Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this ordinance is to give the Director of the Department of Development the authority to enter into an agreement of understanding with Wagenbrenner Development, Inc. in conjunction with a Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund Round 7 grant application, of up to $3 million, and to authorize the application the Department of Development intends to submit to the Ohio Department of Development for site cleanup at the former 3M site (aka, former Auld site) at 1206 N. Fourth St. in the Weinland Park Neighborhood of Columbus. An agreement of understanding, along with this ordinance, is required for the application of Clean Ohio grant funds.
The former 3M site was used for metal finishing operations from 1920 to 2000 when operations closed. It has remained vacant since 2000 and, since that time, has been a blighting influence in the Weinland Park Neighborhood of Columbus.
The site consists of vacant industrial buildings on 3.4 acres. It was recently acquired by Wagenbrenner Development, Inc. who plans to invest approximately $24 million to clean the site and construct a mixed use development of approximately 110 residential units with street level commercial space, which is consistent with the Weiland Park Development Plan.
Remediation activities will involve demolition and asbestos removal on site along with removal of various chemical contaminants.
The agreement of understanding sets forth the essential roles of both the developer and the Department of Development in undertaking site cleanup and subsequent redevelopment. The agreement of understanding does not subject the City to liability for any site contamination, which may exist at or near the redevelopment site.
This legislation is submitted as an emergency to meet the Clean Ohio Program Round 7 grant application deadline of July 20, 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT: There are no costs to the City of Columbus associated with applying for Clean Ohio Round 7 grant funding. I...
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