Main St. Bridge Panorama

Finally got around to dusting off my panoramic "engine" and am trying to get them going again.

I still have to recode the entire panorama system that is built in RetroMetro...which is why I have been holding off for over a year :)

I have however, tapped into a new format and smoother technology that utilizes Adobe Flash and am only just beginning to crack open all the capabilities it has to offer.

At some point this year, I am going to build a system that will link all of my panoramas together so you can hop around to the other panoramas without having to go to another page. Think Google Street View but without having images to view every 20 feet.

You can play around by clicking and moving your mouse on the image above. You can use the button to zoom in and out. But that's not the cool part.

Be sure to click the black button all the way to the right on the image...

"A Pitch for Mass Transit" NYTimes.com

A Pitch for Mass Transit
Editorial
NYTimes.com
January 4, 2008

...For years, the division of transportation money in Washington has heavily favored cars and trucks — more than 80 percent of the big transit money from gas taxes goes to highways and bridges, and less than 20 percent to railroads or mass transit. Mr. Oberstar is leading the charge to change that formula and divide this money a little more evenly. This will not be easy. Automobiles will be with us a long time, and old spending habits die hard. But as part of the stimulus package now under discussion for transportation, Mr. Oberstar is proposing $30 billion for highways and bridges and $12 billion for public transit. That is certainly a far healthier mix.

The new administration could further help mass transit by shelving the unfair “cost effectiveness index” that President Bush put in place several years ago for new transit programs. The net effect of this index was to make it easier to build highways and almost impossible to use federal money for buses, streetcars, light rail, trolleys — indeed, any commuter-rail projects...

"BOMA Switching To All-Event Mode" NBC4i.com

BOMA Switching To All-Event Mode
Laurie Omness
NBC4i.com
January 3, 2008

A restaurant that gets raves from the food critics is modifying its operation, closing for daily meal service, NBC 4 has learned.
The Bar Of Modern Art—-or BOMA—located on the near east side in Columbus, will shift its focus to private events and catering.    The Loft——its restaurant operation—-has closed, according to employees.

One person familiar with the business said the decision was not based on the economy...

"Unfinished business" The Columbus Dispatch

Unfinished business
Jeffrey Sheban
The Columbus Dispatch
January 4, 2008

Wanted: Charismatic leader for a well-regarded Midwestern orchestra recovering from a near-death experience. Familiarity with Bach, Beethoven and budget-friendly productions a plus. Must be willing to relocate or at least find an apartment for part of the year.

The Columbus Symphony is looking for more than a successor to Music Director Junichi Hirokami; it's searching for an identity.

A little financial stability would help, too...

"The best pick" The Columbus Dispatch

The best pick
Editorial
The Columbus Dispatch
January 4, 2008

City Council members have no shortage of hopefuls from which to choose two new colleagues: At least 65 people have applied for the seats left vacant by Maryellen O'Shaughnessy's election as clerk of Franklin County Common Pleas Court and Kevin L. Boyce's appointment as state treasurer.

But the pool of suitable candidates isn't quite that large. Some applicants have backgrounds or agendas that open to question their commitment to serve the entire city.

Many of the best City Council members over the years entered public service because of interest in a specific issue. And leadership in a civic group that serves a limited geographical area is a natural starting point for community leaders. But City Council has only seven members, each of whom must represent Columbus at large. Serving on the council requires the willingness to set priorities from a citywide perspective...

"States ask for $1 trillion" The Columbus Dispatch

States ask for $1 trillion
Jim Siegel
The Columbus Dispatch
January 3, 2008

As states hemorrhage jobs and face massive budget shortfalls, five Democratic governors, including Ohio's Ted Strickland, have asked Congress and President-elect Barack Obama for $1 trillion in federal assistance.

Even then, some government services would remain on the chopping block, state leaders said.

"These are real circumstances, unprecedented situations we are facing," Strickland said during a conference call with reporters, highlighting Ohio's looming $7.3 billion shortfall in the next two-year budget...

"Gallery owners think Short North event gives short shrift to its original purpose" The Columbus Dispatch

Gallery owners think Short North event gives short shrift to its original purpose
Kevin Joy
The Columbus Dispatch
January 3, 2008

...The quandary is a peculiar one for the trendy urban area pioneered -- and rehabilitated -- by artists: putting the galleries back into the Gallery Hop.

Despite high-end magazine articles and positive national publicity about what might be the most tourist-friendly destination in town, some people worry that the Gallery Hop isn't the avant-garde, art-centered affair it once was.

"The atmosphere is gone," said Linda Apple, who opened the first gallery in 1974, when the N. High Street strip resembled "New York's Bowery" neighborhood. (To indicate an exhibit opening, she pulled the plywood off her front windows.)

"I can't see how art is the focus."...

"Doors opened to 65 council applicants" The Columbus Dispatch

Doors opened to 65 council applicants
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
January 3, 2008

It's not exactly American Idol auditions, but one Columbus City Council member is inviting all 65 applicants to make pitches to her for two vacant seats.

