September 20, 20222 yr $200 Million Affordable Housing Plan Unveiled City leaders unveiled a plan this morning on how a $200 million bond package would be spent on affordable housing projects in Columbus. The funding makes up just one part of a $1.5 billion bond package that will go in front of voters in November for various infrastructure projects throughout the city. ... The $200 million contribution from Columbus makes up 20 percent of a $1 billion investment goal that Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther has set for various public and private regional partners to contribute toward. The programs are primarily targeted at housing for residents with under $50,000 in household income. “Central Ohio’s housing crisis is not a Columbus problem; it’s a regional problem,” stated Mayor Ginther. “By banding together with our private-sector and suburban partners to build new affordable rental units, preserve existing affordability, subsidize permanently affordable homeownership and prioritize housing stability programs that prevent homelessness, we can ensure that our city and region will continue to grow and thrive in ways that are truly equitable and sustainable.” More below: https://columbusunderground.com/200-million-affordable-housing-plan-unveiled-we1/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 20, 20222 yr Columbus affordable housing bond: How the city plans to use $200M The city of Columbus is sharing new details on how it wants to use a $200 million affordable housing bond voters will consider this fall. ... Ginther said the bond package is a part of Columbus' effort to lead the charge on combatting the region's housing shortage. “Central Ohio’s housing crisis is not a Columbus problem; it’s a regional problem,” he said. The $50 million affordable housing bond approved in 2019 helped to build more than 1,300 affordable housing units, Ginther said, in partnership with organizations such as the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and Homeport. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/09/19/affordable-housing-bond.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 21, 20222 yr Urban Land Institute: Columbus must build more houses to stay affordable Columbus remains relatively affordable compared to other large metro areas, but faces an impending housing crisis, according to a new study from the Urban Land Institute. The study found that current market conditions, including inflation and labor shortages, are making it harder for many low-wage workers to find homes. Michael Spotts, a senior visiting research fellow at the institute, said although Columbus is doing better than many metro areas, including New York City and San Francisco, some critical workers such as nursing assistants and retail workers can't afford housing here. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/09/21/housing-attainability.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 14, 20222 yr If you have a subscription, this week’s cover story from CBF is definitely worth a read. Gives another behind the scenes look at why getting affordable housing built is such a difficult process. HOW CENTRAL OHIO CAN OVERCOME ITS ‘CODE RED’ HOUSING SHORTAGE “Trey and Amy, are you actually seeing progress on getting these (approval) timelines shorter? Are these projects more accepted? Giller: It hasn’t really changed in 20 years. Yeah, more people are talking about it, but when the rubber hits the road and you’re standing in a zoning meeting with the neighbors, that process hasn’t changed. Their mindset hasn’t been changed. If there’s nobody who has a problem with the project, you go through the process, no problem. But two people have a problem? You’re stuck at a certain place for a certain amount of time. Albery: The pressure is on. Our corporate office is in New Albany, so we sat down with New Albany right away and said, ‘Hey, we’re right here, how can we help provide housing for all these businesses that you’re bringing to New Albany?’ They’re like, ‘That’s not our problem. The housing is not our issue.’ OK, so how is that going to work out for you? … It has to be someone’s problem. Amy, you’re in multiple markets, multiple states. Columbus versus any of these other markets – is it easier or harder? Albery: It’s the same issue in every area that we’re developing. I agree with Autumn that we might be the poster child because we have got to solve it or these businesses aren’t going to have people to work.“ https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/10/14/columbus-housing-affordable-big-table.html
October 14, 20222 yr Interesting conversation. Quote Giller: There is no interest outside Franklin County to build apartments or multifamily or affordable housing. We can all sit here and chat about it and think that they do. What we hear from the planning people is, ‘Oh, yeah, that sounds good. Oh, yeah. We want that.’ But when you get to the political part of the process, you hear about traffic and schools. And we hear ‘go to Columbus.’
October 14, 20222 yr These other counties complain about multifamily yet the last time they allowed multifamily was like 1971 so of course the apartments they see are downmarket because they are so old.
October 14, 20222 yr If they want to see an example of how newer multifamily can work look to Lancaster. Lancaster has a lot of nice, newer multifamily. Realistic rents too.
