Now don't y'all forget about this thread! Remember to cross post any affordable housing stuff. Even some of the recent stuff can be reposted here...

 

And thanks for the upvotes

 

@amped91and @Luvcbus

Sounds like a good idea, especially after Ginther’s comments in the State of the City today:

 

“During the online only, pre-recorded speech, Ginther asked communities and businesses across Greater Columbus to invest $1 billion in housing initiatives and to double the number of market rate, workforce and subsidized units every year for the next 15 years.

 

"To kick off this effort, I am committed to placing another bond package before Columbus voters this November, with at least $150 million going toward the expansion of affordable housing in our city," Ginther said.

The mayor also said that officials city are working to update Columbus' residential tax abatement policy with incentives to create more affordable units.

The mayor also said efforts will begin to create what he called a community-driven plan to revitalize the Eastland area, similar to those created for Linden and the Hilltop, which he said have received more than $150 million in public and private investments.”

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2022/03/15/columbus-mayor-ginther-affordable-housing-state-city-address/7034182001/
 

The full address can be found on the city’s Facebook and YouTube pages. 

If I remember correctly, the Easton thread also has an affordable housing project that could be posted in here

1 hour ago, PrestoKinetic said:

If I remember correctly, the Easton thread also has an affordable housing project that could be posted in here

what would be the best way to do that? For news or developments already posted, would I just copy everything and then just provide a link to the original post?

 

Not exactly the brightest bulb here when it comes to these kind of things/technologically backwards here. 

 

Hahaha I'm new. I'm still trying to learn the site myself xD
What I did here was at the top right corner of the original comment, there was the options icon with the 3 dots, I clicked that, and selected "Share". Then copy-pasted the link into here.  

Get a look at Brad DeHays' first prefab apartment project

 

 

“The first project for Connect Housing Blocks will be on Maryland Avenue, just south of Interstate 670. 

 

Matt Schuenke, chief operating officer for Connect Housing Blocks, said the project will include 74 units across four buildings. There will be 16 one-, 46 two- and 12 three-bedroom units.

 

Each dwelling unit is made up of several module units, like a bedroom and living room, meaning 220 modular units will be required for the project.

 

A fifth building will serve as a community center for the project.“

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/15/connect-housing-block.html

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://forum.urbanohio.com/topic/255-columbus-near-east-side-king-lincoln-olde-towne-east-developments-and-news/?do=findComment&comment=1053485

 

Edited March 16, 20223 yr by Toddguy
blah yada yada

10 minutes ago, PrestoKinetic said:

 

Hahaha I'm new. I'm still trying to learn the site myself xD
What I did here was at the top right corner of the original comment, there was the options icon with the 3 dots, I clicked that, and selected "Share". Then copy-pasted the link into here.  

How does my new post look? It is basically the same as the original with a link to the original post.

8 minutes ago, Toddguy said:

How does my new post look? It is basically the same as the original with a link to the original post.

It looks really good. How'd you do that??

2 minutes ago, PrestoKinetic said:

It looks really good. How'd you do that??

I just opened another window and went to the post and copy/pasted it on the original UA window I had open. And used the same thing you used but left it as a link only for the original post.

 

I guess when I get more time I will add some more recent affordable housing posts here doing it the same way to get some material in this thread. And if any new are posted and not also posted here, I will do the same thing(or anyone can really).

 

I just wanted a thread where people could easily keep track of affordable housing developments and news without having it all scattered in various threads(where it also needs to be posted based on the development being in a certain section of the city as people also want to keep track of developments and news by location.)

15 minutes ago, Toddguy said:

I just opened another window and went to the post and copy/pasted it on the original UA window I had open. And used the same thing you used but left it as a link only for the original post.

 

I guess when I get more time I will add some more recent affordable housing posts here doing it the same way to get some material in this thread. And if any new are posted and not also posted here, I will do the same thing(or anyone can really).

 

I just wanted a thread where people could easily keep track of affordable housing developments and news without having it all scattered in various threads(where it also needs to be posted based on the development being in a certain section of the city as people also want to keep track of developments and news by location.)

Oh. I guess I made it seem more complicated than it really was. Okay good to know. I think Eastland also has an affordable project too that I can get a hold of.

