July 25, 2018
“We were born to unite with our fellow men, and to join in
community with the human race.”—Cicero
Strong, vibrant neighborhoods are critical to the continued
success of Columbus, and my administration works hard every day to lift up communities
in need to assure every neighborhood has the opportunity to thrive. Sometimes,
that means working collaboratively to chart a path for future development, like
the neighborhood masterplans being developed with residents in Linden and the
Hilltop. Other times, it means bringing neighbors together to focus on the here
and now, working together in more targeted ways to improve our community as we
do through Neighborhood Pride.
Since its inception in 2000, the Neighborhood Pride Program
has served over 100 communities throughout Columbus. Neighborhood Pride
strengthens the relationship between the city and residents and empowers
neighbors and businesses to work together with the city to improve our
neighborhoods.
So far this year, we’ve had three Neighborhood Pride events
– one in Schumacher Place, another in Strawberry Farms, and this week in the Beechwood/Pinecrest
area on the east side. During “Pride Weeks,” we remove tons of bulk trash, fill
potholes, and prune and remove trees that impede paths on our sidewalks and
alleyways.
What I love about Neighborhood Pride is that it involves
everyone in the community – both kids and adults. Elementary school-age children
can participate in a bicycle safety program, and our middle school-age youth
can showcase their talents at the Neighborhood Pride talent show held in
December.
Adults can attend events and activities held each day during
Neighborhood Pride, including Mobility Monday, a Neighborhood Safety Academy on
Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday. These events highlight different transportation
options, teach residents how to keep their homes and neighborhoods safe, and
provide tips on how to live healthier lives through fun activities like cooking
demonstrations.
Employees from across all City departments – Neighborhoods, Safety,
Public Health, Building and Zoning, Development, Public Service, Public Utilities
and Recreation and Parks – working side-by-side with Columbus residents, help
to make a huge impact in a very short period of time. And, none of it would be
possible without the commitment and dedication of the residents who make up our
area commissions, civic associations and block watches.
Columbus is our home. We are many neighborhoods but one
Columbus. Working together we can make
Columbus America’s Opportunity City.