How zoning code proposal could impact affordable housing in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As Columbus continues to grow, so does the need for more affordable housing.
On Thursday, city leaders announced a proposal to address the housing crisis. It involves making significant changes to the city’s 70-year-old zoning code.
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Michael J. Roebuck is a former radio jockey. He said his story is proof that having the right housing can make all the difference.
“It took a while to get on my feet to get stable and things,” Roebuck said. “And so, you know, staying with friends along the way and then a few places that were substandard, you know, and things like mold and things like that came into play and affected my voice and actually took my speaking voice away from me for years.”
He said it wasn’t until moving to Hamilton Crossing, a proper affordable senior living community, that his health improved.
“I feel like myself again,” Roebuck said.
Leah Evans is the President and CEO of Homeport, an affordable housing development group. She described the housing crisis as an inflection point in Columbus. She said they run into issues with the current city zoning code every day.
“How tall can the building be? How close to the street does it need to be? What are some of the window sizes,” Evans said. “Think of where Columbus was 70 years ago. There is nothing else that we really have that we have maintained and still abide by from 70 years ago.”
The city’s proposal includes creating six zoning districts. There will be clearer design standards for developers. It also includes incentives to bring more affordable housing units to areas that currently are not offering that option.
Evans said this will allow them to increase density. She said updating the code will influence affordability for more than just the agencies like homeport.
Evans is glad Columbus is getting ahead of the issue. She said she has seen other cities go through this kind of growth and get stuck in the crisis.
“So, as much as our community has changed, this new zoning code, I’m excited that it’s providing transparency and accessibility,” Evans said. “I would have to say this takes a long tail on things we’re talking about today. We won’t see out of the ground for three, four or five years. So, the work we’re doing right now is really preparing us to be able to serve the market in the future.”
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Roebuck said it is a dream come true to hear the city’s plans.
“To have this change after all of these years is going to impact so many lives,” Roebuck said. “And folks like myself who needed this kind of situation, more of them will get to experience what I’ve, you know, come to experience the last almost four years.”
Columbus City Council is expected to adopt a resolution sending this into a discussion period on Monday.
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