13 hours ago, amped91 said:

Sounds like a good idea, especially after Ginther’s comments in the State of the City today:

 

“During the online only, pre-recorded speech, Ginther asked communities and businesses across Greater Columbus to invest $1 billion in housing initiatives and to double the number of market rate, workforce and subsidized units every year for the next 15 years.

 

"To kick off this effort, I am committed to placing another bond package before Columbus voters this November, with at least $150 million going toward the expansion of affordable housing in our city," Ginther said.

The mayor also said that officials city are working to update Columbus' residential tax abatement policy with incentives to create more affordable units.

The mayor also said efforts will begin to create what he called a community-driven plan to revitalize the Eastland area, similar to those created for Linden and the Hilltop, which he said have received more than $150 million in public and private investments.”

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2022/03/15/columbus-mayor-ginther-affordable-housing-state-city-address/7034182001/
 

The full address can be found on the city’s Facebook and YouTube pages. 

 

The only problem I have with this is how leaders like Ginther can't move past the idea of concentrating "affordable" housing in areas that are already low income.  Why does it have to be in Linden and Hilltop and Eastland?  It needs to be spread evenly across the city- including in high-income areas- to create mixed-income neighborhoods that have proven to be vastly more beneficial to all income levels than simply putting more low income people in already struggling neighborhoods.  Put those projects in Clintonville, Short North, German Village, the NW side, etc. too, and ensure that upcoming zoning code changes don't allow NIMBYism to get them canceled.   

Edited March 16, 20223 yr by jonoh81

1 hour ago, jonoh81 said:

 

The only problem I have with this is how leaders like Ginther can't move past the idea of concentrating "affordable" housing in areas that are already low income.  Why does it have to be in Linden and Hilltop and Eastland?  It needs to be spread evenly across the city- including in high-income areas- to create mixed-income neighborhoods that have proven to be vastly more beneficial to all income levels than simply putting more low income people in already struggling neighborhoods.  Put those projects in Clintonville, Short North, German Village, the NW side, etc. too, and ensure that upcoming zoning code changes don't allow NIMBYism to get them canceled.   

I wonder if part of the problem is cost of land. The land in those areas is cheaper, so it’s easier for the developer to keep cost low. I agree it needs to spread evenly, but would guess this is a big reason why it’s in certain areas. Most of the land in the areas you mentioned would cost way above what most affordable housing developers could spend to get a return. 

Low land prices are an "issue" all over town with all types of development projects and it's how we wind up with stuff we don't like.

Edited March 16, 20223 yr by GCrites80s

1 hour ago, VintageLife said:

I wonder if part of the problem is cost of land. The land in those areas is cheaper, so it’s easier for the developer to keep cost low. I agree it needs to spread evenly, but would guess this is a big reason why it’s in certain areas. Most of the land in the areas you mentioned would cost way above what most affordable housing developers could spend to get a return. 

 

That assumes that projects would be entirely affordable, but there are plenty of ways to incorporate affordable into mixed-income projects in more expensive neighborhoods.  One way is to increase the overall density of the project so that developers can recoup some of the cost of affordable components with more market-rate units overall.  It should also be basically a requirement that some level of affordable housing goes into every project regardless of location, and any tax incentives should be specifically tied to ensuring that happens. But that goes back into the problem with zoning and NIMBYism.  

2 hours ago, jonoh81 said:

 

The only problem I have with this is how leaders like Ginther can't move past the idea of concentrating "affordable" housing in areas that are already low income.  Why does it have to be in Linden and Hilltop and Eastland?  It needs to be spread evenly across the city- including in high-income areas- to create mixed-income neighborhoods that have proven to be vastly more beneficial to all income levels than simply putting more low income people in already struggling neighborhoods.  Put those projects in Clintonville, Short North, German Village, the NW side, etc. too, and ensure that upcoming zoning code changes don't allow NIMBYism to get them canceled.   

Not to say we don’t need more affordable housing in those higher-income areas, because we always do, but we already are doing both, and Ginther in his address called on  other communities to add more as well. 

4 minutes ago, amped91 said:

Not to say we don’t need more affordable housing in those higher-income areas, because we always do, but we already are doing both, and Ginther in his address called on  other communities to add more as well. 

 

Doing both of what?  Whether a handful of token projects go in higher income neighborhoods doesn't change the reality that the vast majority of affordable units do not, if for no other reason than there is way more organized opposition to them in those areas.  Ginther can call on Worthington to build more affordable, but how likely is that versus Cleveland Avenue?  Land prices only explain so much.  

