Bicentennial 2012, City of Columbus

Think Tank Blog Results

Constance
6/17/2007

More jobs for baby boomers, full time with health coverage as that is a real concern for our generation. More training for junior and senior males before they graduate high school, vocational and college prep training for them. More recreation centers for young people so they have things to do after work. Work study in high school so kids can work part of the day and go to school as well.

darrell simmons II
6/17/2007

I think we should get all of the gang members to a school that show and tell them what should do with their life's in the future and for the teens in the summer have lot more activities and jobs and this blog was from darrell marcus simmons II

philip
6/17/2007

We need stricter rules on predatory lending so people don't lose their houses.

aisha
6/16/2007

Columbus should have more activities for teens so they don't get into trouble. i know in New York there is a program that starts when kids are about 8 or 10 called "Mad Hot Ballroom" that teaches kids to dance ballroom and I think if Columbus had some activities like this then maybe there wouldn't be as many gangs and street fights!:)

erin
6/16/2007

I think Columbus is already a pretty good city. Maybe some more shopping and festivals like this one. This festival is really good because it lets everyone from many different cultures spend time together. Also Columbus could use some more parks for outdoor activities like canoeing and hiking.

EDUARDO
6/16/2007

Since Germain Amphitheater will no longer exist after this season, how about taking the soon to be abandoned Cooper Stadium and make it the new amphitheater? There's plenty of parking, the stadium could be retro-fitted (remember 7 days of sold out Garth Brooks concerts in the late 90's?), it's located near the 70/71 split. It would be a lot better than having yet another facility/store/entertainment venue going to ruin here in the Capitol city.

greg
6/15/2007

I moved here just over six months ago to try and find a better job than the one I had. I have done this. Though I am still looking to better myself even more. The main problem I see though. Is the city seems to be concerned mainly with the needs of young professionals. I understand you need to attract this demographic to make the city attractive to people across the country. But never forget that this demographic will never be the majority of your citizenship. They may make more money for you on an individual basis. But the majority of your tax dollars are always going to come from the working class of the city. Now having said all this. The main problem I see in this city. Is the lack of reasonable living choices. Sure people are building lofts and condos all over the place. But this only helps a small portion of the people and actually makes the cost of living more expensive for the people living around these projects as the landlords raise the rates of any rental property around the

heatherlynnkyle
6/10/2007

please make the city more save for bikers- have bike lanes put in on major streets. save energy, make the environment better by encouraging people to bike instead of drive. I live in the King Lincoln District- I saw you speak there at the king arts complex. the crime there is very bad- not a fun place to live. otherwise, I love Columbus very much. i am a gallery associate at terra gallery in the short north. stop by and see what we're doing. we're a new gallery in Columbus! thanks for your time.

barbara early
6/10/2007

ALTHOUGH I LIVE IN WAVERLY, OHIO, I AM EXTREMELY UPSET THAT THE CITY OF COLUMBUS HAS ALLOWED THE DEATH OF CITY CENTER MALL. WHEN IT FIRST OPENED, I WOULD DRIVE UP, PARK IN THE PARKING GARAGE AND SHOP AWAY THE DAY. ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO, I TOLD MY HUSBAND I WILL NOT GO THERE AGAIN - IT IS NOT SAVE! WHAT A SHAME FOR COLUMBUS.

jrj
6/9/2007

Inspirational music and art from around the world. The culture of Russia, China, Africa, France, Italy, Greece Japan, etc. are beautiful and well worth the opportunity to experience. American representations of these cultures have their own beautiful quality but experiencing art that is inspired by events independent of this country are unique and can only be represented by indigenous people. Columbus has expanded spatially. This creates beautiful homes in the suburbs and promotes small independent communities that expend resources to duplicate each other. It promotes a culture that is totally dependent on the automobile. The arts and sciences become less visible and therefore less experienced by the people of Columbus. One must target an event and a location. There is conscious purposefulness that must exist to experience these things. One cannot say let's go downtown and see what's happening! It is impossible to stumble upon the experience of arts, science, shopping, nightlife, a

Kathy
6/9/2007

I think that ALL neighborhoods should have street lights at no additional cost to the home owners. Also the city needs to remove all ash trees at no additional cost to the home owners. Columbus does not allow the home owner to maintain the trees, therefore they need to remove them.

