Columbus City Council last night approved legislation reallocating the city's share of the local hotel/motel tax.Council President Andy Ginther sponsored the legislation.
A study completed last year by a city-appointed panel found an additional 8.6 million dollars is needed to sustain the arts and human services, create jobs and increase tourism. Council also approved 313-thousand dollars in funding to begin design work on the Camp Chase Trail project. Columbus Recreation and Parks Director Alan Mcknight says the 11-mile multi-use trail will run along the Camp Chase railroad.
Council also approved spending 2.8 million dollars to demolish 120 vacant and abandoned homes. The money is part of Mayor Michael Coleman's five-year plan to clear away 900 of Columbus' worst vacant and abandoned properties.