Edited March 16, 20223 yr by jonoh81

2 minutes ago, jonoh81 said:

 

Doing both of what?  Whether a handful of token projects go in higher income neighborhoods doesn't change the reality that the vast majority of affordable units do not, if for no other reason than there is way more organized opposition to them in those areas.  Ginther can call on Worthington to build more affordable, but how likely is that versus Cleveland Avenue?  Land prices only explain so much.  

You said “Ginther can't move past the idea of concentrating "affordable"housing in areas that are already low income.” Whether or not other communities get behind it, your assertion was incorrect. 

21 minutes ago, jonoh81 said:

 

That assumes that projects would be entirely affordable, but there are plenty of ways to incorporate affordable into mixed-income projects in more expensive neighborhoods.  One way is to increase the overall density of the project so that developers can recoup some of the cost of affordable components with more market-rate units overall.  It should also be basically a requirement that some level of affordable housing goes into every project regardless of location, and any tax incentives should be specifically tied to ensuring that happens. But that goes back into the problem with zoning and NIMBYism.  

Yep this exactly, they can’t build more units to maximize profit, so developers don’t put in as many market rate. Hopefully the zoning code changes will address and help this a bit. 

Edited March 16, 20223 yr by VintageLife

3 minutes ago, amped91 said:

You said “Ginther can't move past the idea of concentrating "affordable"housing in areas that are already low income.” Whether or not other communities get behind it, your assertion was incorrect. 

 

But that is what's happening.  The majority of these units end up in already low-income neighborhoods, so concentrating them there is certainly true.  Look at Franklinton as an example.  Outside of the hot areas east of 315, it's getting almost exclusively low-income and senior housing projects.  Linden is largely the same thing with Homeport and the City building specifically for that target demographic.  Lower income groups perform best and have the greatest chance at upward mobility being in mixed-income neighborhoods.  More market rate for low income neighborhoods and more affordable units for high income neighborhoods should be the overall goal to produce the best outcomes, but that doesn't seem to be the case.    

1 hour ago, jonoh81 said:

 

But that is what's happening.  The majority of these units end up in already low-income neighborhoods, so concentrating them there is certainly true.  Look at Franklinton as an example.  Outside of the hot areas east of 315, it's getting almost exclusively low-income and senior housing projects.  Linden is largely the same thing with Homeport and the City building specifically for that target demographic.  Lower income groups perform best and have the greatest chance at upward mobility being in mixed-income neighborhoods.  More market rate for low income neighborhoods and more affordable units for high income neighborhoods should be the overall goal to produce the best outcomes, but that doesn't seem to be the case.    

I don’t necessarily disagree with most of what you’re saying. However, I think it’s important what the city is doing, in terms of ensuring affordable housing remains in these neighborhoods while they’re simultaneously encouraging the private sector to invest in these areas. Otherwise, I’m worried we’ll just see the same old song and dance where the private investment brings in more middle income residents and drives up housing prices on low income residents. It looks like the city is trying to get ahead of that this time with places like Linden and Eastland.

4 hours ago, jonoh81 said:

 

The only problem I have with this is how leaders like Ginther can't move past the idea of concentrating "affordable" housing in areas that are already low income.  Why does it have to be in Linden and Hilltop and Eastland?  It needs to be spread evenly across the city- including in high-income areas- to create mixed-income neighborhoods that have proven to be vastly more beneficial to all income levels than simply putting more low income people in already struggling neighborhoods.  Put those projects in Clintonville, Short North, German Village, the NW side, etc. too, and ensure that upcoming zoning code changes don't allow NIMBYism to get them canceled.   

 

Ginther is unaware of the existence of those neighborhoods

Edited March 16, 20223 yr by GCrites80s

This isn’t about designated affordable housing units specifically, but it does effect the affordability of housing in general:

 

Here's why multi-family housing slowed down across the region in 2021

 

“Single-family starts increased 17% from 2020, with 6,160 total permits issued across the region. Multi-family permits, however, decreased by 29%, from 6,620 in 2020, to 4,699 in 2021. 

 

BIA executive director Jon Melchi said single-family starts increased because demand for the product has continued to grow over time. On the other hand, multi-family starts decreased because of residential pushback and other roadblocks in communities, which has depressed the market, he said.

