Welcome to Riverlea!
Incorporated in 1939, the Village of Riverlea is a quiet, leafy residential community of just over 600 people, situated between High Street and the Olentangy River just north of Columbus. We are a fifteen minute drive from the Ohio State University campus and a twenty minute drive from downtown Columbus. It’s a short walk to the shops, restaurants, and village green of downtown Worthington, and a short ride to the scenic Olentangy bike trail. Our children attend Evening Street Elementary School, Kilbourne Middle School, and Thomas Worthington High School in the Worthington school district. All three schools are located within a mile of the Village.
Announcements
Resident updates
Halloween
Trick or treating will take place in Riverlea from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, October 29. The City of Worthington has issued a set of safety guidelines for minimizing the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus; those can be viewed here.
Tax levies
The Village of Riverlea has two property tax levies on the ballot this fall: Issue 15, a replacement of the Village’s operating levy at a reduced rate of 5.5 mils, and Issue 16, a new infrastructure maintenance and repair levy at a rate of 1.5 mils. If both levies pass then the total millage that Riverlea collects will decrease by .25 mils. A newsletter with detailed information about both levies can be viewed here. Mayor Eric MacGilvray is hosting a public forum on Zoom to discuss both levies from 4:00-5:30 pm next Sunday, October 25. Connection information will be posted here when it becomes available.
Public meetings
During the COVID-19 emergency public meetings, including Village Council and Planning Commission meetings, will be held via Zoom teleconference in accordance with the guidelines outlined in House Bill 197. Information about how to connect will be posted here in advance of the meetings.
October 19: Village Council (connection information)
October 25: Public forum on tax levies (connection information tbd)
Closures and cancellations
COTA has waived bus fares for all riders and is asking people to use buses for essential travel only. Buses are being boarded from the rear to protect drivers from unnecessary exposure, and hand sanitizer is available on all buses. Masks are required, and they are transitioning to a contactless payment system. Changes have been made to a number of routes to adapt to changed commuting patterns and personnel availability. So far those changes haven’t affected the line that runs to Riverlea (#102) but that could change. The latest information is available at the COTA website.
Many Worthington facilities are now open for limited service. The latest information is available at the respective websites:
Emergency response
Village officials are getting regular updates from regional and local public health and emergency management officials about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Important information will be posted here as appropriate. Residents may also text COVID19FC to 888-777 for regular updates from Franklin County Emergency Management.
Emergency services in Riverlea have not been affected by the pandemic, although first responders are taking precautions to protect themselves from exposure. When possible Worthington Police will be handling non-emergency calls over the phone rather than in person to protect their officers from unnecessary exposure. Emergency dispatchers will be asking an additional layer of questions to determine if there’s a risk of coronavirus exposure. Residents should not call 911 if they suspect that they have coronavirus symptoms unless they’re having trouble breathing. Please contact your primary care physician instead.
How to help
This is a good time to check in with friends and neighbors (by phone or email) to see how they’re doing and ask if they need anything. You may also contact Mayor Eric MacGilvray if you’re in need or willing and able to help someone who’s in need.
COhatch has organized a shopping and delivery service, “COhatch Delivers,” for residents who are in need. People who would like to volunteer to help can sign up here or email volunteer@cohatch.com. People who are in need of deliveries can make a request here or email help@cohatch.com.
Worthington Schools is providing free breakfast and lunch to needy families. If you would like to volunteer to help please contact volunteers@worthingtonresourcepantry.org.
For more information about COVID-19