ThisWeek CW 11/12/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/09/canal-winchester-city-council-new-members-focus-is-on-development-planning.html

The three men elected to Canal Winchester City Council Nov. 3 said they are looking forward to starting their terms and focusing on economic development, infrastructure and long-term planning.

Bob Clark, Bruce Jarvis and Mike Walker emerged as winners in the race to fill three seats, according to final unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections, defeating Tim Waibel and incumbent Rick Deeds.

Incumbents Joe Abbott and Marilyn Rush-Ekelberry did not run for re-election.

All three winners said they’re humbled by the voters’ confidence in them.

Clark said he is looking forward to getting to work and keeping Canal Winchester moving “in the right direction.”

“I can promise one thing — that I will listen to all sides of an issue, be impartial and make the best decision with all the facts being considered that moves our community forward in a positive way,” Clark said. “Economic development will always be a high priority of mine. We must focus on prudent development … and we need to double down our efforts on higher paying jobs, like advanced manufacturing, which pays around 19 percent more than the average wage.”

Walker said his campaign was a family affair involving his parents, Jo Ann and Jack Walker, as well as his wife, Diane, and children Heidi, Necole, Chelsie and Michael.

He said he plans to follow up on his promise to work on water-quality issues.

“I’m honored and humbled by the voters’ support and I’ll do what I do best, talking and communicating,” Walker said. “As I promised in my campaign, we’ll begin this ‘Walk the Walk with Walker’ for continuing improvement in the quality of our water and improving our infrastructure.”

Jarvis, who previously served 16 years on council prior to leaving to become executive director of Destination: Canal Winchester, said the trust and faith of the voters will be his motivation to do the best job he can. He plans to focus on programs and activities that drive revenue while enhancing residents’ quality of life.

“It’s been six years since I served on council, so I’m sure there are some administrative changes I’ll need to learn,” he said. “And, of course, I’m excited to be there as the Interurban Depot is finally brought back to life. My involvement in that project goes back to 2006 and represents just one of the new public amenities I hope the city will deliver to residents over the next several years.

“I plan to focus my energy on optimal future development and institutionalizing long-term planning as a proactive tool for all branches of city government.”

Deeds said he was disappointed about the loss but will remain active in the community, particularly with Canal Winchester’s annual Christmas in the Village.

“Unfortunately, my workload and schedule kept me from making it to as many doors this election as I usually do,” Deeds said. “I apologize to my supporters for letting them down. I wish the new electees the best of success in guiding our great town. I really like living in and being a part of Canal Winchester and my wife, Beth, and I have been involved in many activities over the years and I don’t expect that to change.”

Mayor Michael Ebert was re-elected in what became an uncontested race after challenger Victor Paini withdrew.

“I feel like my staff and I still have things to accomplish over the next four years, such as establishing an entertainment district to enable Canal Winchester to enjoy the types of restaurants we see in surrounding communities,” Ebert said. “We also want to see what our options are for a citywide recycling program. I look forward to another four years as mayor in the greatest little city in Ohio.”

ThisWeek CW 11/5/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/02/holiday-celebrations-waiting-in-the-wings.html

The holidays are nearly here and along with the arrival of wish-list catalogs come visits with Santa Claus and annual year-end celebrations such as Christmas in the Village.

Canal Winchester officials said area children will have a chance to visit with Santa while enjoying a “Norman Rockwell-esque” Christmas event including carriage rides, ice sculptures and more. A week later, they’ll have a chance to join him for breakfast.

The Frances Steube Community Center, 22 S. Trine St., will play host to the popular Breakfast with Santa. Tickets cost $5 each and are required for adults and children, except children younger than 1, who are admitted free.

Only 75 tickets are available for each of two sessions taking place Dec. 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Tickets will be sold between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. beginning Monday, Nov. 9, at the municipal building, 36 S. High St., and the community center and at Roman’s Pizza, 17 N. High St., which is open nights and weekends. All proceeds benefit the Canal Winchester Human Services’ Adopt-a-Family program.

The full breakfast includes eggs, sausage, french toast sticks and drinks.

Santa will hand out small gift bags and parents are encouraged to bring cameras to take pictures.

“Every year, a new generation becomes a part of this Canal Winchester tradition and you can’t believe how great it is to watch that happen over time,” Destination Canal Winchester Executive Director Bruce Jarvis said.

Christmas in the Village, the city’s annual two-day event, kicks off each night with Santa riding into town to light the Christmas tree.

“We are fortunate to live in a close-knit community where free events like Christmas in the Village help bring us together even closer,” Jarvis said. “It’s the nearest any of us will come to seeing a Norman Rockwell painting of a good old American small town Christmas celebration come to life.”

This year’s Christmas in the Village takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 and from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 in the historic downtown area around the intersection of High and Waterloo streets.

A Gingerbread House contest and a craft bazaar are planned as part of Christmas in the Village. To register for the contest, call Amanda Lemke at 614-837-8276 or email her atalemke@canalwinchesterohio.gov.

For information about participating in the craft bazaar, call Jarvis at 614-270-5053 or emailinfo@destinationcw.org.

After the tree-lighting each night, Santa will be joined by the Grinch and both will be available to meet visitors. In addition, a number of family activities are planned to keep everyone entertained, Jarvis said.

“If this event doesn’t get you deep into the holiday spirit, I can’t imagine anything will get you there,” he said.

ThisWeek CW 11/5/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/02/groveport-will-honor-veterans-with-nov–11-ceremony.html

Groveport residents and veterans are invited to show appreciation for the men and women who have served in the armed forces at this year’s annual Veterans Day program.