Zachery Allan Starkey
6/9/2007

Columbus is a marvelous city. I grew up here and have lived here for all of my twenty five years. Things that I think would make the city better. 1. Better public transportation. Cheaper public transportation that actually works. COTA is a joke. The bus drivers are callous and rude. The fare is too high. The buses never run on time, they are always too early or too late. We need public transportation that is dependable, and that runs past 11 pm on weekends. 2. The public library system needs expanded. 3. We need affordable housing downtown, for college students and average folks. We need art spaces downtown. Not many people can afford $180,000 condo's. Having a bunch of yuppies move into downtown is not going to help invigorate downtown. 4. We need a better art museum. 5. Tuition at OSU needs to stop going up. 6. Franklinton needs to be reinvigorated as a neighborhood, with the cooperation of the PEOPLE CURRENTLY LIVING THERE. As an artist that was born an raised in Franklinton.

bass
6/9/2007

To give light rail a chance of success, situate the first route directly up the center of High Street from Downtown to Worthington. Mass Transit: Connect other suburbs on existing rail right of ways. Stop financing expansion outside of 270 with public money, reward and support projects within 270 and more so downtown. property tax overhaul (ease the burden) is a must to encourage renovation of existing neighborhoods, attract new homeowners and st5op chasing people out of Franklin county. Straighten out the school board and school system. Race and gender is not a requisite for leadership in the system or board!

Karli and Martha
6/9/2007

We think that increased support for the arts will make Columbus great, especially the Columbus Museum of Art!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And we find campus street sweeping to be extremely irritating. Go Bucks!!!

susieq
6/9/2007

Love the development of the downtown area and arena district. Mayor Coleman has done a great job for the citizens of Columbus. It is great to live in a BIG city that has a low crime rate, cultural diversity, and acceptance for all kinds of people!

terry
6/9/2007

We need to have all cultural institutions at top level. Support is needed for a new wing on our Art Museum. Dance performances should be at top quality level as well. Do not hesitate to work with Ballet Met to produce exceptional performances. Their repertoire is very wide and WILL appeal to all audiences. We need to have more public art and refined public spaces for the celebration and beyond. Look into the best artistic outdoor projection systems and design ideas. We need real artistic input at all levels of the process.

pleasure
6/9/2007

workforce housing downtown LEED building standards for downtown construction projects development on the Whittier peninsula completion of the Scioto mile as soon as possible DOWNTOWN TROLLEY!!!!!

a elmer
6/9/2007

On our way to the wonderful cbus art festival we took advantage of the potentially great riverfront....It would be nice if the riverfront were more proactive, in hopes of attracting more people than geese. We would love to visit more often if the river and riverbanks were cleaner and more inviting. There is great potential for the downtown area and I would like to take a more active role if it were possible. How can we connect the burbs with the downtown hub and create a pedestrian friendly vibrant down town. Nationwide is a great start but the hesitation seems to lie in the area along high street. Let's connect the area between campus, short north, & downtown!

bob
6/9/2007

COTA should run buses past 10 p.m. Especially for First Night Columbus it is not conducive to get home from the event. There needs to be mass transit. COTA needs to reevaluate routes and be open later. The condos are great downtown but expensive for common people. City Center needs to be resuscitated.

peggy
6/9/2007

I would actually consider living downtown if there were more services -- grocery stores, pharmacies, reasonably-priced clothing, etc. I appreciate your efforts to develop housing downtown, but we need some that are NOT in the 300 thousand and up price range. What about us folks who can afford about 150 thousand? Thanks for listening!

capcitysavvy
6/8/2007

Improved physical and visual connections between our urban neighborhoods. Namely, streetcars and caps connecting the south side neighborhoods (The Brewery District and German Village) and the North side neighborhoods (OSU, Vic. Village, Short North, and Italian Village) with downtown proper. We need to address our transportation issues head on. COTA does not cut it, and we need a better system in an era of increasing transportation costs. We need to start small, as many other cities have, with a streetcar route. When the public gets a flavor of what good public transit is, they will be much more willing to pass ballot initiatives for more expensive and extensive systems. In addition, we need to make our cities more bicycle and pedestrian friendly at the expense of auto traffic. We love to see the 2-way street conversions and would like to see that program expanded. Philosophically, a change in mindsets will make Columbus great. That means, politicians who aren't afraid to take

