Weinland Park Community Civic Association
Housing Committee
Summary of meeting of December 8, 2014
Matt Martin, committee chair, called the meeting to order at
6:06 p.m. at Godman Guild Association.Steve Bollinger of
Wagenbrenner Development said his company is beginning renovation
of two single-family houses owned by Campus Partners at 1254 and
1314 N. Fifth Street. Mr. Bollinger and Erin Prosser of Campus
Partners presented drawings of the proposed improvements that would
bump out the front of the two houses to permit them to become
three-bedroom, rather than two-bedroom, houses. In their
experience, renovated three-bedroom houses in Weinland Park have
sold quicker than two-bedroom houses. The renovation will include
construction of a two-car garage behind each house. Mr. Bollinger
said the renovation could be completed by next May or June. Ms.
Prosser asked for feedback on the proposed changes in the design of
the houses so that Wagenbrenner Development could move forward with
developing a construction budget. Depending on the construction
costs, they estimated the houses likely would be put on the market
for about $200,000.
Laura Bidwa suggested keeping the retaining wall at 1254 N.
Fifth Street as an historic feature. In general, the Housing
Committee members were supportive of the proposed changes. Ms.
Prosser said they would return to the Housing Committee in January
with more information on the renovation of the houses. Ms. Prosser
reported that 281 E. Seventh Avenue is the only other single-family
house that Campus Partners owns in Weinland Park. The other
properties are vacant lots or two- or four-family buildings.Mr.
Martin noted that representatives of Edwards Communities and
Community Housing Network (CHN) had met with community members in
Weinland Park on November 24 to discuss the south of Gateway
project. Ms. Prosser said CHN will discuss plans for its proposed
new building with the University Area Review Board (UARB) later
this month. A representative of Edwards Communities also would
attend the UARB meeting to provide context for the larger south of
Gateway project. Steve Sterrett suggested that, as plans are
developed for the south of Gateway project, attention should be
paid to maintain the residential character of Euclid Avenue with
its collection of single-family homes. Ms. Bidwa asked about
architectural salvage and the possibility of moving houses that are
in the footprint of the south of Gateway project. Ms. Prosser said
Campus Partners will consider that.Laura Sutherland and Ryan
Cassell of CHN presented a proposed site plan and architectural
rendering of CHNs new building proposed for the corner of East
Ninth Avenue and Section Alley. CHNs current building at 1494 N.
High Street would be demolished as part of the redevelopment of the
south of Gateway site. The current building, which is staffed 24
hours a day, has 36 efficiency apartment units. The new building,
which also would be staffed 24 hours a day, would have 60
one-bedroom units. CHN provides housing for formerly homeless
persons and for persons with mental health and substance abuse
issues. The new building also would provide office space and shared
activity space for OSU Extension in the University District.
Entrance to CHNs apartments would be through a courtyard at the
back of the building; entrance to the OSU Extension office would be
in the front.Ms. Bidwa suggested that the design of the front
entrance be changed to remove a terrace, both because it is a dark
overhang and it seems out of character with the rest of the
neighborhood. Others agreed. Michael Wilkos suggested that the
first-floor community space might have more glass so as to be more
inviting.Ms. Sutherland said the funding for the buildings
construction with low-income housing tax credits is not yet in
place. The allocation for low-income housing tax credits is
competitive, but she expects the project to score well. She plans
to discuss the project with the University Area Commission and the
UARB later in December. If the public approvals and funding fall
into place, construction would begin next summer or fall with
completion in a little more than a year. She also said there would
be a good neighbor agreement and a neighborhood advisory council
for the new building.
Mr. Martin asked about the proximity of the proposed building to
St. Sophia Cathedral and the Directions for Youth and Families
building and possible synergy among these agencies. Ms. Colbert
asked how the CHN residents are connected to the neighborhood. Ms.
Bidwa asked about the green space behind the building and the
curved parking space.
On another matter, Ms. Bidwa asked where in the process were the
applications for property tax abatement for the houses that
received the home repair grants administered by the Mid-Ohio
Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Mr. Wilkos said he will be
meeting soon with a representative from MORPC and will inquire
about the applications.Summary prepared by Steve Sterrett.
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