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Council designates 25-acre city-owned property as preferred site for new jail; councilors ask for more cost detail
Summary
Council voted to designate about 25 acres at 601/602 Eleventh Avenue as the preferred site for a new jail and authorized consultants to proceed with schematic design; several councilors asked for further cost analysis of relocations and alternatives.
The Columbus City Council voted to designate roughly 25 acres of city-owned property at 601 and 602 Eleventh Avenue as the preferred site for a proposed new jail and authorized the city—s design and construction consultants to begin schematic design and further site studies.
Why it matters: Councilors and the sheriff have said a new facility is needed for capacity, operations and modernization. Design work and preliminary engineering will inform total project cost estimates and relocation needs for departments currently on the site, notably public-works functions.
Details of the action: Director of General Services (design program lead) explained the city previously authorized a design contract and that the current step would allow consultants to use remaining funds to perform schematic design (roughly 25% design), geotechnical work and utility studies at the designated site. The city has already spent several hundred thousand dollars on test fits and geotechnical testing; the new authorization would allow completion of schematic design and contractor pricing preparation.
Council discussion: Several councilors expressed support for a new jail but asked to slow the timetable to better understand relocation costs for public-works operations, records storage and traffic/shop functions that presently occupy the site. Councilor John Anker said he wanted additional review of relocation options and cost estimates; Director Pruitt and the project construction manager said further design work would develop foundation, utilities and relocation cost estimates, and that those estimates would be presented to council before construction proceeds.
Vote and next steps: Council approved the site designation and directed consultants to proceed with schematic design. Staff said the schematic phase should provide a clearer budget and scope and would be brought back to council for further decisions on financing and relocation planning.
Ending: Councilors stressed the need for fiscal clarity and for keeping open alternatives if federal or state programs addressing mental-health or jail alternatives become available during the design phase.
