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Franklin Twp. to particpate in West Broad improvements
(by Kathleen Radcliff, staff writer - October 22, 2012)
Franklin Township trustees are participating in a grant program to improve a portion of West Broad Street between Wilson Road and I-270.
A $1.8 million grant, provided through the Ohio Department of Transportation, would resurface the road and provide other improvements, including drainage.
“The right-of-way has already been obtained,” Trustee chair Timothy Guyton said. “Our maintenance responsibility will be trimming trees, mulching and maintaining flower beds.”
Snow removal will not be a township responsibility, officials said.
The township’s contribution to Phase I of the project is $100,000, a decrease from the previously estimated $400,000. Phase I is expected to begin by spring 2013.
“The state took safety issues out of the township’s contribution,” Guyton said.
The vote was 2-1, with trustees Paul Johnson and Guyton voting “yes.”
“I have to vote ‘no,’” Trustee vice chair Don Cook said. “I’ve seen too many people come through here and get told, ‘No, we don’t have the money for it.’ For a bunch of flowers, I can’t see it.”
Township considers JEDZ
Guyton said the township has considered partnering with a neighboring municipality to form a joint economic development zone (JEDZ).
The JEDZ would protect the township’s commercial base on West Broad Street, as well as on Phillipi and Fisher roads.
Prairie Township is partnered with the village of Obetz, Guyton said, and anticipates $2 million per year in incoming revenue.
“Prairie is making so much money, I don’t mean it’s rolling out their ears, but they are considering rolling back some of their millage to their taxpayers… and that’s a good thing,” Guyton said.
Franklin Township could partner with Grove City, Grandview, Upper Arlington, Obetz or the city of Columbus.
“What we need to do is shop around,” Johnson said.
Guyton said the township will also gain an estimated $138,000 in revenue from Hollywood Casino, through an agreement with Columbus.
“We won’t receive it until spring 2013,” he said.
Township meetings in November have moved to Nov. 7 and 21 due to scheduling conflicts and Thanksgiving.
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