The future of Bexley depends on revitalizing some of its long-neglected areas - including North Cassady and Livingston avenues - City Councilman Ben Kessler believes.
On Aug. 4, Kessler chaired a meeting of the new Bexley Land Use Strategy Commission to gather public input about future uses for these areas, as well as Main Street and Alum Creek.
Kessler maintains that this effort could have a greater impact on the city than previous development efforts because it addresses sections that have been allowed to deteriorate.
While all of the targeted areas are important, Kessler said the one that needs the most urgent attention is Livingston Avenue.
This is largely due to the presence of the Mayfield Apartments, which has become Bexley's high-crime area, according to police Chief Larry Rinehart.
In the past 12 months, officers have received 271 calls for service to Mayfield Road, which Rinehart said is "unacceptable for one street."
More troubling is that most of these calls are for serious crimes, such as burglaries, domestic violence and reports of gunshots, requiring at least two officers to respond, the chief said. A homicide recently occurred in the area, and gang signs have been spotted.
These problems contrast with the potential for commercial development along Livingston, with its access to I-70 and the city's highest volume of vehicle traffic, at 28,600 drivers a day, the planners noted. The success of the community garden near Mayfield has created more interaction between Bexley residents and shown the potential for change.
With the urban blight arrested, residents envisioned an express motel in the area to accommodate and attract visitors.
One of the obstacles to revitalization is that Bexley only controls the north side of Livingston, Kessler said. Columbus is in the process of adopting its own land use plan for Livingston, from Alum Creek to Brice Road.
The far end of North Cassady Avenue is another area with problems and potential. A gas station and a floral shop stand vacant, near such established businesses as Bexley Natural Market and a new coffee shop. The thoroughfare provides access to I-670 and serves as the city's northern gateway.
That gateway could be improved, residents suggested, to provide a clearer demarcation that people are entering Bexley.
Delmar Avenue has seen its share of police attention, including a SWAT team emergency last year. Planners are hoping that the construction of a new police station will deter crime and draw more positive attention to the area.
While Main Street has benefited from a surge of new development in the last five years, including the $24 million Gateway project, there is still room for improvement, participants said, particularly on the eastern end.
Residents see the area as less unified than the rest of Main Street, and they would like it to be more pedestrian-friendly. Desired businesses for the area include a book store and a grocery.
The plan being formulated isn't all bricks and mortar. It's also focused on the waterways and green spaces of Alum Creek.
The 2.5-mile stretch of the creek at Bexley's western border passes three parks - Schneider, Wolfe and Jeffrey - as well as other open spaces and a bike trail. With the dams now removed, residents see the possibility of canoeing and kayaking, along with scenic overlooks and more trails.
The next steps in the planning process include a report based on the public comments, to be published on he city's web site. The commission will then draft strategies for future action, with more public meetings before a plan is presented to city council for adoption.
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Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.
Showing posts with label Ben Kessler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ben Kessler. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
John Matuszak: Bexley seeks to nix texting and driving.
Exit the Information Superhighway before traveling our roadways.
That's the message Bexley City Councilman Jed Morison wants to send as he introduced an ordinance banning texting while driving in the suburb.
"It's a tool to say 'it's against the law to text and drive'" in Bexley, Morison explained at the July 28 council meeting. "If your hands are off the wheel and your eyes are off the road, it's a disaster waiting to happen."
A recent study published in the New York Times stated that drivers who are texting are 23 times more likely to have an accident - a greater risk that drinking and driving.
Morison wants the ordinance to be more educational than punitive, and he isn't looking to create a greater burden for police.
"My hope is that parents and family members and friends will be the chief educators and enforcers" of the ordinance, he said.
Some 14 states and several Ohio cities have entacted similar prohibitions, but Bexley is among the first central Ohio communities to take on the issue. Around 100,000 vehicles pass through Bexley every day.
City Attorney Lou Chodosh pointed out that Bexley already has a law against "driving while distracted," but that the texting ban would be more specific.
While some residents are questioning whether council should spend time on the ordinance, others are supportive, and the effort is drawing attention from outside the city.
