Weinland Park Community Civic Association

Housing Committee
Notes of Meeting of August 13, 2013
Rory Krupp called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. Those in attendance introduced themselves.
Mr. Krupp introduced Keith Myers, associate vice president of physical planning and real estate
at The Ohio State University. Mr. Myers explained his background prior to joining Ohio State
full-time in early 2013. He said that Campus Partners, which has become part of his office,
would not undertake major development projects in the future. The university has established a
new non-profit corporation, University Development Strategies, that can lead development
projects regardless of geographic area. Campus Partners, on the other hand, has a mission
limited to the University District.
In response to a question, Mr. Myers said that Campus Partners will remain committed to the
work of the Weinland Park Collaborative. Mr. Myers noted the board of Campus Partners was
reconstituted in March 2013. Several board members, including Kathy Fox, who represented
University District residents, were moved to the Campus Partners Advisory Board. Mr. Myers
said that the mission of the advisory board needs to be clarified and its membership expanded.
Laura Bidwa suggested that the advisory board should include a Weinland Park resident.
In response to another question, Mr. Myers said he would like to move forward with
redevelopment of properties acquired by Campus Partners immediately south of South Campus
Gateway. He said there are opportunities on that site for housing and retail, but the retail is
limited. He doesnt think that the universitys rule requiring sophomore students to live in
university housing will adversely impact the student housing market in the University District.
Mr. Myers said East 11th Avenue is an important corridor to the university. He said he doesnt
have affinity for one-way pairs of streets, such as Summit and North Fourth streets. He also
noted that he learned that day of possible interest at the state level in development opportunities
on the Ohio State Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Mr. Myers expressed support for historic
preservation in neighborhoods. Mr. Myers said the community needs to set standards for what is
expects in terms of housing and development. You wont get what you wont ask for, he said.
You need to articulate that vision [for the neighborhood] and demand the tools to get there.
Committee members discussed housing and other developments in Weinland Park.
Mr. Krupp asked if the university would consider moving the university presidents residence to
the University District. Mr. Myers said that is not a decision that he is empowered to make.
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In response to a question, Mr. Myers said the university is likely to focus more on following
through on existing properties, rather than emphasizing continued acquisition. He said, however,
that the university will be open to strategic acquisitions.
Joe Williams of Wagenbrenner Development reported that paperwork is being completed for
historic tax credits and the financing of the property renovation along East 11th Avenue. He
expects renovation of the properties will begin in September. The first renovated apartments
could be ready for occupancy in March 2014. Wagenbrenner Development hopes to market the
apartments to young professionals and, perhaps, graduate students, rather than undergraduate
students.
Mr. Williams said Wagenbrenner Development would like to begin construction this year on four
single-family homes on the Grant Park site (formerly Columbus Coated Fabrics). The four
would include a model home, a spec house, and two built for identified home-buyers.
Diane Dixon expressed need for a playground as additional houses are built on Grant Park and
the need for permit parking on North Sixth Street because residents park on the street. Omar
Elhagmusa suggested that permit parking be discussed at the Housing Committee meeting in
September.
Mr. Krupp said 1497 North Fourth Street is in the citys land bank and the city is proposing to
demolish the building. The University Area Commission is opposing the demolition. Mr. Krupp
moved, and Mr. Elhagmusa seconded the motion, that the Housing Committee oppose the citys
proposed demolition of 1497 North Fourth Street. Mr. Krupp said the intent of the motion would
be to ask the city to sell the property to a party that would renovate the house. The motion was
adopted on a vote of 5-3.
Mr. Elhagmusa adjourned the meeting at 6:44 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Stephen A. Sterrett
Secretary