October 17, 20222 yr Quote Giller: There is no interest outside Franklin County to build apartments or multifamily or affordable housing. We can all sit here and chat about it and think that they do. What we hear from the planning people is, ‘Oh, yeah, that sounds good. Oh, yeah. We want that.’ But when you get to the political part of the process, you hear about traffic and schools. And we hear ‘go to Columbus.’ Isn't this a good thing for Columbus then? We just learned that the city of Columbus wants to increase downtown population by at least 40k, so it seems as if there is a market for multifamily and affordable housing downtown in the meantime. I thought we wanted more density and less sprawl?
October 18, 20222 yr Columbus' hot housing market helped Franklin County fund affordable housing units Though the hot housing market in Franklin County has been causing plenty of headaches for some buyers, it is positively impacting one effort to increase affordability. Franklin County Commissioners passed legislation in 2019 to start the Franklin County Magnet Fund, taking a small percentage of property tax conveyance fees and dedicating them toward providing gap financing for affordable housing projects. The fund awarded its first grants in 2020. Since then, the county has helped fund 22 projects – 11 in 2022 – with $25.6 million, according to data from Franklin County Economic Development and Planning. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/10/17/columbus-hot-housing-market-helped-the-franklin-c.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 18, 20222 yr On 10/17/2022 at 7:57 AM, OhioFinest said: Isn't this a good thing for Columbus then? We just learned that the city of Columbus wants to increase downtown population by at least 40k, so it seems as if there is a market for multifamily and affordable housing downtown in the meantime. I thought we wanted more density and less sprawl? Given the topic of Franklin vs other counties nearby, and the downtown thing, what is the outlook for downtown Newark when it comes to housing or affordable housing downtown? Would that be one area where the locals might be ok with it? I mean sure Cbus should try and leverage this as much as possible especially for downtown, but Newark should be trying to do the same thing for it's downtown, right? It is a nice little downtown IMO. Of course I would love for them to stick affordable housing projects into any possible nook or cranny they can in downtown Cbus, and the rest of the city and county as well. Out here in Madison County they are not building anything residential it seems. It is like they want nothing to do with "more people living here".
October 18, 20222 yr 48 minutes ago, Toddguy said: Given the topic of Franklin vs other counties nearby, and the downtown thing, what is the outlook for downtown Newark when it comes to housing or affordable housing downtown? Would that be one area where the locals might be ok with it? I mean sure Cbus should try and leverage this as much as possible especially for downtown, but Newark should be trying to do the same thing for it's downtown, right? It is a nice little downtown IMO. Of course I would love for them to stick affordable housing projects into any possible nook or cranny they can in downtown Cbus, and the rest of the city and county as well. Out here in Madison County they are not building anything residential it seems. It is like they want nothing to do with "more people living here". Yes...there is a bunch of work that has been going on the last 3-4 years with renovating available apt/housing downtown. There were plans for a major development off of 4th street, 3rd street and south of W Main St. I think they are waiting on the utility and street project to finish up...which should be almost complete. I would love to see some height get built...maybe 5-10 stories...would be a game changer for Newark!! These were the plans... Edited October 18, 20222 yr by OhioFinest
October 18, 20222 yr 2 hours ago, OhioFinest said: Yes...there is a bunch of work that has been going on the last 3-4 years with renovating available apt/housing downtown. There were plans for a major development off of 4th street, 3rd street and south of W Main St. I think they are waiting on the utility and street project to finish up...which should be almost complete. I would love to see some height get built...maybe 5-10 stories...would be a game changer for Newark!! These were the plans... I remember this(it looks nice), but I don't remember if there is an affordable component with it? It looks like a good start for downtown Newark. Now with Intel, who knows? 5-10 floors is not out of the question. Edited October 18, 20222 yr by Toddguy
