Join us in demanding transparency and accountability—reopen the federal review process for the nine-mile project on U.S. 40 before federal grant money is spent, ensuring the voices of the Westside community are heard and historic preservation laws are upheld

We, the undersigned, urge you to reopen the federal review process before any federal grant money is spent on the Westside of Columbus.

• The public was at no time invited to submit comments on the historic nature of the properties at risk for the nine-mile project planned on U.S. 40, a federally designated historic byway.
• Rather, after a short period of time, the FTA summarily dismissed almost the entire strip as devoid of any historic significance without informing the public about sites they may have wished to inquire about.
• The process was seemingly expedited to support a predetermined narrative of the organizations and individuals involved in reaching these conclusions.
• If residents are willing to give up parts of their own history, it should be with full knowledge and proper input. 
• Given the relatively low bus ridership on the Westside of Columbus compared to other routes in the city, the lack of transparency raises concerns about other unannounced agendas affecting the Westside community.
• Since we do not have the bus ridership to justify this project, the rush to demolish structures and begin construction is even more nonsensical.
• Most members of the public are unaware of this project or the significant amount of federal funding allocated to it. This makes full public disclosure essential to ensure proper accountability at the true local level—among the residents it will most affect.
• We are aware of various organizations eager to access these funds, further emphasizing the need for full public disclosure of the project details, including the names of the organizations, their principals, and other individuals seeking these funds.
• There are many genuine needs along U.S. 40/West Broad Street, and these should be the priority when considering any new additions to the public right-of-way and adjacent neighborhoods.
   

Before a single penny is spent, we demand that the public be informed along the entire nine-mile project length and that their input be solicited regarding the historic impact of this project, as required by federal law. This funding should be used according to what the community wants, rather than being dictated by organizations seeking to impose their plans on a large section of Columbus.