the entire amount is spread out throughout the Ink Well franchise owners. Rt. 161 would be the same. Businesses could have a great payback if we all pitch in with help and donations.

Chuck Wolfe, secretary of NCC, has experience in fund raising. He explained that the “Keep Rt. 161 Beautiful” campaign would end on May 17th. Campaigns that run for a long time get tedious and boring, we want everybody to get excited about the project and get it off to a great start. We thank those that have already sent in their check and those that have pledged. Those businesses that have not done anything need to send in their check as soon as possible before the campaign deadline. If you need a pledge card or require further information on what we are trying to accomplish, please call Steve Thompson (478-8469). We are asking for each business to donate an annual sum from $50.00 to $1,000.00.

We have received pledges for $2,000 at the May 3rd kick-off. We are well on our way to getting the grass cut and trash picked up through the summer. We need your donation! Each mowing and cleanup will cost approximately $900.00. Our goal is to do this 15 times this year to make Rt. 161 beautiful.

At the next meeting we will be talking about the status of the campaign, review the landscaping contracts, budget review, and a discussion on the future landscaping improvements along Rt. 161.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 24th at 7:30 a.m. at the
Outback Steakhouse, 2400 E. Dublin-Granville Road.

Call Steve Thompson at 478-8469 or George Schmidt at 895-7459 for more information.

This is a list of the businesses in the Northland area that have either sent money
or pledged money toward the “Keep Rt. 161 Beautiful” Campaign.

Outback Steakhouse
Northland Mall
The Ink Well (Beechcroft Center)
Bob Daniels Buick
Always In Good Taste Catering
Big Bear
China Dynasty
White Castle
Forest Park Veterinary

Email us
SThomp7890@aol.com