News Flash

Stachura, of Columbus Tire & Service Center, in his resignation letter to BID Board President Joshua Johnson, Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley and City Administrator Tara Vasicek said he feels it’s time, noting “a new, younger downtown business person would do more justice to the future of downtown Columbus.”

“I have enjoyed my time on the board and the interaction with board members, plus City administration and Chamber of Commerce members,” wrote Stachura, who has been involved with City downtown improvement boards since November 2010. “I believe we are headed in a positive direction but will encounter some ‘bumps’ along the way. But as a strong downtown, we will work through.”

Johnson said he’s greatly appreciative of Stachura for his contributions to the BID Board, applauding the local businessman’s various efforts to help the community throughout the years in different roles.

“I want to thank him for his time and service. He has always been an advocate for Columbus throughout the years,” Johnson said. “It’s also admirable when someone recognizes they want to continue because they care but also know when it’s the right time to step down. We’ll miss his voice and perspective. Hopefully, he will still be active in the community.”

(ABOUT THE PHOTO: Longtime Columbus businessman and resident Bob Stachura, front right, listens during a Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Board meeting in Spring 2023 at the old City Hall. He recently announced his decision to resign from the board, leaving an opening for a person to fill.)

Bulkley is now looking to appoint someone to fill the open seat on the BID Board, as Stachura’s term on it is set to expire in February 2025. That leaves more than a year left on the term. Johnson said the board will be able to share their own input on possible good replacements with the mayor, but state statute calls for the mayor to ultimately make an appointment that has to ultimately be approved by the Columbus City Council.

Anyone interested in joining the board must fill out an ‘Expression of Interest' form, which can be downloaded on the City’s website by clicking here. All those considered must be either a property or business owner or a resident within the downtown Columbus Business Improvement District.

“We would like interested parties who are willing to bring their scope and perspective on how they envision downtown Columbus for the future while also understanding our board is supportive of the whole downtown district,” Johnson said, noting it would be helpful for applicants to note what interest they have in BID subcommittees board members help with as part of their duties (marketing, business/economic development, project management and physical grounds).

The BID Board is a volunteer group made up of local downtown business/property owners or residents appointed by the mayor, per state statute. The Board currently consists of Johnson, of Columbus Bank and Trust; Board Vice President Kevin Johnson, of Wize Buys; Barbara Duffy, of Barbara Jean’s, who is the board secretary; as well as board members Lindsay Thomson, of Inspired by Soul Photography; Kristin Stock, of Artzy Haven; Dick Tooley, of Tooley’s Drug & Home Care; Cory Reeder, of Reeder's 11th Street Grub and Pub; and Mary Nyffeler, a downtown property owner.