Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the Director of the Columbus Department of Development to enter into an agreement of understanding with Wagenbrenner Development, Inc. in conjunction with a Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund (CORF) Round 11 grant application of up to $3 million, and to authorize the Columbus Department of Development to submit the application to the Ohio Department of Development for site cleanup at the former Timken site at 1025 Cleveland Avenue in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood of Columbus. An agreement of understanding, along with this ordinance, is required for the application of Clean Ohio grant funds.
The former Timken site is approximately 30 acres and was used for manufacturing rail car wheel bearings for nearly 100 years when operations closed in 2001. Shortly after closing, the Timken Company razed the site where it has since remained vacant and has been a blighting influence in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood of Columbus.
The site was recently acquired by Wagenbrenner Development, Inc. who plans to invest approximately $12 million to clean the site and construct a mixed use development consisting of approximately 25,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space and 125,000 square feet of flex office/warehouse space with a projected minimum employment potential of approximately 100 jobs. The Milo-Grogan community has and will continue to have extensive input into this project as it moves forward.
Environmental remediation activities will include excavation of contaminated soil and engineering controls such as clean fill capping with vapor barriers and venting systems where appropriate.
The agreement of understanding sets forth the essential roles of both the developer and the Columbus Department of Development in undertaking site cleanup and subsequent redevelopment. The agreement of understanding does not subject the City to liability for any site contamination which may exist at or near the re...
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