Gahanna News: State of the City: Stinchcomb keeps goals in sight

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Gahanna Mayor Becky Stinchcomb and her staff have developed a five-pronged strategic plan to "take Gahanna to the next level."

More than 150 Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce members and city leaders gathered Thursday, March 10, at the Creekside Conference and Event Center to hear Stinchcomb give her State of the City address. The mayor spent the bulk of her time at the podium pointing out how Gahanna's new approach moved the city through tough economic times in 2010 -- and will continue to do so this year.

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Gahanna Police Name Officer Phillip J. Stacy Officer of the Year

Police Chief Dennis Murphy

Congratulates Officer Phillip Stacy 

During a presentation at the Gahanna Police Department today, Gahanna Police Officer Phillip Stacy was announced as Gahanna’s Officer of the year. 

The ceremony was attended by Mayor Becky Stinchcomb, Safety Director Robert Keyes, Police Chief Dennis Murphy, Deputy Police Chief Ken Bell, fellow police and City staff as well as members of Officer Stacy’s family.

Operations Bureau Commander Lieutenant Dan Williams presented Officer Stacy to the audience stating, “Officer Stacy is the embodiment of the pro-active professional police officer that we seek for the City of Gahanna. We are pleased to have him as a member of our agency and I’m particularly pleased to have him in the patrol bureau. It is an honor to present him with the 2010 Officer of the Year Award.”

Some of Stacy’s accomplishments, including a recent lifesaving award, were highlighted for those in attendance.

“Officer Stacy has only been a member of the Gahanna Police Department since July of 2007,” said Williams. “He performs his duties with enthusiasm, integrity and a maturity well beyond his actual years of service.”

Stacy was presented with a plaque and a certificate on behalf of the City by Mayor Becky Stinchcomb, Safety Director Robert Keyes and Police Chief Dennis Murphy.

“Officer Stacy is a fine representation of the great work and service of the Gahanna police Department,” said Mayor Becky Stinchcomb. “We appreciate all that you do for the City.”

Safety Director Robert Keyes said he was proud of Officer Stacy stating, “I appreciate the positive attitude and professionalism that you bring to work every day.”

Officer Stacy thanked those in attendance and said that he appreciates the recognition, but commented, “So many [fellow] officers are deserving of this award, so I appreciate being selected.”

(l-r) Safety Director Robert Keyes, Mayor Becky Stinchcomb,

Lieutenant Dan Williams, Officer Phillip Stacy, Police Chief Dennis Murphy 



Gahanna Youth Council Collecting for Prom Dress Sale Fundraiser

UPDATE: Some kids from the Youth Council appeared on WBNS 10TV to talk about their project.  Video is below.

The Gahanna Youth Council, a teen volunteer and service club, is collecting gently used formal dresses and accessories on Sunday, March 6^th from 1-3pm at the Gahanna Golf Course Clubhouse, 220 Olde Ridenour Rd. Collected items will be resold at affordable prices to help make prom more accessible to girls in Central Ohio. Proceeds of the sale will be used to support Youth Council programs. 

Gently used long and short formal dresses, dress shoes, jewelry, bags, clutches and other formal wear accessories will be accepted.  Prom Dress Sale dates are March 19^th and 26^th from 12 noon—4pm at the Gahanna Golf Course Clubhouse.  Proceeds will help support Youth Council programs such as TeenFest, their signature teen event traditionally held in August. 

Need more information? Contact Shannon Clonch, Gahanna Youth Council Coordinator, at 342-4250 or Shannon.clonch@gahanna.gov

Rain Garden Initiative

The City of Gahanna along with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District want to help you plant a rain garden.

Right now you’re probably asking yourself “What is a rain garden?” Well, a rain garden is simply a flower garden that incorporates shallow depressions or channels that intercept rainwater on its way to stream and river beds. These gardens help eliminate pollutants, control erosion and prevent flooding, and does all of this while adding the beauty of plants and flowers to your landscape. You can place rain gardens near downspouts, driveways, sump pump outlets, or in the path of storm water flow through your yard.

The Rain Garden Initiative is a cost share program that will offer you up to $250 to install a rain garden on your property. Nevertheless, don’t delay. This program is only available to six residents, so if you want an environmentally friendly way to improve poor drainage in your yard and community contact the City of Gahanna Service Department at (614)342-4005.

What’s In A Number? A house number that is.

House numbers serve a critical function for emergency personnel and should be clearly displayed. House numbers are often the only way first responders can identify their intended destinations.

Did you know there is City Code requiring house numbers?

Section 1321.03 of Gahanna City Code states that all buildings shall install, display and maintain the  numerical address of the building in Arabic numbers not less than four inches in height.

The main concern is the safety of our residents. In emergency situations every minute is critical. So, please take this time to walk outside and make sure your home can be easily identified. It could make a difference in a loved one’s life.  

Gahanna: An Innovative Past, A Sustainable Future

Gahanna, Ohio is a progressive and diverse community with a rich history and a bright future.  For many years Gahanna has been among the leading communities in Central Ohio for residential, commercial, and industrial development.  Known as the Herb Capital of Ohio, Gahanna has been the recipient of numerous community and economic development awards including being designated by Money Magazine as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live.  Public sector leadership has continually recognized the type of development needed for the City to prosper.  Whether it was expanding the industrial business base after rapid growth in the residential population or revitalizing the core of downtown Gahanna when the City had grown its territorial boundaries.  Gahanna public sector leaders have strategically made investments that have secured the city’s long term success and sustainability. 

An Innovative Past

In the late 1970s, Gahanna’s leadership recognized the need to guide and direct development within the community.  Then a city of approximately 16,000 people, Gahanna’s residential population was rapidly growing and due to its prime location near the airport, major highways, and railway, the City was in a position to grow its industrial sector.  In 1978, the City took an unprecedented action and invested $2.25 million to purchase 103 acres of land in the southern portion of the City known as The Industrial Zone (TIZ).  The issuance of revenue bonds to invest in land and related infrastructure was designed to stimulate private investment in industrial facilities and to increase new job opportunities.    

Gahanna PD Pays respects to Cpl. Jacob A. Tate, USMC

GAHANNA, Ohio (January 11, 2011) - Members of the Gahanna Police Department, led by Chief Dennis Murphy, gathered in front of City Hall to pay their respects and render honors to Corporal Jacob A. Tate, United States Marine Corps, as his remains passed through Gahanna by motorcade to a North Side funeral home.  Cpl. Tate graduated from Gahanna Christian Academy.

Tate, 21, was killed Jan. 2 during combat operations in Afghanistan. He was based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. 


Photos by Brian Hoyt, City of Gahanna (RELEASED)


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