Fwoopty
6/8/2007

I think it would be great if all of the people of Columbus vote to legalize Same Sex Marriages. My girlfriend and I have been dating for about 6 years and have recently gotten engaged. However, as exciting as this news may be, its also very devastating that our love will not be honored by our beloved City. We moved to Columbus because of the great Diversity and Culture. There are so many things we have seen and learned since we have lived in this fantastic City. For our situation alone, it is absolutely amazing to have a holiday where it is completely normal and not a minority for us to be in love and to SHOW our love. We are very excited to be attending this years Pride Holiday Celebration. Our biggest excitement would come from the legalization of our marriage one day! Come on Columbus, we CAN DO THIS!

SugarLoo
6/8/2007

Save the City Center Mall by adding practical stores that are useful to the people in the city. Add (for example) Target, Penney's, Men's store, Ladies Store, Grocery Store. Bring back the skating rink or an amusement area for the children. Lower the prices of those expensive condo's. People can not afford them. They should begin at 150,000. Have a clean up the litter day throughout the city. Ask everyone in their area to form small groups through their neighborhood civic centers and clean up their individual areas. Add a rail system to the city for example to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus that people could transfer to other cities and then travel throughout the nation. Promote "green" Stop cutting down all the trees when you are building. For instance, build within the green area. Save the trees. Live more in harmony with the the animals and the earth. Green things (trees and greenery) actually promote better oxygen - our requirement to live. Bring back low-income areas

longtimecolsres
6/8/2007

I think we need to control the urban sprawl. Not just by building condos downtown. I think we should really focus on the number of homes that are being built in the 270 corridor compared to the number of homes in the inner city communities that need some help. All of these great homes get run down and then, as Columbus inevitable will do, they will be torn down and we lose whatever semblance of a history that we had. Perhaps charge the builders to focus energy on inner city while allowing them a certain amount of the new cheap build growth. Of course if we build out inner city we need the small shops restaurants etc that make living in a urban area great.

education=success
6/8/2007

more money needs to be devoted to the public school system. I volunteer w/Columbus reads, but our under advantages students need a lot more help to catch up by kindergarten, perhaps a better preschool system that teaches reading & ABC's. Also art matters - this art fair is great, but we need to support the museum in their new building initiative to make this city great & a cultural destination! thanks for listening

Sally Murphy
6/8/2007

More sidewalks; more Farmer's Markets; green, green, green: space, buildings and dollars from green-oriented job development. I'd like to increase walkable neighborhoods -- and get to know the neighbors in my own neighborhood. Thanks, Mayor, for caring so much about my home!

mindy
6/7/2007

I think that there should be more murals, maybe showcasing local artists and their feelings on Columbus. I am really impressed by this think tank. To be honest I feel I would have to give these prompts more time to answer them fully. Citizens rarely have opportunities like this to speak out, and it is a surprise!! I am delighted that this is available to us... I'm sure you will get lots of fascinating responses. I am proud to be a local artist and hope to contribute to this city in major ways in the future. Mindy Roth, Allegheny college graduate 2007

Perfect
6/7/2007

I feel what will make Columbus great is to bring back the great downtown mall, City Center. I have may fond memories of going downtown to the mall with my family that it had made me love my Columbus. Since Easton arrived the downtown area has become dormant and few people truly travel downtown unless it is for business or otherwise. In my opinion, Easton is not a pleasant shopping experience due to majority of the stores being outside. Also, for some reason, it can become way too populated and I have a hard time enjoying my shopping experience. I propose that something should be done to improve the downtown mall, City Center and bring back the mood it once was.

bart overly
6/7/2007

I am very excited about the plans for the riverfront, which will begin next year. One component that I really think is missing though, is some sort of small 'commercial' aspect. When you go to Grant Park in Chicago, there is a small outfit that sells coffee, snacks, and has WIFI. It's not much, but it draws people there and makes them create a routine of it. Rome has great boulevards with "sliver" restaurants and cafes not much wider than 20 feet, outdoor seating on one side, and they are very popular. The riverfront NEEDS something more than 'puzzle piece' seating, 'aluminum chair classics', etc. Also, Civic Center Drive can be much like Memorial Drive in Cambridge, MA when it is complete. On Sundays, the city closes down a mile stretch of Memorial Drive to traffic and opens it to dog walkers, rollerbladers, etc. You are doing a great job-- keep it up.....

