Columbus Dispatch: City Council Approves Landmark Affordable Housing Development

Columbus Dispatch: City Council Approves Landmark Affordable Housing DevelopmentColumbus Dispatch: City Council Approves Landmark Affordable Housing Development The Columbus City Council has unanimously approved a transformative affordable housing development that will provide hundreds of affordable units for low-income residents. The project, known as “The Commons,” is being hailed as a major step towards addressing the city’s housing crisis. The Commons will be constructed on a 12-acre site in the Franklinton neighborhood, an area that has faced significant economic challenges. The development will include a mix of housing options, including: * 210 affordable apartments for families * 90 affordable townhomes for seniors * 10% of units set aside for extremely low-income residents * A community center with space for childcare, after-school programs, and health services The project will also include a mix of commercial and retail spaces, creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the neighborhood. The development is a collaboration between the City of Columbus, National Church Residences, and the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority. It is made possible through a combination of public and private funding, including $30 million in federal tax credits. “This is a historic moment for Columbus,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther. “The Commons will provide hundreds of affordable housing units for our residents, create jobs, and revitalize the Franklinton neighborhood. It is a testament to the power of partnership and our commitment to creating a more equitable city.” The City Council’s approval follows a lengthy public process that included community meetings and input from residents. The project was widely supported by community organizations, affordable housing advocates, and neighborhood leaders. “The Commons is a major victory for affordable housing in Columbus,” said Lisa Baker, executive director of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio. “It will provide much-needed housing for low-income families and seniors, and it will help to revitalize the Franklinton neighborhood.” Construction on The Commons is expected to begin in early 2023, and the first units are scheduled to be completed in 2024.