City Council considers affordable housing project with 96 units on North Central site

The Columbus City Council held a special meeting on May 8, 2025, to discuss a significant development proposal for a 7.18-acre site located within the North Central planning boundaries. The proposal involves a request to rezone two parcels of land, currently designated as R2 and R Rural Districts, to an AR1 Apartment Residential District. This change would allow for the construction of a multi-unit residential development consisting of 200 apartment units across three buildings.

The southern parcel is already developed with a religious facility, while the northern parcel remains undeveloped. The area surrounding the site features single-unit dwellings and a nature trail, which is part of the Commercial Plan Development District. The North Central Area Commission has recommended approval of the project, citing the high quality of the proposed building elevations and their sensitivity to natural features.

During the meeting, city staff acknowledged that the proposed development is inconsistent with existing planning recommendations but highlighted mitigating factors such as the project's commitment to providing housing for various economic levels. A traffic impact study is currently underway, and additional access revisions may be required based on its findings.

The development has a complex history, having previously been associated with a controversial affordable housing project that faced significant neighborhood opposition. The current proposal has undergone extensive community engagement, including meetings with local civic associations, resulting in a revised plan that now proposes 96 units instead of the initially planned 200.

The project aims to provide affordable housing, with half of the units designated for individuals earning 60% of the area median income. The development is now set to move forward to the city council for final approval, following a unanimous recommendation from the North Central Area Commission. The council's decision will be crucial in determining the future of this significant housing initiative in Columbus.