2015 was marked by the completion of several projects in Marble Cliff.
“It was a good year for the Village, and the future looks bright,” said Mayor Kent E. Studebaker.
Studebaker, who was recently elected for another four-year term as Mayor, added, “Most of
our business space is productive, which enables the Village to do projects that benefit everyone. And our residents and businesses continue to invest in their properties.”
The Village’s new strategic plan has also helped streamline current and future projects. The plan led to the development of the Village’s new website, logo and marketing materials in 2015.
“I think the new website (www.marblecliff.org), designed by Laura Oldham of Starburst Media, meets our goal of providing useful information to our residents, businesses and those coming to and working in the Village,” Studebaker said.
Other projects in 2015 were more physical.
The new streetlights along Fifth Avenue help to focus attention to the Village’s Fifth Avenue corridor, Studebaker said.
“We’ll need to utilize other resources as we further address Fifth Avenue. Currently, the Village is working with Upper Arlington on connecting the Scioto Greenway Trail via Fifth Avenue to access the Village and Upper Arlington’s bike boulevard at Arlington Avenue,” Studebaker said.
Improvements to Fifth Avenue between Arlington Avenue and Dublin Road are slated for 2017 as part of the Village’s five-year capital improvement plan.
“Our five-year plan, managed by Fiscal Officer Cindy McKay and Village Engineer Josh Ford of Burgess & Niple, certainly helps us prioritize projects, manage our financial resources and reduce emergencies that affect our residents and businesses,” Studebaker said.
Cooperation has been key to successful completion of several 2015 projects. The new Fifth Avenue bridge, completed by the city of Columbus, improves capacity and safety for everyone using the busy Dublin Road-Fifth Avenue intersection, Studebaker said. And Columbia Gas’ upgrade to its service lines throughout the Village at no cost to property owners should mean dependable service for years to come.
Studebaker explained that all these actions are possible because the Village takes fiscal responsibility very seriously.
“We make sure our revenue stream, which comes primarily from payroll taxes of Village businesses, stays healthy,” Studebaker said. “With the guidance of Village Council, we try to balance what we collect to how our resources are used. We are very proud that the Village payroll tax is still only 2 percent, lower than most communities in central Ohio. And Council recently reduced the inside Village millage collected from property owners from 1 percent to 0.35 percent.”
During 2015, the Village joined the state’s Ohio Checkbook project, so the public can see how the Village spends money, Studebaker said. The Village also received a $143,144 grant and $143,144 loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission and a $125,000 loan from the Franklin County Infrastructure Bank for a new water line along Cardigan Avenue. Once the water line is done, the five-year capital budget calls for a complete remake of Cardigan Avenue.
“The Village has a good working relationship with Grandview Heights, our service provider, and open communication with our businesses and residents,” Studebaker said. “I look forward to working with our Council for the next four years, as we have many action items to address, all focused on continuing to make Marble Cliff a great place to live and work.”
2015 Completed Projects
· New street light system, phase 1
· Sidewalk repairs, phase 1
· New website and Village identity
· Falco Park and Tarpy Woods improvements
· Village strategic plan
2016 Planned Projects
- Streetlight project completion
- New water line installation along Cardigan Avenue between the railroad tracks and Dublin Road
- Sidewalk improvement program continuation
Strategic Plan Topics
1. Fiscal Strength and Stability
2. Fifth Avenue Corridor
3. Identity and Image
4. Village Owned Property
5. Residential Property Stewardship
6. Resident Communication
7. Bike Connectivity
8. Dublin Road Commercial District
Bill Johannes is the administrative assistant for the Village of Marble Cliff. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
