Weinland Park Community Civic Association

Housing Committee
Summary of Meeting of December 14, 2015
Matt Martin, co-chair of the Housing Committee, called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Those
present introduced themselves.
Steve Bollinger explained Wagenbrenner Development had gone to the University Area
Commission the previous Monday for a preliminary discussion of its proposal for the housing
development east of North Grant Avenue. The commissioners seemed supportive of the proposal.
The proposal will be formally considered by the commission on Wednesday. Housing Committee
members discussed the proposal. Laura Bidwa suggested that Sean Storey, as co-chair of the
Housing Committee, be encouraged to speak at the UAC on behalf of the committee.
Mr. Bollinger said Grant Park has only one lot left for sale. He said 35 houses have been sold at
an average of about $305,000.
Mr. Martin introduced Sheldon Johnson of the Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC), who will
work with the Housing Committee under a grant from The Columbus Foundation. He is at (614)
224-0187 and sjohnson@greaterohio.org. Mr. Johnson presented a PowerPoint titled Achieving
Healthy Neighborhoods Phase II: WPCCA Housing Committee Implementation. He offered a
Phase II work plan for 12 to 15 months (which began in October 2015):
December 2015 Schedule individual meetings, gather data, present work plan at Housing
Committee meeting.
January 2016 Present updated data at monthly Housing Committee meeting.
February 2016 Present and discuss investment data map.
Mr. Johnson asked for a discussion of the reasons that committee members are involved with the
Housing Committee and the committees purpose. Committee members responded. Committee
members also discussed what the committee is trying to achieve. Mr. Johnson said GOPC can
help with strategic support, research, data gathering, meeting facilitation, and time. Ms. Bidwa
suggested GOPC also could include teaching that would help committee members understand
how to continue the committees work effectively when GOPC completes its contract.
Mr. Johnson asked about increasing involvement by more residents with the Housing Committee.
Committee members discussed how this might be done.
The business of the committee being completed, Mr. Martin adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

Summary prepared by Steve Sterrett.

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