South Side homeowner Bonnie Mitchell faces 500% tax increase
Bonnie Mitchell, a South Side homeowner, faces a 500% tax increase and seeks help from the Legal Aid Society, but can keep her home
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority has never created affordable housing in Grove City – at least until now.
The agency announced this week that it has funding to build a new $28.6 million senior apartment complex in the Columbus suburb.
Financing includes contributions from general revenue bonds from the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing.
According to CMHA, a total of 82 housing units will be built at Cobblestone Manor at 1050 Lamplighter Dr., eight miles south of Columbus.
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The housing units are intended for older people with low or fixed incomes. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and the facility is scheduled to open in 2026.
“The need for affordable housing is particularly great for seniors in Franklin County as our senior population is rapidly increasing and is expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future,” said Charles Hillman, president and CEO of CMHA.
Why Grove City? It’s growing.
Grove City has grown steadily since its rapid population increase in the 1960s and 1970s, according to CMHA. Between 1960 and 2020, the city’s population increased from 8,107 to 42,366, according to census data.
The city expects a further increase of 15,000 by 2050.
According to CMHA, not only has the population increased over the years, but the age of people in Grove City has also changed.
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According to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s Insight2050 initiative, the fastest-growing age groups are currently those under 35 and over 55.
However, Grove City has only 12 affordable housing complexes. These include 188 units for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 755 units for low-income residents.
According to CMHA, the new development is urgently needed.
What will Cobblestone Manor look like?
The planned three-story building will house 22 apartments for residents earning less than 80% of the Columbus-area median income, which is $55,550 for a single-person household.
The other 60 apartments will be available to people through a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher specifically designated for this site. These residents are extremely low income and must earn less than 30% of the area median income to qualify for an apartment, which is $19,700 for a single person.
The complex will feature a fitness center, community room, coffee bar, library, computer lab, outdoor patio, pond and paved walking path for residents. The YMCA of Central Ohio will also be available as a resource to residents.
“Our goal with Cobblestone Manor is to promote healthy aging by providing low-income seniors with reasonably priced rents and leaving them with money left over each month for other living needs,” Hillman said. “Providing affordable housing can help seniors free up money for other important needs like healthcare and groceries.”
@DanaeKing