October 20, 20222 yr Sounds like another good idea. Glad to finally see a more proactive approach. Columbus plans to fast-track affordable housing, help cover permit fees for small and medium-size developers “Projects that include affordable housing will be a priority moving forward. "We're going to move affordable housing projects to the front of the line," Ginther told Columbus Business First. "The more time it takes a project to get through means units could be less affordable or there are fewer units being developed." Erin Prosser, Columbus' assistant director of housing strategies, said the city plans to expedite the backend review process projects go through after zoning approvals for affordable housing developments. More complex projects that require reviews from different city departments take as long as 200 days on average to go through the review process, according to the city. The mayor wants to see that time cut in half for affordable housing projects. The city plans to move from its current development process to a "project coordinator" process, which would help move along projects more efficiently and quickly. In this process, one project coordinator from the Building and Zoning Services department will oversee a proposed project and be the point person for all city departments. The city also plans to pilot a program to cover permit fees for small and medium-size developers, starting with the graduates of the Emerging Developers Accelerator Program (EDAP), Ginther said. Those grants, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act , will be available starting Jan. 1, Ginther said. The grant program will focus on EDAP participants for now, but likely be expanded to other small developers.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/10/20/development-process-changes.html
October 20, 20222 yr 1 minute ago, amped91 said: Sounds like another good idea. Glad to finally see a more proactive approach. Columbus plans to fast-track affordable housing, help cover permit fees for small and medium-size developers “Projects that include affordable housing will be a priority moving forward. "We're going to move affordable housing projects to the front of the line," Ginther told Columbus Business First. "The more time it takes a project to get through means units could be less affordable or there are fewer units being developed." Erin Prosser, Columbus' assistant director of housing strategies, said the city plans to expedite the backend review process projects go through after zoning approvals for affordable housing developments. More complex projects that require reviews from different city departments take as long as 200 days on average to go through the review process, according to the city. The mayor wants to see that time cut in half for affordable housing projects. The city plans to move from its current development process to a "project coordinator" process, which would help move along projects more efficiently and quickly. In this process, one project coordinator from the Building and Zoning Services department will oversee a proposed project and be the point person for all city departments. The city also plans to pilot a program to cover permit fees for small and medium-size developers, starting with the graduates of the Emerging Developers Accelerator Program (EDAP), Ginther said. Those grants, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act , will be available starting Jan. 1, Ginther said. The grant program will focus on EDAP participants for now, but likely be expanded to other small developers.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/10/20/development-process-changes.html Not to mention the longer these projects take, the higher the chance of materials and labor going up and up. So a project that could have started 200 days ago may now have to be changed and made smaller to cover the cost.
October 20, 20222 yr As an aside, I really appreciate how Columbus Business First has made the housing shortage a reporting priority.
October 24, 20222 yr Columbus tiny home neighborhood eyes 2023 groundbreaking “A tiny home neighborhood that seeks to ease Columbus' homelessness problem is gearing up to start construction. Columbus lawyer John Perez, founding partner of the Perez Morris law firm and one of the people leading the charge, said the group expects to break ground on Vista Village in the spring of 2023. The site already was zoned for single-family homes, but the project is waiting on variances to be approved by Columbus City Council before starting site work. Each 420-square-foot house in Columbus would contain a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and have a front porch. Each resident would have an individualized plan to transition out of the community in 18 to 24 months as receive services, learn new life skills, such as cleaning or home maintenance, and undergo job training. Residents would pay $350 a month.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/10/24/tiny-homes-panel.html
October 24, 20222 yr 5 hours ago, amped91 said: Columbus tiny home neighborhood eyes 2023 groundbreaking “A tiny home neighborhood that seeks to ease Columbus' homelessness problem is gearing up to start construction. Columbus lawyer John Perez, founding partner of the Perez Morris law firm and one of the people leading the charge, said the group expects to break ground on Vista Village in the spring of 2023. The site already was zoned for single-family homes, but the project is waiting on variances to be approved by Columbus City Council before starting site work. Each 420-square-foot house in Columbus would contain a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and have a front porch. Each resident would have an individualized plan to transition out of the community in 18 to 24 months as receive services, learn new life skills, such as cleaning or home maintenance, and undergo job training. Residents would pay $350 a month.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/10/24/tiny-homes-panel.html 18-24 months seems like a quick turnaround, especially when there are not a lot of other affordable housing options. I am hoping this program works and can help people get back on their feet. I’m just hoping the 18-24 months is enough time to help.
