By Chrissy Alspaugh, The Republic
calspaugh@therepublic.com
Columbus City Council informally committed Wednesday night to $6 million for reconstruction of The Commons.
The project, estimated to cost $18 million, will replace the public space at the front of the building on Washington Street between Third and Fourth streets. That building also contains the privately owned Commons Mall.
"This is our town square, and we need to be on board," said member Joe Richardson.
No vote was taken on the city's financial commitment, but all City Council members indicated their support.
Officials said that while the city has $12.74 million in bonding capacity, some should remain for emergencies.
Mayor Fred Armstrong said it is unclear how the city will fund the $6 million, but general obligation bonds could be used.
The council will vote later on actual funding, he said, once it becomes clear how the other $12 million needed for the project will be raised.
The Commons closed Jan. 1, and plans call for the rebuilt city portion of the building to reopen in 2010. The rest of the building is being developed by Dora Hotels of Fishers and is expected to contain a hotel, con- ference center and office space.
Councilman George Dutro, in proposing the $6 million commitment, said the city would have been facing a repair bill of $4.5 million or more in the next few years "just to keep it running" if the decision to demolish The Commons and rebuild it had not been made.
Toyota tax abatement
The council also approved a $3.2 million tax abatement for Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc., for an expansion and equipment upgrade at its Walesboro facility.
The request would phase in property taxes over 10 years for an expansion Toyota hopes to complete by June.
A Toyota representative said the company plans to add 19,800 square feet to its plant for $1.35 million and add $1.9 million in equipment. The company wants to add 10 jobs to the 883 it has. The new employees would earn a combined salary of $265,000.
Also Wednesday, the council members:
Gave final approval to Columbus Regional Hospital's expansion plan and rezoning of eight acres east of the existing building from single-family and institutional uses to special uses.
Conducted a first reading of a new city/county zoning ordinance that would update existing ordinances that date to 1971 and 1958.
The new ordinance aims to update existing zoning possibilities and provide clearer descriptions for users.
A group of Columbus landlords spoke against a portion of the proposed ordinance related to multi-family units downtown.
A second reading, necessary for the ordinance to become law, is planned before the city council Feb. 5.
Approved on first reading rezoning about 20 acres west of Indianapolis Road, south of Tudor Court, from highway business to medium industrial. The proposal comes with the condition that tenants in the northernmost lots may not exceed light-industrial use.
The condition arose after two residents north of the area proposed for rezoning said they worry about the environmental and safety issues of living near a business such as a factory.