Columbus Mayor John Lienhoop says with only three months left in his term, he doesn’t feel like he’s winding down at all. In fact, he feels like things are speeding up.
One of his priorities is construction of NexusPark – the city’s transformation of Fair Oaks Mall into a sport, recreation, and wellness space.
“We've begun to book events for the second quarter of 2024," Lienhoop said. "And we're pretty excited to the performance that we put together with the help of our consultants indicate that we'll make money at NexusPark.”
Listen to more: Ask The Mayor: Columbus Lienhoop on leaf pickup, NexusPark use, budget
Lienhoop said the city hopes to put a bid out this year on the riverfront development. The mixed-use development called “The Taylor” will start leasing soon but is still looking for a grocer.
A project the city hasn’t been able to move forward with is a new hotel conference center. Lienhoop said the cost estimates are “eye popping.”
He also said he wants to work with the county’s mental health and substance abuse recovery service called ASAP.
“Trying to find help for those people who suffer from those afflictions is difficult. And then to get those folks to accept the help, sometimes it's even more difficult,” he said.
Lienhoop announced last year he would not run for a third term.