 

Jonathon Wilcox, a partner at Worthington-based developer Wilcox Communities, said other factors behind the decrease in multi-family builds are inflated construction costs and competition for land.
 

He said acquiring land has gotten more competitive because more developers and builders are entering the market and Intel's announcement of a $20 billion semiconductor facility in New Albany is causing land speculation.“

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/18/why-multi-family-housing-decreased-in-2021.html

 

Definitely some issues that have been touched on in this thread already. The zoning code overhaul needs to be completed, like, yesterday. And even once that is done, I fear neighborhood pushback will still be a big limiting factor for more housing. 
 

I’m not sure what exactly could be done, but I would also like to see the city do something to disincentivize developers from holding onto these major pieces of land for years on end without actually developing them, especially in places like Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. 

$150 Million for Affordable Housing to be Included in Bond Package on November’s Ballot

 

This November, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther plans to place another bond package on the ballot that will include $150 million for the expansion of affordable housing. In 2019, a bond package was brought before voters that included affordable housing for the first time. $50 million dollars was approved by voters, and funds went to work supporting and expanding affordable housing in the community. 

 

“In its totality, these funds have leveraged more than $300 million in public- and private-sector investments to create 13,000 new affordable housing units over four years-speeding up the pace of progress in our community,” Ginther stated in his address to the city. “We know what we can achieve when we devote $50 million to this cause. Imagine what we will accomplish with $150 million or even $1 billion as a region.”  

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/150-million-for-affordable-housing-to-be-included-in-bond-package-on-novembers-ballot-kc1/

 

Boston-based developer could transform old Knights of Columbus, Boys and Girls Club building downtown

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/22/old-knights-of-columbus-building.html

Quote

The former Knights of Columbus and Salesian Boys and Girls Club building downtown could get new life as a residential property.

New England-based Beacon Communities wants to convert the building at 80 S. 6th St. into 75 multifamily units. The firm presented its plan on a conceptual basis to the Downtown Commission Tuesday morning.

The five-story building was built in 1927. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020; Columbus Landmarks named it one of the area's most-endangered properties in 2018.

Beacon plans to transform the property into affordable housing, with at least half its units designated permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.

 

On 3/18/2022 at 8:30 AM, amped91 said:

 I’m not sure what exactly could be done, but I would also like to see the city do something to disincentivize developers from holding onto these major pieces of land for years on end without actually developing them, especially in places like Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. 

Implementing a land value tax on vacant lots would really disincentivize holding onto empty land - https://localhousingsolutions.org/housing-policy-library/land-value-taxation/

 

It has its drawbacks, but it’d be interesting to see it partially adopted to discourage sitting on empty lots. 

Housing planned for East Main Street near Kelton.

Quote

A 50-unit affordable housing development is planned for two empty lots on the Near East Side. The project, at 1540 E. Main St., will bring two three-story buildings to the site.

City Council signed off on a zoning variance for the project in February, allowing a slightly taller building (40 feet instead of 35), fewer parking spaces (reduced from 91 to 51) and about 1,500 square feet of commercial space to be included in the development. The Near East Area Commission also voted in favor of the project, which is being called Preston Pointe.

The one-acre site, which is bisected by an existing alley, is located just east of the St. Vincent Family Center and a few blocks west of Fairwood Commons, an affordable senior housing development built about five years ago.

https://columbusunderground.com/housing-planned-for-east-main-street-lots-bw1/

 

Thanks @amped91for cross-posting this ^^ here.   :)

I’m just posting this in here since I’m curious about everyone’s take on the impact this could have on the development of future housing if this were to get to the ballot and then pass. 

 

Group pursuing Columbus ballot issue to create rent controls, landlord registration
 

“A group has begun circulating petitions to put an initiative before Columbus voters that would create residential rent control in the city and require landlords to be licensed.

 

If approved by voters, the proposed initiative would create a new city Department of Fair Housing that would be tasked with licensing landlords and running the residential rent control program.

 

"I've watched how rents have gone up the past two to three years," said Jonathan Beard, a community activist and a co-leader of the effort, which involves about 14 active members and is called the Columbus Coalition for Rent Control.

