Plans to rehab a former manufacturing site owned by Battelle Memorial Institute at West 5th Avenue and Perry Street are proceeding.
Columbus City Council this week approved tax exemptions for a portion of the 15 acres of property involved. Council has also approved creating a Tax Increment Financing district for the project. Sponsoring Council member Jaiza Page says the project will not cause a problem for the Columbus City Schools.
Council approved an economic development agreement for the project earlier this year with Perry Street LLC, a partnership formed by Wagenbrenner Development and others. Plans are to build hundreds of new residential units, a grocery store, a hotel and a park. The TIF will reimburse the developer for the parkland. Many Harrison West residents have said they want to preserve the open space. Public records show Wagenbrenner Development is one of the top contributors to the campaigns of elected city officials.