| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: June 17, 2013 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
CARING FOR VETERANS: Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, Vietnam-era veteran of the U. S. Army, is sponsoring ordinance 1293-2013, to authorize up to $250,000 from the general capital improvement fund to the Department of Development, Housing Division for targeted distribution through the Better Municipal Care for Veterans Home Fund. The program, part of a capital budget amendment from Councilmember Craig in 2012, will increase funding up to $20,000 for home improvements to veterans or homeowners with an eligible veteran who permanently resides in their household. The program currently offers up to $15,000.
HOMES IN THE HILLTOP: Development Committee chair Zach M. Klein is also supporting a home improvement program, for residences in the Hilltop. Ordinance 1286-2013 authorizes up to $500,000 from the Housing Preservation Fund portion of the 2013 Capital Improvement Budget for distribution of City Council's Property Renovation Funds through the Hilltop Home Repair Program. The funds will provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners for exterior home improvements in a targeted area within the Hilltop neighborhood. The Department of Development, Housing Division will partner with Homes on the Hill CDC (HOTH), a non‑profit community development corporation dedicated to creating a community that welcomes and cares for all people. HOTH will work with the Housing Division to market the program, identify potential grant recipients and coordinate the application process with the applicants.
GET ACTIVE!: The Institute for Active Living works to improve the health of Columbus residents by promoting a variety of programs year-round. Ordinance 1401-2013, sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee chair Priscilla R. Tyson, allows the city to accept a $27,865 grant from the Foundation for Active Living through the Columbus Foundation. A portion of the funding, provided by Medical Mutual of Ohio, will support the Kids Cycle Columbus program, a new program that provides bikes, helmets and safety instructions to underprivileged youth.
PARTNERING WITH ODOT: The Ohio Department of Transportation's ongoing I-70/I-71 Columbus Crossroads Project will reduce congestion in and out of Columbus and make the freeways safer. Public Service and Transportation Committee chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1396-2013, to provide additional city funds needed for the city's partnership with ODOT to improve portions of Interstate 70. Construction is anticipated to begin in July 2013, and be completed in October 2014.
COMMUNITY MEETING: The Columbus City Council will be holding another community meeting this Wednesday, June 19, at the Marion Franklin Recreation Center, 2801 Lockbourne Road, from 5:30-7:00 pm. Council President Andrew J. Ginther will deliver opening remarks, and residents will be able to sit down with councilmembers and city staff to discuss matters in an informal setting.
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JOHN IVANIC
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
_____________________________________________________
90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Direct: 614-645-6798
Cell: 614-701-1411