 

According to the proposed code language submitted to the city, the new Department of Fair Housing's primary purpose would be to stabilize residential rents and neighborhoods "so that Columbus reverses the long-term trend of increasing deficits of affordable housing and increasing unaffordable housing and the displacement of neighborhood residents to more distant neighborhoods and suburbs due to rising rents and becomes a city that can better support all its residents, and not primarily its wealthy."‘
 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/2022/04/27/rent-control-columbus-could-make-ballot-affordable-housing/9537505002/

Biden official announces affordable housing spending plan during Columbus visit
 

 

“U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge visited Columbus Monday to unveil the federal government's new action plan to distribute about $35 billion of federal funding to address the nation's housing crisis.

 

Speaking from the Touchstone Field project at 2565 Lockbourne Road, Fudge said the federal government will create a $10 billion incentive for communities "willing to take a look at" their respective zoning plans to address how to build more of a variety of housing, and another $25 billion to help communities preserve and/or build up to 500,000 new housing units.

 

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Cleveland, told Columbus Business First the $25 billion is set to be used for a wide range of incentives, such as downpayment assistance, encouraging banks to write loans in smaller amounts and eviction/foreclosure prevention. It could also include partnering with public transit systems and making sure homes are built in locations near public transit to help people get to work.
 

"We're doing all we can to make sure we can bring the housing prices down through home resources, housing trust resources and others." Fudge said. "Columbus is a place we're going to be watching: You have the people, you have the tools, you have the skills and you have the will."‘
 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/05/16/affordable-housing-incentives-hud-biden-columbus.html

Central Ohio affordable housing projects land state tax credits
 

 

“Half a dozen Central Ohio affordable housing projects have landed state tax credits. 
 

This year, 31 developments across the state were awarded more than $31.9 million in 10-year federal housing tax credits from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, according to a media release. OHFA reviewed 76 applications requesting more than $78.8 million in credits.”

 

The projects chosen this year:

 

- Elevate 340, Downtown (ODP HQ redev)

- Fieldstone Cottages, Alum Creek Drive

- Preston Pointe, E Main St (Near East Side)

- Bexley Apartments, Bexley

- Canal Crossing, Licking County

- Poplar Fen Place, Franklin County

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/05/23/central-ohio-projects-awarded-ohfa-funding.html

Columbus details plan to build, preserve and invest in inclusive affordable housing

 

The city on Monday outlined plans to address rising housing costs, housing instability and displacement, including a new $200 million affordable housing bond that would go on the November ballot.

 

The Columbus Housing Strategy calls for creating more housing units at all price points and directing city resources to address the other issues.

 

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther outlined the plan in Linden at Kenlawn Place, an apartment complex developed by Homeport for families making about 60% of the area median income.

 

In the past few years, housing has taken a larger role in the city's economic development talks.

 

"We need to look at the ways that we've created barriers to bringing new units into our communities," said Erin Prosser, assistant director of housing strategies. "This (housing strategy) doesn't just live in the department of development – it's got to live across all our departments, across all our resources and all our funding sources.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/27/citys-affordable-housing-announcement.html

 

$200 Million Bond Package Part of City’s New Housing Strategy

 

A new Columbus Housing Strategy calls for increased investment, updated policies, and help from the city’s neighboring suburban jurisdictions to tackle a housing affordability crisis that is only predicted to get worse as the region grows.

 

Mayor Andrew Ginther and others spoke about the strategy at a press event held yesterday at Kenlawn Place, a new affordable housing complex in Linden.

 

“Housing is essential infrastructure, just like transportation and utilities,” he said. “We’re creating jobs, but our housing creation isn’t keeping up.

 

“No household should pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing; if you’re able to work in this region, you should be able to live here, too.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/200-million-bond-package-part-of-citys-new-housing-strategy-bw1/

 

Columbus affordable housing need creates market for small developers, but barriers linger

 

As Columbus works to address its affordable housing shortage, leaders hope to lean on small- and mid-sized developers and give them more incentive to build residential units at all price points.

 

Exactly how the city will do that is still to be determined.

 

The city last week outlined plans to address the need for more affordable housing, including a new $200 million affordable housing bond that would go on the November ballot.

 

The new Columbus Housing Strategy calls for creating more housing units, including affordable, workforce and market-rate ones. Erin Prosser, the city's assistant director of housing strategies, said the city needs to double residential construction in the next 15 years to match expected population growth.

 

"We have to have diversity in unit-type to meet all budgets," Prosser told Columbus Business First. "There is no silver bullet. We need all kinds of housing to solve this issue."

