2017 University District Annual Report

OUR C oll a bora tive

Spir it 2017 Annual Report of the University District community organizations

When we collaborate, our University District community grows stronger.

Projects have lasting results, policy is more effective, and the bonds that drive cooperation improve. The dynamic nature of the University District creates a necessary spirit of collaboration between our residents, businesses, the City of Columbus, and our neighboring institutional partners. Without it, the continued progress to improve the quality of life for residents and improve the business environment would stop.

However, the current state of collaboration in the University District is strong. Shared visions for the arts, housing, education, and our public spaces will be implemented over the next several years. Ample opportunities to provide even more community input will be planned along the way. Dedicated community and business leaders will continue to ensure that the University District has a voice at the table and those that want to participate are welcome.

Collaboration is difficult, yet it is essential to forming a strong and sustaining community.

This report of the University District organizations showcases our successful collaborations over the past year and new ventures that exemplify our collaborative spirit.

Ellen Moore Griffin President University District Organization University Community Business Association Matthew Hansen Executive Director University District Organization Doreen Uhas Sauer President University Area Commission D’Lyn Stinziano President University Community Association

OUR SHARED VISION The University District Organization’s Arts & Character Plan was completed with a new vision for community arts. Concepts were recently unveiled to much enthusiasm for their implementation. To learn more about the plan and the proposed projects, visit:

universitydistrict.org/arts Next steps for the plan will include the creation of a committee that will guide implementation, help seek funding, and evaluate artist proposals and other projects.

UDO has already planned for a University District inspired

Instagram wall and dumpster series for 2018.

UDO is built upon the idea of University District civic group collaboration. Efforts are guided by a Strategic Plan that was updated for 2017.

The plan provides direction for projects and programs to be implemented over the next several years. Recommendations continue to focus on city service solutions, expansion of clean and safe programs to other parts of the University District, and the arts. The plan can be viewed at:

2017 Pay It Forward Event

2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

universitydistrict.org/udo

Connecting Iuka Walter Herrmann Iuka Park

OUR SHARED IMAGE The University District Special Improvement District (UDSID) completed one year of service in June. The Steward program has been maintaining the image for the business district directly adjacent to The Ohio State University. Daily litter pick-up, graffiti removal, and a security presence have begun to create new respect for the area.

Increased safety and maintenance has allowed the UDSID to invest in its public spaces. Temporary improvements at East Fourteenth were coordinated with University Student Government for a successful transformation of an underutilized concrete plaza.

The Stewards were recently outfitted with bicycles to enhance their ability to provide security patrol and respond to resident and business needs.

This has doubled the number of property safety checks they are able to conducted throughout the day.

88% of survey respondents reported that the UDSID appeared cleaner and safer since services began.

Other safety initiatives include regular reminders about leaving valuables inside vehicles and regular safety to businesses.

After one year of the UDSID’s operation, a satisfaction survey was conducted in August to assess the UDSID’s progress.

UDSID Services Snapshot (Jan - Oct 2017) Service Hours To-Date...........5,900 Handbill/Stickers Removed.. 3,808 Property Checks....................3,314 Public Assists..........................1,189 Incidences Responded.........255 Trash Cans Topped Off..........473 Graffiti Removed....................685 Sidewalk Powerwashing.......150 Streetscape Pieces Painted.. 174 Outreach Offered..................126 311 Requests Submitted........129

UDSID Stewards

OUR SHARED SUCCESS New business investment is happening in all corners of the University District and there is still much more to come. The University Community Business Association (UCBA) has positioned itself to provide business connectivity and neighborhood marketing to highlight the District’s thriving business nodes.

Recognizing that social media has become an important tool to drive area visitation, UCBA has streamlined its accounts to one single University District branded identity. It has also dedicated more resources to making sure accounts are updated frequently.

UCBA recently launched a mapped directory which categorizes businesses, services, and places of interest within the University District.

This will be paired with a new web page focused on University District visitors wanting to find places to go and things to do while here.

universitydistrict.org/visit The online Discoveries tours were created to encourage visitors and curious residents to explore destinations in the University District experience. New tours on the arts and historic sites will be launched next year.

With new businesses being established, it is important that they become informed and active within the community. UCBA is in the process of developing a Doing Business Guide that will help owners and managers navigate the community groups, city regulations, and other important information specific to the University District. Look for the guide to be distributed to businesses in early 2018.

UCBA will be working with area developers to install University District branded construction site screening on projects sites along High Street.

These colorful banners will add an aesthetic element while many parts of the District are in transition.

New Business Directory universitydistrict.org/visit

university OUR SHARED BONDS community association

As the oldest civic organization in the University District, and one of the oldest in the City of Columbus, the University Community Association (UCA) builds pride in our neighborhoods through resident engagement. UCA continued to present its quarterly member’s breakfast to discuss current events and happenings within the University District. At the Annual Ice Cream Social in August, Evelyn Van Til was awarded this year’s Pavey Award for her involvement in creating successful area community gardens.

Tuttle Park Clean-Up Day September 30, 2017

UCA helped organize a clean-up of Tuttle Park in partnership with the Sierra Club, Friends of the Lower Olentangy, and a local Girl Scouts troupe in September. Almost 100 participants picked up trash, removed over half an acre of invasive honeysuckle, and planted a pollinator garden near the park’s recreation center. UCA cosponsored the volunteer’s lunch for recognizing everyone’s hard work. The day of volunteerism was such a success that UCA plans to make it an annual event.

