Explanation
This ordinance is to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to sign the LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct a connector to the Alum Creek Trail to the East Columbus/Johnstown Road community. The project will build a trail from the Alum Creek Trail near Ohio Dominican University to Johnstown Road and Cassady Avenue. The project also includes walking and biking improvements along Johnstown Road and 10th Avenue connecting to Krumm Park and William Adams Community Center. The LPA Agreement details the funding agreement and responsibilities of Recreation and Parks (LPA) to bid, award, and administer the project. ODOT Project ID 99828.
Background: In 2014, the Department was awarded federal grant funding for construction funds to improve safety and access to the Alum Creek Trail for the East Columbus/Krumm Park community.
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to sign the LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct a 1 mile connection to the Alum Creek Trail for the East Columbus community. The project includes separated trail, bike lanes, and safety improvements for the neighborhood to connect to the regional trail. The East Columbus neighborhood is bounded by 5th Avenue to I-670 and Stelzer Road to Alum Creek. Over 4,000 residents and employees will be within a 10 min walk from this project.
The connector opens up access to over 126 miles of regional trail network. A future section of this project will extend the bike lanes along Johnstown Road to downtown Gahana.
The construction phase of the project will begin in 2020. A future piece of legislation will be submitted to City Council to authorize awarding a construction contract.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Transportation
Mitch Blackford, Deputy Director
District 6
400 East William Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested to enter into this LPA Agreement to proceed with bidding and awarding the contract. The Agreement needs to be executed and submitted to ODOT by February 26, 2020.
Benefits to the Public: Cycling, walking, running, and active trail uses provide highly recognized year-round benefits to urban lifestyles. Access to trails and to key destinations is one of the top rated priorities noted by East Columbus residents.
Community Input/Issues: The department conducted extensive public involvement during plan development with neighborhood public open houses, letters of support from the community, Gahanna trail users, and social media feedback from trail users around the region.
Area(s) Affected:
East Columbus (#50)
All Columbus trail users
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving access to trails and greenways corridors. Provide a safer trail and active mode of transportation to a disadvantaged community.
Fiscal Impact: Total Estimated Cost is $2,496,360.00 ($1,997,304.00 from ODOT Funding, $499,056.00 from City Match Funding)
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct a connector to the Alum Creek Trail to the East Columbus/Johnstown Road community; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to sign the LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct a connector to the Alum Creek Trail to the East Columbus/Johnstown Road community; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into this LPA Agreement to proceed with bidding and awarding the contract, for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized to sign a LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct a connector to the Alum Creek Trail to the East Columbus/Johnstown Road community.
SECTION 2. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this 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.