City of Columbus

Mayor Michael B. Coleman and Columbus City Council members announced the proposed 2013 City of Columbus Capital Improvements Budget, which includes a combined $65 million for resurfacing over the next two years: a record $32 million this year plus $33 million in 2014. The proposal, which consists of $379 million in new funding for neighborhood projects, also includes $4.7 million for the Maryland Swimming Pool on the Near East Side. The Maryland pool will be transformed into a state-of-the-art swimming attraction with new slides, spray fountains and other modern amenities in time for the 2014 swimming season.

Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson discusses the 2013 Capital Improvements Budget as Mt. Vernon Avenue District Improvement Association President Al Edmondson, Council President Andrew Ginther, Councilmember Zach Klein, and Council President Pro Tem A. Troy Miller look on.

The unprecedented investment in resurfacing will improve more than 145 lane miles of roadways and more than 30 miles of alleys, bringing the total resurfacing investment since 2010 to more than $110 million. In addition, the Capital Improvements Budget proposal includes $8.7 million for bikeway development, including 107 sharrow pavement markings, 49 bike boulevard pavement markings and 1.7 miles of shared-used paths. The proposal also includes more than $5 million for pedestrian safety improvements that include nearly 8 miles of sidewalks. 

“Strong neighborhoods include safe streets and sidewalks for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee. “This long-term investment in resurfacing will allow us to make an impact in every corner of Columbus.”   

Other proposed investments include:

• $5 million for the Reeb School; 
• $2.5 million for the mayor’s VAP program to demolish the worst vacant houses;
• $2.25 million for roadway improvements to increase two-way traffic in Franklinton;
• $2.1 million for increased fiber connectivity;
• $500,000 for additional neighborhood safety cameras.  

“These Capital Budget priorities are an investment in the quality of life in Columbus,” said Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee.  “The priorities reflect the importance of building better communities and an improved business climate in Columbus.”

City Council will hold a hold a public hearing on the proposed 2013 Capital Budget Amendments on Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m., in Council Chambers.  Speaker slips will be accepted and the meeting will be broadcast live on CTV, Columbus’ government television channel on local cable systems. City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed budget on April 1.