Revitalization Plans Discussed in Van Wert
Posted: Dec 12, 2012 5:21 PM EST
By Tricia Bell, Video Journalist - bio | email
WLIO- Home Town Stations - Lima, OH
Click Here to watch video newscast
VAN WERT, OHIO - Earlier this year, the city of Van Wert earned a $15,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development to improve the downtown atmosphere.
"When people come into Van Wert County, the first stop they make is through the heart of our city," said Denise Frey, President, Main Street Van Wert. The city is matching the funds for a total of $30,000. Now, community leaders and volunteers with the organization Main Street Van Wert are developing what they're calling a master plan.
"This is our business plan for the downtown-- the entire district," said Adam Ries, interim program manager for Main Street Van Wert. Ries says the organization is seeking feedback from business owners, property owners, and residents on how they would improve the heart of the city. Main Street Van Wert was organized in 2002. Since then, much has been done to improve the downtown. Now, once empty buildings are starting to fill. "We had a vacancy rate of nearly 40 percent. We're now down to under 17 percent vacancy," said Ries.
"A time lapse photo going back 10 years ago would show quite a difference shooting it today," said Mayor Don Farmer on the improvements. However, the mayor says he wants to see more done. And there are still a few eyesores. Farmer says the city recently spent $18,000 boarding up windows at the old Home Guards building. "It's privately owned. We'll be looking at that continuously," said Farmer. The city is trying to get the property owner to pay up and maintain the building. The economic efforts also include attracting developers who care. "We want to make an impression on people when they come into our community," said Frey. Once the plan is complete-- the city will use the information to go after more grants for downtown development efforts.
By Tricia Bell, Video Journalist - bio | email
WLIO- Home Town Stations - Lima, OH
Click Here to watch video newscast
VAN WERT, OHIO - Earlier this year, the city of Van Wert earned a $15,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development to improve the downtown atmosphere.
"When people come into Van Wert County, the first stop they make is through the heart of our city," said Denise Frey, President, Main Street Van Wert. The city is matching the funds for a total of $30,000. Now, community leaders and volunteers with the organization Main Street Van Wert are developing what they're calling a master plan.
"This is our business plan for the downtown-- the entire district," said Adam Ries, interim program manager for Main Street Van Wert. Ries says the organization is seeking feedback from business owners, property owners, and residents on how they would improve the heart of the city. Main Street Van Wert was organized in 2002. Since then, much has been done to improve the downtown. Now, once empty buildings are starting to fill. "We had a vacancy rate of nearly 40 percent. We're now down to under 17 percent vacancy," said Ries.
"A time lapse photo going back 10 years ago would show quite a difference shooting it today," said Mayor Don Farmer on the improvements. However, the mayor says he wants to see more done. And there are still a few eyesores. Farmer says the city recently spent $18,000 boarding up windows at the old Home Guards building. "It's privately owned. We'll be looking at that continuously," said Farmer. The city is trying to get the property owner to pay up and maintain the building. The economic efforts also include attracting developers who care. "We want to make an impression on people when they come into our community," said Frey. Once the plan is complete-- the city will use the information to go after more grants for downtown development efforts.
Downtown Planning Series Continues
BY LINDSAY MCCOY
Times Bulletin News Writer
lmccoy@timesbulletin.com
VAN WERT - Several community members offered input on what downtown Van Wert should look like and heard what other studies suggest. Nearly 30 people were present at the Van Wert Economic Restructuring Workshop at the Hotel Marsh Wednesday evening to share and receive ideas. It was the second of three downtown planning meetings pertaining to a Tier 1 grant to be used for the revitalization of the downtown area.
Times Bulletin News Writer
lmccoy@timesbulletin.com
VAN WERT - Several community members offered input on what downtown Van Wert should look like and heard what other studies suggest. Nearly 30 people were present at the Van Wert Economic Restructuring Workshop at the Hotel Marsh Wednesday evening to share and receive ideas. It was the second of three downtown planning meetings pertaining to a Tier 1 grant to be used for the revitalization of the downtown area.
Heritage Ohio plans local presentation
Heritage Ohio information
Van Wert Independent
Downtown revitalization is a daunting and complicated undertaking, but it is vital to the economic and social health of a community. Heritage Ohio is a statewide non-profit organization that assists communities in dealing with the challenges of downtown revitalization. As an organization charged with helping Ohio communities, Heritage Ohio wanted to let people know that its representatives will be presenting in Van Wert on Wednesday, September 12, at 10 a.m.
