Berwick Civic Association

Berwick Civic Association

Mission, Vision and History of Berwick

THE BERWICK CIVIC ASSOCIATION

Statement of Mission:
The Berwick Civic Association fosters a spirit of community cooperation, well being and pride for the residents of Berwick.

Vision Statement:
The Berwick Civic Association is a community organization embracing diversity and progress.

Position Statement:
The Berwick Civic Association is a 501(c)(3) Association of citizens living in a prescribed area in the City of Columbus, Ohio. Within its boundaries this collective body is committed to
1) promote the general welfare of the residents,
2) inform residents of neighborhood events and issues,
3) encourage neighborhood improvement projects,
4) ensure the safety of the residents by monitoring and cooperating with law enforcement officials and the By-laws,
5) raise funds for community projects,
6) encourage social interaction and promote harmony among residents of the community, and
7) encourage residents to participate in local school activities and functions.

********************** Goals **********************
- Representative
Represents the community by appointing delegates to entities that impact upon the Berwick community and its residents.

- Legislative
Represents the community by appointing delegates to governmental agencies that deal with traffic, safety, lighting, municipal services, pet control and general adherence to existing legislation and by pursuing efforts for new legislation deemed beneficial by the Association.

- Legal
Hires legal counsel to represent the Association when sources inimical to the best overall long-range interests of the community carry on activities, which are deemed harmful to the neighborhood.

- Collaborative
Cooperates with adjoining neighborhood associations to promote mutual general welfare.

Amended: August 3, 1999

Berwick Area History

The land was deeded in 1799 to British soldiers who had been stationed in Canada and had fought on the side of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. Since they could not return to Britain, these soldiers became refugees. Sound familiar? That’s where the name “Refugee Road” came from.

One of those soldiers was Colonel James Livingston who was given 1,200 acres from the Scioto River to Big Walnut Creek. Livingston Avenue is name for this Revolutionary War hero. Sir Lawrence divided the land among his sister and brothers and the property was passed down to family heirs until 1924 when it was sold to Frederick Miller of Shady Lane Nursery.

The change in ownership marked the start of home development in Berwick. Johnson Pavey Company built the fist homes in 1927. The first house was built at the corner of College Avenue and Brookwood Road. The stone house with its gabled roof was typical of the style of architecture of the late 1920s.

In the 1930s, Berwick was home to a golf course and a dairy farm. In the 1940s, 200 acres of Berwick was developed. Then, in the mid-1950s the community underwent a major metamorphosis as 145 homes were built. Homes, mostly ranch-style, cost $20,000 and up. Most of the lots sold within six hours after the Gabay Development Company put them up for sale!

From the beginning, Berwick was a carefully planned community with wide streets, space for churches and schools and quality home construction. Today, there are more than 1,500 homes in Berwick ranging in price from $90,000 to more than $200,000. Many families in Berwick have lived here 30-40 years lending stability to the neighborhood.

Some of those long-time neighbors helped to establish the Berwick Civic Association. In the past, members of the association have dealt with important issues such as racial steering of homebuyers, zoning changes, school closings, flooding along Bliss Run, and the clean up of Twin Lakes. Most recently, the association has tackled issues of crime, property deterioration, street lighting and zoning changes.

In 1998, Berwick was named as one of the “20 Great Places to Live in Franklin County.”
Today, as in yesteryears, the association remains strongly committed to preserving the quality of residential life in Berwick.

About our association

BERWICK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING SCHEDULE:

BCA meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month (January, February - July; September, October,)at 7:30 p.m. Berwick residents are welcome to attend.

Meetings are held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1555 South James Road.

The Annual Meeting is held in November at Berwick Alternative Elementary.

THE BERWICK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MISSION

The Berwick Civic Association fosters a spirit of community cooperation, well being and pride for the residents of Berwick.

VISION STATEMENT:
The Berwick Civic Association is a community organization embracing diversity and progress.

BERWICK CIVIC ASSOCIATION OFFICERS:

President: Bruce Black
Vice President: Phyllis Cunningham
Recording Secretary: Jennifer Orlins
Corresponding Secretary: Barbara Backus
Treasurer: Dottie Odrosky