South of Main Blockwatch

Letter to Director Barbash II

Main Street Development

Linwood Wilson South of Main Blockwatch 489 Linwood Avenue
Columbus, Oh 43205
October 25, 2005




Mark Barbash
Director, Department of Development
City of Columbus
50 W. Gay Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Dear Director Barbash,

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, the members of LWSMB are requesting an itemization of the amount of financing the Board of the Columbus Compact has authorized to complete rehabilitation of 1179 E. Main Street. Please include any amounts for abatements. If it has been determined that no abatements are necessary, please provide a copy of the documentation of environmental signoffs. We are aware that abatements can be an issue with older existing buildings. (See attached).

Our investigation has shown that projects on Main Street that are comparative in size to 1179 E. Main have averaged between 2.1 and 3.2 million dollars. We are witness to the very positive development taking place not only in the Near East side but in downtown Columbus and the surrounding areas, and we see no reason that we should not be part of that development. An under funded project is by definition an inferior one.

Your timely response will be most appreciated.

Sincerely yours,


Kathleen Bailey
President LWSMB

Cc: The Honorable Michael C. Mentel
Walter Chappelear, LWSMB