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MidTown in Motion
E-NEWSLETTER
February/March 2010 | |
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Dear MidTown Stakeholder,
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 In the spring of 2006, I wrote the first e-Newsletter to MidTown stakeholders. This letter is written as I leave the position of Executive Director and head into the next chapter of my life.
I
don't know that any of us could have imagined the success of MidTown,
Inc. when it began four years ago as the implementing organization for
the MidTown Project's 25 year plan. In that time, we have helped establish 19 neighborhood associations, built an active business association, facilitated land deals locked in stalemate, met our $1.2 million fundraising drive ahead of schedule, and set about vastly improving MidTown's infrastructure, to name a few of our successes. Probably the greatest achievement of the organization thus far is the branding of the MidTown area and the establishment of MidTown, Inc. as an advocacy group for the neighborhoods and businesses of this nine square mile area in the geographic heart of Columbus, Georgia. Real estate agents, businesses, citizens
and city leaders proudly refer to "MidTown" as the central core of our
community brimming with diversity, character, and potential. If you
think back not too terribly long ago, you will most likely agree that
is a substantial accomplishment.
One
thing we say all the time at MidTown, Inc. is that MidTown's renewal
matters to all Columbusites, not just those that live, work or invest
here. (Our email subscribers of some 5,000 people speak to that fact!). If you have ever paid a penny of tax in Muscogee County, then you have contributed to the infrastructure in MidTown and throughout Columbus. When any of that infrastructure is failing or when properties are largely underperforming, then you are not getting the return on your tax monies. MidTown, Inc. has shown there are solutions to fight the trend of economic disinvestment. Communities like MidTown can become vibrant again because of their diversity, their character and their sense of place.
The work we have done together has only solidified for me the fact that conscious, well-planned growth and the building and stabilizing of our neighborhoods affects every aspect of our civic lives, including our economic health, our crime rate, the state of our schools and the quality of life of the residents. The lessons and successes of our work have inspired me to effect positive change and community betterment from within our governmental system by running for the office of Mayor of Columbus.
MidTown will remain in very capable hands: Those of Frank Etheridge (Interim-Executive Director), Judy Tucker (Director of Community Affairs) and Leslie Anne Heard (Director of Programs). MidTown, Inc. also enjoys a committed, "deep-bench" board. The staff and board will prove invaluable in the future progress of MidTown, Inc. This job as MidTown, Inc.'s Executive Director has been my passion and my joy. I thank you for the opportunity to work among you and to be a part of this great organization.
Yours truly,
Teresa Tomlinson
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MidTown, Inc. Names Interim Director and Director of Programs
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 Immediate Past
President of the MidTown, Inc. Board of Directors, Frank Etheridge, is assuming the role of Interim Executive Director of MidTown, Inc. Mr.
Etheridge retired as President of SunTrust Bank in May of 2009 after 40
years in the Banking industry; however, Mr. Etheridge's resume goes far
beyond banking. He has served or had leadership roles at many area organizations including the Trade Center Authority, Columbus State University Foundation, Columbus Economic Development Corp., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, the Columbus Technical College Foundation, the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Vote Yes for Schools, the Valley Partnership, Urban League, Development Authority of
Columbus, Historic Columbus Foundation, United Way and Uptown Columbus. "MidTown has so much momentum, that it was imperative that someone familiar with current initiatives of Midtown step in and keep them going until a replacement
for Teresa could be found. Since I recently retired and was current
president of Midtown, I was the logical choice of the board. I wasn't
ready to take on a new job since my retirement was so recent, but our
mission is just too important to turn it down," Etheridge said. Frank Etheridge served as President of the MidTown Board of Directors in 2008 and 2009. In other organizational news, Leslie
Anne Heard, has been
named Director of Programs. Leslie Anne graduated from the College of
Charleston with a B.A. in Historic Preservation and Community Planning
and has been with MidTown, Inc. since July of 2008. In addition to her previous duties as Office Administrator, in her new position, she will be developing and implementing MidTown, Inc.'s programs including continuing MidTown, Inc.'s successful speaker series as well as other events like the upcoming MidTown Bike Around (April 24th) and "Modern MidTowners." Look for more new exciting programs coming up from MidTown, Inc.!
