Columbus_girl

Earlier today, I took a drive over to Lancaster, Ohio (I was bored...not into the Buckeye football bru-ha-ha). The drive on 33 East was amazing. When I finally got into the city limits, I took a drive through Lancaster's downtown. I guess this is where I could have kicked the sh*t out of my a** for not carrying a camera. Their Main Street/Downtown area is very quaint, beautiful, and meticulously maintained. I was absolutely awe-struck! I must say that with each "discovery" and as I venture into the various nooks and crannies of Ohio, this state has not disappointed and never ceases to amaze me :clap:. I want to continue to become more and more familiar with my new home-state. Are there any other small Ohio towns, like Lancaster, that you recommend I pay a visit to? I just want to compile a list so that on a lazy weekend, I can just hop in my vehicle for a mini roadtrip. Thanks in advance!

Columbus, GA is a small town. I think they looked at big cities.

Thanks, Magyar. Sounds great!

I think the Manhatten-esque feel simply refers to any vibrant, bustling, and walkable core-city area (more so than an actual duplication of Manhatten). I'll never understood how the standard equation for "urbanity" evolved into creating SoHo knock-offs (coffee shops, art galleries, etc.) and carefully orchestrated "organized chaos" (Easton's and the live, work, and play concept comes to mind...ugh!). I like the pictures on this guy's (poorly designed) website, though.

After re-assessing my postings, I had no idea how ultra-conservative my viewpoints actually were. I have always considered myself a far-left, ultra-liberal Democrat. I guess there's something about your 30's that makes one latch on to cynicism. I'll concede that I impulsively (and irresponsibly) tossed around the race card for no other reason than misinterpretation of another forumer's point. At the same time, I stand by my convictions and beliefs. I have a deeply held belief that we all have the power to change our situations and circumstances if we so choose. That power is intertwined with personal and social responsibilities. IMHO, social service programs, while good in theory, cripple a person's ability to become self-sufficient. The Bible states, "He who does not work shall not eat." It also states that, "The poor will always be among you." True, we have a responsibility to the poor. Yet, to the degree that you have an endless array of non-profit and social services programs/agencies is absolutely absurd. Therefore, where some may see charity I see social hindrance.

I was referring to the non-profits that are social services based. It does not matter the purpose. The question remains: Why do people feel they need so much damned support just to become a fully functioning member of society? Also, only 90% of the profits are required to go back into the business/program. The other 10% goes into a reserve fund (or something similar).

mrnyc, Nice of you to assume that I will be voting for Blackwell. Did you make that assumption simply because I am a Black female? I guess you have Blacks all figured out: we are not savvy voters...we blindly vote the Democratic and/or Black slate. Hmmm??? Also, I was not merely pointing out Hispanics. Everyone wants to blindly give Hispanics (and other immigrants) this "hard-working medal of honor." I have worked with many families from all different cultural backgrounds and have noted laziness, slothfulness, and entitlement mentalities in various ethnic and cultural groups. This reminds me of the time Eva Longoria was on Oprah and talked about how she appreciates the unity and work ethic of Blacks over Hispanics. Her reasoning was that Hispanics are not unified and not as hard-working as Blacks. As a Black woman, I was shocked by her assessment because I have always thought that Blacks were the most disjointed group on the planet. The "lazy Negro" stereotype is rooted and grounded in slavery so I never paid that much any mind. Illegal immigrants have put themselves at a disadvantage in America's free-market, capitalist system based solely on their immigration status. I still stand by my sentiment: Columbus is flush with social services programs. Why do people feel they need so much damned support just to become a fully functioning member of society? Non-profit here...non-profit there...here a non-profit...there a non-prifit...everywhere a damned non-profit!

There's no "magic minority" that will be key to any state's growth. The Hispanic population has historically placed a social and economic strain on the resources of areas where they tend to migrate--mostly due to their illegal immigration status. What I have noted here in Columbus is this seemingly over-abundance of social services programs. Down South, while there are social services programs, they are few and far between. It is every man for himself. You either do what it takes to make it or you suffer the consequences. Yet here, I have observed some people to be the absolute laziest, do-nothing, entitlement whoremongers. On top of that, with all of the social services and free programs available, these same people walk around spouting off what they propose will make Ohio better ("if Ohio had this...if Ohio had that..."). WTF? The future of Ohio rests on the laurels of attracting people who will shun the entitlement mentality and turn their education, gifts, and talents into profitable enterprises.

