Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
For the past several years, Nationwide Realty Investors ("NRI") and the City of Columbus ("City") have been actively involved in the redevelopment of that area of the City now known as "the Arena District". As a part of this joint redevelopment project, the plans for the Arena West area include further improvements to Neil Avenue and Vine Street. These improvements to Neil Avenue are from a point approximately 300 feet south of Nationwide Boulevard to a point approximately100 feet north of Spruce Street. The improvements to Vine Street are from a point approximately 600feet west of Neil Ave. to a point approximately 400feet east of Neil.
In October 2011, it was determined the City Attorney's Real Estate Division would provide acquisition related services to the Department of Public Service for this project. Legislation that authorized the expenditure of $60,000.00 or so much thereof as was necessary to acquire the rights-of-way needed for the project was passed at that time (Ordinance 1683-2011). Right-of-way appraisals for the parcels needed for this project have been received and reviewed by the Real Estate Division. They recently requested an additional $40,000.00 to complete the acquisition process.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Monies to pay for the acquisition costs associated with this roadway improvement project are budgeted and available within the 2011 Capital Improvement Budget.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
To keep this project on schedule it is essential the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, be authorized to expend those funds necessary to continue their acquisition of these property rights needed for this project immediately.
Title
To authorize the expenditure of $40,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to allow the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, to acquire those rights-of-way, including fee simple title and lesser interest needed for the "Arena West" Roadway Improvements-Neil Avenue Project from the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund and to declare an emergency. ($40,000.00)
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WHEREAS, the City and the Developer are actively engaged in the redevelopment of the Arena West area; and
WHEREAS, after receipt of property appraisals, per an estimate provided by the City Attorney's office, Real Estate Division, the additional funds of $40,000.00 are needed to acquire the rights-of-way; and
WHEREAS, this legislation authorizes the City Attorney's office to expend an additional $40,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary to acquire these rights-of-way; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service, Division of Design and Construction in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the City Attorney's office to continue their acquisition activities for this project and to expend those funds necessary to such acquisition to keep this project on schedule thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, be and is hereby authorized to continue those activities associated with the acquisition of the property rights needed for the "Arena West" Roadway Improvements-Neil Avenue Project;
SECTION 2. That the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, be and is hereby authorized to expend an additional $40,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary from the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund as follows: Project 440104-100009; Roadway Improvements - Neil Avenue; Department/Division 44-01; O.L. 01-03 Codes 06-6601; OCA Code 741049; to pay those costs relative to the acquisition of the rights-of-way needed for the "Arena West" Roadway Improvements - Neil Avenue project.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for any contract or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. 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.