The past year was a good one for the Village and its residents, property owners and businesses, says Mayor Kent Studebaker. “We witnessed positive movement from two perspectives … in economic development and in the Village’s quality of life.”
Of significance for the Village is its brighter economic environment. “I gauge this by vacancy rates in our commercial properties, and we’re seeing full capacity at 1600 Dublin Rd.(former NiSource building) and significant renovation and projected full capacity at 1400 Dublin Rd. (former Custom Coach building). Businesses also have renewed interest in smaller spaces along Fifth Avenue,” Studebaker says.
“Vacancies are decreasing because the Village works with businesses to meet their unique needs,” he said. “Village decision-makers remain constant. That knowledge continuity promotes positive economic development. I appreciate the leadership of recently retired councilman and immediate past Council President David Roark as well as the interest of new Council member Dow Voelker who brings government and real estate experience.”
The mayor listed several factors and recent activities that have enhanced the Village’s visibility and quality of life.
- Housing stock remains attractive and valued, which helps retain current homeowners and attract new homeowners. They like the Village’s quality of life. Building permits in 2013 almost doubled in value from 2010, and many investments are significant. The variety of homes, including 10 designed by noted Columbus architect Frank Packard, attracted the Victorian Society in America to tour the Village last summer.
- In 2013, seven Paul C. Falco scholarships were awarded to Marble Cliff high school seniors.
- Renovations were made to the Falco Park playground, and a group of Boy Scouts renewed pathways in the park in Tarpy Woods.
- The multi-use Scioto Trail was extended along Dublin Road to West Fifth Avenue. Plans for the West Fifth Avenue bridge improvements in 2015 include a shared-use path, which will take the path west to McKinley Avenue.
- As part of the recent path project, new crosswalk signals and markings were installed at West Fifth Avenue and Dublin Road, enhancing the walkability of that part of the Village.
- Marble Cliff partnered with the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society on its 2013 Tour of Homes, which highlighted homes connected to famed Columbus artist George W. Bellows. The collaboration brought the Columbus Museum of Art into the community for display of original Bellows art and a presentation at the Grandview Heights Public Library.
- An Ohio State University Senior Student Studio completed a planning study and report for Village Council. It proposed making streets more pedestrian-friendly, continuing bike path enhancements, revitalizing the Fifth Avenue business district, and increasing visibility of the Village.
- Marble Cliff’s strong relationship with the City of Grandview Heights ensures a high level of police, fire and service. Last winter’s snow plowing is a good example.
So what is Marble Cliff doing this year? Studebaker quickly outlined several projects:
- Economic Development will continue as a focus. Marble Cliff has a lot to offer interested parties.
- Projects deferred during the economic downturn are being initiated. Replacement of an aging street light system tops the list. Fifth Avenue should be completed this year, with the rest of the Village done as part of the five-year capital improvement plan. Village Fiscal Officer Cindy McKay notes Council’s past fiscal stewardship, coupled with improved economic conditions, should support implementation of the five-year capital plan.
- Infrastructure and street projects continue. Village sewer systems and streets though good, must receive ongoing maintenance. Third Avenue will be upgraded with the help of an Ohio Public Works Commission grant.
- Based upon the recommendation of the OSU students, Village stationery and new street signs now include the words “Marble Cliff.” Efforts to distinguish Marble Cliff will continue.
In summary, Studebaker says, “Marble Cliff may be small, but we’re proud to be a vibrant presence in the Tri-Village area.”
