Explanation
It is necessary for the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit a Resolution of Support from the Columbus City Council along with the Department's application to the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for a Transportation Enhancement Grant for the Westerville to Arena District Bikeway.
Title
To support the Director of Recreation and Parks' application for funding from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Transportation Enhancement Program for the Westerville to Arena District Bikeway, and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is accepting applications for a bikeway development grant from the Federal Transportation Enhancement Fund; and
WHEREAS, a Resolution of Support from City Council is required by MORPC, otherwise our application for funding will be considered incomplete and will not move forward; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for said funding for development of the Westerville to Arena District Bikeway; and
WHEREAS, this application is for funding to purchase a seven (7) mile segment of the former Mount Vernon Railroad right-of-way from Cooper Park, just south of Westerville, to 17th Avenue, just east of Cleveland Avenue; and
WHEREAS, this bikeway will serve as a commuter corridor for non-motorized travel through the Northeast quadrant of the City for workers to and from downtown and children to and from schools and recreational facilities throughout the area; 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, converting this abandoned rail line to a community park will be an impetus to urban renewal and beautification; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is im...
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