Phase Two of the “Connecting State Street” project has cleared one hurdle after the Columbus Redevelopment Commission gave its unanimous approval Monday evening. The body heard a presentation about the project from United Consulting.

The project includes a side-path extending south from the Haw Creek bridge, near Stadler Drive, to Mapleton Street. Just under a half-mile long, officials call this path the “core” of the State Street project. Future sections will complete connections to downtown and Mill Race Park.

Phase Two also includes five green spaces. This includes two near Stadler Drive and three near Indiana Avenue. This spaces are slated to include 84 shade trees, 10 flowering trees, benches and 6,719 bricks. Nine-hundred of those bricks will be engraved.

Total cost of this phase of the project is estimated at $2.6 million, which is in line with what city officials had expected.

Due to the expense, the redevelopment commission’s approval of the project is only a “recommendation” for the city council to move forward with necessary funding. That body is expected to consider the matter next month.