Lisa Dove
6/7/2007

Mayor Coleman, You really have some great vision for the city, but how about working to connect the North Corridor (Northland and points north) with the city center. Light Rail, using the old Northland shopping area and Polaris to downtown is sorely needed. With all the cultural connections, sporting venues, and nightlife, especially for the younger consumers (16-22), downtown could really explode. I have a Jr. in High school who would love to come to events downtown, but driving restrictions and the $$ of parking, on top of ticket prices, is prohibitive. You have a great core of North Urbanites who have $$ to spend and nowhere but EASTON to go....what about it?

robb
6/7/2007

We really need light rail in the city. I love the Toronto public transportation system. It would be great to recreate there system with the GREEN Ecosystems in place. We really need more green space in the downtown area. Get rid of the asphalt!!!!!! It is not eco friendly . Let be the Best Damn Green City in America by this time. A model for all to follow!!!!

BJM
6/7/2007

Funding & support for sliding scale cat & dog spay & neuter, including transportation, vouchers, vet & tech salaries. Funding & support for feral cat program with TNR (trap-neuter-release) to stabilize, then reduce, a feral & stray cat population. This will help prevent unwanted litters and ensure the health of the cats remaining in colonies. Disaster shelters for pets which (optimally) are co-located near Red Cross shelters; this is in the planning stages for Franklin county. State level is not planning for companion animals and people often won't leave without their pets, putting rescue staff, victims, and animals at increased risk.

crone
6/7/2007

There were streetcars when I grew up--they are ugly. They limit the path that a bus can take. They make it harder for the traffic to get around. Sure, it would be nice if you can find a public conveyance that people will use, but this is not the answer!

melanie
6/7/2007

San Francisco, CA established universal health for all its residents. Since Columbus has been one of the more progressive cities in the country, would it not be innovative and groundbreaking (not to mention critical to the health of our residents) to be one of the leaders reducing health disparities and improving access to care?

Shari V.
6/7/2007

Hello, Mayor...and hello, Columbus! I think solid communication and strong cooperation will make Columbus great. And with it's big anniversary coming in 2012, there is a lot to think about, and a lot to do together in our effort to achieve greatness. But think for a moment...Columbus, as far as I'm concerned, is already a great, great city. Of course, all major cities face challenges, but it's that cooperation that will take us to the next level, and the level after that, and beyond for a productive future. Of course, jobs help to make a great city greater. So I hope that you and your colleagues continue to work strongly on the Development front and in concert with the efforts of Gov. Ted Strickland, to bring employers to our city and region. Parks are an important aspect of any municipality. Let's keep setting aside some green space for that effort. We all need areas where we can go in an urban area that remind us of nature and bring it closer to us. Step up some of the law enfo

beulah bianca
6/7/2007

So much of the city neighborhoods' futures depend on how vital the schools are in each neighborhood. I believe the city's financial network should be involved in the success of public education. That means more than holding them accountable to keep to a budget....it means getting hands wet and really assessing the strengths of a school and fostering growth in areas where school have room to improve. "No child left behind" legislation will help the citizens of Columbus in some ways, but may leave schools in a financial hole that they may not recover from without the backing of Columbus business people. Without that the future of neighborhoods like Clintonville and Bexley is uncertain. I also would like to see some other options in public transportation.

