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2014 Capital Budget Features Historic Investment in Rec and Parks



MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release 
March 19, 2014
 
For More Information:
Tyneisha Harden, Mayor’s Office, 645-2425
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798


Mayor Michael B. Coleman today announced his proposed 2014 City of Columbus Capital Improvements Budget, highlighted by an unprecedented investment in parks, bikeways, pools and rec centers along with a record $33 million in resurfacing. Joined by City Council members, neighborhood leaders and residents at the Glenwood Recreation Center on the West Side, Mayor Coleman announced the capital budget proposal, which consists of $268 million in new infrastructure and facility projects. Glenwood Recreation Center, which was built a century ago for $25,000, will be replaced with a new facility that will include a full-sized gymnasium and rooms for fitness and arts and crafts. The 2014 proposal includes $6 million for the Glenwood project.

“The lives and the neighborhoods of our residents are enhanced when we invest in our parks and in our recreation facilities,” Mayor Coleman said. “All the investments we propose today will strengthen our city and improve our quality of life.”

The mayor’s proposed capital budget would make a historic investment of about $32 million in Columbus Recreation and Parks infrastructure, including pools, parks, playgrounds and bikeways. It would also invest in the construction of more than 4 new miles of bikeways, including the Alum Creek Trail and the Camp Chase Trail. The unprecedented investment in resurfacing will improve more than 300 lane miles of roadways and more than 30 miles of alleys.

Other highlights of Mayor Coleman’s capital budget proposal include:

  • $4.5 million in the Joyce Avenue Operation Safewalks improvement project;
  • $8 million in improvements to central city neighborhoods through the Urban Infrastructure Improvement Fund;
  • $6 million in fire apparatus;
  • $5 million to replace the fire station at 150 E. Fulton Ave.;
  • $2.8 million for street and snow equipment;
  • $2.5 million to support the VAP program that demolishes abandoned houses that are beyond repair;
  • $4.2 million for street lighting.

In addition to the $268 million proposed by Mayor Coleman, City Council is offering more than $7.3 million worth of amendments to the 2014 capital budget. Included in council’s amendments are the expansion of an already successful home renovation program from the West Side to the Linden and Driving Park communities and the continued funding of a home repair program for veterans.

PT_CapBudget“The Columbus City Council is investing $3.5 million in home repair programs to help strengthen neighborhoods and keep families safe,” said Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee. “We have seen the success of pilot programs and are confident that they will be as successful on a broader scale and help our families who need it most.”

Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, is proposing a $450,000 amendment to study the feasibility of building a new Fairwood Pool in the Driving Park neighborhood.

“An improved Fairwood Pool facility will give children and families a safe place to play and gather during the heat of the summer,” said Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee.  “It would also provide children an opportunity to learn the potentially lifesaving skill of swimming.”

Mayor Coleman’s Priority Neighborhood and Safety Capital Projects:

Public Safety           

  • Police Facility Renovations: $1,640,000
  • Fire Facility Renovations : $1,320,000
  • Fire Station - Fulton Replacement: $5,000,000
  • Self Contained Breathing Apparatus: $2,500,000
  • Fire Apparatus Replacement: $6,000,000           

Development           

  • Housing Preservation:$2,000,000
  • Green Columbus Fund:$1,000,000
  • Vacant/Abandoned Property Demolition: $2,500,000
  • Public Art: $250,000
  • Workforce Housing Initiative: $1,000,000            

Finance & Management  

  • Reeb Avenue Building Renovations: $2,475,000
  • 111 North Front Street Project: $57,235,000           

Recreation & Parks           

  • Swimming Facility Improvements: $3,193,000
  • Recreation & Parks Facility Improvements: $6,850,000
  • HVAC Improvements - Rec & Parks: $3,150,000
  • Greenways & Bikeways: $6,433,800
  • Athletic Complex Renovations: $875,000
  • Glenwood Recreation Center Renovations: $6,000,000
  • Indian Village Wyandot Lodge: $2,000,000
  • Bike Share Program: $200,000            

Public Service         

  • Resurfacing & Alley Rehabilitation: $33,000,000
  • Bridge Improvements: $3,251,215
  • Pedestrian Improvements: $4,000,000
  • Urban Infrastructure Recovery Fund: $8,000,000
  • Cols. Coated Fabrics/5th Ave Improvements   $1,670,000
  • 18th Street Improvements: $2,500,000
  • Operation Safewalks - Joyce Ave: $4,500,000
  • Curb Reconstruction: $1,000,000
  • Multimodal Transportation Plan: $350,000
  • ADA Curb Ramps - Citywide Curb Ramps: $1,000,000
  • Street and Snow Equipment: $2,773,364           

Electricity    

  • Street Lighting: $4,200,000