Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman announced his proposed $268 million 2014 Capital Improvements Budget today, which includes investments in parks, bikeways, street resurfacing, rec centers and other projects.
“The lives and the neighborhoods of our residents are enhanced when we invest in our parks and in our recreation facilities,” said Coleman during today’s announcement at the Glenwood Rec Center in the Hilltop neighborhood. “All the investments we propose today will strengthen our city and improve our quality of life.”
In the proposed budget, Glenwood Rec Center would be demolished and replaced with a brand new $6 million facility that would include a full sized gym and rooms for fitness, arts and craft classes.
Other highlights include a $5 million Downtown Fire Station replacement on Fulton Avenue, $33 million for street resurfacing, $2.8 million to be spent on new street and snow removal equipment, $2.5 million designated for the demolition of abandoned homes, $2 million on housing preservation, $6.4 million on new greenways and 4 miles of new bikeways, and many other projects.
“The Columbus City Council is investing 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.”
The largest individual item in the budget is a $57.235 million earmark for the 111 North Front Street Project, which includes the demolition of the city office building at 109 North Front Street, and the replacement with a new 135,000 square foot building that may be up to eight stories tall.
For more information, visit www.columbus.gov.