heather
6/7/2007

I would LOVE for this to go straight to Mayor Coleman. My name is Heather Reese, and I own an art gallery in Gahanna. In two months, I am opening another, which will include a Gallery Walk (hop) for Gahanna, in the Creekside area. This is a very exciting growth period for Gahanna, and the main "strip" will be displaying all environmental art, organic, and anything that promotes conservation within our communities. I have never been more excited about my local government than when I saw Mayor Coleman on the cover of Columbus Monthly, and his goal with the Green Initiative. I would like to know how far he is willing to go with this plan, and how can we educate not only Columbus but our surrounding communities, such as starting a massive Green Festival....call it what you will...Eco Fest, what not. Please contact me at my current gallery (The Writing on the Wall Gallery) at 614 414 0505, and let me know what we can do to get Columbus GREEN!!! Thank you for your time, and this Thi

robert
Riverfest 6-30-2007

Cheap COTA. Less money towards freeway maintenance. Caps to connect downtown to neighborhoods, especially German Village, Brewery District, and Old Town East.

Rachel Flynn
Riverfest 6-30-2007

Go to non-pollutant fuel in all cars

Rickster
Riverfest 6-30-2007

Making our neighborhoods more accessible on feet.

dennis0708
Riverfest 6-30-2007

I live in between short north and OSU campus.....I have noticed in areas that are well lighted seem to be less crime in those area... I think if the city used better street lights and also installed cameras to keep watch and made it clear to criminals that they are being watched would make it alot harder to commit crimes.

Raging Leftist
Red, White & Boom 7-3-2007

The availability of comprehensive and pro-active services for the homeless including mental health, drug counseling and temporary housing.

Raging Leftist
Red, White & Boom 7-3-2007

By moving forward with the rail system plan; though it may encounter resistance many people will be open to the idea once it is available. Having a rail system confers a certain level of status upon a city and is seen as a mode of transportation that people of all classes should utilize and that is why that system will see more usage than buses.

bonnie
Westgate Pride 7-11-2007

people need to be educated about what their contribution to the pollution in the city is, what the effects are and can be in the future if we do not try to reduce pollution by using alternatives modes of transportation such as public transit, bicycles, walking, and scooters. When people realize how harmful emissions effect children and people in general, they will be more willing to make changes.

bonnie
Westgate Pride 7-11-2007

reduce the fear of reporting crime in the inner city. much of the problem is that citizens want to leave all the responsibility on the police, we are all responsible for making it uncomfortable for criminals in our communities by calling and reporting them every time.

Michael Martin
Riverfest 6-30-2007

Use of a trolley system would be great, however an intra-state interconnect between Cinci, Clev and Cols would be another way to promote alternative modes of transportation such as a rail system

ecokarina
Riverfest 6-30-2007

start by dramatically reducing air pollution, emissions, and smog... encourage less car driving, more public transportation, more bike trails and walking trails, perhaps media advertisements that recommend much more outdoor related activities like hiking, biking, camping, etc.

JCH
Riverfest 6-30-2007

require commercial buildings open to the public to have bike racks in front of business. I ride everywhere and almost never, except for Meijers, find bike racks out front. I know Columbus requires side walks with new development. Now, lets require bike racks.

srtruth
Red, White & Boom 7-3-2007

My neighborhood is already great/greater would include more diversity/improved public education/clean up and maintain alleys/hold businesses to a higher standard of maintenance and appearance. Controlled property taxes, and increased police presence would also make my neighborhood greater.

Smalls
Gallery Hop - July 7-7-2007

We need to cut down our amount of air pollution, increase the amount of healthy lifestyle alternatives (restaurants, walking/biking, yoga in the park, etc) and reduce our stress levels with less traffic and construction headaches.

John Angelo
Gallery Hop - July 7-7-2007

HOLISTIC EXPERIENCES! Make sure destinations are synergistic and offer real entertainment value. Have beer gardens and alfresco dining in parks. Give people a reason to come back again and again. Have to have a critical mass of experiences to get people to overcome one-way streets, parking, travel distance, etc...

Kelan
Gallery Hop - July 7-7-2007

Require students at Columbus schools to exercise more each week and test their health regularly.

JK042005
Gallery Hop - July 7-7-2007

1) Develop a program that makes public transportation absolutely free of charge, and run all day and night to all areas of Columbus, and; 2) Develop a city sponsored homeless shelter system that concentrates on dealing with issues that cause homelessness according to expert opinion.

shiraz
Gallery Hop - July 7-7-2007

The bus system needs a much more user friendly web page - for starters.