Gahanna resident Sharon Montgomery spoke in favor of the move. Nine years ago her husband was killed and she was seriously injured in an accident involving a driver using a cell phone.
For 12 years, the state legislature has been trying to pass a bill banning cell phone use while driiving, without success, Montgomery said.
"So, if you want people to be safe in Bexley, you're going to have to take matters into your own hands," she said.
Morison acknowledged that this legislation could lead to a discussion of banning cell phone use while driving, but he wanted to get the texting law passed before getting hung up on that issue.
While teens do the majority of texting, Morison noted that the ordinance is not directed solely at them. In fact, since adults are less proficient at sending text messages, it's probably more dangerous when they text and drive, he added.
The ordinance will have additional readings when council returns from its summer recess in September, and the city is looking for public input on the issue before it votes, Morison said.
In other business, at council's service committee meeting, Councilman Rick Weber reported that residents could see an increase in their trash bills under a new contract with Rumpke Waste Haulers.
Bexley has been negotiating with the hauler it has used for seven years, along with a consortium of communities including Reynoldsburg, Gahanna and New Albany. The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio has also been part of the talks.
Under the proposed contract, the cost for most residents would increase from $60 to $72 per quarter for 2010, Service Director Bill Harvey said. Costs for senior citizens would jump from $40 to $66 per quarter.
Harvey wants to revisit how the city extends the senior citizen discount.
Weber said that these costs would be fixed for the length of the five-year contract, but that Rumpke could increase charges to the city if fuel costs or recycling fees go up.
The trash contract has to be approved by Oct. 1. A service committee meeting with a Rumpke representative will be scheduled in September.
In other news, council:
Approved an ordinance ending a moratorium on hiring union-represented employees without council's approval, as long as the salaries are in the current budget. Council retains the ability to approve hiring of non-union employees.
Introduced an ordinance to purchase property adjacent to the city's community garden near Sheridan Avenue for $22,000. The purchase would provide easements to other city-owned lots and secure land for future development, Mayor John Brennan explained.
Introduced a resolution allowing the mayor to accept a $475,000 state grant for interior renovations at Jeffrey Mansion. Parks and Recreation Director Mike Price said the work would cover heating and cooling systems, floors and other repairs, and not expansion of mansion facilities.
Scheduled a meeting of the Land Use Master Plan Committee for Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Torah Ehmet synagogue on Main Street. The plan covers future development in areas including Livingston Avenue, Mayfield/Ferndale and North Cassady Avenue, according to Councilman Ben Kessler.
Announced that the Labor Day block party would be held at Jeffrey Park Sept. 6 from 3-6 p.m. with games and activities for kids, a yard sale, a Bexley Meadow Band concert and barbecue dinners for $5.
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.
That's the message Bexley City Councilman Jed Morison wants to send as he introduced an ordinance banning texting while driving in the suburb.
"It's a tool to say 'it's against the law to text and drive'" in Bexley, Morison explained at the July 28 council meeting. "If your hands are off the wheel and your eyes are off the road, it's a disaster waiting to happen."
A recent study published in the New York Times stated that drivers who are texting are 23 times more likely to have an accident - a greater risk that drinking and driving.
Morison wants the ordinance to be more educational than punitive, and he isn't looking to create a greater burden for police.
"My hope is that parents and family members and friends will be the chief educators and enforcers" of the ordinance, he said.
Some 14 states and several Ohio cities have entacted similar prohibitions, but Bexley is among the first central Ohio communities to take on the issue. Around 100,000 vehicles pass through Bexley every day.
City Attorney Lou Chodosh pointed out that Bexley already has a law against "driving while distracted," but that the texting ban would be more specific.
While some residents are questioning whether council should spend time on the ordinance, others are supportive, and the effort is drawing attention from outside the city.
Gahanna resident Sharon Montgomery spoke in favor of the move. Nine years ago her husband was killed and she was seriously injured in an accident involving a driver using a cell phone.
For 12 years, the state legislature has been trying to pass a bill banning cell phone use while driiving, without success, Montgomery said.
