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 TG707, Inc. in conjunction with a Clean Ohio Program Round 4 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 Techneglas site at 707 E. Jenkins Avenue. An agreement of understanding, along with this ordinance, is required for the application of Clean Ohio grant funds, which is anticipated for completion and posting of public notice before April 2, 2007.
The former Techneglas site served as one of Columbus' major manufacturing employers for over 60 years until closing its doors in August 2004. With over 1 million square feet of industrial and office space, the 48-acre site remained mostly vacant.
Local developer Marvin Katz has recently teamed with local businessman Don Garlikov and Greystone & Co., Inc. of New York to form a partnership, TG707, Inc., to renovate and transform the site into a mixed use complex of commercial office, retail and light industrial space with an employment potential of over 1,500 jobs. There are currently 40 jobs at several small businesses on-site with current negotiations to attract a call center to employ over 500.
Remediation activities will involve clean up of a 1972 oil spill on site along with removal of a small plant electric substation and a buried rail spur.
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 4 grant application deadline of April 2, 20...
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