Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of the Columbus Department of Development to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Development to receive and administer a Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant of up to $3 million to clean and redevelop the former Timken site at 1025 Cleveland Avenue and to authorize an agreement with Wagenbrenner Development, Inc. to apply the grant funding toward the environmental clean up work at the project site to prepare for redevelopment.
Pursuant to Ordinance 1002-2011, passed by Columbus City Council on July 11, 2011, the Columbus Department of Development applied for, and was awarded, a Clean Ohio grant of $3 million from the Ohio Department of Development to remediate the former Timken site in partnership with Wagenbrenner Development, Inc.
The former Timken site is approximately 30 acres and was used for manufacturing rail car wheel bearings for nearly 100 years when operations closed in 2001. Shortly after closing, the Timken Company razed the site where it has since remained vacant and has been a blighting influence in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood of Columbus.
The site was recently acquired by Wagenbrenner Development, Inc. who plans to invest approximately $12 million to clean the site and construct a mixed use development consisting of approximately 25,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space and 125,000 square feet of flex office/warehouse space with a projected minimum employment potential of approximately 100 jobs. The Milo-Grogan community has and will continue to have extensive input into this project as it moves forward.
Environmental remediation activities will include excavation of contaminated soil and engineering controls such as clean fill capping with vapor barriers and venting systems where appropriate.
This legislation is submitted as an emergency to commence work under the grant, contingent on Ohio Controlling Board approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: F...
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