"So, if you want people to be safe in Bexley, you're going to have to take matters into your own hands," she said.
Morison acknowledged that this legislation could lead to a discussion of banning cell phone use while driving, but he wanted to get the texting law passed before getting hung up on that issue.
While teens do the majority of texting, Morison noted that the ordinance is not directed solely at them. In fact, since adults are less proficient at sending text messages, it's probably more dangerous when they text and drive, he added.
The ordinance will have additional readings when council returns from its summer recess in September, and the city is looking for public input on the issue before it votes, Morison said.
In other business, at council's service committee meeting, Councilman Rick Weber reported that residents could see an increase in their trash bills under a new contract with Rumpke Waste Haulers.
Bexley has been negotiating with the hauler it has used for seven years, along with a consortium of communities including Reynoldsburg, Gahanna and New Albany. The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio has also been part of the talks.
Under the proposed contract, the cost for most residents would increase from $60 to $72 per quarter for 2010, Service Director Bill Harvey said. Costs for senior citizens would jump from $40 to $66 per quarter.
Harvey wants to revisit how the city extends the senior citizen discount.
Weber said that these costs would be fixed for the length of the five-year contract, but that Rumpke could increase charges to the city if fuel costs or recycling fees go up.
The trash contract has to be approved by Oct. 1. A service committee meeting with a Rumpke representative will be scheduled in September.
In other news, council:
Approved an ordinance ending a moratorium on hiring union-represented employees without council's approval, as long as the salaries are in the current budget. Council retains the ability to approve hiring of non-union employees.
Introduced an ordinance to purchase property adjacent to the city's community garden near Sheridan Avenue for $22,000. The purchase would provide easements to other city-owned lots and secure land for future development, Mayor John Brennan explained.
Introduced a resolution allowing the mayor to accept a $475,000 state grant for interior renovations at Jeffrey Mansion. Parks and Recreation Director Mike Price said the work would cover heating and cooling systems, floors and other repairs, and not expansion of mansion facilities.
Scheduled a meeting of the Land Use Master Plan Committee for Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Torah Ehmet synagogue on Main Street. The plan covers future development in areas including Livingston Avenue, Mayfield/Ferndale and North Cassady Avenue, according to Councilman Ben Kessler.
Announced that the Labor Day block party would be held at Jeffrey Park Sept. 6 from 3-6 p.m. with games and activities for kids, a yard sale, a Bexley Meadow Band concert and barbecue dinners for $5.
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.
Friday, June 5, 2009
John Matuszak reports: Door hasn't closed on Gateway abatement
Bexley Gateway developer Larry Ruben has scaled back his tax abatement request for 36 Main Street condos, in a compromise presented to City Council's finance committee June 2.
Some council members are unsure how such a move would affect future development in the city, and residents are concerned about the school district and city losing tax revenue.
Council members have tabled the ordinance that would amend the current 50 percent property tax abatement on the residential units to 100 percent for 14 years. The change would not alter the abatement on the commercial and office spaces.
Ruben requested the amendment in the face of a free-falling real estate market that has allowed him to sell only three of the 36 condos.
After hearing opposition from some residents, and hestitation on the part of council, Ruben suggested an abatement that would decrease over time, averaging 70 percent over the life of the agreement.
Under this plan, buyers would get a 50 percent abatement this year. The 100 percent abatement would be in effect the following five years, decreasing to 75 percent for four years, 50 percent for three years and to 25 percent for the final two years.
In an impassioned address to council, Ruben refuted claims that the abatement is about rescuing him from a bad business climate.
"Focus on the project and not Larry Ruben," he told council, pointing out that he is reconciled to taking a personal loss on the $24 million development. "This is not about lining my pockets. You're not going to bail me out."
Ruben said that he wants to get people into the condos - including his own mother, a Berwick resident - as quickly as possible, bringing in income and estate tax revenue to Bexley.
Councilman Ben Kessler pointed out that the proposed ordinance would apply to all Main Street residential developments valued over $300,000, and that representatives should draft a policy that is flexible for future developers.