October 25, 20222 yr 5 hours ago, VintageLife said: 18-24 months seems like a quick turnaround, especially when there are not a lot of other affordable housing options. I am hoping this program works and can help people get back on their feet. I’m just hoping the 18-24 months is enough time to help. There's a couple things that should happen soon that could really help us see some major momentum when it comes to affordable housing across the city... • One is Issue 16- the Affordable Housing Bond Issue that's on the ballot this November for Columbus residents. If it passes, it will allow the city to use $200 million to continue its work with the Central Ohio Community Land Trust and other regional partners to expand affordable housing in the region. This is the Measure Text for Issue 16: "Shall bonds be issued by the City of Columbus, Ohio for the purpose of promoting neighborhood and community development and affordable housing within the City of Columbus by purchasing, constructing, demolishing, renovating, improving, equipping and furnishing residential and commercial structures in the City, and acquiring, clearing, testing, remediating environmental issues, extending utilities, and otherwise improving residential and commercial sites in the City, and providing funds for grants in connection with the same in the principal amount of $200,000,000..." ----- • And secondly, the city plans to fast-track all affordable housing projects by the end of the year. It will also help cover permit fees for small and medium-size developers: "Columbus plans to start fast-tracking affordable housing projects by the end of the year. That's one strategy the city is working on to help developers build more housing of all kinds, said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. Projects that include affordable housing will be a priority moving forward. "We're going to move affordable housing projects to the front of the line. The more time it takes a project to get through means units could be less affordable or there are fewer units being developed." Erin Prosser, Columbus' assistant director of housing strategies, said the city plans to expedite the backend review process projects go through after zoning approvals for affordable housing developments. More complex projects that require reviews from different city departments take as long as 200 days on average to go through the review process, according to the city. The mayor wants to see that time cut in half for affordable housing projects. The city plans to move from its current development process to a "project coordinator" process, which would help move along projects more efficiently and quickly. In this process, one project coordinator from the Building and Zoning Services department will oversee a proposed project and be the point person for all city departments. This change is currently being implemented. More complex projects that require review from other city departments because of things such as stormwater, are being assigned to specific project coordinators. Ginther said by the end of the year, all projects will have one point person." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/10/20/development-process-changes.html
October 25, 20222 yr 12 hours ago, Luvcbus said: • One is Issue 16- the Affordable Housing Bond Issue that's on the ballot this November for Columbus residents. If it passes, it will allow the city to use $200 million to continue its work with the Central Ohio Community Land Trust and other regional partners to expand affordable housing in the region. So before I say this, I will say that additional money for public housing will help and any additional housing in the Columbus area is a good thing. I will be supporting this ballot measure and everyone on this board should as well. However, I think it may be wise to temper expectations as to what the city will be able to build with this amount of money. Looking at the $50 million 2019 bond measure that was then used to leverage an additional $300 million in outside funding and they were able to build 1,300 80% AMI housing units (https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHCCC/bulletins/2f6a733?reqfrom=share). This is to their credit! However, HUD estimated in 2020 that the three year annual growth in demand for our region will 12,550 units (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/pdf/ColumbusOH-CHMA-20.pdf). So it only met, like, 10% of the total construction demand for the entire region. I know this is the absolute example of preaching to the choir, but we need to build so much housing in this region and I don't think most people realize how much we are under building. I don't know, this was a long way in me saying, please go and support this, but also support all other proposals, we're under building so badly and need more housing direly. But I think we all already know that.
October 25, 20222 yr 12 minutes ago, atothek said: please go and support this, but also support all other proposals, we're under building so badly and need more housing direly. Couldn't agree more! I went ahead and voted yesterday. Count me in!
October 25, 20222 yr 1 hour ago, Luvcbus said: Couldn't agree more! I went ahead and voted yesterday. Count me in! Good! I voted “yes” last week ✅ And @atothekis right. What was built with the last bond issue was just a small portion of what we need. I don’t want this area to become like other growing metros where thousands are forced out of housing d/t rising costs.
October 25, 20222 yr 14 hours ago, Luvcbus said: said the city plans to expedite the backend review process projects go through after zoning approvals for affordable housing developments. Ok now when are we going to see widespread zoning changes that will help us with not only densifying but with adding affordable housing? The zoning is antiquated and needs amending. JMHO.
October 25, 20222 yr 9 minutes ago, Toddguy said: Ok now when are we going to see widespread zoning changes that will help us with not only densifying but with adding affordable housing? The zoning is antiquated and needs amending. JMHO. I think it's already in the works... This is from January 2022: Columbus zoning code heads for overhaul to spur redevelopment in urban 'growth corridors' "Columbus' zoning code needs to be overhauled to help pave the way for more urban density, fewer builder variances from the rules and a potentially streamlined approval process, according to a recent 128-page study commissioned by the city. The plan is bold: "repeal and replace Title 33- Zoning Code, in its entirety," according to one document outlining the plan. But the most-intense zoning changes initially would focus largely on some older neighborhoods that are home to some of Columbus' lowest-income residents, including parts of the Near East Side, Franklinton and the Hilltop, the consultant recommends. Other neighborhoods could follow, but some newer parts of Columbus won't need as much tinkering. In the coming months, the city Building and Zoning Department will begin a major community education and outreach push that involves a new approach called "form zoning." The zoning changes would create new more-affordable housing envisioned to be intertwined with new job centers and public outdoor spaces, promoting walkability and fewer vehicles to help the city manage projected growth of 300,000 residents in the next three decades, according to one of the documents. City officials cite the number of "variances" from code requirements — for parking spaces, set-backs from the property line, height restrictions, landscaping and the like — granted by City Council as proof that the zoning rules are out of touch with today's real estate market." https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2022/01/20/columbus-zoning-changes-create-urban-corridors-low-income-areas/9174040002/
October 25, 20222 yr 21 minutes ago, amped91 said: Good! I voted “yes” last week ✅ And @atothekis right. What was built with the last bond issue was just a small portion of what we need. I don’t want this area to become like other growing metros where thousands are forced out of housing d/t rising costs. Yeah it was very busy yesterday at the BOE on Morse Rd. We had to wait in quite a line to even get in the parking lot. And then we had to really search to find a parking spot. But even when it's that busy, because they have so many machines inside, it doesn't really take very long to vote. We was in and out within just a few minutes.
