Athens City Council members passed an ordinance authorizing improvements to ARTS/West which they say will make the building more accessible to people with disabilities.
Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, said the improvements would renovate both the inside and outside of the building. The improvements would include new flooring and lighting, as well as making the building up to ADA accessibility standards.
The improvements will also include plumbing renovations and new doors, according to a previous Post report. This is the second time council has tried to authorize the project for bidding. Previously, it was overbid for at $195,104.
ARTS/West is part of Athens’ Arts, Parks and Recreation Department and works to make facilities, resources and opportunities available for arts organizations, according to the organization’s website.
Athens City Council members also authorized an extension with the Ohio Power Company, which will allow them to continue to maintain power lines within the city, and hold them accountable for trees and Athens property they might damage, councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward, said.