The event is scheduled at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, atVeterans Park, 421 Main St., under the direction of Warren Motts of the Motts Military Museum. It will include several distinguished guests and the recognition of new commemorative bricks to honor veterans.

“It is important for the city of Groveport and its residents to show respect and appreciation to those who were willing to give their lives to this great country and to serve their country proudly,” said Patty Storts, event organizer and city community affairs director.

Storts estimates the Veterans Day observance draws about 100 people or more annually.

This year’s program will include a flag-raising by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10523; the singing of the national anthem and God Bless America by U.S. Navy vocalist Udo Marascher; prayers led by Pastor Paul Barnes of Madison Christian Church; and speeches by Mayor Lance Westcamp and U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio).

The Groveport Police Department Honor Guard will present a 21-gun salute with Master Sgt. Jane Pinkley of the Ohio National Guard performing Taps.

Sgt. Ron Coffman, U.S. Army (retired), will recognize the following veterans for whom new bricks will be added to the brick walk at Veterans Park: Roy Arnett Sr., Bob Panian, Lois J. Peterson, Ed Reeves, Scout Dog Prince, Sydney Smith and Jesse Smith.

Following the Veterans Day program, all attendees are invited to the Motts Military Museum for a flag-retirement ceremony and reception sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America Troop 71.

ThisWeek CW 11/5/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/02/donations-will-furnish-renovated-interurban-building.html

Canal Winchester officials say the time has finally arrived for the renewal of the historic Interurban building, and thanks to several donations, period-appropriate, handcrafted Amish furnishings will grace the interior.

Destination: Canal Winchester Executive Director Bruce Jarvis asked Canal Winchester City Council Oct. 19 to approve the acceptance of about $10,000 worth of donations of new, Amish-built furniture, framed historical artwork and protective tabletop glass for some pieces.

Jarvis said the only contingency with the donations is that the space be made available to the public when not being used by the city. Council voted unanimously to accept the donations, agreeing to formalize an agreement similar to the rental of the community center space prior to the opening of the newly renovated building.

“In May of this year, one of my board members suggested we apply to South Central Power for a grant to get the furniture and the art paid for,” Jarvis said. “I wasn’t very hopeful, as this was the fourth time we’ve gone for one of their grants and we hadn’t been awarded before now.

“We’d gone out and gotten a quote for the furniture for $7,500 and asked for $10,000 to cover both the furniture and the art; and South Central Power awarded us $5,000,” he said.

Jarvis said donations of $2,500 each from the Wiser family and the Bob Wood Foundation made up the remaining balance. He anticipated an additional $2,000 for the protective table glass would come from the Destination: Canal Winchester board itself.

The building, which once served as a station on the interurban rail line, was previously owned by South Central Power, which used it as a warehouse before selling it to the city in 2003. Over the years, the city has stabilized the building, investing in a new roof, updating the utilities and improving the structure’s exterior appearance.

Earlier this year, council approved a city staff request to seek a contract to design meeting facilities inside the building and renovate the space. According to City Construction Manager Bill Sims, his staff expects to bid out the project before the end of the year, with the work being completed in early spring.

Mayor Mike Ebert expressed some concern over the investment in hand-built, craftsman furniture — not because of how it will look but because it will limit some use of the space and may attract vandalism.

“This is beautiful furniture, and it is expensive, heavy, well-built furniture; but my concern is that we put it in here and then we get into moving it in and out of the space, getting it torn up or have people intentionally abusing it,” Ebert said.

Council members agreed that while folding tables and chairs would provide greater flexibility, they believed the space, which has the capacity to hold almost 50 people, should be a “show piece.”

“This is a historic building that we should use this nice furniture in to keep the historic feel of it,” Councilwoman Bobbie Mershon said.

Officials anticipate awarding a renovation contract in December and opening the renovated building in April.

ThisWeek CW 11/5/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/02/groveport-senior-village-plans-call-for-50-more-units-of-subsidized-housing.html

Groveport City Council approved plans last week for an additional 50 units of subsidized housing at Groveport Senior Village.

Council members voted unanimously Oct. 26 in favor of constructing 11 more buildings: 10 for housing and one to be used as a community center as part of the second and final phase of the project. Ground was broken in late 2013 for the first phase of the development at 5120 Hendron Road.

The new buildings will be a “mirror image” of those in the first phase, with a slightly larger community building.

The development includes cottage-style units of nearly 1,000 square feet, with attached garages, along with a shelter house, community building and a dog park. Apartments are subsidized and only available to renters age 55 and older, based on income.

“This phase is basically a mirror image of Phase 1, with 10 buildings totaling 50 units and a new community building, which will be a bit bigger than the Phase 1 building to allow both communities to come together for meetings and events in one unit,” Chief Building Official Stephan Moore said. “There’s a road connecting the two phases which will also have sidewalks to make it look like one complete complex.”

Moore said the developer, LW Associates, is working with neighboring property owners to finalize a utility easement, but the easement is not necessary to move forward with the project.

“There’s a plan for a future water line but they’ll have the pond on site for fire suppression, which is what they were approved by the fire marshal to use for Phase 1 as well,” Moore said.

“The easement, though, would allow the city water line to be looped, which would help the city regulate water pressure, which will then also benefit those neighbors and other residents in the area.”

Todd Valentine, director of development for LW Associates, said he feels positive the company will be able to work out a deal for the easement.

Like Phase 1, proceeding with this part of the project is also dependent on receiving financing through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, which offers a competitive funding process backed by federal housing credits.

If funding is approved by the OHFA, construction could begin as early as next summer.