Ganther’s Place

Take a look to the right.  That’s right, right here on the screen, just down a bit on this page and you’ll see a new link in the Blogroll.  It’s Ganther’s Place and the Merion Village blog is pleased to introduce them to you.

Residents of Ganther’s Place were the guests of tonight’s Columbus Social Media Cafe where they were presented with a variety of on-line tools to assist their community efforts.  After introducing the group to the great strides made and current challenges of the neighborhood, the group rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

In about hours time, a group of Columbus enthusiasts helped build the new Ganther’s Place blog where this community can begin to host an ever greater dialogue, not only with it’s immediate neighbors, but also with with neighboring communities such as Merion Village.

The neighbors of Ganther’s Place also set up shop at Twitter, another on-line tool that will allow for greater communication with various groups that are working towards the same goals.  Members of the Columbus Social Media Cafe offered introductions to the web tools of Flickr and Utterz as well as information on how to set up a neighborhood mesh network for wireless internet.  We also discussed how the neighborhood can involve the school children at Heyl Elementary in future class projects.

All of what was accomplished this evening was made possible by volunteers and neighbors and is a demonstration of what can happen when we open up the dialogue and work together as a community.  We welcome the continued success of yet another Merion Village neighbor.

Curbs, Alleys and Parking Lots

The streets of Merion Village are in need of some sprucing up this time of year.  In the photo below you can see how the curb along this street has become overgrown with weeds that have taken root.  With the use of a flat-edged shovel this growth (and associated debris) is easily removed.  A simple task gives the streets a clean, crisp look.

Also in need of attention are the alleys of Merion Village.  Since the city of Columbus has a policy of neglect not sweeping alleys, its a good idea to get out there with a push  broom and sweep them ourselves.  Removing broken glass, litter and other debris can actually reduce the incidence of petty crimes because doing so makes a statement about people paying attention.

Last year I swept the alley along five lots, essentially ensuring that the path to the street was free from nails, screws and broken glass.  Just clearing the path along five lots took several hours because of the years of built up debris.  This year it took less than an hour.

While Merion Village has a good amount of curb appeal for those passing through, our alleys are suffering – so please spend some time out back and help clean your alley.  Our combined efforts will ensure that Merion Village remains a place that attracts new homebuyers.

Lastly, there is the parking lot between Frebis and Moler that is owned by Kroger.  The fence along the property lines and the landscaping is not being cared for and the lot is strewn with broken glass.  Essentially, this part of Merion Village is falling into blight.  Kroger should held responsible for the proper upkeep on this portion of their property.

Is anyone aware of any pressure being placed upon Kroger regarding this lot?