Franklin County commissioners on Nov. 25 approved a memorandum of understanding that commits a $2,000,000 county grant to a proposed 121‑unit affordable residential development at 40 West Long Street in Columbus.

Robin Morehead, assistant prosecuting attorney on behalf of the county prosecutor, said the MOU requires the units to be leased at 30–80% of area median income and establishes a 30‑year affordability period. The county’s funding is subject to the MOU’s terms and conditions and contains a clawback provision: if the property becomes subject to a nuisance action, the county may recoup a portion of the grant based on the remaining years of the affordability period.

Jonathan McKay, vice president of development with WODA Cooper Companies, provided a breakdown of the AMI tiers, saying, “34 at 50% AMI and then 36 at 60% AMI.” County Administrator Kenneth Wilson said the broadband commitment — free service to 20% of units and free access in community spaces for the project’s life — was a negotiated feature intended to assist lower‑income residents.

Wilson described the project as aligned with the board’s housing priorities, saying the county has been steering conveyance fee receipts to support units targeted at lower AMI tiers and emphasizing the need for wrap‑around services; staff noted Impact and Jewish Family Services will provide on‑site program space.

The MOU also contains warranties that the developer and subsequent owners will maintain the project to avoid nuisance conditions; the clawback amount declines each year across the 30‑year affordability period. The board adopted Resolution 88925; the record notes a commissioner abstention on the final vote.

Next steps in the transcript record include finalizing MOU signatures and tracking compliance with affordability, broadband and program‑space commitments.