 Photo Credit: The Republic I attended the meeting hosted by The Historic Downtown Neighborhood Association held last Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church. I appreciated hearing the questions and concerns of those interested in the historic houses and how the space may change downtown. It was helpful hearing from Rick Sprague and Hutch Shumaker about the current state of the houses. What I heard is that both houses are beyond repair. Mr. Sprague said the house he owns had been completely stripped and gutted inside by vandals. He has looked into moving the house, which he says would cost more than $100,000 to move two blocks. Mr. Shumaker stated Joe Willy's is suffering from structural damage. He said he plans to salvage as much as possible from the interior of the house, including the staircase. Whatever money he generates from the sale, he will donate to the restoration of Crump Theater. In regards to the city council meeting on Tuesday, the 16th, the question before the council is in regards to rezoning that land from commercial neighborhood to commercial downtown. City Planner Jeff Bergman explained at the meeting that the process entails a first and second vote. If the city council passes the first vote, city planners will then determine the feasibility of the rezoning then will bring the zoning change proposal for a second vote. This item is to assess the zoning of the property for future use only, whether it be Rubicon Development or someone else. Most of the properties surrounding the 11th and Washington Streets space are already zoned commercial downtown. I invite you to attend the city council meeting on Tuesday to listen in and voice your opinion 
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AuthorI was born and raised in Columbus, and I've spent the last 24 years living and working here. I love our city, and together we can keep it great! |
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