Plan Commission recommends parking-code change to qualify downtown projects for WEDA loans

The Columbus Plan Commission voted to recommend that city council repeal and replace the municipal parking-space requirement cited in the record as section “114-26,” a change staff said is intended to help downtown residential redevelopment qualify for WEDA financing.

Mike, a city staff member, told the commission the amendment is time-sensitive because the WEDA application period is in October and early November. "So if we don't get this adopted now, then then people aren't eligible for low interest loans for downtown, product redevelopment projects," he said.

Commissioners held no public comment during the hearing and moved quickly to a recommendation. Commissioner (S3) moved to recommend the change to council and was seconded; the chair called the voice vote and the motion advanced to council for final action.

Why it matters: staff said the change is narrowly focused on the number of required parking spaces and is not intended to revise other parking standards. If council adopts the amendment before the WEDA application window, eligible downtown projects can apply for low-interest redevelopment financing that staff tied to local downtown housing goals.

Next steps: the commission forwarded the recommendation to city council for final consideration. The record contains inconsistent section references (the item was also spoken of as "114-126" in one place); staff clarification to council is advised.