There were many new changes to UCA this year. Three new board members joined and a new representative was appointed to the University Area Commission. A Facebook page was created to communicate the association’s events with area residents. A new evening social and fund raiser was added to the activities calendar. Hosted at the Rambling House, the night featured local musicians a silent auction, and plenty of neighborly conversation. The money raised will be used for activities which will build stronger community connections between the residents, businesses, and organizations.

Summer Ice Cream Social August 9, 2017

The University Community Association will continue to advocate for sustainable and sensible development within the University District and throughout the City. The board is looking forward to 2018 and participating with its members and the community to continue to improve the University District for all.

university area OUR SHARED SERVICE commission The University Area Commission’s (UAC) 2017 agenda continued to be busy as new development projects came for reviews and approvals. Commission business included: 20 variances 8 early demolition permits 3 preliminary project reviews 3 block party permits 2 rezoning requests In addition to the development applications, the UAC gave input on numerous residential permit parking requests, zoning complaints, illegal graphics, and property code issues.

UAC commissioners assisted with several building preservation projects this year. Advocating for the revitalization of the historic Indianola Junior High by The Ohio State University resulted in a significant win for the community.

Commissioners also collaborated on the preservation and reuse of the Hudson Theater in the SoHud neighborhood.

Administratively, election bylaws were updated to help smooth the transition for new commissioners and updates to the UAC’s website were published.

UAC was represented on a number of community planning projects throughout the year and provided neighborhood specific guidance. Projects include: • University District Arts & Character Plan • Art on High (Vine to 9th) • Community homelessness and poverty • Streetscape improvements • UIRF project funding • Euclid/McMillen stormwater improvements • Pedestrian crosswalk safety on High Street

University Area Commission

Meets: Third Wednesday of every month Northwood-High Building 2231 N High Street, Room 100 6:30 p.m.

BOARDS OF DIRECTORS & COMMISSIONERS University District Organization & University Community Business Association Ellen Moore Griffin, President Susan Jennings, Vice President Jenny Bell, Secretary Erin Prosser, Treasurer Doreen Uhas-Sauer Willie Young Justin Johnston Christiana Moffa John Sauer

University District Special Improvement District

Scott Solomon, President Edward Gaughan, Vice President Jared Schiff, Secretary Bob Mickley, Treasurer Amanda Hoffsis Michelle Larsen Andrew Dyer

University Community Association

D’Lyn Stinziano, President Paul Newkirk, Vice President Sharon Young, Secretary Bob Fletcher, Treasurer Jen Miller Jonathan Riley Jon Marshall Brent Warren Deb Gallagher John Sauer

University Area Commission District 1 Lauren Squires Abby Kravitz Deborah Supelak

District 2 Seth Golding, Treasurer Tom Wildman, Code Enforcement & Safety Committee Chair District 3 Brian Williams Omar Elhagmusa Rory Krupp District 4 Susan Keeny, 1st Vice President & Zoning Committee Chair Michael Sharvin Mario Cespedes Nominated & Appointed University Area Commissioners Craig Bouska, Rental Property Owners David Hegley, 2nd Vice President, Social/Charitable Groups Steve Volkmann, The Ohio State University Alex Wesaw, OSU Council of Graduate Students Sam Runta, OSU Undergraduate Student Government Pasquale Grado, Business Owners Doreen Uhas-Sauer, President, University District Organization Aaron Marshall, University Community Association

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS Summa Cum Laude Members: Buckeye Real Estate Inn-Town Homes NorthSteppe Realty Oxford Real Estate Steiner + Associates

Cum Laude Members: Chop Shop College Traditions Columbus Metropolitan Library Community Crime Patrol Creative Living Credit Union of Ohio

Edwards Development Company Gateway Businesses Hometeam Properties Joe Jackson - Keller Williams Kohr Royer Griffith Neighborhood Services, Inc. North Central Mental Health Pella Company Progressive Building LLC Student Legal Services @ OSU The Big Bar The Little Bar University Kiwanis Wagenbrenner Development

PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS Buckeye Block Watch Campus Partners for Urban Development Capital Crossroads SID Central Ohio Transit Agency Clintonville Area Commission Columbus Building & Zoning Services Columbus City Attorneys Office Columbus City Council City of Columbus Columbus Landmarks Foundation Columbus Metropolitan Library Columbus Neighborhood Liaison Program Columbus Office of the Mayor Columbus Parking Meter Advisory Team Columbus Parks & Recreation Community Crime Patrol Community Housing Network Create Columbus Commission Experience Columbus Friends of Portal Park Gateway Film Center Glen Echo Civic Association Godman Guild Greater Columbus Arts Council Indianola Church of Christ Indianola Ravine Association Indianola Presbyterian Church Iuka Ravine Area Block Watch Iuka Ravine Association King Avenue United Methodist Church Maryhaven Neighborhood Design Center Neighborhood Services, Inc. OSU Council of Graduate Students OSU Extension - Weinland Park OSU Off-Campus & Commuter Student Services OSU Office of Government Affairs OSU Pay It Forward OSU Physical Planning & Real Estate OSU Public Safety OSU University Student Government Short North Alliance SoHud Block Watch SoHud April Fool’s Parade United Way of Central Ohio University Architectural Review Board University District Safety Committee University Hospitality District Weinland Park Civic Association Weinland Park Collaborative Wexner Center for the Arts Wild Goose Creative

2231 North High Street, Room 200 Columbus, OH 43201 614.294.5113 universitydistrict.org