May 6, 2024

Good Works Columbus: May 6, 2024

Zone-In public hearing, Italian Village Park feedback, Habitat for Humanity

Intro

Hi everyone, happy Monday and happy May! This week kicks off the first of three public Zone-In hearings featuring Council President Hardin and Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans, chair of the Zoning Committee. If you are not able to make it I strongly urge you to provide public comment via email (details below).

If you have an upcoming event or a link you’d like to share for the newsletter, feel free to send suggestions.

Things you can do in person

• Zone-In Public Hearing: Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30pm-7:00pm at Douglas Community Center and live-streamed on city council’s Youtube and Facebook pages
  
  Council President Hardin and Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans, chair of the Zoning Committee, will hold three public hearings during May and June regarding the proposed new 2024 Zoning Code and Map. The Zone In Initiative is a multi-phase effort to comprehensively update the City’s Zoning Code and map for the first time in more than 70 years. Currently, residents can provide input during the 60-day public comment period until June 10. The current phase focuses on key corridors.
  
  If you would like to provide written or public testimony, including signing up to speak at a hearing, email Kevin McCain at KBMccain@columbus.gov. Written testimony must be received by email by 3:00 pm on the day of the hearing. Please include “written testimony” in the subject line of your email. Members of the public can also sign up to speak in person at the hearing. Each speaker will be limited to remarks lasting no longer than three minutes.

• Join Habitat for Humanity this Saturday from 8:30am-2:30pm to help put some of the finishing touches on a new house. Potential tasks involve interior finishes such as installing doors and trim. One volunteer slot left so sign up fast!

• Join the Care Economy Organizing Project in fighting for equitable childcare. The work of caring for our children and families is some of the most important work in our lives. Affordable, quality child care makes it possible for parents to go out and do what we do every day, knowing that the most precious people in our lives are in good hands. Yet, it’s some of the most invisible and undervalued work. It's time to invest in expanding affordable, quality child care, with living wages for the hardworking child care providers who care for and nurture our children.

  

Things you can do online

• An Italian Village Society questionnaire is being used to help determine how the people of Italian Village want to see Italian Village Park used after the renovations are complete.

Save the Date

• Transit Columbus monthly meeting, May 14th at Columbus Main Library (7:00pm - 8:30pm)

In Case You Missed It

• The City of Columbus is modernizing its zoning code for the first time in more than 70 years. This is an opportunity for our community to “Zone In” on how we’ll grow and prosper. Sign up to view the gallery in person and visit the page to learn more.

• LinkUS Engagement Survey (2 minutes)

  We invite you to share your thoughts on LinkUS and public transportation's impact on your life and community. Your answers will be shared as part of a social media initiative to spread awareness about LinkUS and what it means for the Central Ohio region. Thank you for your participation!

• Mark up the Vision Zero Columbus map. Have a close call walking, biking, or getting around town? Do you know a dangerous intersection that can be improved? Help identify these spots on the Vision Zero map.

• Sign up to gather signatures for the “Citizens Not Politicians” Amendment and help end gerrymandering in the state of Ohio through this ballot initiative. Link to become a signature gatherer.

• South Side Thrive Collaborative is asking homeowners, businesses, and residents about their experiences and biggest challenges faced along Parsons Avenue in a new survey.

• (survey: 5-10 minutes) Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is conducting an Americans with Disabilities (ADA) audit to identify ways to ensure its programs and facilities are accessible and welcoming to residents of all abilities. This survey is designed to help Columbus Recreation and Parks locate areas of most significant concern to the public and help us provide better access throughout our community. As you answer these questions, please consider only Columbus Recreation and Parks-owned public properties, programs, services, activities, and other public amenities.

• Join us to fund abortion & build power!

  Legal abortion access means nothing if patients can't afford abortion care. Join us to fundraise for Abortion Fund of Ohio—an organization that helps patients with financial and practical supports! 100% of fundraising funds patient costs—from covering the appointment itself to childcare, transportation, & travel. Click here for more information and to donate towards the Good Works Columbus team page!

• Help organize Columbus Community Pride for 2024

• (survey: 5 minutes) The city of Hilliard is resurfacing Heritage Club Drive and is looking for input on the design. This portion is part of the Hellbranch Trail and there is an opportunity to turn a shared sidewalk into a two-way separated bike lane and a sidewalk.

Have a great day everyone!