Five central Ohio housing projects get millions in funding from the state

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio Housing Finance Agency announced this week it would finance nine housing developments, five of which are in central Ohio.

The agency will spend $10.5 million among its central Ohio investments to help construct housing developments. The funds will help build nearly 600 units in Franklin and Licking counties.

The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority received two grants from the OHFA, one for its AspireCOLUMBUS project and one for its Maplewood and Sugar Grove developments.

AspireCOLUMBUS will generate 70 units priced for working families and 12 units to sell at market prices at 360 S. Third St. The mixed-income apartment building previously received tax credits from OHFA to help fund the project and will use its $1.75 million loan to transform the former site of nonprofit United Way's headquarters into one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The Maplewood and Sugar Grove projects will renovate the existing apartments at Maplewood Heights near Whitehall and Sugar Grove Square in Westerville. With its $2 million loan, the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority will refurbish 191 units for older Ohioans in total, with 71 at Maplewood and 120 at Sugar Grove. Both facilities welcome tenants 62 and older, and updates will include new flooring, plumbing and electrical features, among other renovations.

Community Housing Network Inc. received two grants as well, totaling $5 million in state investments. The affordable housing nonprofit will use the funds for projects at Knoll View Place and Scioto Rise Place.

Community Housing Network will use its first $2.5 million loan to construct Scioto Rise Place at 42 W. Jenkins Ave. According to application materials filed with the OHFA, Scioto Rise Place will build 60 units, 48 to prioritize people who have experienced homelessness for at least a year, and 12 for individuals with severe mental illness or substance abuse and are homeless. On-site counseling and health services will help residents recover while protecting them from homelessness.

The second $2.5 million loan granted to the Community Housing Network will fund Knoll View Place, a three-story proposed building to serve individuals with mental illness and a history of homelessness. Knoll View Place will include 50 one-bedroom units with shared laundry, fitness rooms, community room and computer stations.

The final central Ohio loan was given to LEADS, a nonprofit that helps people facing poverty with home, utility and food needs. LEADS will use its $1.75 million loan for Brookside Place in Pataskala, a preexisting apartment complex that has seen steady occupation since it was built in 1994. After 30 years of use, LEADS said the facility needs extensive updates, particularly as people flock to the area in search of growing technology center jobs and the growth of nearby New Albany.

The OHFA approved four other projects around the state, giving an additional $7 million to projects in Summit, Wood and Perry counties.