City of Columbus

City To Gather Public Input For Connect Columbus Transportation Plan

For Immediate Release
March 10, 2015

Contact
Rick Tilton, 645-7263
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#ConnectColumbus

Multimodal Plan Will Serve As Guide For Future Street Construction

The City of Columbus will begin to gather input from residents, businesses and other stakeholders for the creation of Connect Columbus, a long-range multimodal transportation plan that will serve as a guide for future construction on City streets. The plan will emphasize improved safety and reduced congestion, and will promote economic development and a healthier, greener city that will continue to be competitive, attracting residents, employers and visitors. 

“We must invest in streets that are safer for pedestrians and bicycles and embrace other alternatives to individual cars,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman.  “Everyone has a role in this process to help keep Columbus growing and one of the most vibrant cities in the nation for generations to come.”

A series of open houses, workshops and community events will be held, focusing on three themes:  Vision and Goals; Generating New Project Ideas; and Evaluation of Projects.  Residents will be asked to comment on projects, community goals and policies relating to public transit, driving, cycling and walking in Columbus.  The schedule for the first meetings on the plan’s Vision and Goals include:

• March 31, 2015:  6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Christ Memorial Baptist Church; 3330 East Livingston Avenu
• April 1, 2015:  10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Columbus Urban League; 788 Mount Vernon Avenue
• April 2, 2015:  6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Downtown High School; 364 South 4^th Street

Additional public meetings will be scheduled in the future.  Public comment will be incorporated in the Connect Columbus final plan which will produce policies, guidelines and plans that will help define, prioritize, and guide Columbus to implementing realistic goals and projects.  The plan will influence how local transportation dollars are invested in transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and roadway infrastructure.  The Connect Columbus planning process will also complement COTA’s Next Generation plan and MORPC’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan.

“Connect Columbus represents the next best step in planning for a city that will add 500,000 by the year 2050,” said Councilmember Shannon G. Hardin, chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee. “By working together to assess our diverse transportation needs, we will ensure a plan that is both sustainable and attractive to all of our community’s stakeholders.”

The Connect Columbus planning process will be a two-year effort.  Residents are encouraged to visit an online forum, www.columbus.gov/ConnectColumbus to comment and for current information about Connect Columbus.

Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, the firm contracted to help lead the Connect Columbus planning effort, began gathering data for the planning process in December 2014.   

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