Columbus Mayor Andy Ginther today committed another $10 million to the city's affordable housing efforts and announced two other related programs. The Renter’s Choice initiative will ensure that Columbus tenants have details of their options, including deposit payment plans, when signing a rental agreement. The city will also establish a Foreclosure Registry.
"A centralized, dynamic, and up-to-date foreclosure database to track code enforcement violations and coordinate with code enforcement officers and the City Attorney's office to secure, maintain, and return vacant properties to a productive use," Mayor Ginther said of the registry.
The $10 million investment will be included in the upcoming Capital Budget and support projects similar to the 60-unit Jenkins Street Lofts on the city’s South Side. IMPACT Community Action CEO Bo Chilton described that Merion Village project.
"There will be 15 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, and 15 three-bedroom units," Chilton continued. "All of the units will be occupied by residents who are at 30 to 80 percent of the area median income. For a single person, that's an annual income of $17,700 up to $47,150. For a family of four, that's $25,250 to $67,350."
In partnership with South Side Early Learning, the development will also have an on-site daycare service for residents and other eligible neighborhoods.
The mayor also announced Erin Prosser as Columbus' first-ever assistant director of housing strategies. Prosser will help lead the city's affordable housing efforts, encourage mixed-income developments, and coordinate with community leaders to build a more inclusive and equitable Columbus.