The training in Van Wert will be an overview of the steps a community should take to begin the process of revitalizing downtown. Ohio Heritage presenters will share examples from many other successful revitalization efforts and answer any audience questions. They will also cover how to improve local business, attract new businesses, increase property owner investment, recruit more volunteers and structure and fund a budget for projects.
Heritage Ohio has worked with more than 100 Ohio cities, villages and community organizations on projects of all shapes and sizes pertaining to historic preservation, downtown revitalization and not-for-profit development. As Ohio’s official historic preservation and Main Street organization, Heritage Ohio fosters economic development and sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and promotion of cultural tourism.
A direct link to the Heritage Ohio sign-up area is available here. More information can be found on the organization’s website at heritageohio.org. For more information, email Jeff Siegler at JSiegler@HeritageOhio.org or call him at 740.215.7976.
Van Wert Independent
Downtown revitalization is a daunting and complicated undertaking, but it is vital to the economic and social health of a community. Heritage Ohio is a statewide non-profit organization that assists communities in dealing with the challenges of downtown revitalization. As an organization charged with helping Ohio communities, Heritage Ohio wanted to let people know that its representatives will be presenting in Van Wert on Wednesday, September 12, at 10 a.m.
The training in Van Wert will be an overview of the steps a community should take to begin the process of revitalizing downtown. Ohio Heritage presenters will share examples from many other successful revitalization efforts and answer any audience questions. They will also cover how to improve local business, attract new businesses, increase property owner investment, recruit more volunteers and structure and fund a budget for projects.
Heritage Ohio has worked with more than 100 Ohio cities, villages and community organizations on projects of all shapes and sizes pertaining to historic preservation, downtown revitalization and not-for-profit development. As Ohio’s official historic preservation and Main Street organization, Heritage Ohio fosters economic development and sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and promotion of cultural tourism.
A direct link to the Heritage Ohio sign-up area is available here. More information can be found on the organization’s website at heritageohio.org. For more information, email Jeff Siegler at JSiegler@HeritageOhio.org or call him at 740.215.7976.
Local girl sells soap for charity
Nataley Hattery sells her handmade soaps
BY LINDSAY MCCOY
Times Bulletin News Writer
lmccoy@timesbulletin.com
VAN WERT - If you have visited Market on Main in front of the Van Wert Courthouse on a Thursday morning, you may have caught sight of the market's youngest salesman, eight year-old Nataley Hattery. Nataley's Soaps and surprises offers a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors of soaps. Nataley not only sells her soap items, but along with the help of her mom also makes the soap. The idea was originally meant for a garage sale but since then has continued to grow and progress.
Times Bulletin News Writer
lmccoy@timesbulletin.com
VAN WERT - If you have visited Market on Main in front of the Van Wert Courthouse on a Thursday morning, you may have caught sight of the market's youngest salesman, eight year-old Nataley Hattery. Nataley's Soaps and surprises offers a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors of soaps. Nataley not only sells her soap items, but along with the help of her mom also makes the soap. The idea was originally meant for a garage sale but since then has continued to grow and progress.
Market on Main
BY DAVE MOSIER
Van Wert Independent
The new Market on Main enterprise opened officially on Thursday in front of the Van Wert County Courthouse. The market, to be held each Thursday until October 25, features produce, baked goods, handmade items, one-of-a-kind jewelry, repurposed items, boutique merchandise, goods from some of the finest direct-sales companies and much more.
Van Wert Independent
The new Market on Main enterprise opened officially on Thursday in front of the Van Wert County Courthouse. The market, to be held each Thursday until October 25, features produce, baked goods, handmade items, one-of-a-kind jewelry, repurposed items, boutique merchandise, goods from some of the finest direct-sales companies and much more.
MSVW plans Downtown Garage Sale
The Design Committee of Main Street Van Wert is planning a downtown garage sale during the Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Yard Sale, which takes place Friday and Saturday, August 10-11. Spaces will be available on Jefferson Street, between Main and Central. Anyone interested in participating may purchase a 10-by-10 foot space to sell garage sale items. Cost to participate is $10 for one day and $15 for both Friday and Saturday. Main Street Van Wert volunteers will be selling bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks to shoppers during the weekend. Anyone is welcome to set-up their yard sale items and benefit from the increased shopping traffic this event generates along Lincoln Highway.
