Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The purpose of this legislation is to accept a grant award from the Federal Transit Authority in the amount of $233,101.00 in order to build sidewalks along South High Street between Highview Boulevard and Obetz Road.
In February of 2007, Mayor Michael B. Coleman created the Operation SAFEWALKS program. This program, when fully developed, will provide priorities and strategies for sidewalk construction in the city of Columbus, first targeting underserved neighborhoods within older sections of the community.
On October 22, 2007, Columbus City Council adopted the Scioto Southland Area Plan, which identified this stretch of roadway as a priority for pedestrian walkways.
In April of 2008, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission adopted the Franklin County Coordinated Plan. The purpose of this plan is to better coordinate existing transportation services, as well as document existing gaps. This plan gives agencies and local governments in Franklin County access to federal funds that can be used to address gaps in access to transportation, one of which is sidewalk links to transit.
On June 19, 2008, the City was notified that the New Freedom Grant application had been approved for funding. The project will remove existing barriers for residents at four senior housing facilities and numerous citizens, by providing pedestrian access to transit routes (six Central Ohio Transit Authority bus stops). There are a number of pedestrian generators within the project limits, including Great Southern Shopping Center, Columbus Health Department, and the South Community Opportunity Center. Up to 26 wheelchair ramps will be added and/or upgraded as part of this project.
The project length is approximately 2,600 feet. The design of the sidewalk project is being conducted by city staff, and is being coordinated with a resurfacing project already planned to be conducted in the same area in 2009. The sidewalk and wheelchair ramps will be constructed in advance of the resurfacing project.
2. FISCAL IMPACT:
A 20% match is required to expend this grant. The anticipated amount the City will need to provide is $58,275.00, which will be funded through the Operation SAFEWALKS program.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to enter into a grant agreement with Central Ohio Transit Authority, and to receive $233,101.00 in grant funds, for the Division of Transportation.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus recognizes through the Columbus Comprehensive Plan, adopted by Ordinance 2515-93, the benefits of sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities for safety, efficiency, and accessibility; and
WHEREAS, on October 22, 2007, Columbus City Council adopted the Scioto Southland Area Plan, which identified this stretch of roadway on South High Street between Highview Boulevard and Obetz Road as a priority for pedestrian walkways.
WHEREAS, initial findings from the Operation SAFEWALKS program identify over 121 miles of sidewalks missing on major city streets; and
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Coordinated Plan identified a service strategy of providing sidewalk links to transit; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the Franklin County Coordinated Plan allowed access to federal funds for construction of sidewalks; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance will result in more sidewalks in the City of Columbus where they are needed most; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of Public Service enter into a grant agreement with Central Ohio Transit Authority, receive grant monies in the amount of $233,101.00 in order to build sidewalks along South High Street.
Section 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.