Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize an agreement between the Director of the Department of Development and the Ohio Department of Development to accept Clean Ohio Assistance Grant Funding in an amount of up to $750,000.00 for environmental clean up at the former Jaeger Manufacturing and former Union Fork and Hoe sites at the west edge of the Arena District. This legislation also authorizes an agreement between the Director of the Department of Development and Plaza Properties affiliate; Jaeger Commerce Park, LP to apply the grant funding toward environmental clean up at the project site.
The Ohio Department of Development has approved the grant application contingent on Ohio Controlling Board approval scheduled before the close of 2008.
Authorization to apply for said Clean Ohio Assistance Fund Grant was obtained under Columbus City Council Ordinance 0841-08, approved June 2, 2008.
The contiguous sites total 23 acres and partial demolition has occurred while portions are currently being leased to various entities.
Plaza Properties of Columbus has acquired the site and proposes to construct a mixed-use development consisting of 200-400 residential units with commercial retail and office. The development will also include a park to compliment the project on what is now one of the largest remaining land parcels in the downtown area. Total project investment is estimated to be to be at least $33.5 million for Phase 1 construction.
An environmental assessment has been conducted. Clean up costs, to include asbestos abatement, are anticipated to be approximately $1.4 million of which the grant funding would cover up to $750,000.00 and Plaza Properties supplying the balance.
This legislation is submitted as an emergency to commence the Clean Ohio grant process immediately contingent on Ohio Controlling Board approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: The City will receive a Clean Ohio Assistance Fund Grant from the Ohio Department of Development in the amount of $750,000.00 to apply toward site clean up.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of the Department of Development to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Development to receive and administer Clean Ohio Assistance grant funds of up to $750,000.00; to authorize the appropriation of $750,000.00 from the General Government Grant Fund; to authorize the Director of the Development Department to enter into an agreement with Jaeger Commerce Park, LP to apply said grant funding for environmental clean up at the former Jaeger Manufacturing and Union Fork and Hoe sites; to authorize the expenditure of up to $750,000.00 from the General Government Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($750,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the State of Ohio Clean Ohio Program provides environmental assessment and remediation grants to Ohio communities for the purpose of clean up and redevelopment of contaminated or abandoned properties known as "brownfields"; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus contains brownfield properties which may qualify for Clean Ohio clean up and redevelopment grant funding; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Department of Development has been involved with brownfield redevelopment since 1996 through its administration of the Columbus Brownfield Redevelopment Program and its associated task force; and
WHEREAS, Clean Ohio grant funding will greatly compliment the efforts of the Columbus Department of Development in helping to clean up and redevelop brownfield properties in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Department of Development has identified a brownfield property, which is eligible for the Clean Ohio Assistance Grant Fund at the former Jaeger Manufacturing and Union Fork and Hoe sites; and
WHEREAS, an environmental assessment has determined that site clean up costs will be approximately $1.4 million and that Plaza Properties will endeavor to invest at least $33.5 million to construct 200-400 residential units with commercial retail, office components and a park; and
WHEREAS, Clean Ohio Assistance Grant Funding will provide up to $750,000.00 in clean up costs and asbestos abatement; contingent on Ohio controlling Board approval, and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City of Columbus in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of the Columbus Department of Development to accept Clean Ohio Assistance Grant Funding in order to commence the Clean Ohio grant process immediately, all for the preservation of public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized and directed to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Development to receive and administer Clean Ohio Assistance Grant Funds of up to $750,000.00 for environmental clean up at the former Jaeger Manufacturing and Union Fork and Hoe sites.
Section 2. That the sum of $750,000.00 be and is hereby appropriated from the unappropriated balance of the General Government Grant Fund, Fund 220, and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources appropriated and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, to the Department of Development, Economic Development Division, Division Number 44-02, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3526, with OCA and grant codes to be issued by the City Auditor upon award of said grant.
Section 3. That the Director of the Columbus Department of Development is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Jaeger Commerce Park, LP, in an amount of up to $750,000.00 for environmental Clean up work at the former Jaeger Manufacturing and Union Fork and Hoe sites.
Section 4. That for the purpose stated in Section 3, the expenditure of $750,000.00 is hereby authorized from the General Government Grant Fund, Fund 220, Department of Development, Economic Development Division, Division No. 44-02, Object Level Three 3526, with OCA and grant codes to be issued by the City Auditor upon award of said grant.
Section 5. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, the ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.