Uptown plan Seeks Community Input

Do you have some ideas about what Uptown Westerville should look like in the next 10 years and beyond?

Now’s your chance to “tell Westerville” through a new community engagement portal devoted exclusively to the Uptown Plan.

The Westerville Planning and Development Department has launched an online portal through MindMixer.com, a community engagement Web company that allows users to post ideas and comments and vote on the ideas of others. The system generates interactive discussion and idea development from the community that will be integrated into the Uptown planning process. The more resourceful, practical and creative the idea, the more likely it will move on to potential implementation.

The Uptown Plan will be in development through 2013, said Westerville Senior Planner Bassem Bitar.

“We think this online portal will inspire and engage the community in a new way. The user experience is all based on having fun and being imaginative with the possibilities in our historic Uptown district. What amenities do we want in Uptown? Where do we see the district in the next decade and beyond? This website allows us to see other’s ideas and explore the opportunities that seem most appealing and innovative,” said Bitar.

“Many communities have used this system with success,” said Julie Colley, Westerville Assistant City Manager. “From Fort Worth, Texas to Los Angeles, California, this tool has given cities a way to pair convenience and creativity to boost civic engagement and ultimately jump-start a project.”

Check out the live site now and learn more about how to post your perspective on the future of Uptown. Visit www.planuptown.com for more information and a link.

Email Notifications Now Available

News, information and event alerts may now be delivered directly to your inbox.

The City has recently launched a new Web-based feature designed to help you keep track of upcoming City events. Known as e-Notifications, this system sends emails directly to you on event information. Subscribers can opt into the following categories:

• City Events

• City Meetings

• Westerville Electric Division Events

• Parks & Recreation Events

• Westerville Senior Center Events

• Public Service Department Notifications (leaf collection, snow removal updates, refuse, recycling and yard waste)

To sign up today, please visit www.westerville.org/notifications to select your preferences. From there, you can also change what alerts you receive or unsubscribe at any time. For more information, contact Community Affairs at 614901-6400.

State of the Community to Air Feb. 26

Tune in to WOCC-TV Channel 3 on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. for the annual State of the Community address.

Westerville City Council Chairman Mike Heyeck and City Manager David Collinsworth will be joined by leadership from Westerville City Schools, Otterbein University and the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce for this live broadcast. WOCC-TV will schedule rebroadcasts, which can be accessed via its website at www.otterbein360.com (see TV Schedule at top of page). Visit the City website to watch live by selecting “Watch City Council” on the homepage to access the menu.