Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize Columbus City Council to enter into a grant agreement with Elements of Change in support of the Driving Park-End the Violence neighborhood development initiative.
The Elements of Change (EOC) Project is a grass roots effort designed to build a safer, healthier, and thriving Driving Park neighborhood on Columbus’ near eastside. By partnering with local influencers through 'End The Violence,’ EOC works through trusted gatekeepers to increase community engagement, promote neighborhood beautification, create jobs and instill hope in the neighborhood.
Funding from Columbus City Council will support EOC's property redevelopment, skills training, and community collaboration. Through this program, long-time blighted and abandoned properties within the neighborhood are purchased and rehabilitated to create safe, affordable housing and/or commercial units. Properties acquired are used to provide local residents with paid work alongside skilled tradesman to gain and practice renovation, time management and work etiquette skills. Eight to sixteen neighborhood residents will participate in EOC's redevelopment project. Recruitment will focus on at-risk young adults and adults with criminal backgrounds. Upon completion, the units will be rented out to enhance the viability of the neighborhood and to create revenue for future efforts. Rents will be kept at affordable rates to increase access to quality housing for low income residents.
The first property is a multi-unit townhouse in Driving Park, located at Livingston & Berkley. The property was secured through the Columbus Land Bank. City funding will help pay for materials and contractor expenses needed for education and renovation, as well as supporting stipends for program participants.
Columbus City Council is supporting this project with $100,000.00 $120,000.00 in funding from the Public Safety Initiative subfund.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Em...
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