Explanation
This ordinance is to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Clean Ohio Trails Fund which will be used to build the Eastmoor Green Line.
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for 2019 grant funding for the ODNR/Clean Ohio Trails Fund for the Eastmoor Green Line, from Broad Street to Livingston Avenue. ODNR administers statewide grant funding for the construction of trails, and a resolution from the city is required for the grant submittal and to provide the necessary match funds. If awarded funding, a separate piece of legislation will be submitted at a later date to enter into a grant agreement and allocate the local funds.
The Eastmoor Green Line will become a unique linear park for the east side neighborhoods of the city. Located on an abandoned rail corridor running from Broad Street to south of Livingston Avenue, the 3 mile, 17.5 acre Green Line will provide the area’s first trail connectivity. The corridor will have passive park space, native plantings, and a 10’ trail. The project also offers important social equity for several inner city neighborhoods facing a deficit of trail access and natural resources.
Fees: This resolution of support authorizes an application for grant funds only, and is not a commitment to expend City funds. Future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of City funds. However, the estimated grant request will be for $420,000 with an estimated total project cost of $830,000.00.
As part of this resolution of support, ODNR requires that the City’s resolution agrees to obligate the funds at a later date which will satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the grant.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, E-2
Columbus, OH 43229
Marlin Holloway (614) 265-6471
CCN: 31-6402047
Contract Compliance Expiration Date:
Emergency Justification: An emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to obtain approval to apply for said grant as it is required by February 1, 2019.
Benefits to the Public: The Eastmoor/Linwood areas lack access to waterways and significant open spaces and parks. For over 25 years the city has been engaging in protecting and providing access to a comprehensive linear system of rivers, trails, paths. The timing of constructing a trail within this park corridor ties directly to the city’s goal of providing a lift to inner city neighborhoods cut off from safe, easy access to greenways and outdoor experiences. The scale of construction costs estimated in this applications relies heavily upon outside funding assistance such as the Clean Ohio Trails Fund to achieve these goals.
Over 10,000 residents, 8 schools, a 14 acre natural area, and 9 access points are within the trailshed of this project.
Community Input/Issues: The department received letters of support from the community, the Mideast Area Community Collaborative , the City of Whitehall, and trail users.
Area(s) Affected: Eastmoor, Linwood, Leawood, Beechwood, Planning Area 20.
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving access to trails and greenways corridors. Provide safe connections for nearby neighborhoods to the regional trail network.
Fiscal Impact: If awarded funding, a separate piece of legislation will be submitted at a later date to enter into a grant agreement and allocate the local funds.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Clean Ohio Trails Fund which will be used to build the Eastmoor Green Line; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Clean Ohio Trails Fund is accepting applications; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for a grant for the Eastmoor Green Line Improvements project; and
WHEREAS, future legislation would accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as identify a city match; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to apply for said grant to meet application deadlines; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Clean Ohio Trails Fund for the Eastmoor Green Line Improvements project and provide the necessary match funds per grant requirements.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only and is not a commitment to expend city funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of funds.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Clean Ohio Trails Fund.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.