COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A unanimous vote Thursday is paving the way for a major redevelopment on Columbus' Near East side.
The Near East Area Commission voted 7-0 in favor of a plan to transform the site of the former Latitude Five25 apartment complex, which has sat vacant since 2022 due to unsafe living conditions.
"Earlier on, there was community opposition to a project this massive, but that seems to have kind of died down as an issue," Near East Area Commission Zoning Chairperson Roy Lowenstein said. "If the community isn't strongly fighting the project, then who are we to do that?"
Nuveen Real Estate is the group behind the proposed $147 million project, which would include close to 400 units of long-term affordable housing.
"It removes the negative of the towers and all that pain that that caused," Bronzeville Neighborhood Association President Willis Brown said. "But this is an experienced group who has done a lot to outreach to us."
Commissioners voted in favor of four requested variances, including cutting parking spaces from 570 to 275. This is something commissioners questioned, but the group said it reflects real usage, especially among seniors.
"We still have concerns that the parking might be inadequate, but they're doing what they can; it appears to make it possible for more people to live there without cars," Lowenstein said.
Clintonville businesses seeking arts district statusThe developer addressed this at Thursday's meeting and said it has refined its vision for the site based on the feedback it has received.
"We think that it's critical to augment the parking for people who utilize cars with opportunities for people to tap into other modes of transportation," Max Zarin, director of development for Paths Development, said. "So be that bus and conversations we've had with COTA about increasing bus service or the Veo scooter program."
Brown said the project is about restoring vitality to the area and ensuring sustainability.
"If we don't have the people, how can we get the grocery store," Brown said. "How can we get those amenities? How can we get the things that we want that other neighbors have?"
Despite concerns over parking and other issues, commissioners agreed the developer has been willing to listen and engage with the community.
Roundabouts replace traffic circles in Ohio for increased safety"You need people in a dense environment to make it successful," Brown said. "And then it becomes like an incubator. People come into the apartments, but they move up and into the neighborhood and not up and out."
The group will now head to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for approval. The city has already committed funding for the project, and a decision on additional funding is expected next week.
"The fact that they've entrusted us with this really important piece of the community fabric tonight is really humbling," Zarin said.
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