NE Franklin News

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has put forward a proposal to the Columbus City Council to rezone parts of the S.R. 161/E. Dublin-Granville corridor in the Northland neighborhood with new zoning code districts. These districts were first established in 2024 as part of Zone In, an initiative aimed at modernizing Columbus's zoning code, which is over 70 years old. The focus is on key corridors that could address housing, mobility, and affordability challenges.

The proposal seeks to rezone an additional 165 parcels into Title 34 mixed-use zoning districts. This follows their approval by City Council in July 2024 after community engagement efforts. Mayor Ginther stated, “The Northland community has been consistent in their enthusiasm and support for this endeavor, and we are excited to include them as part of this historic effort.”

Initially, the new zoning code was applied to over 12,300 parcels across 62 sections throughout Columbus. This action aimed to support mixed-use and transit-oriented development while addressing housing affordability by enabling the creation of approximately 88,000 new homes over a decade.

The parcels under consideration run along S.R. 161 from Worthington City limits to Ponderosa Drive. They meet criteria for rezoning under Title 34 due to their capacity for new housing and mixed-use development and proximity to COTA routes.

“These changes will enable walkable, mixed-use development along designated commercial corridors in Northland,” said Pat Hammel of the Northland Community Council.

City Council will review a resolution on March 10 regarding this rezoning proposal. If approved, a public comment period will commence until May 10. Residents can review proposed changes at columbus.gov/zoningupdate.

City Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans remarked on the importance of this update amid Columbus's housing crisis: “By ensuring that areas like this vital Northland corridor are zoned for walkable, mixed-use development, we are unlocking opportunities for new housing.”

Councilmember Emmanuel Remy expressed gratitude for including S.R. 161 in the zoning update process: “When residents in every neighborhood can easily access transit, local businesses, job centers and other community services, we all thrive.”