Right Now Downtown

Capital Crossroads SID is in the process of preparing for the fall and winter months.  Each season brings its own set of duties for the Clean and Safe Team of Ambassadors.  The teams have wrapped up summer power washing and flower watering.  But as the leaves begin to fall throughout the downtown, the ambassadors will employ two leaf vacuums along with two ATLV ride on refuse collectors to ensure that the sidewalks are clear of leaves and debris.  The leaf matter will be transported to a local point so that it can be repurposed as mulch rather than end up in plastic bags in the landfill.

The Clean and Safe Teams have also been training on a new Rapid Response Vehicle, which will be used to tow equipment around the SID in response to urgent requests or planned duties.  And they have begun utilizing a new small machine trailer to help transport equipment and gear to pinpoint locations downtown where they are needed.  The Rapid Response Vehicle will also be used to address graffiti and other issues in critical areas. 

Additional staff has been added to the Discovery District team and a third shift has been established as a clean and special projects team that will work on COTA bus shelters and with power washing trouble spots during the overnight hours.  This will also help in the winter months as staff will be on hand and ready to go when snow falls during the night.  The third shift team will be able to begin snow clearing and salting before pedestrians arrive in the morning.

Finally, the Clean and Safe Teams are undergoing new training programs for several different divisions, including Radios, Graffiti, Bike Patrol and Life Safety.  The Capital Crossroad SID continues to improve operations through the use of improved equipment and training of staff.  As always, if you have any issues or concerns or a specific service request, you may call 614-228-5718 or complete an online Service Request Form http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/SIDservicerequest .

 The Arnold Sports Festival, like the man for whom it’s named, is big.  Big muscles.  Big numbers of visitors.  Big for Downtown Columbus, which means that Capital Crossroads SID must have a big response.

During The Arnold, the downtown population adds 17,000 athletes, 170,000 spectators and 700 exhibitors.   That’s twice as many athletes as the recent Winter Olympic Games.  Due to the volume of visitors, Capital Crossroads boosts its normal staffing levels with six additional Ambassadors and other staff members.  From Thursday, March 4 at 11 a.m. until Sunday, March 7 at 7 p.m., three to four staff members will be dedicated to the northeastern corridor of downtown around the convention center, along with the iCart kiosk, to ensure that someone is available to answer questions, provide safety escorts and keep the area clean.

In addition, a new pushcart – sort of a mini-iCart – will be deployed with an Ambassador at Broad and High for a few hours a time, loaded with pamphlets and other information.

“We really dedicate ourselves to this event,” explained Ryan Smith, Downtown Hospitality Coordinator.  “We are there to help people navigate around downtown, find great places to eat, provide directions, answer transportation questions and provide safety escorts.”

In addition, Capital Crossroads is in contact with hotels in and outside of downtown, to let them know that the SID is available to offer services and information, sort of like an additional concierge out on the street.

Statistics from 2009 show that through the four-day event, Capital Crossroads provided over 5,000 public assists, with 2,775 of those on the iCart alone.  The extra effort is well worth it.

For the second year, Capital Crossroads has partnered with The Arnold to print a hotel keycard map, which serves as a walking map, shuttle map and parking map for the event.  It also highlights the downtown wayfinding signs and the Capital Crossroads hotline number.

“We have gotten very positive feedback from the folks at The Arnold,” added Smith.  “They are very appreciative of what we do and believe we add real value to their event.”

Smith says that he and the rest of the staff enjoy the atmosphere and energy downtown during The Arnold weekend.  Plus they receive plenty of positive feedback from the visitors, including praise for the cleanliness of the city and the help that Capital Crossroads provides.

It’s important to note that this type of service is available during any event downtown; it’s what Capital Crossroads Ambassadors do.  But the size of The Arnold requires a bigger mobilization of people and effort.  When The Arnold is here, it’s all hands on deck.