Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for the Cooke Woods Preservation Project. This ordinance will also authorize the appropriation of the grant and matching funds. The grant amount is $841,665.00 and the local match amount is $360,715.00. There is a total of $1,202,380.00 available for this project being authorized by this ordinance.
Ordinance 0922-2024 authorized the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program to acquire various sites in Columbus, including three parcels located at 1873 East Cooke Road. In November of 2024, the Recreation and Parks Department received notice that the grant will be awarded. This project will acquire 6.14 acres of mature forested parcels in the North Linden Neighborhood. Data shows that these three tracts are the final part of preserving the largest remaining woodland in North Linden. The border of the property on the west will combine with two parcels, totaling 3.6 acres, that were acquired by the Recreation and Parks Department in December 2022. This new acquisition would complete protection of the entire woodland area that is a total of approximately 10 acres.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Public Works Commission
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Linda Bailiff, Director, (614) 752-6829
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is being requested in order to meet the January 27, 2024 City Council approval deadline stipulated in the purchase contract.
Benefits to the Public: Preservation of high quality forest canopy, particularly in densely developed lower canopy areas of the City, provides important long term benefits to air quality. It also reduced urban heat stresses, improves public health, and preserves natural areas for wildlife.
Community Input/Issues: ...
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