College Hill redevelopment corp seeking short-term funding

Michael Cappel, the new president of the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC), says that short-term financing is necessary to keep the mostly volunteer group's paid director, Marty Weldishofer.

Cappel says that, because funding for the paid position has been exhausted and additional funds aren't available to CHCURC at this time, a goal of $25,000 has been set to continue to fund Weldishofer's salary.

Weldishofer has been CHCURC's paid director since 2004, and has worked full-time for the neighborhood since 2006.

Cappel says that the director's position was created to supplement the work of the volunteers with daily, dedicated attention.

In support of the director, Cappel points to the following completed and pending projects on Weldishofer's watch:

* Linden Park East, a $12 million mixed-use development that should break ground this year at the corner of Hamilton Avenue and North Bend Road
* $1.6 million in streetscape improvements
* $600,000 in building façade improvements
* A $179,000 gateway project for the north and south entrances of Hamilton Avenue
* $30,000 for welcome and wayfinding signage

So far, Weldishofer's salary has been paid through donations, fundraisers, and grants from the City of Cincinnati.

CHCURC is planning fundraisers for later this year - a major fundraiser will be held at Laurel Court on June 27, and the College Hill 5K Rhythm Race will be held September 20.

Previous reading on BC:
College Hill: Linden Park Commons update (4/4/07)