COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus City Council on Monday approved a rezoning for a 112-unit apartment complex at 2100 Hard Road, voting 7-1 despite strong opposition from nearby residents and a disapproval recommendation from the Development Commission.
The vote came after more than an hour of public testimony, with neighbors citing concerns about the project’s height, density, traffic and the process by which it moved forward. Councilmember White, who represents the district, cast the sole dissenting vote, citing overwhelming resident opposition and procedural concerns.
The rezoning changes 5 acres from LRR to AR-1, allowing the apartment development. A concurrent variance to reduce the perimeter yard from 25 feet to 15 feet on the east side and the building setback from 60 feet to 5 feet on Hard Road also passed on a voice vote.
Under the approved plan, 30% of the units will be reserved for households earning at or below 80% of the area median income. Staff recommended approval, but the Far North West Civic Association and the Development Commission both opposed the project.
Councilmember White said the process did not adequately address neighborhood concerns. “The residents in my district have been clear,” he said during debate. “They feel this was rushed and that their voices were not heard.”
Supporters of the project, including some who spoke during public comment, urged approval as a step toward addressing the city’s housing shortage.
The meeting opened with a unanimous resolution honoring Katelyn Spar, a prosecutor in the City Attorney’s Office who died recently. Judge Zach Gwynne, Assistant Chief Convis and City Attorney Melanie Tobias delivered remarks. The council adopted Resolution 0137X-2026 without dissent.
In other business, the council unanimously approved a one-year contract with Luna Solutions Inc. for procurement software licenses and services at $182,318.21, waiving competitive bidding. The council also authorized a $1,134,770 contract with Decker Construction for design and construction of 43 ADA-compliant curb ramps citywide.
Several items were postponed or referred back to committee, including a janitorial contract and Sustainable Columbus funding. The council also recognized the Coming Home African-American Holiday Festival and announced upcoming committee hearings.
The meeting adjourned after approximately four hours.