Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Reserve at Maryland Avenue LLC for development of 84 housing units in an amount up to $2,020,000.00. Approval is also requested for reimbursement of construction expenses incurred prior to execution of the purchase order, starting January 1, 2024.
The Reserve at Maryland Avenue is a proposed 84-unit multifamily development to offer income restricted housing to current and future residents of Columbus’ Near East Side. The project, which is in a Qualified Census Tract and within a specifically designated CRA target area within the City of Columbus, is an important part of the Near East Side Plan for revitalization and is ready for opportunity.
Connect Housing Blocks, an industrialized unit manufacturer in Columbus, will manufacture the individual dwelling units. The concept of modular units has many advantages: it’s more environmentally sustainable and produces 70% less waste than a traditional stick build, is less weather dependent and more time efficient. Due to the nature of building the units off-site in a manufacturing facility, each unit is a separately licensed industrialized unit that is inspected in the factory, which leads to less burden for municipalities for inspections.
The complex will consist of five buildings: four residential buildings and a clubhouse. The unit mix will be 24 one-bedrooms units, 48 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units in four residential buildings; all units will be set to 60% AMI. The community will offer competitive unit sizes and amenities including fully equipped kitchens with dishwashers and garbage disposals, washer/dryer hookups and spacious closets. Project amenities include a playground, ample green space, and a separate community center with a kitchenette, exercise room, computer center, sitting area, and covered patio.
The location is within a half mile of the Amazon Distrib...
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