Explanation
Background:
This project will construct an extension of the Alum Creek Trail. The segment will be 1.1 mile in length starting at the end of the path at Brittany Hills, and then connecting to parklands along Alum Creek and ending at the existing path at Airport Drive. The project will construct a bridge over Alum Creek near Ohio Dominican University.
Benefits to Public:
The 22-mile Alum Creek Trail is a major regional greenway of the city. It provides linkages of parks, schools, and neighborhoods along the stream corridor. By completing this project, users will now have a safe, seamless connection from Westerville to the far south side of Columbus. This project will also enable active transportation and substantial health benefits provided by cycling and walking. The project is highly regarded by local neighborhood civic associations and is a priority improvement item in the Northeast Area Plan.
Community Input/Issues:
The trail has been recognized by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, the Friends of Alum Creek, the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan, and the Northeast Area Plan as a key component of the greenway network.
Emergency Justification:
Recreation and Parks Department is requesting City Council to designate this ordinance an emergency measure in order to allow for the resolution to be included with the grant application package.
Financial Impact (Completed and Initialed by Fiscal Section):
This ordinance requires $0.00 City of Columbus Funds.
Title
To support the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for a grant in the amount of $385,000.00 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Clean Ohio Trails Fund for construction of the Alum Creek Trail from Brittany Hills to Airport Drive; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Clean Ohio trail Fund is accepting applications for bikeway development; and
WHEREAS, a Resolution of Support from City Council, included in the grant application, is required by the grantor in order for the application to be complete; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for said funding for development of the Alum Creek Trail from Brittany Hills to Airport Drive; and
WHEREAS, the 22-mile Alum Creek Trail is a major regional greenway of the city and provides linkages of parks, schools, and neighborhoods along the stream corridor; and
WHEREAS, this bikeway will improve air quality by reducing the number of automobiles in use, while providing users with a low cost, safe and healthful transportation option; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to apply for said grant funding for the public health, peace, property, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. That the Columbus City Council supports the Department of Recreation and Parks' application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Clean Ohio Trail Fund for construction of the Alum Creek Trail from Brittany Hills to Airport Drive.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution authorizes an application only and does not obligate the Department to expend city funds.
SECTION 3. That this Resolution is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety of the City, and it is necessary to include this Resolution, along with the application for funding for this project, in order to meet the criteria established by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Clean Ohio Trail Fund.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its adoption and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after adoption if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.