columbus Invests $1.2 Million to Revitalize Westgate Area, Prioritize Affordable Housing
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) –
The City of Columbus is set to approve a $1.2 million investment aimed at revitalizing a key building in the Westgate neighborhood, fostering economic growth and ensuring access to affordable housing. The project comes as the area anticipates increased connectivity wiht the arrival of a new COTA bus station and a forthcoming Rapid Transit stop.
Local economic growth group Hilltop Rise is leading the effort, already under contract to purchase buildings in the area near West Broad and Westgate Avenue.The city’s contribution, expected to be approved Monday night, will be instrumental in their plans.
“It’s all part of an effort to improve 6,000 square feet of retail space and attract new business,” explained Danny Peterson, Director of Hilltop Rise. The association intends to modernize the building to draw in new tenants while protecting existing ones.
Currently, only one business occupies the building and will be allowed to remain with no rent increase. The goal is to fill the remaining vacant storefronts. Beyond retail, the building also houses five existing rental units, the occupants of which will not be displaced.
the project will ultimately create up to 10 units of affordable housing, available to residents earning $58,000 per year or less. Peterson emphasized that this proactive approach is designed to prevent speculative buyers from driving up rental costs in the rapidly developing area.
“We’re trying to get out in front of that,” Peterson stated, highlighting the organization’s commitment to maintaining affordability as the neighborhood evolves.
Hilltop Rise anticipates the building will be ready for new tenants within the coming months, signaling a swift and impactful revitalization of the Westgate area.
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