Meeting Highlights

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release:  May 10, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

assisting the development of COLUMBUS COMMONS:  In April 2009, City Council approved the construction of Columbus Commons by Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation on the site of the former City Center Mall.  Franklin County and the Columbus/Franklin County Metropolitan Park District are providing grant funds needed for construction.  As a condition of this grant funding, Capitol South is required to grant a perpetual conservation easement to Franklin County and Metro Parks, which shall require the area above the underground parking garage to remain open to the public and to be used only for park purposes.  Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring ordinance 0674-2010 to authorize the city’s consent to the conservation easement agreement.  The park is scheduled to open in December.

RACE FOR THE CURE:  Thousands of people will fill the streets of Columbus to battle breast cancer at the 2010 Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 15, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.  The annual event raises money for breast cancer research.  Approximately 47,000 runners and walkers raised more than $2 million for the cause last year.  Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer in women.  Councilmember Hearcel Craig is sponsoring resolution 0068X-2010 to honor the thousands of runners, walkers and volunteers who give their time and money to help find a cure.   Councilmember Craig has a very special reason for offering the resolution.   His wife, Linda, is a breast cancer survivor who was first diagnosed several years ago.  In 2004, Councilmember Craig was chosen as one of “Stefanie’s Champions,” named after Stephanie Spielman.  The award recognizes individuals who provide a loving and healing presence for cancer survivors.

ELIMINATING BLIGHT IN AREA NEIGHBORHOODS:  In response to the housing mortgage crisis, the city of Columbus was awarded $22,845,495 of Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds are to be used to acquire foreclosed or abandoned properties for redevelopment, rehabilitation or demolition to stabilize area neighborhoods and eliminate blight.  The Land Redevelopment Office acquired the properties and held the titles in the Land Bank pursuant to the Land Reutilization Program and NSP.  Housing Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring two ordinances that will transfer the titles of these properties to non-profit developers for NSP redevelopment projects.  Ordinance 0658-2010 authorizes the conveyance of titles for 102 parcels of real property and ordinance 0659-2010 authorizes the conveyance of title for the vacant property located at 1072 E. Long St.  The residential homes and vacant lots will be transferred to seven area housing projects throughout the city for redevelopment.    

ENHANCING CITY PHONE SYSTEMS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY:  In an effort to enhance technology and save taxpayer dollars, the city has installed the telephone services voice over internet protocol (VoIP).  The system provides telephone communications through the use of the internet.  Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0633-2010, which authorizes the extension of a contract for the option to purchase Cisco Equipment and Related Supplies for the VoIP system until June 30, 2010.  The contract will allow the Department of Technology to continue installing VoIP services at City Hall, Carolyn Avenue, and the Piedmont Avenue facilities. 

HELPING COLUMBUS NEIGHBORHOODS BECOME PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY:  Development Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 0216-2010 to adopt new Urban, Community, and Regional Commercial Overlays as provided for in Chapter 3372 of the Columbus Zoning Code for portions of South High Street, Indianola Avenue, North High Street, Fifth Avenue, Grandview Avenue, Olentangy River Road and other locations in the Fifth by Northwest neighborhood, and clarifies existing building design standards.  The Urban, Community, and Regional Overlays all work in conjunction with existing zoning to improve the character of commercial corridors, facilitate streetscape continuity, and encourage pedestrian-friendly development.  Each of the proposed overlays is the result of neighborhood plan recommendations and community requests. 

PALEY HELPING VOLUNTEERS WORK TO BEAUTIFY CITY HALL:  The landscaping at City Hall is a reflection of the pride Columbus residents have in the building and the city.   Each year the Columbus Apartment Association and volunteers provide the material and labor for the annual City Hall Beautification Project.  The Columbus Apartment Association organizes a team of volunteers to do the planting and decorating, and the end result is a visually appealing floral display that is a tremendous gift to the city.  On Friday, May 14, 2010, Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Utilities and Judiciary and Court Administration Committees, will welcome volunteers and assist them in planting flowers and vegetation in the 34 oversized concrete planters on the patios outside City Hall.  The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. on the grounds of City Hall, 90 W. Broad St. 

HUNTINGTON ANNOUNCEMENT: City Council President Michael C. Mentel will join Huntington National Bank President & CEO Steve Steinour and city officials for an exciting announcement regarding downtown economic development.  The major announcement will be made on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. outside of the Huntington Center located at 41 S. High Street.

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