| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: February 7, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
SUPPORTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: In an effort to facilitate economic development in the area surrounding the NetJets facility at Port Columbus, Franklin County received a grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission for the Bridgeway Avenue project. A portion of the land is located within the city of Columbus. Public Service & Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 0165-2011, which authorizes the Public Service Department to enter into an agreement with Franklin County for construction of the Bridgeway Avenue project. The project includes the relocation of Bridgeway Avenue from Goshen Lane to 1000 feet to the west, the lengthening of existing turn lanes at Bridgeway Avenue and Johnstown Road and roadway widening to accommodate additional turn lanes at Stelzer Road and Johnstown Road. No funding is required from the city and the project is scheduled to begin in May and be completed by September, 2011.
TYSON recognizing BLACK HISTORY Month: Columbus City Coucilmember Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring resolution 0017X-2011 to recognize and celebrate Black History Month in Columbus and honor the Columbus Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Columbus Urban League, and the numerous institutions and organizations that celebrate and promote African American culture and heritage in our community. Black History Month has been celebrated annually since 1976 and provides an opportunity for all the residents to reflect on how far our city, state, and nation have come in ensuring equality and fairness for all people.
HELPING REVITALIZE GREATER LINDEN: The Greater Linden Development Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing long-term planning and economic development to the Greater Linden Area. The organization impacts the community through activities and programs that provide adequate housing and a robust retail and commercial environment within a safer and more secure Greater Linden area. Development Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 0141-2011, which authorizes the expenditure of $28,753.00 from the 2011 Community Development Block Grant Fund for revitalization efforts in the Greater Linden area.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program: In response to the housing mortgage crisis, Congress has authorized the allocation of an additional $1.0 billion of funds to particularly hard-hit regions for emergency assistance for redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes and residential properties. The city of Columbus has been awarded $4,843,460 of additional federal funding through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP3). The city has developed an NSP3 program that will operate in designated areas of the city meeting HUD's criteria for greatest need. Program activities provide for the purchase of foreclosed or abandoned properties, as well as the rehabilitation, redevelopment or demolition of these properties, in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of house values of neighboring homes. The city's NSP3 application describes the areas of greatest need as well as the various proposed programs and their respective budgets. Health, Housing & Human Services Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0162-2011, authorizing the city to adopt the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3, submit the detailed application with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as required and amend the city’s Consolidation Plan’s 2010 Action Plan. If approved, the NSP3 grant funds will be used to build a stronger housing real-estate market in weak-market areas of Columbus and Franklin County through acquisition, demolition, rehabilitation and redevelopment of foreclosed, abandoned and vacant properties.
MILLER PROMOTING WORKPLACE safety: Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring legislation that will provide industrial hygiene and safety services to city employees in an efficient and cost effective manner. Ordinance 0108-2011 will authorize the City to enter into a $100,000 contract with Safex, a local female-owned business, to provide industrial hygiene services and safety program assistance to all divisions. These services have contributed significantly to the City's ability to reduce its workplace injury claims and the hours lost as a result of injuries.
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