"This is a policy that extends beyond Gateway," Kessler said. "We don't want to tailor-make a policy around Gateway."
Resident Ted Schmidt called the Gateway "a poster child for development" and warned that failing to support the effort would tell future entrepreneurs to "stay away."
Other residents have questioned the fairness of revisiting the abatement when other property owners are struggling.
"How do we address the next property owner on Main Street who has fallen on hard times?" Councilman Jeff McClelland asked.
Bexley resident Emily Turner, who has worked with the Ohio Department of Development, commented that the compromise could create legal and accounting problems. In earlier meetings, Turner had suggested some type of step-down approach to the abatement.
She thinks the compromise would still take too much money away from the school district.
School officials, who have no say on the issue, have been silent on the abatement. City offcials stated that they have discussed the issue with adminstrators and have invited them to attend council debates.
City Attorney Lou Chodosh said he would prepare a fact sheet for council outlining the various scenarios before drafting an ordinance that includes the compromise proposal. The finance committee meets again June 9 at 6 p.m., followed by the regular council meeting at 7 p.m.
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
John Matuszak reports: Bexley City Council member wants deeper budget cuts.
Bexley City Councilman Ben Kessler wants to cut as much as $500,000 from next year's budget to keep available reserves from dipping to a dangerously low level.
Kessler presented his ideas during an Oct. 21 finance committee meeting. He emphasized that his proposals are "talking points" to get the debate going on achieving real savings in 2009.
The city is projected tp spend $2.1 million more than it takes in for 2009. That would take the year-end general fund balance down to around $200,000. That's in contrast to this year's expected balance of $1.9 million.
Kessler says the $200,000 balance projection scares him, and if the city has a bad year for income tax or estate tax collections - its main sources of revenue - it could find itself "over the edge."
One of Kessler's suggestions is to reduce the amount of money going to the parks and recreation department from the general fund by $200,000. This could be achieved by making the administration of the department more efficient, reducing unprofitable programs and raising some rates.
Kessler has also suggested reducing the transfer to the street fund by $150,000.
Auditor Larry Heiser pointed out that cutting those transfers would affect personnel in those departments.
Council is also looking at a new health care package that could cut costs by reducing the number of claims made by employees.
The representatives are banking on the recommendations of a newly formed economic advisory task force for guidance, while conceding that they can't wait until next year to take action.
Heiser said the 16-member task force is expected to hold its first meeting some time after election day. The group was formed by Mayor John Brennan to study the city's budget situation and make recommendations on ways to cut expenditures and increase revenue - including a possible tax issue on the fall ballot.
The task force is being modeled on a similar effort by the school district before it requested the passage of an income tax.
Councilman Jeff McClelland said that the task force should have a written mission statement to provide guidance, and its proceedings should be open to the public.
Service Director Bill Harvey added that the task force should realize that city officials are looking to make major changes in the millions of dollars, and not just minor adjustments, to its budget picture.
A report is expected by April or May, to give council enough time to decide on a possible ballot issue. Harvey said the task force should have a firm deadline to submit its report.
The next finance committee meeting to discuss the budget will be held Monday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. Council has its next regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m.
Reported by John Matuszak for Bexley Public Radio.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
John Matuszak reports: New police headquarters for Bexley police.
It's an all-points bulletin - Bexley will have a new police station.
On Oct. 14, after a decade of debate and indecision, Bexley city council voted 5-1 to approve $850,000 in additional spending for the police station project, paving the way for a groundbreaking in the next couple of weeks.
A meeting of the Board of Control - made up of the mayor, auditor an council president - will be held to award one of seven construction bids for the station.
Council President Matt Lampke cast the lone no vote, expressing concern over the future financing of the $7.4 million station with the city's increasingly tight budget. He re-stated his preference for having residents vote on a bond issue for the station.
Lampke did vote yes to allow the ordinance on the additional funding to go forward on its second reading. Councilman Mark Masser was absent, and six votes were needed to suspend the third and final reading.
Councilwoman Robyn Jones commented that the project has had more than enough discussion and was overdue for a final vote.