October 26, 20222 yr Two different projects totaling 160 affordable housing units being proposed by Woda Cooper. Both near Hamilton Rd in the Mid East Area, just inside 270.
October 26, 20222 yr 2 hours ago, amped91 said: Two different projects totaling 160 affordable housing units being proposed by Woda Cooper. Both near Hamilton Rd in the Mid East Area, just inside 270. Interesting. I wonder if the plans to convert Eastland Mall into park land is drawing some renewed interest in the area.
October 26, 20222 yr All these affordable housing projects are great, but without reliable and frequent public transportation folks are tied to the expense of cars. Also, sidewalks need to be added throughout the area. Nothing is really walkable out there. This is a crappy place to walk to and wait for a bus.
October 26, 20222 yr 1 hour ago, Pablo said: All these affordable housing projects are great, but without reliable and frequent public transportation folks are tied to the expense of cars. Also, sidewalks need to be added throughout the area. Nothing is really walkable out there. This is a crappy place to walk to and wait for a bus. The lack of sidewalks in certain areas of this city is just appalling. Like the guy in your image, how the hell did he scoot to that bus stop? He either scooted right across the grass which would be completely impossible if there is snow on the ground or they were forced to scoot down whatever nightmare stroad is in the picture.
October 26, 20222 yr 1 hour ago, Pablo said: All these affordable housing projects are great, but without reliable and frequent public transportation folks are tied to the expense of cars. Also, sidewalks need to be added throughout the area. Nothing is really walkable out there. This is a crappy place to walk to and wait for a bus. That's downright embarrassing. Along with the improvements planned for Eastland Mall and the additional housing, the city desperately needs to install some kind of infrastructure for pedestrians! Such a shame the area has been allowed to exist like this.
October 26, 20222 yr Ginther can't think like that. As long as he sees money sank into the Uncool Crescent he's happy.
October 26, 20222 yr 13 minutes ago, CMHOhio said: That's downright embarrassing. Along with the improvements planned for Eastland Mall and the additional housing, the city desperately needs to install some kind of infrastructure for pedestrians! Such a shame the area has been allowed to exist like this. That appears to be Hamilton Rd... If it is, they're currently rebuilding parts of it. Right now they're doing the stretch from near Groves Rd to Refugee Rd. I believe they're rebuilding and adding sidewalks as they go.
October 26, 20222 yr Yeah that stuff is happening and even a minor road diet in a few places but it still sucks walking next to 50mph+ traffic.
October 26, 20222 yr 35 minutes ago, GCrites80s said: Yeah that stuff is happening and even a minor road diet in a few places but it still sucks walking next to 50mph+ traffic. Multiple lanes of 50Mph traffic.
October 26, 20222 yr 2 hours ago, CMHOhio said: That's downright embarrassing. Along with the improvements planned for Eastland Mall and the additional housing, the city desperately needs to install some kind of infrastructure for pedestrians! Such a shame the area has been allowed to exist like this. Meanwhile, Hilliard Rome Rd says... "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 26, 20222 yr 1 minute ago, ColDayMan said: Meanwhile, Hilliard Rome Rd says... Lol, Hilliard-Rome Rd. is beyond help!
