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Council adds conditions, delays vote on Buena Vista rezoning for 100% affordable development
Summary
Developer IDP Properties seeks rezoning of 5306 Buena Vista for low‑density multifamily to build an initial phase of affordable apartments. Councilmember Toya Tucker won approval to add nine development conditions; first reading was carried two weeks for staff and neighborhood follow‑up.
A Columbus developer seeking to build low‑density multifamily housing at 5306 Buena Vista won council support to attach new conditions to its rezoning request but did not win immediate final approval.
Carter Brown of IDP Properties told council the site could support a two‑phase plan, with phase one totaling about 56 apartments and a full buildout shown on plans at roughly 116 units. Brown said the project would be 100% rental affordable housing aimed at households at roughly 50–60% of area median income (AMI). "What we've shown here is phase one... 56 units," Brown said, adding the developer commonly keeps ownership and operates projects for long terms and partners with tax credit investors that typically remain for 15 years.
Neighbors and councilmembers pressed the developer on traffic, stormwater and neighborhood character. "Belvadier Drive is still a raceway," said resident Brian Beverly, who asked whether the development would stress local public safety and nearby commercial services. City staff and the developer said engineering and drainage will follow city requirements and that the owner would maintain on‑site stormwater features.
Councilmember Toya Tucker moved to add nine conditions to the ordinance and read them into the record; the conditions include a 45‑foot maximum building height already in the ordinance, a reversion clause if construction and maintenance do not follow an approved site plan within 24 months, masonry/composite exteriors, a 50‑foot undisturbed buffer on property lines, downward‑directed LED lighting, a required landscape maintenance plan, a minimum 6‑foot privacy fence on edges, restricted hours for dumpster servicing (9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday), and limits on three‑story buildings in phases.
Council approved those amendments and then agreed to carry the item back for first‑reading action after staff meets with council and neighborhood representatives. No final rezoning vote was taken; council members said the delay is intended to let staff verify traffic and stormwater answers and let neighbors review the revised conditions.
Clarifying details provided by the developer at the hearing: the first phase construction price was estimated at roughly $20 million; 1‑bed rents were presented at roughly $588 (50% AMI) to $725 (60% AMI), 2‑bed $700–$850, and 3‑bed about $950 depending on AMI mix (figures cited by the developer as program targets). Brown also said the developer typically installs on‑site management and maintenance and is prepared to consider an on‑site courtesy security officer.
Next steps: council amended the ordinance with the nine conditions and scheduled the item for continued first‑reading consideration two weeks later so staff can return with any technical clarifications and a final ordinance for a vote.
