Development Commission - 2026-03-12
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Columbus Development Commission approved a CPD rezoning for Lowe's Home Improvement at 6600 Park Mill Run Drive to allow permanent outdoor storage, while tabling a controversial AR-1 rezoning request at 2345 Demarest Road for a 216-unit affordable apartment complex by Kittle Property Group due to infrastructure concerns and neighbor opposition. Two additional cases were also tabled at the applicant's request.
Key Decisions (3)
CPD Rezoning at 6600 Park Mill Run Drive (Lowe's)
Approved new CPD Commercial Plan Development District for 15.56-acre Lowe's Home Improvement site to incorporate updated development text and site plan showing permanent outdoor storage. Includes modification to reduce required parking from 442 to 393 spaces. West Scioto Area Commission recommended approval.
Tabling of Cases 2 and 3
Cases number two and three were tabled at applicant request at the start of the meeting.
AR-1 Rezoning at 2345 Demarest Road (Kittle Property Group)
Tabled request to rezone 11.39 acres from R Rural to AR-1 Apartment Residential for 216-unit affordable workforce housing complex by Kittle Property Group. Westland Area Commission recommended disapproval. Concerns raised about infrastructure, traffic, privacy impacts on neighbors, and 7-foot perimeter setback variance. Applicant asked to reconsider site plan, particularly building orientation and tree preservation along south property line.
Zoning Changes (2)
6600 Park Mill Run Drive
Lowe's Home Improvement Centers
2345 Demarest Road
Kittle Property Group
Development Activity (4)
Lowe's Outdoor Storage Addition
15.56-acre existing big box retail site; CPD rezoning to allow permanent outdoor storage areas; parking reduced from 442 to 393 spaces
Kittle Workforce Housing
216 units in five 3-story buildings on 11.39 acres; 453 total bedrooms (1-4 bedroom units); 393 parking spaces; 100% affordable at 60% AMI; rents $1,097-$1,633; clubhouse included
Demarest Park
264 units with 500 parking spaces on 14 acres; previously approved by council
Hudson Crossing
166 units with 320 parking spaces; completed and now renting
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Developer Kittle Property Group reports 97% occupancy across 1,600+ Columbus units, indicating strong demand for affordable workforce housing.
Housing Demand
Church pastor testified 41 families relocated out of state in 2024 due to lack of affordable housing in Columbus.
Infrastructure
Jackson Township administrator noted developments requiring cars are being approved without supporting transit, sidewalks, or COTA bus routes, creating infrastructure gaps.
Sentiment
Commission expressed concern about density proposals that push boundary setbacks to minimum levels without adequate privacy screening for adjacent single-family homes.
Infrastructure
Traffic impact study under review for Demarest Road corridor; meeting scheduled with Franklin County Engineer and Grove City to resolve comments.