The 20,000 square-foot station, replacing a 55-year-old building about one-quarter of that size, is slated to be built on property purchased earlier this year on Delmar Avenue on the city's north end.
Councilman Ben Kessler, who was instrumental in shifting the focus of the project to the Delmar site as a cost-saving measure, pointed out that the current station is "literally falling down" and needs to be replaced.
Kessler added that, regardless of what happens with the station, the city is going to have to make drastic changes in its finances in the coming year.
Mayor John Brennan is convening a citizens task force to study the city's revenue and expenditures, and he expects to have recommendations by next April or May. Those recommendations could include a tax increase request on the ballot.
To get the city through it current budget crunch, council could also enact a temporary reduced income tax credit without a vote of the residents, according to Brennan.
The current budget picture has Bexley's end of the year balance down to $200,000 by the end of 2009.
Mayor Brennan told council he has been able to squeeze spending a little bit more, but he can't get to the $1 million balance Kessler had asked for.
Budget discussions will continue at a finance committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct, 21 at 6 p.m. in city council chambers.
In other business, city council voted 5-1 to defeat a proposed restriction on picketing in front of a specific residence.
City attorney Lou Chodosh determined that the law would be unconstitutional and unenforceable.
The ordinance was drafted after residents complained about protesters outside the home of a Bexley doctor who performs abortions.
Chodosh predicted long, expensive legal challenges on First Amendment grounds if the ordinance passed. And he added that it wouldn't keep picketers from marching up and down the street.
He also pointed out that the city already has at least 12 ordinances on the books to handle protesters who get out of hand.
"Leaving this alone is the best course of action we can take. We can protect our citizens without it," Chodosh said.
Again, Lampke cast the lone vote in favor of the ordinance, arguing that police officers culd be trained to enforce the law.
The measure drew a large crowd during debate last month, before i as tabled for further study. No residents spoke or or against the ordinance at last night's meeting.
An America in Bloom award was presented by ground maintenance supervisor Mark Moore. Bexley received a first-place award among 32 cities entered nationwide for landscaping, and a second-place awardamong six cities with populations between 10,000 and 15,000.
Moore said Bexley needs to mount a large-scale volunteer effort to earn a first-place mention next year.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.
Friday, September 26, 2008
John Matuszak reports on Bexley City Council Meeting of September 23.
CAPITAL BEXLEY GOOD NEIGHBOR AGREEMENT
Capital University's "good neighbor" agreement with Bexley, signed last spring, is being put to the test already with a rash of wild parties being reported. The latest one last Friday included fights, marijuana and several arrests.
At the Sept. 23 Bexley City Council meeting,City Attorney Lou Chodosh said he thinks the agreement is working, and that university officials, including President Denvy Bowman, are responding personally to these problems.
Chodosh reported that Bowman has urged the city to "prosecute to the fullest extent of the law" any violators who end up in Bexley's mayor's court. Those who are arrested are also being referred to Capital for further disciplinary action.
Capital signed the agreement with Bexley to handle complaints about student behavior and trash and beer bottles being left on the streets and lawns. The complaints surfaced when the university sought a zoning change to turn condos for senior citizens on Astor Avenue into off-campus student housing.
The most recent event to get out of hand was an annual gathering of fraternity and sorority members from different universities. That event has already been cancelled for next year, Mayor John Brennan told council.
Residents living near the campus on Sheridan and College avenues have frequently complained about out-of-hand students. The good neighbor agreement came about last spring when Capital proposed to turn condos for senior citizens on Astor Avenue into student housing. that zoning request was okayed by council contigent on Capital'sromise to clamp down on rowdy students.
Another request for a zoning variance by Capital University had residents again questioning whether the institution is a good neighbor at last night's Bexley City Counil meeting.
Council did grant the latest variance that will allow Capital to convert a house at 2361 East Mound Street into offices for its alumni association. The property had been zoned for single-family use. The vote was 5 to 1, with Councilman mark Masser voting no and Councilwoman Robyn Jones absent.
The house is now being used as an honors dorm and is occupied by two students.
