Columbus city councilmen will consider spending $2.6 million in tax increment financing district funds for the next phase of the State Street Revitalization Project.
The matter will come before the council during its April 4 meeting, said Heather Pope, city redevelopment director.
Columbus Redevelopment Commission members on Monday approved allocating the funds for the project’s next phase. If the council approves, the money will be used to create a trail link between the east side of Columbus and downtown and provide architectural elements along the path, which extends south from the south end of the Hawcreek Bridge to Mapleton Street.
The second phase of the State Street project has been divided into two sections. The $2.6 mil= which links the bridge work to a new pedestrian trail and sidewalk through east Columbus to Mapleton. The project’s Phase 2B section will link the work on the east side of the bridge to downtown Columbus and Mill Race Park.
For the next phase of the project, enhanced pedestrian streetscape improvements are planned, including a new 6-foot-wide sidewalk along the south side of State Street from the bridge south to Pence Street, and a new 8-foot paved trail on the north side from the Hawcreek Bridge south to Mapleton Street.
It also includes new public green spaces at Stadler Drive and at Indiana Avenue and State Street.
The green spaces will feature trees, brick pavers and puzzle benches, said Christine Eaton, a landscape architect and project manager with Indianapolis-based Browning, Day, Mullins and Dierdorf.
Pedestrian streetscape features include new lighting and a sculptural red wave element along the path.
Decorative crosswalks and brick curb ramps also will be developed as part of the second phase, which will include public art as well. The first phase of the project, which cost $2.185 million, began in October and is expected to be completed by May 26.
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Columbus City Council will consider funding $2.6 million for Phase 2A of the State Street Revitalization Project during its April 18 meeting at Columbus City Hall.
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The State Street Area Association is accepting orders from people interested in purchasing a brick that can be engraved. The bricks will be placed along the State Street corridor at Indiana and State streets and at Stadler Drive.
The cost is $20 for individuals, $30 for non-profit organizations and $40 for businesses. Space is limited to two lines, with 14 characters per line. Forms for brick orders will be accepted until May 31 and can be found on the State Street Area Association’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SSAAColumbusIN/.
Checks can be made out to the State Street Area Association and sent to the Roby and America Anderson Community Center, 421 McClure Road, Columbus, IN 47201. For more information, call City Councilman Dascal Bunch at 812-343-0867.
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