City buying South Side lots

Anyone who’s ventured down Parsons can see that there is a lot of character in the area, but it’s not really in the most desirable conditions right now. Hopefully some of these improvements can get these neighbordhoods improved a bit.

City buying South Side lots

$1.6 million bond approval part of plan to reclaim neighborhood

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Debbie Gebolys

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

More than a year after Schottenstein’s closed its decrepit landmark store on S. Parsons Avenue, the city’s effort to reclaim the neighborhood is taking shape.

The Columbus City Council agreed last night to buy 33 properties close to the former Schottenstein’s store, the first of what is expected to be several purchases along Parsons Avenue.

The council approved $1.6 million in bond funds to buy roughly two city blocks west of Parsons between Barthman and Innis avenues. The properties include a closed grocery store, a body shop, a church and several houses and duplexes. In all, the city is buying property from 13 owners. Much of it is owned by various Schottenstein family trusts.

City officials are to present results of an $80,000 vision study Thursday.

“It’s exciting to see the city take steps to get control of that property,” Leighty said.

Backers hope the city will eventually control 10 acres along Parsons, creating a cornerstone for redeveloping the stretch between Livingston Avenue and Rt. 104.

“That could really be a significant development,” Leighty said.

By spring 2007, Urban Growth could begin to court residents and businesses.

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