I would like to apologize for slacking on my updates! I’ve tried to stick to monthly email blasts but I realize that my last email update was in December.
January and February were active months for Ward 5. We welcomed a new business (Brasshouse Boardroom), and are excited about Operation Fandom/Blackbird Records relocating next door to Brasshouse Boardroom.
If you know anyone who is interested in leasing Downtown business space, please contact Engwiller Properties at 419-522-4200.
The citizen led efforts at Liberty Park continue to thrive off the charts. Liberty DIY Skatespot, Skate Ohio, and the Rewild Liberty group collaborated to create a Sled Shed.
These groups, and people throughout the community, donated sleds and built an area to store them so that families could borrow them while sledding down the huge hills of Liberty Park.
The Sled Shed brought countless families to Liberty Park and it brought back many memories of how Liberty Park was utilized for generations.
The Clubhouse, Richland Source, Liberty DIY, Brasshouse Boardrooms, and Skate Ohio hosted a rad concert fund raiser that helped raise additional money for the Liberty DIY.
Wow … it was an unfilled evening and a packed house, but most importantly, it drew more attention to the steady transformation of Liberty Park.
Many local organizations and churches hosted several community events during Black History Month.
Thank you to Mansfield City Schools, Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, Mansfield Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, NAACP and countless partners for creating celebratory, interactive, and educational events.
As you know, blight and trash still peaks at number one when it comes to calls/emails from constituents. Since 2022, we have tried to conduct monthly “Thrive In Ward 5” clean-ups throughout the Ward, but usually from April – August.
Due to the increasing blight, we actually started the clean-ups early. Enclosed are pictures from the January clean-up on South Mulberry and Raymond Avenue.
We found everything from tires, full bags of trash, boat parts, car parts, etc. HUGE thank you to Brasshouse Boardroom, Willow Zero Waste Shop, C.B Roofing and Building, Liberty DIY, and students for dedicating their Saturday to clean up.
Last month a small group of residents cleared trash on the outskirts of Mansfield Lahm Airport, and that is any area that we want to focus on again since it is a corridor to Mansfield.
Our next clean-up will be on Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Harker Street and 489 North Main Street (Centerra Co-Op aka Mansfield Grain).
If you are interested in helping us out, we would LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Also, please continue to identify areas in Ward 5 that you want to see spruced up.
In February, our community experienced a lot of divisiveness that centered around two Ward 5 businesses; Buckeye Imagination Museum and Love On A Mission.
It was very distressing and painful to witness how many residents spewed ugly accusations at the missions of these organizations and their board members.
Buckeye Imagination Museum and Love On A Mission are organizations that I 100% support because they love, nurture, and education youth; all youth.
Despite the negative attention that both organizations received, they bounced back and are continuing to service youth.
Last month, Buckeye Imagination Museum hosted the annual Children Safety Identification event that is annually organized by local law enforcement representatives. As always, many children participated and had a blast.
Love On A Mission held its Youth Gala after all, and it too was a success. Seeing youth beam with happiness while having a sense of belonging, at both of the organizations events, was beautiful.
Last month, the North End sadly said good-bye to Mrs. Inez Shepard. Mrs. Shepard dedicated her life caring, educating, and loving generations of children at Happy Time Child Care Center and Preschool.
Mrs. Shepard greatly impacted the lives of children, who are now adults, in ways that we cannot express. Mrs. Shepard’s legacy transcends the North End and she will be greatly missed.
March is Disabilities Awareness Month, my favorite month. We’ve come leaps and bounds in terms of acceptance, socialization, and creating employment opportunities for individuals with an array of abilities.
Please visit the Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities website and Facebook page to see the wonderful event schedule for this month.
Also, be sure to visit Element of Art Studio/Gallery to purchase stunning art created by artists who receive services from Richland Newhope, Inc.
The best part of visiting Element of Art Studio/Gallery is that you can meet the artists and see them creating their magic.
Lastly, the Homeless Task Force is meeting on March 25 to discuss updates on those who are unhoused. I will update you after the meeting.
Thank you to Salvation Army and Project ONE/Arc for creating warming centers and meals during the frigid temperatures. As always, you are encouraged to contact the Mansfield Police Department if you notice individuals squatting in vacant buildings or setting up encampments.
If you live/work downtown, there have been several concerns with a young, bi-racial gentleman who approaches people as they are leaving Athena Greek Restaurant, DLX, and Two Cousins Pizza.
This gentleman tends to come out after work hours when its dark and will sometimes walk up cars as they park or are stopped at a red light.
I’ve interacted with him a few times, and although he doesn’t seem threatening, he exhibits very peculiar behaviors such as talking/screaming to himself and getting in your personal space when asking for money.
Please don’t hesitate to call/text/email if you need anything or have any questions. Thank you for helping Ward 5 Thrive!
#ThriveInWard5
Aurelio V. Diaz
Mansfield City Council
5th Ward Representative
419-417-0717