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 $150,000 from the Westside Community Fund for support of The Lower Lights Christian Health Center’s efforts to improve food access on the Westside of Columbus. Within it’s current location at 1160 W. Broad St. a 5,000 sq. ft. not for profit grocery store and café will be developed. In addition to providing access to locally grown fresh produce and other grocery items, Lower Lights anticipates providing 15 jobs with livable wages to residents.
Emergency action is requested so that The Lower Lights Christian Health Center can begin implementing these services without delay.
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 $150,000.00 in the Westside Community Fund; to authorize the Director of the Development Department to enter into contract with Lower Lights Christian Health Center; to authorize the expenditure of $150,000.00 from the Westside Community Fund to support the development of a not for profit grocery s...
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