Marietta City Council Hears Concerns From Members Of The Public

MARIETTA, OH — The July 1, 2021, Marietta City Council meeting didn't have too many surprises. There was no legislation passed, only a number of proposed ordinances that were moved along in the reading process. Unless emergency action is taken, there are three readings for each piece of legislation before the item is voted on. No item was on its third reading.

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There were two public comments of note.

Ari Gold, Owner of TLV Mediterranean Restaurant in downtown Marietta (sponsor of Marietta Patch, try their spicy hummus) made a public statement concerning an issue that's been facing the city for decades:

"Recently I made some research about the city. I have looked around and the Ohio Office of Research shows that the population has been decreasing in the City of Marietta since 1960. I also pay attention to the fact that the poverty went up from 16% to 26.6% in 2019. And the median age in population has increased in town. So I go around and ask people, why are they leaving? Why don't young people stay around anymore. They share some concerns with me. They believe they are transparent, basically unheard in the community. Now you all probably understand it's everybody's right in the constitution to make yourself heard in front of the government and the city. But people believe that while we do care about Marietta in the past, it's time to look at the fact that it's 2021 and understand that the world has evolved. People expect more from the community, they want to be more involved in the community, they want to take more action, they want to say there is more diversity in what to do other than go to the bars at night.

"Same situation with me. You all understand that I've sued the city, I'm not trying to hide it. Before that, I tried to get just about everyone in this town to hear me for quite a lot of time. I even tried to attend committees, I was actually banned from the mayor's office when the city's safety service director told me he wouldn't answer any of my questions, which means technically I have nobody to address about my concerns. Which makes me feel a little bit odd, why am I being treated like this? Are there any other people who have the same concerns? There was actually a Facebook post answering these questions. They share the same concerns as me. So I hope that the city council as we understand it, although you were elected by people who support your agenda you represent all the people. Including the people who didn't vote for you which is okay, people can have different opinions. This is the meaning of democracy. It's all about listening and understanding. That is all I have to say. Thank you"

Also, Shane Colvin made a statement about how the city should handle plans concerning blighted and abated properties. He discussed the possible benefits to the city if they do:

"I noticed in the newspaper about a week ago there was an article about a dilapidated house on the west side. My wife and I tried for roughly six years, Mr. Schenkel, Mr. Bertram, there was a house on 8th Street that was in shambles for years. But basically, since that house was torn down and abated, which thank you again for all that were involved. We've seen tens of thousands of dollars in our neighborhood in the third ward in rental housing, in purchased housing, in younger families and I can point to these individually at a later date. I see what I call a lack of clarity in a plan for the property on Gilman.

"I would just ask that given the economic circumstances with building materials, things that are happening, a plan would be put forth to make the property inhabitable, whether it be a commercial business or whatever the case may be. As someone who did profit, not necessarily in a financial way, but a housing way, I would just encourage everyone to take a look at that property on Gilman to get a plan put forth. And really push for something that gives a rough plan date. I think it's financially sound. I think there are some good plans here. However the general plan and concept here, being very good at fixing very old properties, maybe a little bit more than that. I would love to see the folks on the west side a little more involved in that. I understand Mr. Schenkel isn't here tonight but again, speaking as a guy who did profit from a community perspective, and seeing a lot of really good things done I'd love to see something like that take place on the west side. Whether it's through the plan that's here or not. Just have that buttoned up when it comes to the current case. So I appreciate it."

There was an online comment. Jake Weber made a statement that read.

"I think Marietta should [make] illegal golf cart[s] here in Marietta."

The entire city council meeting was recorded on Facebook and can be accessed by clicking here.

The next meeting of the Marietta City Council will take place on July 15.

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