The site of the old mall is expected to be transformed into something resembling a mini New York Central Park.  The project, which is being called Columbus Commons, is a nine-acre project combining retail, housing and office space with a six-acre park, ONN affiliate WBNS reported.

The city came to Franklin County Commissioners in search of money to finish the project, and next week, commissioners will vote on whether or not it will provide $3 million in taxpayer funding.

SLIDESHOWS: Images Of Plans  | City Center: The Beginning

If commissioners approve funding, it will come with a stipulation.

"We feel it's important to preserve this green space as a central park for everyone," said Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks.  "We think it will facilitate economic development by preserving that green space permanently."

Commissioners and Franklin County Metro Parks -- which has also contributed $2 million to the project -- want to ensure that a piece of the project remains a park forever.

The county's funding would also come with naming rights to a grove of native Ohio trees that would be planted as part of the project, Landers reported.

The city hopes that renovating City Center will boost the downtown economy by getting more people downtown. 

Some residents said they were skeptical of the $20 million project.

"How many parks to we need?" asked Columbus resident Gary Maddden.  "They're not utilizing the ones they have."

The city wants have the park open by December 2010, but beyond that, it is not clear when more development will follow, Landers reported.

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