The request had residents concerned that Capital is encoraching on residential areas. They also questioning whether the renovation fits with the city's southwest master plan, which directs campus growth to the west side of the city rather than to the east.
Capital's attorney, Don Plank, explained that converting the building to office use creates a buffer between the university's administative buildings and the residential areas of the neighborhood.
The offices will mostly be used for small gatherings and will allow the alumni association to host potentialdonors and others, Plank said.
Another Capital attorney, Troy Bonte, added that the building could be used ocassionally for alumni gatherings for as many as 30 to 40 people.
Bonte told council that the university will be asking for a maximum occupancy of 49 people. But Bruce Langner, the city's development director, said the occupancy limit will be decided after a review of the building plans.
Two residents who rent homes on Euclaire Avenue owned by Capital, Tamara Angle and Melinda Akins, spoke to council and said that the university should be putting more attention into these properties before it spends money renovating.
The women reported that they have had difficulty getting the university to respond to requests for maintenance. Attorney Troy Bonte responded that Capital has hired a new management companyto take care of its rental properties.
Councilman Ben Kessler stated that the university has a lot of space for gatherings and he didn't think this site was a good spot for such events.
Mayor John Brennan suggested that Capital provide a schedule of events at the alumni offices to keep resident and police officers informed. The city has a similar arrangement with Ohio State University President Gordon Gee, who has his home in Bexley, the mayor aid.
Before voting for the zoning variance, Councilman Rick Weber said he was "not jumping up and down' about the new use, but he was comfortable with it and was committed to improving relations with the university.
Weber did add that Capital could make things easier when it comes forward with these zoning requests if it did a better job keeping up the properties it owns.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business-
Council's finance committee is expected to discuss next year's budget at an Oct. 7 meeting.
A proposed ordinance to prohibit picketing in front of residences has been referred to the safety committee and will be discussd at its Oct.14 meeting starting at 5:30.
The second round of bids for a new police station will be opened Sept. 30. The first set of bids came in around one milion dollars over estimates, leading architects to revise the projected cost for the project.
MOZART'S
It looks like Mozart's pastry shop in Bexley has closed after being open only a short time in the new Gateway complex. But Breugger's Bagels,which had a shop in town for several years, is coming back and will open in the former Woodworker's building at Main and Cassingham, next to the Penn Station sub shop.
SALT FOR WINTER ROADS
Service Director Bill Harvey reported that, because of skyrocketing costs, he has not yet ordered any road salt for the upcoming winter. He told council that the cost has jumped from $50 a ton paid last year to $150 a ton for 1,000 tons. And there is no guarantee of delivery. The city has about 150 tons on hand, and uses 100 to 200 tons per winter storm.
Harvey said he is looking at other options to de-ice streets, including brine and sand. There is also a possibility that crews will only salt main roads and intersections this winter. He said he will wait on a decision by council as to whether to order salt at the higher cost, or wait until the price possibly comes down.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
June 7, 2008. Bexley, Ohio. Bexley High School senior Timothy Nassau radio broadcast intern at WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM
Bexley High School senior Timothy Nassau completed his senior project as radio broadcast intern with WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
His work for Bexley Public Radio Foundation radio station included administrative assignments, production work and on-air live radio performance.
An example of Nassau's administrative work is a grant proposal that he wrote and submitted to the Bexley Education Foundation. The proposal is to purchase digital sound recorders for the high school library. If the grant is awarded, students can use the recorders for radio production at WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Nassau also acted as substitute host for The John Manning Show and The Joe Contino Show where he performed both unscripted and scripted material.
Production assignments included important interviews with public officials and reports on quotidian matters.
Nassau conducted an interview with Bexley city councilman Ben Kessler. A major portion of the interview covered the councilman’s work to make public access to municipal government information much easier.
Nassau also produced a memorable interview with Mayor John Brennan on the new mayor’s first one hundred days in office.
Other Nassau productions included an interview with the proprietor of Charms, a new retail children clothing shop in downtown Bexley and also gathering the menu details for the WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM daily lunch special report on the principal Bexley restaurants and lunch spots.
