Agenda Item # 5
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
Agenda Report # 56
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Accept Property from Norfolk Southern to Memorialize "Old
Colored Cemetery"
INITIATED BY: Amy Carbajal, Community Reinvestment Department
Recommendation: Approval is requested to accept a Quit Claim Deed from
Norfolk Southern for property located along the 600 block of 6th Avenue,
adjacent to the railroad tracks and in the Liberty District (a portion of Tax
Map Number 020-004-001) for a memorial for the "Old Colored Cemetery".
Background: The property located along the 600 block of 6th Avenue in
the Liberty District should be recognized as one of two of the original
cemeteries in Columbus, established in 1828. In 2011, the City conducted an
archeological study on this site. The findings were sufficient to confirm the
historical significance of site as location of the original " Old Colored
Cemetery". Staff presented these findings to Council with a concept plan to
create a Memorial Resting Garden to commemorate the significance of the site.
The development costs are estimated at $180,000. Accepting a Quit Claim Deed
will allow staff to proceed with development of the memorial.
Analysis: Norfolk Southern is donating land to the City. This is one of very
few sites with this level of significance. Efforts should be undertaken to
preserve its heritage. This is in the best interest of the City of Columbus.
Financial Considerations: The property is being given to the City.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: Projected annual fiscal impact is
expected to be limited to maintenance. The property will be added to the
FY2014 landscaping contract and will cost approximately $3,000 per year
Legal Considerations: Council must provide the authorization to accept
property.
Recommendations/ Actions: Authorize the City Manager to accept a Quit Claim
Deed from Norfolk Southern for property located on the 600 block of 6th Avenue
(a portion of Tax Map Number 020-004-001).
A RESOLUTION
NO. _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TO ACCEPT A QUIT CLAIM DEED FROM NORFOLK SOUTHERN FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE 600 BLOCK OF 6TH AVENUE, ADJACENT TO THE RAILROAD
TRACKS, TO CREATE A MEMORIAL RESTING GARDEN RECOGNIZING THE "OLD COLORED
CEMETERY".
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is committed to preserving historically
significant sites; and,
WHEREAS, an Archaeological Study conducted in 2001 has confirmed the historic
significance of this site as an original "Old Colored Cemetery"; and,
WHEREAS, it is the City's desire to create a Memorial Resting Garden on this
site to commemorate its historical significance; and,
WHEREAS, Norfolk Southern will provide a Quit Claim Deed for this property to
the City for this purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the City Manager is hereby authorized to accept a quit claim deed
from Norfolk Southern which transfers property on the 600 block of 6th Avenue
(a portion of Tax Map Number 020-004-001) for the purpose of creating a
Memorial Garden.
___________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia,
held the _________ day of _____________ 2013, and adopted at said meeting by
the affirmative vote of
_____________ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor McDaniel voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
____________________________
________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council , Mayor
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