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Search Committee Formed for New Executive Director
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 MidTown, Inc.'s Board of Directors President, John Sheftall, leads a blue ribbon search committee dedicated to finding a creative and dynamic Executive Director that will lead MidTown, Inc. as it continues developing and implementing its ambitious efforts to sustain and enhance the MidTown neighborhoods and businesses.
"Certainly, we have big shoes to fill in replacing Teresa. What she has
done to establish MidTown, Inc. and build this organization is
remarkable. We are happy for Columbus that she has chosen to run for Mayor, but her leadership at MidTown, Inc. will be missed", says John Sheftall.
The search committee, consisting of president Sheftall, past president
Frank Etheridge, past president Ed Burdeshaw, and board members
Virginia Peebles, Bennie Newroth and Anne King, has been meeting and
mapping out plans for the search process which will target potential
candidates both in Columbus
and elsewhere.
The ideal candidate will possess experience in urban
planning and economic and/or real estate development, along with the
strong leadership and interpersonal skills essential to working
successfully with MidTown's diverse constituents and stakeholders. The
Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and
management of the organization's 3-person staff, $400,000 annual
budget, and ongoing program development, fundraising, and community
relations efforts. Any inquiries or suggestions are welcomed and
should be directed to John Sheftall at 706-289-3434. Potential
candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to the Search
Committee, c/o MidTown, Inc. Please CLICK HERE for more information. |
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Join us! MidTown Commerical Overlay Public Hearing - March 8th
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On January 19th, MidTown, Inc. held a public forum at the library for its proposed MidTown Commercial Overlay Ordinance. The purposes of the proposed ordinance
are to encourage new and desirable investment, protect the investments
of existing property owners and increase property values in the MidTown Commercial District by: establishing baseline mandatory building standards to enhance the quality of construction and streetscapes; developing
incentives (which include more flexible zoning options, increased
density allowances, increased maximum building height, enhanced parking
factors, and waived local flood standards) that will increase the
overall market attractiveness of the properties; and encouraging mixed, higher density uses, and in-fill and street front development within the District.
A
large group of stakeholders including business owners and residents
turned out to discuss the incentive based ordinance and gave great input and positive feedback. Please
join us for our next public meeting, Monday, March 8th, 2010, 5:30-6:30
PM in the Wynnton Arts Academy Auditorium (2303 Wynnton Road, entrance
on the Wildwood Avenue side). To view the revised proposed ordinance, CLICK HERE
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| Unity with Pam, "MidTown: A Community with a Mission" |
On January 21st, MidTown, Inc. was featured at
the taping of the Unity with Pam television
show and Business Networking Luncheon at the Columbus Museum. The title of the program was "MidTown: A
Community with a Mission"
and featured a variety of speakers on topics in MidTown, from the arts to
education to business. The speakers
included Unity with Pam host Pam
Wills-Hovey, Move of God Ministries Pastor WillA. Willis, Jr., MidTown, Inc. Executive
Director Teresa Tomlinson,
Columbus Museum Director Tom Butler,
Muscogee County School District Superintendent Dr.Susan Andrews, Chattahoochee Libraries Marketing
Coordinator Linda Hyles,
MidTown, Inc. Director of Community Affairs Judith Tucker, Aflac employee and MidTown Business Association
member Jacqueline Egins, owners
of Peoples Funeral Services and Jenie's Bridal and Formal (both MBA members)
Cedric and Daphne Hill, President of the MidTown Business Association, Frances
Malone, and a special performance by the Wynnton Arts Academy Strings Ensemble
and Chorus.
This event was made possible by the special
collaboration of the Columbus Museum, MidTown, Inc., and Unity with Pam. CLICK HERE to view "MidTown: A Community with
a Mission" and
to find out how you can attend upcoming Unity
with Pam events. |
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Campaign
and Bike to Work Day 5.21.10 |
Th e
Same Roads, Same Rules, Same Rights safety campaign encourages motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to engage in
alternative methods of transportation by eliminating their fear of
using the roads and designated paths to walk and cycle to their final
destination or as physical activity. The River Valley Regional
Commission staff and its partners are committed to provide education through FREE training, educational information and materials, conducting lunch and learn opportunities at businesses
and local organizations. The River Valley Regional
Commission bicycle and pedestrian safety staff will also provide
FREE workshops at the Columbus Public Library on Macon Road at 5:30pm on the following dates:
Tuesday March 9th - Wednesday April 7th - Tuesday May 11th - Monday June 7th
These
FREE workshops are intended for adults ages 16 and older and will focus
on bicycle and pedestrian safety techniques and ways in which to engage
in a different form of commute; whether its walking, cycling, riding
METRA or a combination of these.