On a daily basis, the Bexley High School senior also read the weather forecasts prepared for Bexley by the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Nassau’s weather reports were broadcast live and un-rehearsed.
During his live program hosting, Nassau experimented with ad lib commentary and humor. By the end of his senior project, his repartee and wit were much improved by the example set by other program hosts and station management.
Nassau will be attending Brown University in the coming autumn.
His work at the Bexley Public Radio Foundation radio station is much appreciated.
Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation.
[where: 43209]
His work for Bexley Public Radio Foundation radio station included administrative assignments, production work and on-air live radio performance.
An example of Nassau's administrative work is a grant proposal that he wrote and submitted to the Bexley Education Foundation. The proposal is to purchase digital sound recorders for the high school library. If the grant is awarded, students can use the recorders for radio production at WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Nassau also acted as substitute host for The John Manning Show and The Joe Contino Show where he performed both unscripted and scripted material.
Production assignments included important interviews with public officials and reports on quotidian matters.
Nassau conducted an interview with Bexley city councilman Ben Kessler. A major portion of the interview covered the councilman’s work to make public access to municipal government information much easier.
Nassau also produced a memorable interview with Mayor John Brennan on the new mayor’s first one hundred days in office.
Other Nassau productions included an interview with the proprietor of Charms, a new retail children clothing shop in downtown Bexley and also gathering the menu details for the WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM daily lunch special report on the principal Bexley restaurants and lunch spots.
On a daily basis, the Bexley High School senior also read the weather forecasts prepared for Bexley by the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Nassau’s weather reports were broadcast live and un-rehearsed.
During his live program hosting, Nassau experimented with ad lib commentary and humor. By the end of his senior project, his repartee and wit were much improved by the example set by other program hosts and station management.
Nassau will be attending Brown University in the coming autumn.
His work at the Bexley Public Radio Foundation radio station is much appreciated.
Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation.
[where: 43209]
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Bexley, Ohio. City Councilman Ben Kessler interviewed for WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
An interview with Bexley City Councilman Ben Kessler will be broadcast Tuesday through Friday in the noon to 1:00 p.m. time slot on WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
The interview was conducted by Timothy Nassau a student intern at WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM. Nassau is a senior at Bexley High School.
The Kessler interview includes discussion of issues facing the City of Bexley including Bexley police facilities, municipal finance and the use of paid consultants by the city government.
The councilman is also working on the Capital University proposal for zoning variance for the Sheridan Avenue condominiums.
The councilman said that city finance issues are receiving attention. Estate taxes pay on average about ten percent of the city budget or about one million dollars. The difficulty that the estate tax presents is that the proceeds are not predictable.
Kessler proposes using estate tax proceeds as a fund for capital improvements.
Kessler also said that there is a misperception in the public that Bexley has a lot of tax revenue. Unlike other municipalities, Bexley does not have large tax revenue based on commercial activities. Kessler then offered a comparison of tax revenues per resident in some other localities. Taxes per resident in Bexley are about $700 per year. For Whitehall the comparable figure is $1,000. In Worthington and Upper Arlington, tax revenue per resident is about $1,300.
As to the proposed new police station and relocation, the councilman said that there was public concern that the proposed northern location will reduce the density of police patrols in central and south Bexley. He said that if there is an effect it will be during brief periods when shifts are changed.
Kessler said that serving alcohol at Jeffrey Mansion was a campaign issue of interest to a relatively small number of residents. Although a relatively small number, the strength of their feelings on the issue made them an important part of the process. Ninety nine percent of people Kessler talks to are in favor of serving alcohol at Jeffrey Mansion. Kessler said that the Jeffrey Mansion Commission will make a proposal on the matter. He said that the second important issue about Jeffrey Mansion is the finance of repairs.
Nassau then asked about a movement for a Green Bexley. Kessler said that there isn't a specific Green proposal for Bexley but he thinks that the police station relocation involves green issues. Demolition of an existing building raises a question of getting full use out of materials in the existing structure and also disposal of those materials. He also discussed international standards for green certification of new structures. Kessler said that an advantage of the Delmar proposed site is that the new police building can be designed green.
