The longer it takes to get development off the ground, the more money it will take to get the job done.
That’s the reality that city officials and residents face as it pertains to the $6 million to $8 million (or more) riverfront project in Columbus.
Costs are continuing to increase as the city jumps through bureaucratic hoops in getting the master plan started.
The riverfront redevelopment is planned between the Second and Third Street bridges downtown and calls for the removal of the lowhead dam in the East Fork of the White River, maintenance and repair of the river banks, connections to the People Trail system and an in-water recreation area. The project has been in the works for more than two years.
The biggest issue the project has encountered surrounds the creation of the in-water recreation area, as the Indiana Department of Natural Resources doesn’t have a “playbook” for such amenities.
Monday, the commission amended its contacts to send more money to both Hitchcock Design Group and CORE Planning Strategies for their work on the project.
In all, the project has had five redesigns. Between the costs of mitigation and additional services, Hitchcock Design Group has estimated an additional $1 million has been added to the project.
An updated cost estimate from Taylor Bros. Construction will also be needed in the future, which will be on par or above initial estimates.
Some city officials have suggested walking away from the project all together, but that would be a mistake.
There are serious ecological and safety concerns facing the riverfront, including the dangerous low-head dam, an eroding city dump and an exposed sewer line.
Randy Royer with Hitchcock Design Group also reminded the Columbus Redevelopment Commission on Monday that a large tree eroded and fell over and hit the Second Street bridge about a year ago.
Rather than scrapping the project all together, the commission should consider doing it in segments.
Projects such as the dam and riverbanks shouldn’t be put off any longer, as there are real safety issues that are impacting the area. After those are taken care of, the People Trail should be extended before the recreational area is created.
Whatever the city decides, a strong message is needed. Right now, taxpayers are on the hook for all the increased costs and confidence in the project is diminishing.