Your lack of impulse control is fairly obvious. Hopefully, you will learn a thing or two about self-control before it's too late. Discussion and exchanges will go to varying levels on this forum. It's important not to take it personal. Just think for a moment: many young Black males with so-called hot-heads, or "high tempers" have lost their lives to senseless acts of violence. This culture of disrespect and reaction has been the downfall of a lot of urban communities (there are many other factors for sure). I don't have a problem with you personally...just your logic (or illogic). Everyone on this board is aware of the setbacks urban communities face and for someone to embrace such vices is distracting to the dialogue (and a source of frustration regarding what needs to change in order to create economically and socially viable inner-city communities). Hopefully, you will bring another perspective to this forum without being downright vile.

Memin Penguin - Straight wack remark Fine. Just do a bit of research and perhaps you will understand why I made the analogy between you and Memin Penguin. I don't talk like "white folks and people from the burbs" either. At the same time, the usage of correct English was a standard in my home growing up (I grew up in a small, conservative central Georgia town) and my parents demanded nothing less. Perhaps you are such a turn off because I never met an educated person, thug-wannabe or otherwise, that was not tempered in their behavior--regardless of their "different culture and lifestyle." Your behavior just strikes me as quite odd, that's all.

I drove through Upper Arlington about two weeks ago and was a bit taken aback by the number of "For Sale" signs. It is unfortunate that Upper Arlington and Dublin (among others) have priced themselves out of the realm of available buyers. In both of these areas, not only do you have to contend with expensive mortgages...you also must contend with outrageous property taxes. Furthermore, you have to deal with the blandness of Dublin (all of the homes tend to be the same egg-shell color and same McMansion style on the outside). At least Upper Arlington's homes have a bit more character, diversity, and style.

Hey Columbus Girl... I graduated college. No problem. I just expect you to act (and write) as though you have a college education. I have a life and made something out of myself and I am not a wannabe thug... HATER. Nah...don't think so Memin Penguin. If I want to represent for my city that I would die for I will... I don't know if you are aware of this fact or not. It is so much more worthwhile to stick around and be a positive contribution to your city rather than to become a mere statistic. I wanted to be friendly but you racist haters can kiss my black *** now... Trust me, brotha,' there are many Blacks on this forum just as put off by your ignorance--more so than our White, Hispanic, Asian, etc. forumers. Unlike you, we never attacked you personally...just the ignorant dribble you typed. With that type of attitude, you will find yourself very isolated on this forum.

Right now too many think that going to church will make everything better. Exactly my frustration with the Black church. The crisis in the Black community can be traced to the crisis in the Black church. Once, this institution was the strongest and most cohesive in the Black community. Now, you have charismatic prosperity ministries popping up all over run-down urban areas preaching about "supernatural riches," "non-medicinal healing," and "prayer over logic." These "poverty pimps" make a living via the exploitation of mental and social oppression. I was taken aback at how pronounced the problem is here in Columbus. I thought I had seen it all when I lived in metro-Atlanta (Dr. Creflo Dollar, Bishop Eddie Long, etc). Too many of these ministries consider practical logic to be "false teachings" and those, such as myself, that question this manner of teaching are considered " workers of the devil." I can't tell you how many preachers have wanted to lay hands on me and "cast out demons"--all because I dared question (and even rejected) their teachings. There is a church that I attend on the South end (Parsons Avenue area). The poverty is so pronounced inside the church and within the community. Yet, the Pastor (and she's not the only one) has the audacity to talk down about the middle class and educated in order to make the welfare moms and the ex-convicts feel good about themselves and their present circumstances. At the same time, she bragged about meeting a young Black male, 28 years old, that was in the process of finishing medical school and how the younger generation are not preparing themselves to obtain such goals. There is mass confusion within the Black church and the Black community. Education is seen as both a blessing and a curse. If you are educated and the leader is not, then you are seen as a threat. If you are not educated and the leader is, then you are brow-beaten for not living up to your potential. One problem is that many "Christians" have willed so much of their personal selves and personal decision-making over to corrupt church and political leadership. In my home, education is a standard--plain and simple. I remember when my daughter first brought her report card home and announced to me that for every "A" I owed her $10 and for every "B" I owed her $5. I looked her square in the face and told her no way because "A's and B's" are standard in my home--especially since I know that she is very intelligent and more so because she has a graduate-school educated mother (who's also a free thinker) that's available to assist her in areas where she may struggle. Another standard that I established in my home was that one weekend out of the month we have a shut-in whereas we read all weekend long for a full weekend--no TV, no telephone, no friends visiting...nothing but reading and discussion of the book that was read. When my daughter was tested in the 3rd grade, she was reading on a 6th grade level; when she was tested in the 6th grade she was reading on a college level and doing math on a 10th grade level. Now, if only I can get her bratty behavior under control...LOL! Conovercourt, we will save that discussion for another day :-D!

On a serious note, the mentality of "some of our cousins" needs to change--quickly. We are losing an entire generation to sheer and utter nonsense. It's enough to make one cry :cry:.

Yeah, you're right. How about morally-challenged ingrates (and that's as nice as I can put it)?