October 26, 20222 yr Ugh, during college I would sub for the Hilliard post office, and on the rare occasion I had to sub on the route that contained Rome Hilliard, my anxiety level would be through the roof once I would get to the mounted boxes 😬
November 9, 20222 yr Not a huge surprise here, but great news nonetheless. Columbus voters approve affordable housing bond issue "Voters approved Columbus' $200 million bond package for affordable housing that Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and other city officials say will provide funding for homes for lower-income residents in a market quickly becoming too-expensive for many." With 100% of precincts reporting- Neighborhood Development Bond Issue: ($200 million; 0.78 mill, 20 years) ✓Yes 145,504 67.8% No 69,141 32.2% https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2022/11/09/columbus-voters-approving-affordable-housing-infrastructure-bonds/69605995007/
November 14, 20222 yr On 11/9/2022 at 4:09 AM, Luvcbus said: Not a huge surprise here, but great news nonetheless. Columbus voters approve affordable housing bond issue "Voters approved Columbus' $200 million bond package for affordable housing that Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and other city officials say will provide funding for homes for lower-income residents in a market quickly becoming too-expensive for many." With 100% of precincts reporting- Neighborhood Development Bond Issue: ($200 million; 0.78 mill, 20 years) ✓Yes 145,504 67.8% No 69,141 32.2% https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2022/11/09/columbus-voters-approving-affordable-housing-infrastructure-bonds/69605995007/ An article from CBF on where some of that bond money will go: The Columbus affordable housing bond passed. Here's what that means for the organization slated to receive $50M. “Williams said COCIC and the Central Ohio Community Land Trust, an extension of COCIC, are planning to branch into building duplexes in the new year. "We want to find less expensive ways to build, especially for first time homebuyers, and duplexes seem to fill that gap," Williams said. "With duplexes we can create more home ownership." Meanwhile, the land trust has entered into a general construction agreement with Rockford Homes to construct 21 single-family residential homes around Columbus. Pre-development work is already underway, with construction expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year. This partnership includes seven homes in Milo-Grogan, three homes in Weinland Park, six homes in Mifflin Township and five homes in Clinton Township. The entire project is expected to be completed by summer 2023.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/11/14/cocic-affordable-housing-bond-investment.html And from their interview with Mayor Ginther: How will you decide which projects get affordable housing bond dollars? Our hope is to be doing this in partnership with the region through that Central Ohio Regional Housing Collaborative. Obviously the units would have to be inside the city of Columbus to get the bond proceeds, but my hope is that the Regional Housing Collaborative will help to inform where we invest and how we align in a strategic way for maximum impact. I saw there is a line in the newly proposed budgetfor adding staff to help with the city's housing strategy. Can you share what those people would be doing? It would be the staff to help us make this Regional Housing Collaborative work and staff it appropriately, as well as our ability to do more in the way of partnerships with other suburban, exurban and townships around affordable housing. https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/11/14/mayor-andrew-ginther-shares-columbus-housing-plan.html
November 23, 20222 yr On 11/14/2022 at 11:45 AM, amped91 said: An article from CBF on where some of that bond money will go: The Columbus affordable housing bond passed. Here's what that means for the organization slated to receive $50M. “Williams said COCIC and the Central Ohio Community Land Trust, an extension of COCIC, are planning to branch into building duplexes in the new year. "We want to find less expensive ways to build, especially for first time homebuyers, and duplexes seem to fill that gap," Williams said. "With duplexes we can create more home ownership." Meanwhile, the land trust has entered into a general construction agreement with Rockford Homes to construct 21 single-family residential homes around Columbus. Pre-development work is already underway, with construction expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year. This partnership includes seven homes in Milo-Grogan, three homes in Weinland Park, six homes in Mifflin Township and five homes in Clinton Township. The entire project is expected to be completed by summer 2023.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/11/14/cocic-affordable-housing-bond-investment.html And from their interview with Mayor Ginther: How will you decide which projects get affordable housing bond dollars? Our hope is to be doing this in partnership with the region through that Central Ohio Regional Housing Collaborative. Obviously the units would have to be inside the city of Columbus to get the bond proceeds, but my hope is that the Regional Housing Collaborative will help to inform where we invest and how we align in a strategic way for maximum impact. I saw there is a line in the newly proposed budgetfor adding staff to help with the city's housing strategy. Can you share what those people would be doing? It would be the staff to help us make this Regional Housing Collaborative work and staff it appropriately, as well as our ability to do more in the way of partnerships with other suburban, exurban and townships around affordable