Explanation
Background: The Department of Recreation and Parks (“CRPD”) is performing the Dry Run Stream Restoration Project (“Public Project”). Dry Run is one of the most heavily impacted streams in Columbus and is a tributary of the Scioto River. The seven square mile watershed flows through the city’s Hilltop/Westgate community and a central segment of the stream, near Hague Avenue, is completely contained within a 92” pipe. This segment runs behind two schools, a YMCA, and a church/day care facility. The project will completely day light Dry Run, using a natural channel stream restoration for 2,200 lineal feet. The result will provide a fully functional floodplain, stream channel, and habitat recovery zone. The project also provides a significant educational opportunity for young people, and expanded passive recreation for an inner-city neighborhood.
In order for CRPD to complete the Public Project, the City must acquire in good faith and accept certain fee simple title and lesser real estate located in the general vicinity of Hague Avenue and Valleyview Drive, Columbus, Ohio {including, but not limited to, Franklin County Tax Parcel(s) 010-129917, 010-111288, 010-111270, 010-111409 and 010-062384} (collectively, “Real Estate”). The project has received the support of the Hilltop YMCA, Glenwood United Methodist Church, and Columbus Public Schools. Tying together these community assets with a large scale natural restoration project will be a first in the Hilltop community.
In 2015, CRPD previously passed Ordinance Number 2208-2015 which authorized CRPD to receive grant funding from the Clean Ohio Fund, Ohio Public Works Commission (“OPWC”) for the completion of the Public Project. CRPD has completed the plans and desires to set up funding which will provide the City Attorney’s Office, Division of Real Estate, with funding to contract for associated professional services (e.g. surveys, title work, appraisals, etc.) as needed to acquire the Real...
Click here for full text