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Franklin County approves $1.5 million grant to convert two hotels into 100 units of supportive housing
Summary
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 45426, authorizing up to $1.5 million to Champions Bridge LLC to remodel two former hotels at 1078 East Dublin Granville Road into a 100-unit supportive housing development serving seniors, low-income residents and pregnant women; the project includes 30-year affordability and internet commitments and supportive services provided by Our Brother's Keeper.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 45426, authorizing a memorandum of understanding that provides Champions Bridge LLC a grant not to exceed $1,500,000 to convert two former hotels at 1078 East Dublin Granville Road in Columbus into a 100-unit community-serving supportive housing project.
Robin Morehead, assistant prosecuting attorney, told the board the grant would fund adaptive reuse and remodeling of the buildings and that the project "will provide housing and supportive services at zero cost." She said the county requires Champions Bridge to maintain the project's principal purpose for 30 years and to provide internet to residential units at no cost for a minimum of 30 years; the county also retains remedies, including a funding clawback, if Champions Bridge or a subsequent owner violates preservation and maintenance provisions.
Relle Pride, Chief of Economic Innovation and Development, framed the effort as consistent with the county's housing action plan and thanked county, state and federal partners for supporting the project. Maurice Clarrett of Champions Bridge said he has worked in supportive housing for about 11 years and thanked partners for helping bring the project to fruition: "It's been a phenomenal ride," Clarrett said.
An elected official who spoke from the dais emphasized the project's potential health impacts, saying housing is foundational to improving outcomes for pregnant women and infants and citing past programs that paired housing supports with health interventions.
Project details presented to the board include: 100 residential units converted from two underused former hotels at the stated address in Columbus; target populations listed as seniors, households with fixed or limited incomes, and pregnant women in need of stable supportive housing; supportive services to be provided by Our Brother's Keeper; funding sources described as a mix of local, public and private organizations (not specified in detail); and the maximum length of stay described as undetermined and dependent on residents' needs.
The formal motion to adopt Resolution 45426 was moved and seconded. Commissioners Boyce, Cwley and O'Grady voted yes, and the board adopted the resolution.
The resolution authorizes the county to enter a memorandum of understanding with Champions Bridge LLC and to provide the specified grant; it also records the conditions described by the prosecutor's office, including the 30-year maintenance and internet commitments and the county's contractual remedies. No additional hearings or votes were specified at the meeting.