housing. https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/11/14/mayor-andrew-ginther-shares-columbus-housing-plan.html A bit more on the Rockford homes, per the Dispatch: More than 20 single-family homes being built on land bank lots in Columbus, area townships “Rockford Homes is building 21 single-family homes on Franklin County land bank lots in Columbus and two Franklin County townships, with prices starting at $190,000. The Central Ohio Community Land Trust, a subsidiary of the Franklin County Land Bank, recently entered into an agreement with the builder for the construction of seven houses in Milo-Grogan, and three in Weinland Park, both Columbus neighborhoods, plus six houses in Mifflin Township and five in Clinton Township. The houses should be finished by summer 2023. In the Milo-Grogan neighborhood, there are three homes each on East Starr Avenue and on East 3rd Avenue, and one is on East 4th Avenue, all between Cleveland Avenue and Interstate 71. Foundations have been built on East 3rd and East Starr avenues. Travis Foster, an East Starr Avenue homeowner, said more homes means more people, which will bring more attention to the neighborhood. He cited nearby Ohio Brewing Company on East 2nd Avenue on the west side of Cleveland Avenue, as one of the amenities within walking distance. "It's always good to see land get developed," said Foster, 23, who bought his house in July 2021. "I'm excited to get neighbors."’ https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2022/11/23/more-than-20-homes-to-be-built-on-land-bank-lots-in-columbus-townships/69660168007/ Glad to see the Dispatch publishing positive comments from locals on housing for once 🙄
November 29, 20222 yr Columbus Mayor Ginther wants suburbs, region to help create more affordable housing “Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther spoke to the Central Ohio Mayors and Managers Association earlier this month about the importance of forming a regional housing collaborative to create more housing — specifically, affordable housing. "Folks have been receptive. Suburban mayors. There have been very good conversations," Ginther told The Dispatch in a recent interview. "The city can’t solve our regional challenge all by itself," Ginther said. The suburbs need to act, too, he said. Ginther said he hopes the regional housing collaborative — made up of government, businesses and nonprofit leaders — will launch by spring 2023 "to help us make sure we're dramatically increasing the supply of housing throughout the region." The effort would include rewriting zoning codes and changing land-use policies to meet the area's growing needs, while going to the federal government as a coalition for financial help. Right now, the push is on to bring more suburban communities on board, especially some where it has been difficult to build lower-priced housing.” https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2022/11/28/suburbs-need-to-build-more-affordable-housing-columbus-mayor-says/69553100007/
November 29, 20222 yr Interesting 🤔 Franklin County land bank agency COCIC using 10-year study to evaluate future strategy “COCIC hired the Greater Ohio Policy Center, a non-partisan research organization, to prepare a 10-year impact analysis as it readies for a strategic planning session in 2023. The Greater Ohio Policy Center study found that since then, the land bank has demolished 3,349 blighted residential units in 1,702 structures; reclaimed more than 200 acres of commercial property for redevelopment; funded affordable housing and cleared the way for the private sector to develop 138 market-rate homes and 1,648 market-rate apartment units. The 10-year report also found that for every $1 COCIC has spent on demolition, nearby home values increased by $4.30, which has led to $146 million in increased property values. For every $1 COCIC has contributed to an affordable housing project, the developer has leveraged another $3.86 from other sources, the report found. Now the organization will begin evaluating what it wants to do next. With the land trust in COCIC's repertoire, the organization has the ability to complete more affordable housing projects in the next decade, both directly and by clearing land for investment, Williams said. He also said the organization could pivot to do more commercial redevelopment projects in the future. "What do we need to morph into?" Williams said. "We went from acting as a mostly demolition company to an affordable housing developer in the last decade. Where do we go from here?"’ https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/11/29/affordable-housing-franklin-county-cocic-pivot.html
December 6, 20222 yr On 10/26/2022 at 1:52 PM, CMHOhio said: That's downright embarrassing. Along with the improvements planned for Eastland Mall and the additional housing, the city desperately needs to install some kind of infrastructure for pedestrians! Such a shame the area has been allowed to exist like this. The rebuilding of Hamilton Rd between Groves Rd and Refugee Rd is almost finished. As part of this project, sidewalks are being installed on both sides of Hamilton- although they haven't started pouring the west side yet. Currently crews are finishing up sidewalks, new lighting and landscaping on the east side of Hamilton:
January 4, 20232 yr CBF this morning reported that the Downtown NCJC project received funding from OHFA. Apparently, there were a handful of other Columbus-area construction projects that were recently awarded gap financing as well. - Dering Family Homes, 98 Dering Ave. 245 units from NRP on the South Side. - Granville Woods Lofts II, 1826 E Livingston Ave. 60 units from Woda Cooper set to replace the vacant cookie bakery in Driving Park. - Broadleigh Lofts, 3150 Allegheny Ave. 84 units from Woda Cooper on a vacant lot in the Broadleigh neighborhood on the East Side. - Seasons Grove, 1050 Lamplighter Dr. 82 units for senior citizens from CMHA in Grove City. https://ohiohome.org/ppd/funding.aspx
