Columbus City Council last night approved tax breaks for three projects that will cost local taxpayers 2.36 million dollars. The city is giving Colorado-based glassware maker Ball Corporation a 10 year, 75 percent abatement to expand its facility on Charter Street on the west side and create 50 jobs. The city is giving Hubbard Park Place LLC a 10 year, 75 percent abatement to construct an 11-story office and residential building at Park Street and Hubbard Avenue. The city is also giving Brunner Building LLC a 10-year, 75 percent abatement to construct a 6-story office, retail and residential building in the 900 block of North High Street. Columbus Development Director Steve Schoeny says the two Short North abatements are designed to increase office space in the neighborhood.
City officials say existing Short North office space is all booked up. Community residents have said the Short North is thriving and developers don't need breaks to be successful.