From Kathleen Bailey:
At the Emergency Town Hall Meeting, the interest in conservation districts was mentioned more than once. As we all know, it has been tabled by council. In the interim, I think it would be a good idea if the community organizations start discussing the concept of conservation districts and identify some defined areas in the Near East side that they think would be applicable. This doe not necessitate a special meeting or the creation of another organization, just part of your regular meeting schedule. It would be an effective way to educate and get people talking about it. Maybe after a certain period of time we could have another meeting to discuss the ideas that emerge. But right now the emphasis needs to be on increasing awareness, soliciting support, and identifying potential areas.
If you make this part of your regular meeting schedule (will take more than one I’m sure) it shouldn’t be too taxing on anyone. As always, Randy Black will be glad to assist.
PS If your group has already discussed this, have you put anything in writing, your ideas, thoughts, etc.? Also, please pass this along to any other groups or interested parties who do not receive these communications.
From Dana Moesnner:
The boundaries of NEAC should be considered as some type of inner-city protected zone.
As should Franklinton and the Livingston-Driving Park Commissions. These Conservation Districts are going to make a patchwork Quilt of (kind of protected area and areas that are unprotected) our old inner city neighborhoods when it comes to their housing stock and brick streets and porches, etc.The truth is the City needs to identify the pre-world war city limits any give that area some type of control over its existing built and planted environment.
In Europe now countries such as Greece are no longer doing isolated protected archeaological sites but whole zones that incorporate much of the inner city of cities such as Athens ,which have become vast pedestrian friendly neighborhoods.
Columbus we must think big.German Village is an impressive model, recognizied nationally,for many things including the vast size of its area.
Conservation Districts are fine but the City is getting bogged down in particulars and needs to see the Big- Picture.
All of NEAC needs to be thought of as a limited resouce built environment zone.
This is why each demolition must be carefully weighed in its context to the Near East Side as a whole entity.They and we and nobody else builds buildings anymore like we have in our NEAC neighborhoods ,when a building is gone its gone. Nobody is going to come thru and build a Disney town of old architectural Columbus in ten years.
Dana Moessner
King Lincoln Bronzeville Neighborhood Association
Zoning and Development Chairman