January 8, 20232 yr Low-income housing projects on Columbus' Southeast Side, Bexley get $640,000 in grants “Two residential development projects in the Columbus area will get a total $640,000 in grants to help address what local officials are calling an affordable housing crisis. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati recently granted nearly $12.1 million under its Affordable Housing Program to help create 1,537 residential units in five states, including two projects in central Ohio. A $400,000 grant will go toward construction of Fieldstone Cottages, 2580 Alum Creek Drive, on Columbus' Southeast Side. The 10 buildings with four units each would be for individuals 55 years and older who make $19,700 to $39,400 a year or a family of three that makes $25,300 to $50,600 annually. A 240,000 grant will go toward the proposed construction of a total 45 rental units in Bexley for individuals making $19,700 to $52,500 or a family of three that makes $25,300 to $67,500, according to the Federal Home Loan Bank. That's if one of the two apartment building sites can gain court approval.“ https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2023/01/07/columbus-bexley-affordable-housing-projects-get-total-640k-in-grants/69769144007/
January 13, 20232 yr New nonprofit and CMHA buy Northwest Side apartments for affordable housing ”A new nonprofit is teaming with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority to buy the Copperleaf Apartments off Sawmill Road on the city's Northwest Side with the goal, they say, of preserving affordable housing in a region that needs more of it. The Columbus Housing Enterprise and CMHA are paying $8.1 million for the 108-unit property from a partnership of companies headed by local developers Bob Weiler and Don Kelley. The units will be aimed at those making 80% or less of the area median income, which is $52,500 for one person and $74,950 for a four-person household. The Rev. John Edgar, retired executive director of the nonprofit Community Development for All People, is the president of the Columbus Housing Enterprise. He said people living at Copperleaf already are in that income range. "Our intention is for that to continue to be the case for years to come," he said.” https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2023/01/10/new-group-and-cmha-buy-northwest-side-apartments-for-affordable-housing/69790732007/
January 16, 20232 yr Good to see the inner-ring burbs following Cbus’s lead on this. I’ll be interested in seeing if Worthington voters are a supportive as Columbus voters were. Worthington considering asking for $1.1M affordable housing bond issue on November ballot “Worthington City Council is considering placing a $1.1-million affordable housing bond issue on the November general election ballot that the city council president said would be a landmark step for an older Columbus suburb. The bond issue is similar to, but much smaller than, the $200-million affordable housing bond issue that Columbus voters approved in November. Columbus voters also passed a $50-million affordable housing bond issue in 2019. Worthington City Council President David Robinson said the amount Worthington officials could ask for might change. He said the $1.1-million issue would be proportional population-wise to Columbus' first affordable housing bond issue. In a Jan. 5 memo to acting Worthington City Manager Robyn Stewart, Robinson wrote that a bond issue would provide meaningful incentives for developers to create affordable housing in the suburban city.“ https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2023/01/16/worthington-council-considering-1-1m-affordable-housing-bond-issue/69790203007/
January 24, 20232 yr Intel's impact: One year after announcement, housing market stays hot It's been one year since Intel Corp. announced the largest economic development project in Ohio's history, pledging to create thousands of jobs as part of a $20 billion investment in a pair of semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Licking County. Since that time, the tech giant held a groundbreaking ceremony featuring President Joe Biden, moved millions of cubic feet of earth to prepare the site, started construction and began the hiring process to staff the massive facilities, which Intel announced Monday will be named Ohio One. The semiconductor campus will employ 3,000 people, and another 7,000 construction workers are needed to build the facilities — not to mention the many more jobs that will likely be created from Intel suppliers. The company also has said its investment could grow to $100 billion, which could bring thousands of additional workers to Central Ohio. As work on the transformative project hums along, though, a major question lingers: Where are all these people going to live? Well...find out below! https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/01/23/central-ohio-home-sales-post-intel-announcement.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
January 28, 20232 yr Not a ton of information available, but affordable housing developer Woda Cooper is seeking to rezone two different properties in the South Hamilton area of the city in order to apply for OHFA funding for future developments. The first is 3.7 acres at 4323 Eastpoint Drive and the other is 3 acres at 2337 Kimberly Parkway East.
February 23, 20232 yr Another proposal for an affordable housing development. This one, in an area between Linden and the airport, could have as many as 220 units from Cleveland-based NRP.
Create an account or sign in to comment