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/06/affordable-housing-columbus-small-developers.html

 

Pretty interesting idea reported on by CU. More ADUs could definitely help with improving supply and affordability. 
 

Local Entrepreneur Wants to Build An Apartment in Your Backyard
 

“Lease the Lawn will work with Columbus homeowners to build a two-car garage in their backyard with a two-bedroom apartment above it – at scale. 

 

From a technical standpoint, Lease the Lawn needs 50 feet of alley access and a 24-by-24 footprint to build a unit. If a space clears those two hurdles, then it’s on to city services – making sure sewer, water and electric can be run from the street to the back alley in an affordable way. 

 

The units will be two stories – two-car garage on the ground floor, 725 square-foot, two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath unit on the second. Designed by Architect Jeff Glavan, who has experience building structures at scale for brands like Chipotle, the units will feature bright, open spaces. They’ll be equipped with full kitchens with finishes like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and have a stackable washer-dryer. In some locations, the design will also include the option for a rooftop garden/patio. One garage space will be reserved for the homeowner, the other for the unit’s renter, with the apartment accessible through an internal staircase.

 

Hunegnaw outlines four goals for Lease the Lawn: increase property values, create density, improve walkability and build safety and security.“

https://columbusunderground.com/local-entrepreneur-wants-to-build-an-apartment-in-your-backyard-sp1/

I love that idea. In addition to long term leasing, those little above garage units make nice short term BnB rentals as well. 

57 minutes ago, FudgeRounds said:

I love that idea. In addition to long term leasing, those little above garage units make nice short term BnB rentals as well. 

Also great "mother-in-law suites". Get to keep your family close, but not too close.

GOING SMALLER TO SOLVE A HUGE PROBLEM

Columbus officials say it’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve the affordable housing problem in Central Ohio.

 

Columbus officials say it’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve the affordable housing problem in Central Ohio.

 

“We have to have diversity in unit type to meet all budgets,” said Erin Prosser, the city’s assistant director of housing strategies. “There is no silver bullet. We need all kinds of housing to solve this issue.”

 

Last month, the city outlined new plans to address the affordable housing shortage, including a $200 million affordable housing bond targeted for the November ballot.

 

Prosser said the Columbus Housing Strategy calls for doubling residential construction in the next 15 years to match expected population growth. That means all types: market-rate units, workforce housing and affordable housing.

 

To do so, city leaders hope to get small and mid-size developers involved in building apartments and houses at all price points.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/22/affordable-housing-shortage-columbus-developers.html

 

17 minutes ago, ColDayMan said:

GOING SMALLER TO SOLVE A HUGE PROBLEM

Columbus officials say it’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve the affordable housing problem in Central Ohio.

 

Columbus officials say it’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve the affordable housing problem in Central Ohio.

 

“We have to have diversity in unit type to meet all budgets,” said Erin Prosser, the city’s assistant director of housing strategies. “There is no silver bullet. We need all kinds of housing to solve this issue.”

 

Last month, the city outlined new plans to address the affordable housing shortage, including a $200 million affordable housing bond targeted for the November ballot.

 

Prosser said the Columbus Housing Strategy calls for doubling residential construction in the next 15 years to match expected population growth. That means all types: market-rate units, workforce housing and affordable housing.

 

To do so, city leaders hope to get small and mid-size developers involved in building apartments and houses at all price points.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/22/affordable-housing-shortage-columbus-developers.html

 

Hopefully that will also include allowing smaller sqft housing to be built. 

1 hour ago, VintageLife said:

Hopefully that will also include allowing smaller sqft housing to be built. 

 

And allowing multi-unit in predominantly single-family neighborhoods.

Woda Cooper is staying busy. 
 

Woda Cooper opens affordable apartments near Easton

 

 

“The $15.4 million project, dubbed Wendler Commons, offers mainly two-bedroom units, but also has one- and three-bedroom units for people making 30% of the area median income to 80% of the area median income, according to the developer.
 

Woda Cooper is working to bring affordable housing projects to the Columbus region, including the recently announced plans to redevelop the former Starling Middle School in Franklinton.
 

Woda Cooper and the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority also are gearing up to start the 44-unit McKinley Manor, also in Franklinton. Woda Cooper will be the general contractor and manager of that property.

 

The developer also broke ground this spring in the south side of Columbus on Lockbourne Greene. Woda Cooper is building the 60-unit developmentin partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital's Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families Realty Collaborative and Community Development for All People.”

