01.2007
NEW POLICING CENTER ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
"Call The Roll" - The Columbus City Council
A near North Side neighborhood is getting more than just a new police sub-station. Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther joined leaders from Columbus and The Ohio State University for the groundbreaking of the Moody/Hall Neighborhood Policing Center.

“The Moody/Hall Center provides a home-base for a comprehensive approach to improving neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Ginther. “First and foremost, this building will be the focal point for public safety efforts in the area. Secondly, with the addition of a Neighborhood Pride Center, this building will serve as a gathering place for residents to discuss ways to improve their community.”

The new policing center will be built at 248 E. Eleventh Ave. and will serve the University District and Weinland Park areas. In addition to providing permanent space for Columbus Police officers, the building will also have space for University Police and members of the Community Crime Patrol. The building will also house a Neighborhood Pride Center and meeting rooms for residents to use and discuss ways to make their area a safer place to live and raise a family.

Mayor Michael B. Coleman announced that the building will be named after two men who worked to strengthen ties between the City and Ohio State: former Columbus Mayor Tom Moody, who served from 1972 to 1984, and the late Bill Hall, former Vice President of Student Affairs at OSU.

“This policing center brings together law enforcement agencies and community organizations in an innovative and unique way to increase safety and the visibility of police officers in the University and Weinland Park area,” said Mayor Coleman.

“The fact that the City has recognized the need to make this type of investment is a sign that they are ready to change this neighborhood,” said Robert Caldwell, president of the Weinland Park Civic Association. “If we can take advantage of this opportunity and work together as a community, we can continue to see this neighborhood transform.”

“Today’s groundbreaking brings us one step closer toward realizing one of the most important partnerships between the University and the City,” said former Ohio State President Dr. Karen A. Holbrook. “The start of construction is a major step toward securing an increased police presence in this community for our students and longtime residents.”

OSU and Columbus are splitting the $4.4 million cost for the building.

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