Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with WTD Development, LLC for the reconstruction of the Olentangy Trail from Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue.
Background: The Olentangy Trail in the Harrison West community is one of the busiest trail segments in Columbus. The trail is currently closed for 60 days due to the construction of a major development project. During this closure, CRPD and the Harrison West community requested that the developer use this opportunity for the trail to be widened and safety improvements for users be completed.
The developer agreed to work with the Department and the community, and this project will reconstruct and widen the Olentangy Trail in the Harrison West community, from Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue. The reconstruction will include widening the existing path from 9’ to 12’, and will be done during the current closure of this section of trail as part of the construction of the Founders Park development.
By performing this work during the trail closure, two important benefits for the public would be gained:
The fully improved trail will be reopened in July, when the closure period expires. This would eliminate the need for a second trail detour and disruption at a later period.
Completing the reconstruction at this time will save substantial construction costs (mobilization, labor, and materials) which would be incurred by doing the project in the next 2-3 years.
Bid Waiver Justification: The department is requesting the waiver of the formal bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes to enter into a contract with WTD Development, LLC as it is impossible to obtain bids to satisfy the need with the time required by formal bidding process. Recreation and Parks, in conjunction with the Harrison West community, is working with WTD Development, LLC in reconstructing a 2,000’ section of the Olentangy Trail. To take advantage of a 60 day trail clo...
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