MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 24, 2010

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John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
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Mayor Coleman, President Gee, OSU Medical Center and City Council Announce Partnership To Create 6,000 New Jobs And East Side Neighborhood Revitalization

Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee and Mayor Michael B. Coleman today were joined by OSU Medical Center CEO Steven G. Gabbe, members of Columbus City Council and East Side neighborhood leaders to announce a historic partnership that will result in the creation of 6,000 new jobs and a new neighborhood revitalization effort on the East Side.

“As University Hospital East improves, so will the neighborhood it calls home,” Mayor Coleman said. “I appreciate all the great people at Ohio State and the OSU Medical Center for working with us on this historic partnership for jobs and neighborhood revitalization.”

This partnership will result in the largest jobs initiative in Columbus history through a $1 billion expansion of OSU Medical Center where 6,000 new jobs will be created. The city will realize $77 million in income tax over the next 15 years from the partnership.

“This initiative builds on many longstanding collaborations among the university, the City of Columbus and community leaders," said President Gee. “Recognizing that our fates are thoroughly tied, we are marshalling our collective resources and pressing forward as partners in common purpose and common calling to advance Columbus’ future.”

The city is providing an income-tax rebate mirrored after the agreement City Council approved in 2008 for Children’s Hospital. OSU will in turn reinvest dollars it saves into an unprecedented neighborhood revitalization effort in the area surrounding University Hospital East. OSU is committing to spending $10 million over the next decade to improve housing and quality of life in the neighborhood.

“As a member of The Ohio State University Health System, University Hospital East has been delivering outstanding medical care in the neighborhood for many years,” said Dr. Gabbe. “Continued investments in our facility and programming, combined with innovative community partnerships, demonstrate OSU Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to improve the health and well-being of residents in our communities.”

Key components of the investment include acquisition and rehab of houses, down-payment assistance and a $1 million faith-based initiative with neighborhood clergy, designed to promote healthy lifestyles through education, diet and exercise. Prior to any final neighborhood decisions, OSU is undertaking an area-wide study and seeking the input of residents to help shape future programs and investment.

“While OSU’s community reinvestment plans will be a shot in the arm for the East Side, the overall expansion will have an incredible impact on all Columbus neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, chair of the Development and Finance Committee. “Job creation and retention are key components to stabilizing our economy and improving our community. This commitment also allows Columbus to continue to position itself as a national leader in field of medical technology and to attract the best and brightest to our city.”

“Studies have proven that access to high quality medical care and nutrition services are critical to improving the lives of our residents,” said Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares, chair of the Health and Human Development Committee. “I appreciate the fact that Ohio State leaders also recognize that affordable housing gives our families a safe place to grow and begin to learn the value of investing in the future, helping to build a stronger neighborhood here on the East Side.”

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