Wendy K
Heritage Concert 7-19-2007

More areas mapped out and dedicated to walking

Wendy K
Heritage Concert 7-19-2007

More programs for youth...alternative education information. Mayoral control of the school system...like in recent Cleveland

Willa
Heritage Concert 7-19-2007

instill the essence of respect in our younger and older people so we can create innovations within our neighborhoods

Willa
Heritage Concert 7-19-2007

creating alternative modes of transportation would make it easier for people to go to jobs and also make it easier on employers who are trying to attract talented people.

Willa
Heritage Concert 7-19-2007

have more free festivals and exhibits and a new way of shopping so retail comes back downtown. There also need to be more gas stations that are easier to find.

Molson
Heritage Concert 7-19-2007

Grants from the city to rehab homes. Incentives for professionals to purchase in the area. Grants have been offered south of Broad Street and the North side needs to have the same opportunities afforded to them.

Molson
Heritage Concert 7-19-2007

Offer employers tax benefits for wellness programs to employees such offering fitness and nutrition programs, massage therapy. Lobby to get a bill passed that will incorporate wellness treatments into health plans. Offer tax payers breaks for participating in fitness and wellness programs.

Molson
Heritage Concert 7-19-2007

Restaurants along the river, shops and a board walk. Loose a bit of the conservative edge and keep them open a little later in the evening. Offer a Riverboat restaurant.

lovasser
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

Keep places smoke free, have more open spaces to encourage outdoor activity, encourage the purchase of local produce

Jared
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

Push physical fitness in our schools. Get kids stated at a early age with nutrition and a healthy living style.

Dave
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

Better COTA service. Good now, compared to 25 years ago. Light rail needed. Streetcars a good idea. More awareness of unique neighborhoods. Priority boards and neighborhood assistance officers (volunteer cops). Living wage, not minimum wage for those employed by city contractors. (Contact Commissioner Lovelace, Dayton). Learn to set traffic lights shorter.

Dave
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

Restoration of affordable shopping. Continue with efforts to mass new buildings together, creating a more urban feeling.

Derek G
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-21-2007

Offer free rides on certain days of the week or during special events such as the Jazz & Rib Fest or Short North Gallery Hop. Plan activities for running, biking, rollerblading and outdoors throughout the greater Columbus area and encourage companies to send the word out to their employees as a way to get involved. Find partners in the community to work with on these issues.

Derek G
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-21-2007

More foot patrol and bike/horse patrol officers. Visibility is key. Have security/info stations throughout the city to encourage walking and browsing.

Australian visitor
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-21-2007

limit food operating licenses for fast food operators, encourage stores to give demonstrations on prep of fast, easy and inexpensive healthy meals, select variety of regionally located parks and walking trails to heavily patrol to provide safe place, invest in city supported after school centres for ALL citizens (not means tested) to give more kids the chance to play and explore instead of sitting in closed areas alone

sunshine
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-21-2007

more locally owned/family owned businesses of all kinds. A small town feeling with big city convenience

Paul
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-21-2007

Please improve the Griggs Dam park on the West side of the river. The park on the East side of the river has had a lot of attention, but there is a park also on the East side of the river south of Fishinger Road.

O2IVEKG
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-21-2007

I live in Merion Village and the graffiti on Parsons Ave is horrible. Wherever graffiti is, crime and gangs are. The city should be aggressive in removing it on city prop and even so against homeowners/business owners where it appears on their property

O2IVEKG
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-21-2007

More projects like Broad and High. This will finally make us look like a "big" city even though we're still a small town. Nobody knows about Columbus. Why?! Someone needs to do a much better job promoting who and what we are. We are diverse, open, clean and educated. Too bad we have nothing (NOTHING!) for tourists here. It's sad ;-(>

nick
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-21-2007

L-train or tram system availability, connecting each suburb and shopping area (ie Easton, Polaris, City Center). Must be affordable to all demographics of people.

nick
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-21-2007

rebuild the short north, with a walking only street of vendors, shops, restaurants and parks (much like 16th street in Denver, Colorado),. have year round festivals much like Comm fest and Jazz and rib fest, expand free parking and tear down dilapidated housing, buildings and parking lots.