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/25/woda-cooper.html

Columbus Rents Remain Affordable Nationally, But Have Increased by More than 20% in Past Year

 

Just like the price of everything, rents are going up. Columbus renters in nearly every neighborhood have watched their apartment rental payments climb as the demand for new housing and a growing population outpaces the construction of new units. According to a new report from apartment rental site Zumper, the median cost of a one-bedroom apartment has jumped 20.4% from July 2021 to July 2022.

 

“Our economy is facing a web of uncertainties, strains and unprecedented events,” states the report post from Zumper. “Thanks to rapidly increasing interest rates, many would-be buyers are opting out of the market, creating additional demand for rentals. Yet — as we observed last month — renters are holding out for deals, choosing more affordable neighborhoods, bringing in roommates and even moving back in with parents in order to save money.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/columbus-rents-remain-affordable-nationally-but-have-increased-by-more-than-20-percent-in-past-year-we1/

 

Columbus' new tax abatement policy increases fees to make sure affordable units built

 

The city's updated residential tax abatement policy aims to increase the number of affordable units built in all neighborhoods and will increase the buy-out option to ensure more units come online.

 

Last week, Columbus City Council approved an updated residential tax abatement policy, which will incentivize developers to offer more affordable units in more Columbus neighborhoods. Every developer seeking an abatement with permits granted after Sept. 1, 2023 will have to follow the new policy.

 

“This is a key part of our strategy, this reduces the financing gap and makes projects happen,” said Columbus Development Director Michael Stevens. “This tool helps add affordable housing in neighborhoods like Victorian Village. … We’re including folks in a neighborhood where the median income is $110,000.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/01/columbus-new-tax-abatement-policy-increases-fees.html

 

I can’t really tell from the article:

 

If developers choose to pay the one time fee, does it still go to a community dev program, or is it for a general city fund now? Are Ready for Opportunity builds now going to need an affordable unit component to qualify for an abatement, or are all builds still eligible? And last, will the City be reevaluating which areas fall into Ready for Market/Revitalization/Opportunity once the updates go into effect?

It’s been pretty quiet in here today! (I’m saying that bc, last time I did, we got a good amount of dev news after. Seeing if my incantation works again.)

 

CVS investing $19M in affordable housing development in Columbus
 

 

“The pharmacy chain CVS Health Corp. will invest $18.9 million in the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's effort to build and preserve 150 affordable housing units in Columbus.

 

Mike Avotins, East Mid-America market president for CVS' Aetna subsidiary, told Columbus Business First that CVS has an interest in addressing the social determinants of health, which include access to housing, access to food and access to health care. 

 

CVS is a tax credit investor in the low-income housing tax credit deal that CMHA is using to revitalize Post Oak Station at 1383 Vida Way in west Columbus.
 

The rehab will include new furnaces, air conditioning units, appliances and water heaters and updates of the bathrooms, kitchens and electrical systems. The affordable housing developer will demolish six units and build a new 10,000-square-foot daycare center, which will serve residents and other people living nearby. CMHA will lease the daycare to a professional operator. CMHA will also build eight new affordable rental units, bringing the total of units to 150. Each apartment is a two-story townhome, most of them with two- or three-bedroom units.

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/12/cvs-investing-19m-in-columbus-affordable-housing.html

On 8/12/2022 at 5:57 PM, amped91 said:

It’s been pretty quiet in here today! (I’m saying that bc, last time I did, we got a good amount of dev news after. Seeing if my incantation works again.)

 

CVS investing $19M in affordable housing development in Columbus
 

 

“The pharmacy chain CVS Health Corp. will invest $18.9 million in the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's effort to build and preserve 150 affordable housing units in Columbus.

 

Mike Avotins, East Mid-America market president for CVS' Aetna subsidiary, told Columbus Business First that CVS has an interest in addressing the social determinants of health, which include access to housing, access to food and access to health care. 

 

CVS is a tax credit investor in the low-income housing tax credit deal that CMHA is using to revitalize Post Oak Station at 1383 Vida Way in west Columbus.
 

The rehab will include new furnaces, air conditioning units, appliances and water heaters and updates of the bathrooms, kitchens and electrical systems. The affordable housing developer will demolish six units and build a new 10,000-square-foot daycare center, which will serve residents and other people living nearby. CMHA will lease the daycare to a professional operator. CMHA will also build eight new affordable rental units, bringing the total of units to 150. Each apartment is a two-story townhome, most of them with two- or three-bedroom units.

