Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the Director of the Columbus Department of Development to apply to the Ohio Department of Development, Clean Ohio Council for redevelopment emergency assistance funding in an amount up to $102,000.00. The requested funding will be used to fund a Phase 2 environmental assessment at the former Kimball Midwest site at 580 W. Goodale Street. JDS Goodale, LLC acquired the 4.2 acre site in March 2006 with the intention of razing the minor buildings on the site, redeveloping the three (3) story concrete structure and incorporating it into the project plans. With the tracts located within the "Downtown" district, and its proximity to the downtown area, the site lends itself to urban downtown living. The site is situated along the Olentangy River and has an unobstructed view of the downtown skyline.
Current development plans show the construction of a 325-car parking facility, which incorporates the existing structure, to support the construction of about 250 apartments that would range in size from 500 square foot efficiencies to 1,200 square foot, two (2) bedroom units. The total estimated development cost will be in excess of $25 million dollars.
Both an environmental Phase 1 and Limited Phase 2 investigation were performed in 2004. This Phase 2 assessment will complete the Phase 2 process that was not completed by another corporate entity in 2004.
This legislation is submitted as an emergency to commence the Clean Ohio emergency grant application immediately.
FISCAL IMPACT: There are no costs to the City of Columbus associated with applying for Clean Ohio emergency assistance grant funding. If the application is approved by the State, the City of Columbus will receive up to $102,000.00 for the purpose of conducting a Phase 2 environmental assessment at the former Kimball Midwest site.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of the Department of Development to apply to the Ohio Department of Development, Clean Ohio Council, for emergency assistance grant funding in an amount of up to $102,000 for a Phase 2 environmental assessment at the former Kimball Midwest site at 580 W. Goodale Street; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the State of Ohio Clean Ohio Program will award $40 million per year, for five years, to communities throughout Ohio for the purpose of clean-up and redevelopment of contaminated or abandoned properties know 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 1999 through its administration of the Columbus Brownfield Redevelopment Program and its associated task force; and
WHEREAS, Clean Ohio grant funding will greatly complement 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 may be eligible for the Clean Ohio emergency grant assistance fund, at 580 W. Goodale Street where a Phase 2 environmental assessment will be required; and
WHEREAS, JDS Goodale, LLC intends to clean up and develop the 580 W. Goodale Street site investing approximately $25 million to construct approximately 250 apartment units; 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 Department of Development to apply to the Ohio Department of Development, Clean Ohio Council, for redevelopment emergency assistance funding, 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 Columbus Department of Development is authorized to apply to the Ohio Department of Development, Clean Ohio Council for emergency assistance grant funding in the amount of up to $102,000.00 for a Phase 2 environmental assessment at the former Kimball Midwest property site at 580 W. Goodale Street.
Section 2. 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.