Columbus City Council approves $15M for Central College Road reconstruction and summer food program

Columbus City Council made significant strides in enhancing community services during its recent meeting on March 31, 2025. A key decision was the approval of a $15.3 million contract for the Northeast Central College Jewelry Road reconstruction project. This initiative aims to improve traffic flow and infrastructure by adding turn lanes, updating street lighting, and enhancing stormwater management. The project is expected to enhance safety and accessibility for residents and commuters alike.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the council authorized a $2.5 million grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to support the 2025 Summer Food Program. This program will provide approximately 180,000 meals and 15,000 snacks to children in need across over 100 sites in the Columbus area, ensuring that families do not face food insecurity during the summer months. The emergency declaration accompanying this funding will allow meal provisions to begin by June 1, highlighting the urgency of addressing child hunger.

The council also addressed public safety concerns by approving a contract with Sound Thinking Inc. for a gunfire detection system, allocating $661,500 from the general fund. This technology will enhance police response times to gunfire incidents, providing real-time alerts and precise locations to law enforcement. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce gun violence and improve community safety, with the police department reporting a significant number of gunfire alerts in recent years.

These decisions reflect the council's commitment to improving infrastructure, ensuring food security for children, and enhancing public safety in Columbus. As these initiatives move forward, they are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the community, addressing critical needs and fostering a safer environment for all residents.