Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
Per Columbus City Code Chapter 905, property owners are responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of all sidewalks, shared-use paths, and driveway entrances within the abutting right-of-way or easement to their property. In response to complaints received through the City’s 311 service, the Department of Public Service will investigate the condition of sidewalks, shared-use paths, and driveway entrances. A Notice of Violation letter requiring repairs to be made will be issued if it is determined these items need to be repaired.
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and City Council have established funding for the Sidewalk Repair Grant Program. The purpose of this program is to provide grant money to low income residential property owners and small business owners located within a Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization district to help them pay for the required repairs. Successful grant applicants will receive up to $1,500.00 to help make the repairs. The grant money will usually be paid direct to the contractor that made the repairs. The property owner will only be paid directly if they made the repairs on their own. The property owner will be responsible for paying any remaining balance due for the repairs.
This legislation authorizes the expenditure of up to $550,000.00 to establish funding to issue grant payments. This legislation also authorizes payment of grant money to various property owners awarded a grant under the Sidewalk Repair Grant Program that make their own repairs, or authorizes payment of grant funds direct to the various contractors that made the repairs if the awarded property owner chooses to hire a contractor to make the repairs.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the Sidewalk Repair Grant Program is available within the Streets and Highways Improvement Bond Fund as part of the Department of Public Service’s 2016 Capital Improvement Budget.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to allow ...
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