City to Gather Public Input for Connect Columbus Transportation Plan
The City of Columbus in March 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 Avenue
- 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 4th 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.