Major Housing Investment Proposed for the South Side of Columbus

Columbus, Ohio - Community Housing Network plans to invest $10.3 million to develop a vacant lot on Columbus' south side with apartment buildings to help men, women and families get a new start in life.

Plans for 4079 Southpoint Blvd. include one building with 40 studio apartments and a second townhouse-style complex with 40 apartments for families. They are designed for people disabled by mental illness, substance addiction or histories of homelessness.

"This is a major investment in the south side for the south side," said Anthony Penn, CHN's associate director. "Tenants who meet the criteria for housing and live in the area will be given priority, so the development is both a social and economic benefit for the south side."

The housing will follow CHN's successful supportive housing model that links tenants to social, health and employment services. CHN currently owns and manages more than 850 apartments across Franklin County for disabled or formerly homeless people who often have trouble finding and keeping housing.

"Some of the tenants already will be working and paying taxes. For others, a stable living environment is the first step toward finding work, improving their health or maintaining their recovery," Penn said.

CHN representatives are working closely with south-side neighbors, churches and civic leaders to plan the development and define community standards and expectations for operations and communications. "It's natural that the community wants to understand".

Community Housing Network, the project and the people who will be moving in.
"CHN and our tenants will be committed to being good neighbors" Penn said. "The new Families want what everyone else in the neighborhood wants, a sense of community and a place to call home." CHN will carefully screen tenants and select those who are most likely to benefit from the supportive environment. Tenants pay rent and must abide by the lease agreement and building rules.

The property is not a treatment center, group home or half-way house, and at least two staff will be on site 24 hours a day to assure a safe and secure living environment and to monitor building operation. The building will be monitored by video, and guests are required to register.

Funding will come from the Community Shelter Board's Rebuilding Lives program and federal housing grants. CHN's proposal is expected to come before Columbus City Council on March 6. Construction could begin in mid-2007 and be completed in early 2008.