Council approves construction of Avery Road apartments

By Mark Ferenchik

The Columbus Dispatch Monday June 4, 2012 9:14 PM

Construction will begin this summer on a 165-unit apartment complex in Columbus between Dublin and Hilliard, after the Columbus City Council voted to rezone the land last evening.

Colonial American Development Corp. of Columbus will build two-story apartments, said Jeff Brown, the companys zoning attorney.

The City Council rezoned 13 acres at 5287 Avery Rd., across the street from Ables Golf on Avery, a driving range. The plan calls for the developer to preserve the trees along the sites perimeter.

No one spoke against the project last night. The citys Development Commission recommended approval in April.

In other business, the council approved a five-year tax-incentive package for Food Safety Net Services to open a new food-testing laboratory in a vacant commercial building at 4130 Fisher Rd. on the West Side.

The company, based in San Antonio, Texas, will create 40 full-time jobs with an annual payroll of $1.2 million, making the average annual salary $30,000. The company will receive 25 percent of the amount of income taxes withheld over five years, or $37,125. The city will receive $111,375 in new tax revenue.

The council also:

Approved $250,000 for small-business faade improvements in Franklinton and the Hilltop; Parsons Avenue on the South Side; E. Main Street, Long Street and Mount Vernon Avenue on the Near East Side; and North and South Linden. Businesses can use grants for awnings, signs, paint, doors, windows and lighting, Councilman Zach Klein said. Those interested can call the Development Department at 614-645-8585.

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Council approves construction of Avery Road apartments