Councilwoman Charleta B. Tavares said she will open the doors of City Hall today and Sunday for 12 hours of first-come-first-served interviews.

Under the new process for filling council openings, each council member will conduct his or her own interviews with candidates. Council members will decide on their own how many candidates they wish to meet before a public debate and vote on Jan. 12...

"New Downtown High School, renovated East High shown off" The Columbus Dispatch

New Downtown High School, renovated East High shown off
Simone Sebastian
The Columbus Dispatch
January 2, 2008

Columbus City Schools opened the new Downtown High School and the revitalized East High School to reporters today, showing off two bright and modern buildings that will greet students on Monday.

The high schools are the capstone projects in the first round of Columbus' districtwide school-construction plan. Along with South High School, which is to open this summer, the East Side and Downtown schools mark the largest, and among the last, projects funded by the $392 million bond issue that voters approved in 2002.

East High School, built in 1922 at 1500 E. Broad St., received a $30 million makeover. It has an airy atrium and library and 34,000 square feet of new space...

"Developers’ new darling may be rental construction" Business First of Columbus

Developers’ new darling may be rental construction
Drew Bracken
Business First of Columbus
January 2, 2008

As the housing market has taken a dive, more people are submerged in the rental pool.

In the early to mid-2000s, when the housing boom was in full swing, apartment vacancy rates were above 10 percent. With that boom now officially turned to bust, apartment living is back in vogue.

Columbus-based real estate research firm The Danter Co. recently surveyed 127,871 market-rate units in Central Ohio and found a vacancy rate of 5.3 percent...

"Downtown dwellers don't fit image" The Columbus Dispatch

Downtown dwellers don't fit image
Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch
January 2, 2008

The number of people living Downtown has risen 22 percent in the past eight years. But, contrary to conventional wisdom, they're not all rich or young or high-powered professionals in pricey condominiums.

The majority make less than $50,000 a year, and more than three-quarters of them rent.

Those are the conclusions of a recently released Community Research Partners study of Downtown residents. The study has generated some controversy and a lot of conversation on Web sites and at holiday get-togethers...

Read the CRP Data Byte No. 1: "Downtowners of Columbus: Who They Are and How They Live"

"Index shows home prices dropping 18% nationwide, just 6.2% in Cleveland" The Columbus Dispatch

Index shows home prices dropping 18% nationwide, just 6.2% in Cleveland
Associated Press
The Columbus Dispatch
December 30, 2008

A closely watched index shows home prices dropped by the sharpest annual rate on record in October.

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city housing index released today fell by a record 18 percent from October last year, the largest drop since its inception in 2000. The 10-city index tumbled 19.1 percent, its biggest decline in its 21-year history.

Cleveland, the only Ohio city included in the index, showed a more modest 6.2 percent decline during the 12 month period. But Cleveland's home prices also never had soared at the dramatic rates seen in other cities in recent years...

"Killings in city soared in 2008" The Columbus Dispatch

Killings in city soared in 2008
Theodore Decker
The Columbus Dispatch
January 1, 2008

...All were among the 108 people slain in Columbus last year, the fourth-highest total since 1990. Seventy-nine people were killed in 2007, although the city logged 104 homicides in both 2005 and 2006...

"Revival floated for Kingsdale Shopping Center" The Columbus Dispatch

Revival floated for Kingsdale Shopping Center
Martin Rozenman
The Columbus Dispatch
December 31, 2008

A proposal for Kingsdale Shopping Center includes a 105,000-square-foot Giant Eagle store, two four-story office buildings, several new retail buildings, space for a parking garage and a small green space.

Continental Real Estate Cos., which is buying the center's almost 22 acres from Florida-based Regency Centers, submitted the preliminary plan to city officials Monday.

After the sale is complete, Upper Arlington might be interested in buying property from Continental, based in Franklin County, to build a road to provide better access and additional commercial options, Assistant City Manager Joe Valentino said. Officials wouldn't discuss details of either sale...

"State trims funding to municipalities" The Columbus Dispatch

State trims funding to municipalities
Dean Narciso and Jim Woods
The Columbus Dispatch
January 1, 2008

Local governments will receive nearly 7 percent less in state funding than they expected weeks ago, according to a recent notice from the Ohio Department of Taxation...

...Because of "significant erosion in national and state economic conditions," Ohio recently reduced that amount by 6.8 percent, a Dec. 17 report said...

...The city of Columbus expects to lose nearly $3 million. Columbus received $39.3 million in state money in 2008 and will be getting about $36.5 million with the projected cut, City Auditor Hugh Dorrian said.

It's "very possible" that more layoffs could result, he said...

"Businesses Face Uncertain Future At City Center" NBC4i.com

Businesses Face Uncertain Future At City Center
Donna Willis
NBC4i
December 30, 2008

...NBC 4 called the Columbus Downtown Corporation to find out how many businesses inside City Center will close for good Wednesday and what the plans are for those that remain.

