South of Main Blockwatch

Main Street Design Charrette

Main Street Development

South of Main Blockwatch
489 Linwood Avenue
Columbus, Oh 43205
March 7, 2006



Mark Barbash
Director of Development
City of Columbus
50 W. Gay Street
Columbus, Oh 43215


Director Barbash,

I am writing in follow up to the inquiries that Walter Chapplear and I presented before Columbus City Council on Monday, March 6, 2006 and to the conversation we had with you after Council adjourned.

For clarity, the community charette is not specifically for 1179 E. Main Street but for a five-block radius on Main Street that includes 1179 E. Main. This area includes the historic Camel Bell as well.

We would like to have Joel Teaford, Executive Director of the Neighborhood Design Center lead the charge for the effort to develop a micro development plan for the South Side of Main Street between Ohio and Linwood. Joel’s reputation and accomplishments precede him. We would like the community portion of this activity to take place in the large meeting room at the Central Community House at 1150 E. Main. It has more than adequate parking and is conveniently located in the area which is to be addressed.

We, the members of the South of Main Blockwatch (SOMB) look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sincerely yours,



Kathleen Bailey
President SOMB


CC: The Honorable Matthew Habash
The Honorable Michael C. Mentel
The Honorable Kevin Boyce
The Honorable Patsy Thomas
The Honorable Charleta Tavares
The Honorable Mary Ellen O’Shaughnessy
The Honorable Mary Jo Hudson
Vincent Papsidero, Department of Development
Mark Dravillis, Department of Development
Randy Black, Historic Preservation
Joel Teaford, Columbus Neighborhood Design Center
Near East Area Commission
Members, South of Main Blockwatch
Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association
Pam McCarthy, Central Community House
Franklin Park Area Association
Walter Cates, Main Street Business Association
John Beard, Columbus Compact
Kate Matheny, Columbus Landmarks
Thomas Leech, HUD