Columbus Common Council Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Common Council of Columbus, Indiana met on October 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM to consider several items including a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement for an affordable housing development, an expansion of the downtown social district (DORA), and a funding package for the redesign of the Robert D. Garden Gateway Plaza. All items except one were approved on first reading with minimal public comment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from October 6, 2026, was passed unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Aaron Hawkins (2555 Franklin Street, Visit Columbus) spoke in favor of the Gateway Plaza redesign, noting it would appeal to visitors, provide shade, and serve as a connector to future downtown development.
• John Wig (address given as 340 North County Road 14th) supported the plaza, highlighting available parking (2 handicapped, 9 regular spaces in the lot, plus street parking and a nearby garage) and its usability for lunch breaks.
• Brad and Brenda Garden (via video) and Bo Garden Schoberg (grandson of Senator Robert D. Garden) expressed gratitude for the planned plaza and its naming, noting the family’s connection to the original dedication and their support for the project.
• For items A and B, no public comments were made.

Discussion Items

Item A – PILOT Agreement for American Columbus Partners (Glick Property)

• Jake Weist (staff) presented a proposal for a 30-year PILOT for Glick’s 136-unit affordable senior housing complex built in 1978. The property is under a Section 8 contract ensuring residents pay no more than 30% of income on rent.
• The original PILOT payment of $40,800 per year was negotiated up to $68,000 per year (with 3% annual escalation), totaling approximately $3.2 million over 30 years—an increase from the initial $1.9 million. These payments will go into the city’s Affordable Housing Fund.
• Janine (Glick representative) described the company’s history, the planned $23.6 million rehab (including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, doors, elevators, and amenity upgrades), and a 40-year affordability commitment enforced by federal and state agencies. She also detailed a resident relocation plan with hotel stays and a $20,000 resident-choice fund for community space improvements.
• Council members noted that the property currently pays about $160,000/year in taxes; under the PILOT, the city forgoes that revenue, but the project preserves critical affordable housing and leverages $23.6 million in improvements.
• The ordinance passed on first reading unanimously (roll call: all ayes).

Item B – DORA Boundary Expansion

• Jody Kaufman and Austin Wood (staff) presented an amendment to the downtown social district (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) to include the Inn at Irwin Gardens. The map expansion adds a block around 6th and Pearl Streets. Previously added vendors (The Forge on Fourth, Fraternal Order of Eagles, St. Dennis Wine Books and Wonders) were noted as already approved via Board of Works.
• Required letters of support from nearby schools and churches were obtained; the boundary ends at the sidewalk on non-DORA sides.
• The ordinance passed on first reading unanimously (roll call: all ayes).

Items C, D, E – Gateway Plaza Funding Package

• Heather Pope (redevelopment) introduced three ordinances to create a Gateway Entrance Fund (2545), transfer remaining railroad overpass funds ($3,239,052.20), and appropriate those funds for the plaza redesign and bridge repainting.
• Michaela Brown (assistant director of redevelopment) explained the project history: a community-driven redesign starting in April 2024, with the final design by Merritt Chase. The original $4.7 million concept was value-engineered to a $2.6 million construction plan (GMP). The plan includes a public safety plaza, community lawn, picnic grove, flexible plaza area, native plantings, and improved pedestrian connections.
• Funding sources: The CRC (TIF) approved using its $3 million share; LIRC (Louisiana and Indiana Railroad) agreed to allow its $3,300 for maintenance; Bartholomew County approved its portion only for bridge repainting; CSX denied the use and will receive its remaining funds back.
• The bridge repainting (Bob Stewart Bridge) is also funded from the package.
• Public commenters and the Garden family spoke in support. Council discussion centered on the plaza’s purpose (visual gateway vs. active park), parking adequacy, and the city’s ability to maintain new assets. Council member Jerome Wood expressed concerns about limited parking and questioned the project’s value relative to investing in existing parks. Another council member (likely Ken Anderson or Jake Weist) voiced support for downtown investment but cautioned about the city’s financial capacity and the need for fiscal discipline. Despite concerns, only Jerome Wood voted against Item C (the fund creation); Items D and E passed unanimously.
• Votes:
  • Item C (Ordinance 2026- establishing Gateway Entrance Fund 2545): Passed 6-1 (Jerome Wood no).
  • Item D (Transfer of funds from Railroad Overpass Fund to Gateway Fund): Passed unanimously.
  • Item E (Appropriation of $3,239,052.20 for capital and professional services): Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• PILOT Ordinance (Item A): Approved on first reading. Will proceed to second reading. If finalized, Glick will pay $68,000/year (with 3% escalation) for 30 years into the Affordable Housing Fund, enabling a $23.6 million rehab and 40-year affordability commitment.
• DORA Expansion (Item B): Approved on first reading. The social district will expand to include the Inn at Irwin Gardens; state ATC notification will follow.
• Gateway Plaza Package (Items C, D, E) : All three ordinances approved. The gateway plaza redesign will move forward with a $2.6 million budget, funded from remaining railroad overpass funds and TIF sources. The Bob Stewart Bridge repainting is also funded. Construction is expected to proceed pending final approvals.