If you or your organization would like to provide this FREE service to your employees, please contact Julio Portillo or visit www.activevalley.org
Bike to Work Day 
Join Columbus in celebrating its participation in the second annual Bike to Work Day event to take place during Bike Week on May 21th,
2010. This event seeks to promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle and
an alternative method of transportation. The River Valley Regional
Commission and GDOT have teamed up with Midtown Inc., Uptown Columbus,
Total Systems (T|SYS), Aflac, Columbus State University,
City of Columbus Planning Department, Columbus Police Department
Bicycle Unit and the Columbus Public Library, METRA and Ride On Bikes
to bring this event for the second time to the City of Columbus. For more information visit www.activevalley.org or contact Julio Portillo
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New Officers and Board Members for MidTown, Inc.
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The January and February
meetings of the MidTown, Inc. Board of Directors resulted in a new
slate of officers and additional board members. The new officers
include: John Sheftall as President, First Vice
President/President-Elect, Virginia Peebles, Second Vice President,
Walter Calhoun, Secretary, Bennie Newroth, and Treasurer, Chuck
McDaniel.
The new board members are Louise Crozier (MidTown Resident and member of the Lindsey Creek Neighborhood Association), Frances Malone (President of the MidTown Business Association and owner of Two Sisters Gallery), Nancy Johnson, (Principal of Wynnton Arts Academy in MidTown Columbus), Pete Daughtery (MidTown resident and Partner at Daughtery, Crawford, Fuller & Brown law firm located in MidTown Columbus),
Richard Waddell (Owner of the MidTown Shopping Center and Waddell
Realty), Daphne Hill (MidTown Resident, owner of Jenie's Bridals and
Formals and a member of the MidTown Business Association), Rev. Gerald Wyatt (Pastor of Body of Christ Worship Center in MidTown Columbus and member of the MidTown Business Association), and Chris Lindsey (Principal of George Washington Carver High School in MidTown Columbus).
To see a complete list of the MidTown, Inc. Board of Directors CLICK HERE |
| Mark Your Calendar for these Upcoming Events |
March 4, 2010: Air Quality
Update Breakfast "Something in the Air..." For more info Click Here
March 4-7, 2010: The Columbus Museum's Art and Antique Show and Sale. For more information Click Here
March 8: MidTown, Inc. Public Meeting on the proposed MidTown
Commercial Overlay. 5:30-6:30, the Wynnton Arts Academy Auditorium
(2303 Wynnton Road, entrance on the Wildwood Avenue side)
April 7, 2010: MidTown, Inc. Bike Safety Workshop 5:30 at the Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road
April 24, 2010: SAVE THE DATE MidTown Bike Around-Join MidTown, Inc. and
the River Valley Regional Commission to see historic MidTown sites from the
seat of your bicycle. More information
to follow.
May 21, 2010: Bike to Work Day - Stop by the MidTown Energizing Station at Lakebottom Park on your way to work!
May 19-22, 2010: Congress for New Urbanism Annual Meeting. This year' program "New Urbanism: Rx for
Healthy Places" will be close to home, Atlanta,
Georgia and is
brought to you by the CNU and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. For more information Click Here
*Stay up-to-date on what's going on in MidTown with the NEW MidTown Community Calendar To put your MidTown or MidTown related events on the calendar, please e-mail them to Leslie Anne Heard
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| Smokin' Hot MidTown Properties |
Check out these must see MidTown Columbus properties:
If you would like to post a MidTown property in our next e-newsletter, contact Judy or Leslie Anne at (706) 494-1663.
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Become a MidTown Champion |
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Positive change happens through community effort, and those concerted efforts require funding. MidTown, Inc. is a non-profit tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Please join us in the pursuit of this mission and in the renewal of our in-town community.
Every contribution makes a difference and helps realize the potential of MidTown Columbus. Consider making a tax deductible gift of $25 or more to MidTown, Inc. Spread the word and ask your friends to consider making a donation as well.
You may send your contribution to MidTown, Inc. 1236 Wildwood Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31906. To access our on-line giving page click Invest in MidTown. We appreciate your interest in MidTown. | |
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MidTown, Inc. | 1236 Wildwood Avenue | Columbus | GA | 31906
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