Signs indicate UPS to close Celina Customer Center

CELINA - Celina city councilor Mark Fleck expressed concern about the possible shuttering of the UPS Customer Center on Industrial Drive, asking if there's any incentives city officials can offer the shipping-and-receiving giant to stay put in Celina.

Also at Monday night's regular meeting, councilors acted on three pieces of legislation to lease park space to the city's Marshallese community for special events that will be open to the public.

Fleck said a couple of people have called him about the possible closing of the UPS Customer Center in June.

"According to this person, the drivers have been told that that's probably what's going to happen," Fleck said. "These people have said all the local industries, Crown and the hospital, all the plants … use it routinely, many times a day, actually; I guess they're wanting to know … if the city can intervene or (offer) any incentives or anything they could do to talk them into staying?"

City safety service director Tom Hitchcock said the city administration is aware of the talk about the potential closing of UPS.

"We got the same remarks. We've never received an official notice or anything," Hitchcock said.

"Apparently this is coming from the drivers," Fleck said.

"Right. It's coming from the employees and that and we've seen it on Facebook also," Hitchcock replied. "We've reached out to them, but we've not received a call back."

"There's a lot of stuff that goes through there in one day," Fleck said. "Anyway, you're aware of it, obviously."

The Daily Standard reached out last week to the company's corporate media team, inquiring about the status of the Celina UPS Customer Center. UPS did not respond.

Councilors on Monday night also learned the Marshallese community plans to host a pair of non-alcohol events in a section of the Bryson Park District on May 3 and May 26.

May 1 is Constitution Day, which honors the island's constitution and independence.  

The Marshallese community held a similar one-day event in 2024 and decided to expand it to two days this year, with one of the dates designed for children.

"I attended last year's and I thought it was a great event," said councilman Eric Clausen. "Especially with the Marshallese people being more and more integrated in the community ... so it's good to have this representation to see a little bit more about your culture."

The May 3 youth-oriented event will be held in a section of the Bryson Park District surrounding the red tent. Ash Street from Lake Shore Drive to the railroad tracks will be closed.

"I think we're going to close Ash Street to get some vendors over there to serve some food," said Michael Capelle, executive director of Ohio Marshallese Youth. "It's not only a Marshallese event. It's going to be open to the public."

The Ohio Marshallese Youth Program aims to nurture and empower local youths to be independent, key players in their community and culture, according to a news release from Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.

Plans call for food trucks/vendors, Marshallese handicrafts, a Marshallese band from Arkansas and a bouncy house, according to Capelle. Additionally, figures from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, including the Minister for Culture and Internal Affairs, will make virtual speeches.

"It will be educational and the kids get to go crazy and have fun," Capelle said.

Councilors suspended the rules requiring three public readings and passed legislation authorizing an agreement with the Ohio Marshallese Youth Program to lease the park.

The second event on May 26 will be similar in scope with the addition of music, dancing and a parade. Much of Lake Shore Drive would be closed down for the parade.

Pointing out that May 26 is Memorial Day, councilman Myron Buxton asked if services are scheduled in the Bryson Park District. City officials said they would look into the matter.

Due to the uncertainty, councilors decided to pass to second reading legislation authorizing an agreement with The Ohio Marshallese Community Inc. for the lease of the park.

The Ohio Marshallese Community Inc. promotes "the cultural values, traditions and history of the Marshallese People to facilitate intercultural dialogue to foster positive social change," according to a chamber news release.  

Lastly, councilors suspended the rules and passed legislation authorizing an agreement with The Ohio Marshallese Community for the lease of diamond No. 6 at Eastview Park for events on May 10, 17 and 24 that will involve softball, volleyball and a cookout.

During a similar presentation to city council last year, Capelle said there was a growing number of about 3,000 active Marshallese in Mercer County.