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 .

CCSID Highlights Ambassador Efforts

Ben Barker, Operations Manager for Capital Crossroads and Discover SIDs, is proud to recognize the hard work of the Outreach Team and the Clean and Safe Ambassadors.

“There is so much to be said for the entire program,” said Barker.  “The Outreach Team is always looking for new ways to extend services to those in need, and the Clean and Safe Team and the Special Projects Division exhibit such professionalism.  I continue to expect great things.”

There are two Ambassadors whose hard work and dedication deserve special recognition.

Ambassador of the Quarter:  Gil “Carlos” Pilier

Capital Crossroads congratulates Gil “Carlos” Pilier on his promotion to Utility Ambassador.  In this position, he will be cross trained to handle the wide variety of services offered by both Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs.  This will ensure that he is qualified to substitute for other Ambassadors when they are out, as well as provide services with the Special Projects Team.

Carlos is a valuable member of the Capital Crossroads team and this assignment demonstrates our confidence in his work ethic and ability to handle a variety of duties.  In recognition of his hard work and abilities, Carlos was also named the Ambassador of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2010.

Ambassador Spotlight and Winter Warrior:  Paul Denmark

Capital Crossroads recognizes Paul Denmark for his hard work and willingness to help whenever and wherever needed.  Paul is currently working as a Team Leader, but he makes himself available to take on other duties, such as leading a shift or tackling special projects.  For example, Paul took on maintenance of the bikes used in the Bike Patrol Program.

Due to his willingness to charge into the elements during Columbus’ especially harsh winter to ensure that downtown pedestrians could safely pass through the crosswalks and bus stops throughout the district, Capital Crossroads created a new award with Paul as its first winner.  Congratulations to Paul for earning the first ever “Winter Warrior” award.  Mother Nature never stood a chance!

APP-ATTACK

These days, there’s an “app” to organize your parties, and an “app” to pay your bills.  There’s even an “app” to help you walk your dog.

Downtown Columbus has a FREE application that works with ANY phone… and this app can run a power washer, remove graffiti and provide you with a safety escort.

Simply dial 614.228.5718 and connect to a Clean and Safe Ambassador.  Our Ambassadors (better known as the “team-in-green”) are ready to help you solve all kinds of problems.  You might see them on the streets picking up litter.  You might also see them working with an outreach team to help a homeless person.  You’ll see them doing lots of things – but you won’t ever see them standing still.

While this “app” works from any sort of phone, you can also connect to our Ambassadors online.  Just go to our homepage at downtowncolumbus.com and click on the grey bar in the upper right-hand corner.  It’ll take you straight to our online Service Request Form.

Best yet, this “app” is a neighborhood exclusive; you won’t find the team-in-green any other place in town.  Working together, downtown keeps getting better and better.

To learn more about the “green team” and Capital Crossroads, join us for our 2009 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 18 at 4pm in the Atrium at the Statehouse. It’s open and free to the public!