02/01/2024

Ending Referendums, Township Zoning Pitched as Solutions to Columbus Housing Crisis

Permitting a referendum vote on zoning creates an unpredictable business model

Ohio homebuilders are pushing state lawmakers to eliminate local zoning referendums, create a tax-abatement program that doesn't require school-board approval, and other policies that would make it easier for companies to build more homes.They say the lack of new homes is slowing growth in central Ohio and that builders are not meeting demand statewide.

"For the last 15 years in central Ohio, we've underbuilt," said Kenny McDonald, president and CEO of the Columbus Partnership economic development organization. "Supply and demand are just out of balance."

The Building Industry Association of Central Ohio's report, "Ohio Housing Policy White Paper: Strategies to Address Ohio's Housing and Economic Challenges," was presented Wednesday morning at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Columbus Dispatch.