JDD, you certainly have excellent taste in women :clap:! (Yow-wee! That sounds a bit pretentious :wink:). ColDayMan, sometimes I just can't hold back the urge to let 'er rip :whip:!

When I first began reading this thread, I was taken aback by the ignorance, sensationalizing of crime, and the misrepresentation of Black America. Truly, this thread has devolved into sheer and utter embarrassment, shame and humiliation. Poverty is a social illness that breeds disease, death, and destruction. For those suffering from the true effects of poverty, their pain is real and nearly inescapable. Then you have those like this "RepCleveland" person who exploits the real anguish and cancer of poverty for the sake of "street cred" (which I like to define as a lack of self-worth). Because this "RepCleveland" guy has absolutely no avenue to promote his shameless display of thug-importance, he chooses to come onto a forum and degrade the discussion and exchange. I have never witnessed this on UrbanOhio in the past. This forum has been one of the most informative, cohesive, and professional that I have had the honor to participate. People such as "RepCleveland" is the primary reason that the "hood" cannot rise above its present state. The "hood" has become their (the wannabe thugs) playground. Because their purpose in life has not been defined and/or fulfilled, I can see why these lifeless wimps would have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. If the "RepClevelands"--that unfortunately must parade among us--ever get serious about their personal lives and their personal/social responsibilities, then I guarantee you the ignorance displayed in his postings would be forever changed. You would witness him lamenting about crime and poverty in the same manner as those of us that strive for clean, safe, and vibrant core cities and neighborhoods.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 25, 2004 CONTACT: Mike Brown, 614-645-6428 Finance Dir. Joel Taylor, 614-645-7036 Auditor Hugh Dorrian, 614-645-7616 Fiscal Discipline Paying Off for Columbus :clap: Only Major City in Nation to Earn Top AAA Bond Rating from Three Major Rating Agencies (Columbus, OH) The Auditor, Council and Mayor were notified yesterday that the City’s fiscally conservative spending and responsible Capital budgeting once again made Columbus the highest credit ranked big city in the nation. Columbus again earned AAA ratings from Moody’s Investor’s Service and Standards and Poor’s, as well as Fitch, the only one of the nation’s largest 25 cities to hold such a high rank. “I’m proud of our team, City Council and our Auditor Hugh Dorrian for being able to continue neighborhood Capital projects like fire stations, parks, streets and sidewalks, through a tough recession while still protecting our credit rating,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “This high rating recognizes our commitment to fiscal discipline, and one more reason that we believe residents should be proud that they have supported our Voted Bond Packages at the polls.” The rating agencies analyzed Columbus’ fiscal controls and history of responsible accounting and budgeting in determining the ratings. The analysis is done before the City is allowed to sell Public Bonds to fund Capital Projects. Auditor Dorrian requested the Bond Ratings in preparation for an $80 million Sanitary Sewer Bond Sale this summer. The AAA rating means that Columbus can continue to borrow at lower interest rates as the City moves forward planned neighborhood investments in 2006. “Of America’s top 25 cities, Columbus is the only one to maintain a AAA rating for all of our General Obligation debt from the three major rating agencies, and that only happens after the agencies do a detailed analysis of our financing, debt and accountability,” said City Auditor Hugh Dorrian. “The Voters of Columbus can be confident that we will continue doing the best possible job with every dollar, and that we will use the lower interest rates to save Columbus potentially millions of dollars.” The City of Columbus Capital Budget is separate from the General Fund “Operating” Budget, and can only be invested in major purchases, construction or renovations, or land purchases. While the separate budgets are often confused, the City cannot use borrowed Capital Funding to pay for operating salaries, employees or other operational costs. On Monday, June 19th, Columbus City Council passed $410.2 million in neighborhood priorities and infrastructure improvements with Ordinance #1108-2006, the 2006 Capital Improvements Budget (CIB), a spending plan for major purchases and projects such as new Fire Trucks and Equipment, the Lincoln Theater, sidewalks and pedestrian safety, road improvements in the 315 Tech Corridor, and the City’s efforts to fix up or demolish abandoned housing. The ordinance will also advance $230.1 million in projects carried over from prior years. It includes all funding sources, whether from the City’s 25% income tax set-aside, Utilities revenues, or from partners at the federal government, the state, or other sources (MORPC, Ohio State, Information Services or Fleet funds, etc.). “We are moving forward on our promises, in every quadrant of the City, with new investment to maintain our quality of life, improve safety and help us continue to attract businesses to Columbus,” said Mayor Coleman. Many of the new neighborhood projects are funded through the Special Income Tax (SIT) fund, in the amount of $133.5 million. Separate legislation will authorize spending for each individual project. Columbus SIT-funded Neighborhood Priorities include: 1. A new West Side Health Center, total investment to $8.4 million 2. $5 million for roadway improvements to spur development in the SciTech Corridor over three years 3. $2.5 million for new Fire Trucks and apparatus for the Division of Fire 4. $3.775 for new Fire Station #10 in Franklinton 5. $8 million for a proposed new heliport for the Division of Police, to allow economic development to continue as new jobs come to Gowdy Field 6. $1.92 to build a new Neighborhood Policing Center in partnership with The Ohio State University. The same contribution is anticipate from OSU 7. $3.5 million for the HOME AGAIN Program 8. $4 million to bring new life and renovation to the historic Lincoln Theater, the cornerstone development in the new King Lincoln District 9. $12 million to re-locate the impound lot off the Whittier Peninsula and allow that property to be re-developed as a new neighborhood and parks area 10. Pedestrian Safety, $6.8 million through 2007 (including new sidewalks) 11. $8 million is added for street resurfacing. We are also spending this year the money from a $15.8 million bond sale last fall 12. $8.32 million for road improvements (widening, lane additions, etc.). In addition, $3.9 million is being added to improve Hayden Run and East Broad Street through TIF's to allow for future economic and residential development 13. $2.7 million for efforts to bring new economic development to South Parsons Avenue

