JOHNSON ANNOUNCES ASSISTANCE TO CLEAN UP LAZARUS SITE
Clean Ohio Assistance Funds Awarded

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that a $742,500 grant from the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund (COAF) has been awarded to the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District for the clean up and remediation of the former Lazarus warehouse property located at 562 W. Whittier and 514 Furnace Streets. Once clean, the property will be used for retail and residential purposes, and will eventually include an 80-acre Metro Park in the downtown area.

“I'm pleased that the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund will help in the clean up and redevelopment of this prime downtown property,” said Lt. Governor Johnson, who also serves as state development director. “By ensuring the safety of the site, developers will be able to move forward with this exciting project that will be an economic benefit, and bring new vitality and quality of life to this inner city community.”

The Clean Ohio Assistance funds will be used for asbestos removal, demolition and soil remediation on the 12.61-acre property, which has an industrial history dating back to the late 1800s. This project is the first phase of the overall redevelopment of the Whittier Peninsula, which in addition to the park will eventually entail the redevelopment of approximately 55 acres for mixed commercial and residential use, and 15-20 acres of infrastructure development.

Today, the State Controlling Board approved the funds that will enable the project to move forward. Additionally, the recipient, Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Parks District will provide $438,389 in matching funds for the project.

Funds from the $10 million COAF must be used for Phase I and II Environmental Assessments, brownfield redevelopment or public health projects. Projects located in situational distressed, inner distressed, distressed or labor surplus cities are eligible for funding. Projects are evaluated based on economic benefit; environmental improvement, including public health benefit; appropriateness and reasonableness of the proposed project and the financial condition of the community.