NE Franklin News

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Columbus City Councilmember Shayla D. Favor and other community leaders today celebrated the grand opening of new affordable housing units at Town Square Station. This is the first rental housing development built in collaboration with the Central Ohio Community Land Trust (COCLT), which will maintain ownership of the land and guarantee the long-term affordability of every unit.

“Today marks a new milestone in our city's ongoing commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to safe and affordable housing,” said Mayor Ginther. “Affordable housing in Columbus is not just a matter of providing shelter; it is the cornerstone of a thriving and inclusive community. Our Columbus Housing Strategy enables families to put down roots, children to excel in school and individuals to pursue their dreams.”

In 2021, the City of Columbus invested $1.4 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the project, which was combined with private capital from the Franklinton Development Association to enable the construction of the 10-unit structure. Of the four one-bedroom apartments at Town Square Station, two are available for households earning 50% or less of Central Ohio’s Area Median Income or AMI, ($34,750 for an individual, $49,600 for a family of four), and the other two are for households earning 60% or less of AMI ($41,700 for an individual, $59,520 for a family of four). The remaining units are each two-bedroom apartments, with two available for families at or below 50% AMI, and four available for families at or below 60% AMI. As of today, all units are occupied by qualifying residents.

“Housing is a human right. The city’s investment in Town Square Station is a clear commitment to that statement,” said Councilmember Favor. “I am excited by the opportunity Town Square Station will open for families and look forward to additional projects like these to ensure a city where everyone can afford to live, work and play.”

Town Square Station, conveniently located near Gladden Community House, will offer residents access to a premier social services agency in Franklinton. Additionally, residents will have access to Avondale Elementary School and the Franklinton Farm’s Patrick Kaufman Memorial Learning Garden, a center focused on teaching residents of all ages the importance of self-sustainability and gardening. Town Square Station is walkable to shops and restaurants on West Broad Street and is minutes from COTA bus lines on Town Street, Broad Street and Souder Avenue. Town Square Station is also near five parks, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.

To learn more about affordable housing creation through the Columbus Housing Strategy, visit: https://new.columbus.gov/Government/Departments/Development. 

Original source can be found here.