Board approves 158-unit condo and townhome project at Westlake despite resident opposition

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12 approved a zoning map amendment and a special-use permit to allow a developer to build 96 condominiums and 62 townhomes at Westlake Town Center.

The project, led by developer Alexander Boone of A Boone Real Estate Inc. and development partner Court Rosen, was presented as a way to add workforce-available housing and to support retail and office uses in the Westlake designated growth area.

County planning staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval after the developer revised the conceptual plan to widen internal street radii, add an internal stub-out for future connection to adjacent parcels and add pedestrian connections. Lisa Cooper, Franklin County planning director, told the board the revised conceptual plan dated Nov. 22, 2024 "increased the radii from 10 to 25 feet" to improve maneuverability for emergency vehicles and showed a pedestrian connection back to the surrounding commercial area.

Supporters argued the development will help address local housing supply. Boone said the proposed units target one-floor living and prices that would bring more residents to the town center, saying the development would "support and enhance the existing retail, office and recreational uses found in the town center." He told the board the project is intended to…