Nassau asked about Kessler's campaign platform commitment to make it easier for citizens to get involved in local government. Kessler said that he has been in touch with the city zoning officer about placing a sign in front of the city building to announce council meetings. He said that the information that will be on the sign is currently available online. He said that the agenda for a council meeting is now available on line. He said other public documents are now available online. Kessler said that these improvements in public access are just taking the city's existing information infrastructures and populating it with information. Councilman Kessler invited comments from residents at bkessler@bexley.org.
When Nassau asked about public attendance at council meetings, Kessler said that typical attendance is five to ten residents. HE also said that some topics attract more residents to council meetings. As an example, he offered the Capital University zoning variance proposal which attracted about fifty residents to the council meeting.
Nassau and Kessler then had a brief discussion of the relative importance of national and state elections in effecting local communities. Kessler observed that state elections are more likely to quickly influence local matters. He offered an example where a new state law loosened residency requirements that quickly has an adverse impact on Bexley tax revenues.
Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation.
The interview was conducted by Timothy Nassau a student intern at WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM. Nassau is a senior at Bexley High School.
The Kessler interview includes discussion of issues facing the City of Bexley including Bexley police facilities, municipal finance and the use of paid consultants by the city government.
The councilman is also working on the Capital University proposal for zoning variance for the Sheridan Avenue condominiums.
The councilman said that city finance issues are receiving attention. Estate taxes pay on average about ten percent of the city budget or about one million dollars. The difficulty that the estate tax presents is that the proceeds are not predictable.
Kessler proposes using estate tax proceeds as a fund for capital improvements.
Kessler also said that there is a misperception in the public that Bexley has a lot of tax revenue. Unlike other municipalities, Bexley does not have large tax revenue based on commercial activities. Kessler then offered a comparison of tax revenues per resident in some other localities. Taxes per resident in Bexley are about $700 per year. For Whitehall the comparable figure is $1,000. In Worthington and Upper Arlington, tax revenue per resident is about $1,300.
As to the proposed new police station and relocation, the councilman said that there was public concern that the proposed northern location will reduce the density of police patrols in central and south Bexley. He said that if there is an effect it will be during brief periods when shifts are changed.
Kessler said that serving alcohol at Jeffrey Mansion was a campaign issue of interest to a relatively small number of residents. Although a relatively small number, the strength of their feelings on the issue made them an important part of the process. Ninety nine percent of people Kessler talks to are in favor of serving alcohol at Jeffrey Mansion. Kessler said that the Jeffrey Mansion Commission will make a proposal on the matter. He said that the second important issue about Jeffrey Mansion is the finance of repairs.
Nassau then asked about a movement for a Green Bexley. Kessler said that there isn't a specific Green proposal for Bexley but he thinks that the police station relocation involves green issues. Demolition of an existing building raises a question of getting full use out of materials in the existing structure and also disposal of those materials. He also discussed international standards for green certification of new structures. Kessler said that an advantage of the Delmar proposed site is that the new police building can be designed green.
Nassau asked about Kessler's campaign platform commitment to make it easier for citizens to get involved in local government. Kessler said that he has been in touch with the city zoning officer about placing a sign in front of the city building to announce council meetings. He said that the information that will be on the sign is currently available online. He said that the agenda for a council meeting is now available on line. He said other public documents are now available online. Kessler said that these improvements in public access are just taking the city's existing information infrastructures and populating it with information. Councilman Kessler invited comments from residents at bkessler@bexley.org.
When Nassau asked about public attendance at council meetings, Kessler said that typical attendance is five to ten residents. HE also said that some topics attract more residents to council meetings. As an example, he offered the Capital University zoning variance proposal which attracted about fifty residents to the council meeting.
Nassau and Kessler then had a brief discussion of the relative importance of national and state elections in effecting local communities. Kessler observed that state elections are more likely to quickly influence local matters. He offered an example where a new state law loosened residency requirements that quickly has an adverse impact on Bexley tax revenues.
Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation.
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