Explanation
Background: As part of the Consent Order and Settlement Agreement between the City of Columbus and Penn National Gaming, Inc., the parties agreed to create the Westside Community Fund. Both the City of Columbus and Penn National Gaming agreed to contribute $2.5 million to the Westside Community Fund, with the first payment of $1 million to be made in 2012. Additional contributions of $750,000 were to be made by each party in 2013. The parties further agreed to each contribute $500,000 in 2014 with the final payment of $250,000 in 2015.
The Westside Community Fund will be used for a variety of projects related to the neighborhood(s) immediately surrounding the Casino development and/or the citizens thereof, including but not limited to job training, minority affairs, economic development and/or capital projects.
This ordinance authorizes the appropriation and expenditure of $250,000 from the Westside Community Fund for support of The Boys & Girls Club relocation and expansion of services on the Westside of Columbus. The Club has acquired and will be renovating the J. Ashburn Youth Center. Additionally, The Boys & Girls Club will begin the construction of a teen center on Sullivant Avenue to continue providing needed services to Franklinton.
Fiscal Impact: Funds have been deposited into the Westside Community Fund from proceeds from the city’s allocation of State Casino Tax Revenues to support this expenditure.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $250,000.00 in the Westside Community Fund; to authorize the Director of the Development Department to enter into contract with The Boys & Girls Club; to authorize the expenditure of $250,000.00 from the Westside Community Fund to support the renovation and programming at the J. Ashburn Boys & Girls Club in the Hilltop and the construction of the Sullivant Avenue Teen Center in Franklinton; and to declare an emergency. ($250,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, on June 6, 2011, Columbus City Council passed Ordi...
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