shannon
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

The Blacklick area needs more parks and recreational areas, dog parks, etc.

shannon
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

more 5ks, more community health promo events, encourage more food vendors (like at CommFest) that serve salads, etc.

shannon
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

Stricter punishment policies for petty crimes to discourage small crimes like smash and grabs. Install more neighborhood watches in area especially like Merion Village. Offer police assistance with these neighborhood watches.

shannon
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

continue with the community events, the ice skating rink in the winter, etc. Continue holding family oriented events to show the future generations what "going downtown" is all about. Renovating City Center Mall would be great too, whether it be into condos or a community rec. center, but either way maker clientele feel safe about being there.

CoverdaleJAG
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

A real sense of community can create a much happier and more productive live space. That being said I believe that small community parks are a valuable tool for allowing a community to gather as well as to attract programs like the Jazz and Ribs Fest. These programs can give a city a sense of itself. This is important for any growing community.

Peter GC
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

By building centers where people want to travel to. Make those centers accessible by alternate transportation and discourage personal transportation to close proximity of these centers. Make the alternative transportation funded by business, not by taxes, and not by fare. Make the trans.. fun and something that is worth doing.

J.Hall24
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

Provide reduced health care costs. Every person in Columbus should be able to get free basic coverage. Also, more money needs to be invested in public schools in lower income areas. You'll be surprised what smart and healthy people can do.

kickflip614
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

build a skate park somewhere downtown where people can skateboard, BMX, Rollerblade also a gameine store would be good to. kids need hobbies to stay out of trouble like video game to trading card games, board game ect.

zoointern
Columbus Zoo 7-25-2007

Provide gym memberships as part of job benefits... without taking the money from tax payers.

wayne
Columbus Zoo 7-25-2007

Columbus can become healthy if had tougher laws on littering, laws to reduce pollution, better health care systems, etc.

Debbie
Columbus Zoo 7-25-2007

I am in favor of light rail or cable cars. It needs to friendly to moms with strollers or bikes.

Kevin
South Side CAN Pride 7-26-2007

A swimming pool at Schiller Park.

Tony
West Heritage Concert 7-19-2007

The safety is based on the lowest group. Crime is always going to be with us, however if our children are safe in the low income areas then we will all will have the same safety. The focus is more in the areas of crime

mE
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

CREATING THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR IT, INCREASED PARKING COSTS DOWNTOWN AS WELL AS DECREASED SURFACE PARKING AVAILABLE.

mE
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

PROMOTING PUBLIC TRANSIT AND REDUCING OUR DEPENDENCE ON THE CAR WILL INCREASE OUR ACTIVITY NATURALLY.

mE
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

BY CREATING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN POLICE AND COMMUNITY GROUPS AS WELL AS KEEPING NEIGHBORHOODS CONNECTED SO THEY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH EACH PERSON.

mE
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

MORE AMENITIES, MORE PEOPLE, LESS PARKING, MORE MIXED USES, ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS SIMILAR TO THE ARENA WITH OTHER SPECIALIZATIONS AS WELL.

pookie
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

nice water front downtown nightlife not centered on bars

Aaron
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

Become in compliance with EPA domestic water standards and clean up the Scioto

Amanda
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

Take the junk food out of the schools. It starts with our children. Give incentives to employers who encourage healthy living for their employees. Make health clubs more affordable and more accessible.

Amanda
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-20-2007

I think it's heading in the right direction with the housing. But the shopping issue still needs some focus. City Center does not cut it. Downtown needs to be seen as a "destination" location, with lots to do. But right now, it's seen primarily for working

fred
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

make COTA busses more easily accessible from the suburbs; get rid of the social stigma associated with riding the bus. more bike trails would also help

heather
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

free recycling

heather
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

more of a metro park system like in Cleveland

Andrew
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

More Bike lanes and trails. Free curbside recycling (see Upper Arlington model). Recycling made a focus at all city events such as jazz and ribs fest.

Andrew
Jazz & Rib Fest 7-22-2007

Bio diesel and natural gas refill stations. City tax breaks for alternative energy. Bike lanes on all major commute routes. Carpool lanes on highways.