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/12/cvs-investing-19m-in-columbus-affordable-housing.html

Oh man I hope CVS isn't buttering people up so they will vote against developments that affect their 1 story drive up parking lot surrounded stores in the Columbus area.

On 8/12/2022 at 5:57 PM, amped91 said:

It’s been pretty quiet in here today! (I’m saying that bc, last time I did, we got a good amount of dev news after. Seeing if my incantation works again.)

 

CVS investing $19M in affordable housing development in Columbus
 

 

“The pharmacy chain CVS Health Corp. will invest $18.9 million in the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's effort to build and preserve 150 affordable housing units in Columbus.

 

Mike Avotins, East Mid-America market president for CVS' Aetna subsidiary, told Columbus Business First that CVS has an interest in addressing the social determinants of health, which include access to housing, access to food and access to health care. 

 

CVS is a tax credit investor in the low-income housing tax credit deal that CMHA is using to revitalize Post Oak Station at 1383 Vida Way in west Columbus.
 

The rehab will include new furnaces, air conditioning units, appliances and water heaters and updates of the bathrooms, kitchens and electrical systems. The affordable housing developer will demolish six units and build a new 10,000-square-foot daycare center, which will serve residents and other people living nearby. CMHA will lease the daycare to a professional operator. CMHA will also build eight new affordable rental units, bringing the total of units to 150. Each apartment is a two-story townhome, most of them with two- or three-bedroom units.

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/12/cvs-investing-19m-in-columbus-affordable-housing.html

I wonder what Post Oak Station is like now? I remember 30 years ago it was a damn mess and already deteriorating. I think I remember something about the developer being from out west somewhere and not using appropriate materials? At least it is getting upgraded and is affordable-or is this subsidized? Either way people will have a decent place to live-which is what it is all about.

On 7/12/2022 at 10:51 AM, amped91 said:

Pretty interesting idea reported on by CU. More ADUs could definitely help with improving supply and affordability. 
 

Local Entrepreneur Wants to Build An Apartment in Your Backyard
 

“Lease the Lawn will work with Columbus homeowners to build a two-car garage in their backyard with a two-bedroom apartment above it – at scale. 

 

From a technical standpoint, Lease the Lawn needs 50 feet of alley access and a 24-by-24 footprint to build a unit. If a space clears those two hurdles, then it’s on to city services – making sure sewer, water and electric can be run from the street to the back alley in an affordable way. 

 

The units will be two stories – two-car garage on the ground floor, 725 square-foot, two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath unit on the second. Designed by Architect Jeff Glavan, who has experience building structures at scale for brands like Chipotle, the units will feature bright, open spaces. They’ll be equipped with full kitchens with finishes like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and have a stackable washer-dryer. In some locations, the design will also include the option for a rooftop garden/patio. One garage space will be reserved for the homeowner, the other for the unit’s renter, with the apartment accessible through an internal staircase.

 

Hunegnaw outlines four goals for Lease the Lawn: increase property values, create density, improve walkability and build safety and security.“

https://columbusunderground.com/local-entrepreneur-wants-to-build-an-apartment-in-your-backyard-sp1/

They really should allow this type of thing in any neighborhood that has alley access. But not just with luxury finishes-they should be encouraged to build actually affordable units as well(you know the rents will be high in ritzy neighborhoods.)

 

I live fine in a similar sized space and two people could live in the same space especially if they are a couple.  

Edited August 16, 20222 yr by Toddguy

Mayor Ginther lays out Columbus plan for $200 million affordable housing bond package
 

 

“If Columbus voters approve the city's proposed $1.5 billion bond package in November, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther laid out how $200 million of that would go toward creating affordable housing.

 

The breakdown:

⋅ $80 million to build affordable rental units.

⋅ $50 million for affordable homeownership through the Central Ohio Community Land Trust.

⋅ $40 million to preserve housing affordability in targeted neighborhoods that have seen home prices skyrocket, such as the Near East Side, Linden and Franklinton.

⋅ $30 million for programs and housing for people dealing with homelessness.”

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2022/09/19/mayor-andrew-ginther-lists-ways-housing-bond-money-would-be-spent/69503290007/