Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Franklin County / October 16, 2025

🚂 Rail revival

Franklin County • October 16, 2025

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Good morning, Franklin County. All aboard the economic express! The Midwest Connect passenger rail project linking Chicago, Columbus, and Pittsburgh has secured $650,000 in local funding, with $400,000 coming from Ohio cities including Columbus. This crucial milestone advances the project to Step Two of federal development, potentially bringing thousands of jobs and new transportation options to our region, with a possible station near the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

In retail news, homegrown success story Abercrombie & Fitch continues its impressive comeback with plans for a new Groveport distribution center opening next year. Meanwhile, the Short North welcomes a unique addition this month—Pottechely, Columbus's first Italian charm bar featuring over 500 interconnecting modular charms that create customizable bracelets. Owner Valerie Tran was inspired after noticing these trendy accessories were only available in major coastal cities.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🚆 Chicago-to-Columbus rail project secures crucial local funding. MORPC announced $650,000 in local commitments toward developing the Midwest Connect passenger rail corridor linking Chicago, Columbus, and Pittsburgh. The funding—with $400,000 coming from Ohio cities including Columbus, Dublin, and Hilliard—allows the project to advance to Step Two of the Federal Railroad Administration's development program. Several potential station locations have already been identified, including one by the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Despite ongoing progress, questions remain about support from the incoming Trump administration and Ohio Legislature for this transportation initiative that promises economic development and thousands of jobs.

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💍 Columbus gets its first Italian charm bar this month. Pottechely, opening October in the Short North, specializes in the unique interconnecting modular charms that form complete bracelets. Owner Valerie Tran discovered these distinctive accessories during a trip to Vietnam and noticed they were only available in major cities like LA and New York. The shop will feature over 500 Italian charm designs, with the added benefit that they're universally compatible with charms from anywhere. Previously operating as a pop-up since April, Pottechely takes its name from the French word for "little pocket."

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🏬 Abercrombie & Fitch expands with new Groveport distribution center. The retailer plans to open the facility next year as part of its ongoing growth strategy in Central Ohio. This expansion comes on the heels of the company's record-breaking 2024 performance and continued sales momentum. The new distribution center will create additional jobs in the region, strengthening Abercrombie's local economic impact. The company's recent NFL partnership is also expected to fuel further global growth for the fashion retailer.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Pinnacle Club Golf Paradise Home: This 2-story gem with 4BR and 2.5BA in desirable Pinnacle Club is listed for $419,900. Features include hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, and community amenities like a pool, fitness center and proximity to golf course.
Real estate listing image Modern upgrades in 3BR home: Priced at $250,000, this charming 3-bedroom home offers hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and an oversized garage workshop, plus recent upgrades including a brand-new HVAC system installed in 2024.
Real estate listing image Renovator's Woodsy Dream Pad: For $149,900 this "ONE for you" home boasts real wood floors, remodeled kitchen and newer major systems, but the seller is specifically targeting cash-carrying renovators for this property that backs to open space.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎬 Oct. 16 - Nightmares Film Festival: Prepare for bone-chilling thrills at Nightmares Film Festival 2025! Horror fans will gather at Gateway Film Center in Columbus from October 16-19 for this milestone 10th anniversary celebration of all things frightful.
🚚 Oct. 16 - Touch & Ride Trucks: Get spooky with Engineer Fowler at the Halloween-themed Touch-And-Ride-A-Truck event! Kids can explore and learn about various vehicles at Fortress Obetz on October 16th. A frighteningly fun time awaits!
📸 Oct. 17 - Columbus Arts Festival: Lights, camera, creativity! The Columbus Film, Author & Photography Festival takes over Lincoln Theatre on October 18, 2025, celebrating local talent at 769 E Long St. Don't miss this artistic showcase!
🌴 Oct. 17 - AfroSocaLove Festival: Groove to infectious beats at AfroSocaLove's One Love Festival! The Vault transforms into a celebration of culture with local businesses, food, and vibrant music on October 17. 21+ only—grab those early bird passes now!
🍂 Oct. 18 - MPCA Fall Festival: Celebrate autumn's splendor at MPCA's Fall Festival! Gather with neighbors for family fun at the Minerva Park Village Community Building on October 18. A perfect way to embrace the season together.
🎵 Oct. 18 - Grupo Exterminador Live: Get ready for a night of pulsating regional Mexican music as GRUPO EXTERMINADOR takes over La Boom Columbus on October 18! Doors open at 9PM with LOS TERRIBLES DEL NORTE, EL COMPA SACRA Y LOS CAPOS.
🏙️ Oct. 19 - Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour: Step back in time with historians Doreen Uhas-Sauer and Tom Betti on October 19 for a fascinating Neighborhood Walking Tour. Meet at Columbus Metropolitan Library for this journey through local history, followed by snacks and conversation.
🎃 Oct. 19 - Trunk or Treat Food Drive: Trick-or-treat with a twist at Great Lakes Hyundai's community event! Swing by for candy, costumes and characters on Oct 19—free entry with encouraged food donations benefiting Dublin Food Pantry.
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