A representative said she is unaware of the lease arrangement for the stores that are left but does know seven tenants will be left after Jan 1. They include: Third John Two BBQ, Subway
Mark Pi’s, A to Z Dance, Dance Infusion, A Dollar Store and Igel Construction...

"Debate Begins Over Whether to Raise Taxes in Ohio" WOSU NewsRoom

Debate Begins Over Whether to Raise Taxes in Ohio
Bill Cohen
WOSU NewsRoom
December 31, 2008

Ohio's top political leaders keep insisting they won't raise taxes to help plug an estimated 7 billion dollar state government budget shortfall ....but that's alarming some social welfare activists.

They're worried that without at least some tax hikes, government programs will have to be slashed, and Ohio's most vulnerable citizens will suffer. As the new year dawns, the advocates are mounting a campaign to save their pet programs...

"State legislators will grapple with budgets in '09" WSYX ABC 6

State legislators will grapple with budgets in '09
Associated Press
WSYX ABC 6
December 31, 2008

Worsening budget shortfalls have lawmakers in Ohio and other states wondering what's the minimum that government must provide citizens.

In all but a handful of states, that list is already growing shorter. The result is fewer health benefits for the poor, the closing of parks and recreation centers and more inmates being crammed into more crowded prisons...

"Plan stalls as ex-OSU star weighs another site" The Columbus Dispatch

Plan stalls as ex-OSU star weighs another site
The Columbus Dispatch
December 28, 2008

Jim Jackson is reconsidering the location of a proposed Downtown boutique hotel he hopes to help develop, but the former Ohio State University basketball star says he's still interested in the concept.

Jackson told The Dispatch in June that his Q3 Development was considering the northwest corner of Gay and High streets for a 150-room hotel. Q3 had enlisted the aid of local builder Daimler Group, better-known as a suburban office developer, to investigate the project's potential.

Plans for the hotel are on hold, Jackson said, as funding for such projects has dried up nationwide with the slumping economy.

Further, he said he prefers another Downtown location for the hotel project, although he did not specify where...

"NetJets expansion plan gains speed" The Columbus Dispatch

NetJets expansion plan gains speed
The Columbus Dispatch
December 28, 2008

NetJets' $200 million expansion near Port Columbus is progressing, although the public won't see a lot of dirt being moved until at least 2010.

Plans for a new headquarters were revealed this year (Dispatch, March 13) when the company announced it will stay in Columbus and add 800 jobs over several years.

The company had considered moving and expanding elsewhere, including Florida and North Carolina. Columbus -- where NetJets' predecessor company, Executive Jet, was founded in 1964 -- won out with the promise of more than $67 million in incentives...

"65 people apply for 2 vacant seats on City Council" DispatchPolitics.com

65 people apply for 2 vacant seats on City Council
Robert Vitale
DispatchPolitics.com
December 31, 2008

Many of the people who've begged Columbus City Council members during the past month to spare recreation centers, health programs and other endangered services have remarked how tough their budget-cutting job must be.

But it's a job that 65 people want -- the biggest number in at least a decade to seek appointment to a vacant council seat.

"I'm encouraged that people would be willing to serve," said Councilman Hearcel F. Craig, a 2007 appointee who won his own term the same year.

The list of applicants for two council openings includes 10 members of Columbus area commissions or civic associations, seven people who have been appointed to city boards or commissions, five city workers and one elected official...

"Ravine cleaning causes concern for OSU-area 'urban oasis'" DispatchPolitics.com

Ravine cleaning causes concern for OSU-area 'urban oasis'
Spencer Hunt
DispatchPolitics.com
December 29, 2008

It's easy to see why people who live in Glen Echo Ravine call their neighborhood an urban oasis.

The steep, wooded valley and its slate shale cliffs form a natural backdrop for Clintonville and University District homes just minutes from Columbus' busy Downtown.

The human-ravine marriage isn't issue-free. It comes with decades of environmental baggage...

"City budget cuts could affect CAC agenda" ThisWeek Community News

City budget cuts could affect CAC agenda
Jennifer Nesbitt
ThisWeek Community News
December 30, 2008

As the city plans major budget cuts for 2009, the Clintonville Area Commission could be looking for ways to help maintain services.

"That's still a little early to know," said CAC Chairwoman D Searcy. "Obviously, that's going to mean some changes."

The true effects of the budget cuts on Clintonville won't be known until the final version of the budget is approved in late January or early February, Searcy said, but it is certain that Clintonville will be affected, as the 2009 Rose Festival already has been canceled...

"CAC to focus on implementing projects" ThisWeek Community News

CAC to focus on implementing projects
Jennifer Nesbitt
ThisWeek Community News
December 30, 2008

After spending last year working to establish a neighborhood plan, the Clintonville Area Commission will focus its efforts on implementing that plan.

The plan still needs city council's stamp of approval, which is expected to come in February.

Regardless, Clintonville commissioner Chris Gawronski said the commission should begin looking at the action-oriented goals outlined in the 80-page plan immediately so that members can begin prioritizing which projects they would like to see tackled first...