Thanks, PigBoy. I did not do the tour of German Village (just from the Statehouse to the coffee shop on High). Nearly a six mile walk, huh? Talk about bragging rights :-D!

The Columbus meet was an absolute blast!!! ColDayMan et. al. were so energetic and fun. I am currently nursing very, very sore legs. Not a problem really as the overall fun I experienced more than makes up for the cost of the sports cream I had to purchase today. I can hardly wait for the "3 C's Meets" next year. What a blast...you guys ARE great. Look forward to putting even more faces to the "screen-names" next year! Julia

Well, this should give us Ohioans a little bragging rights until the novelty of the story wears off (say in about 3 minutes :wink:) Most-Educated Cities in the United States http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/departments/elearning/?article=EducatedCities BTW: this is not a reason to start bashing Columbus, either!

NorthernGirl, I moved to Columbus from Georgia about a year ago. I certainly have not regretted it one bit. It is one of the best decisions that I have made in my life. If I had to do it over again, I would have come much sooner. I lived in Hilliard for about 8 months before settling in Eastern Columbus (between the Bexley and Berwick area). I love the energy of Eastern Columbus. Hilliard and the Northern suburbs simply lacked the energy that I craved. Way too quiet and reserved. Upper Arlington was ok (if I had to choose) except that it was way too impersonal. I am a Southerner, born and bred, and I need daily human contact and intense social interactions. Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Dublin simply lacked this amenity. I do hope that your relocation here works out for you as it has for me. The low cost of living, competitive salaries, and ease of living is something that I never experienced while living in metro-Atlanta. May GOD bless you and your family as you make this transition.

Ohio needs to focus on bringing in overseas investment along with a focus on high-tech industry. I don't like the idea of casinos as a means of providing a region with an economic boost. We already have the Ohio Lottery. Leave well enough alone.

Punch, I will just say what a good friend of mine once said: The South, particularly Atlanta, is nothing more than a bargain basement NYC. Almost forgot, Punch: Toyota (I believe) will build a high-tech research and development facility outside of ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN. The pay is expected to be as much as $1,500.00 PER WEEK.

Manufacturing jobs are going South where wages have historically been lower. The Northern and Midwestern cities that are experiencing growth are adding more high-tech, higher wage jobs. The only people "impressed" with this so-called "growth" in the South are the less educated manufacturing workers who have historically relied upon such employment as a path to become middle-class earners (not meaning to come off snooty or anything). The Midwest simply needs to get over its "industrial heritage" and forge ahead with "up-to-date" employment opportunities (research and development, engineering, business services, healthcare, etc.). The South is merely the "flava of da day." Not ragging on my birthplace. However, we have always tended to be 50 years behind innovation (hence, Atlanta/Georgia officials always attempting to lure struggling rustbelt corporations). Therefore, nothing to "underestimate." If anything, the South, with its traditional low wages, will transform what this country considers middle-class. But let's get real here. I am convinced, only because of the line of work that I was in while in still in Georgia, that a lot of uneducated/undereducated, low skill individuals are jumping ship to the South as opposed to your traditional educated, middle-class wage earner. The South is being saturated with individuals that have contributed to the socio-economic decline of many Northern/Midwestern cities--on top of the same problems that were already apparent. The South is not willing (nor financially able) to take on this responsibility (hence the immigration bills that are being rushed through the legislation in Georgia and other Southern states). As a child, I remember being taught that Northern/Midwestern cities were big, dirty, crowded, crime-infested, and most of the people were poor (with "horrible" snowy weather). The only "good thing" about the North/Midwest was that you made "a lot of money."