For more information about the Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Yard Sale, contact Main Street Van Wert at 419-238-6911.
For more information about the Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Yard Sale, contact Main Street Van Wert at 419-238-6911.
More parking discussion for VW City Council
Marvin Vetter, Main Street Ice Cream Parlor
BY LINDSAY MCCOY
Times Bulletin News Writer
lmccoy@timesbulletin.com
VAN WERT - Van Wert City Council met Monday night and continued discussion on downtown parking. While there is still no conclusion to the long-time issue, Police Chief Joel Hammond was present at the meeting to answer questions and give a better understanding on what law enforcement can do to help.
A study done led by Streets and Alleys Committee Chair Pete Weir with the help of others has shown that the 40 repeat violators found in three studies cause an estimated annual revenue loss of $832,000. It was also estimated that if an enforcement officer were placed downtown to monitor the problem and issue tickets, it would take nearly four hours to cover the area and issue violations. The Autochalk GPS systems were again discussed as a fast and efficient way for law enforcement to battle the issue.
"What are we trying to accomplish?" asked Van Wert City Police Chief Joel Hammond. "You prioritize, and currently the public is very happy with our proactive enforcement of drugs and alcohol and serious criminal activities going on in the community, so we have put a high priority on that." He questioned whether law enforcement could maintain their current proactive doings with a 20 percent smaller task force while dealing with these other issues that council has brought up. Hammond's immediate suggestion was to put a sworn officer downtown, but noted that he does not believe this is a good use of resources.
Main Street Van Wert Program Manager Adam Ries commented that the goal and the need for enforcement is to further the development of downtown businesses. Businesses looking to invest a future on Main Street have the perception that there is no enforcement, so this parking issue is leaving a bad impression and stunting development.
Times Bulletin News Writer
lmccoy@timesbulletin.com
VAN WERT - Van Wert City Council met Monday night and continued discussion on downtown parking. While there is still no conclusion to the long-time issue, Police Chief Joel Hammond was present at the meeting to answer questions and give a better understanding on what law enforcement can do to help.
A study done led by Streets and Alleys Committee Chair Pete Weir with the help of others has shown that the 40 repeat violators found in three studies cause an estimated annual revenue loss of $832,000. It was also estimated that if an enforcement officer were placed downtown to monitor the problem and issue tickets, it would take nearly four hours to cover the area and issue violations. The Autochalk GPS systems were again discussed as a fast and efficient way for law enforcement to battle the issue.
"What are we trying to accomplish?" asked Van Wert City Police Chief Joel Hammond. "You prioritize, and currently the public is very happy with our proactive enforcement of drugs and alcohol and serious criminal activities going on in the community, so we have put a high priority on that." He questioned whether law enforcement could maintain their current proactive doings with a 20 percent smaller task force while dealing with these other issues that council has brought up. Hammond's immediate suggestion was to put a sworn officer downtown, but noted that he does not believe this is a good use of resources.
Main Street Van Wert Program Manager Adam Ries commented that the goal and the need for enforcement is to further the development of downtown businesses. Businesses looking to invest a future on Main Street have the perception that there is no enforcement, so this parking issue is leaving a bad impression and stunting development.
New Business Opens on Central Ave.
Owner Leslie Mosier while others look on
BY DAVE MOSIER
Van Wert Independent
Massage Therapists Leslie Moser, Heather Bidlack and Lindsey Ross cut the ribbon Friday on their new business, Van Wert Massotherapy, located at 149 E. Central Ave. Services provided by the business include massage therapy, stress reduction, reflexology, body detoxing, ear candling, body stretching, hot stone massage and aromatherapy. The business also provides a retail section and a rentable community classroom. Area residents can also sign up for four yoga sessions conducted by LMT and yoga instructor Teresa Schalois that begin July 16. (Van Wert independent)
Van Wert Independent
Massage Therapists Leslie Moser, Heather Bidlack and Lindsey Ross cut the ribbon Friday on their new business, Van Wert Massotherapy, located at 149 E. Central Ave. Services provided by the business include massage therapy, stress reduction, reflexology, body detoxing, ear candling, body stretching, hot stone massage and aromatherapy. The business also provides a retail section and a rentable community classroom. Area residents can also sign up for four yoga sessions conducted by LMT and yoga instructor Teresa Schalois that begin July 16. (Van Wert independent)
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