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Councilman outlines tax-abatement opportunities and proposes local radio/podcast to boost city narratives
Summary
Councilman Davis briefed the committee on Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax-abatement opportunities—including a 10-year, 50% residential exemption for improvements of at least $2,500—and proposed exploring Ohio Vibrant Communities grants and a local radio/podcast channel to broadcast meetings and local programming in English and Spanish.
Councilman Davis told the committee that North College Hill is within an Ohio Community Reinvestment Area and that property owners who invest in remodeling or rehabilitation may qualify for tax abatements.
"If you spent at least 2,500 on the remodeling, your that that exemption would be 50% for each of the next 10 years," Councilman Davis said, describing a residential-abatement example; he also explained that commercial or industrial abatements can run up to 10 years and in some cases a larger percentage depending on the project. Members urged residents to consult rules before spending money to ensure eligibility and to contact Bill Knight via the city website for details.
Davis also proposed staff research into Ohio's Vibrant Communities grant program to support redevelopment of vacant commercial properties, and floated a longer-term idea to pursue a local terrestrial radio or digital broadcast (WNCH-style) and bilingual programming so residents can hear city meetings and local content in English and Spanish. The committee asked Davis to forward contact information and grant materials so staff can evaluate next steps.
