Columbus City Council Meeting and Zoning Committee Hearing - September 30, 2026

The Columbus City Council convened on September 30, 2026, for a regular meeting that included multiple resolutions, ordinances, and a subsequent zoning committee hearing to consider an administrative appeal of a downtown commission decision. Key topics included storm damage remediation, downtown safety and development, immigrant support, energy-efficient home repairs, and a detailed quasi-judicial appeal regarding a demolition permit for properties on South High Street. No public comments were made during the regular session.

Consent Calendar

• A series of routine approvals and unanimous actions were approved, including resolutions of expression, finance and governance ordinances, economic development ordinances, public service and transportation items, neighborhoods recreation and parks ordinances, health human services and equity items, public safety and criminal justice, housing homelessness and building, public utilities and sustainability, and appointments. Councilmember Green abstained from ordinance 2459-2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• There were no speakers during the public comment period of the regular council meeting.

Discussion Items

• Storm Damage Remediation (Ordinance 2461-2026): Councilmember DeAkaur presented legislation authorizing $2.5 million for mitigation and remediation at Barrack Community Center, Bush Park, Berliner Park, and the Fran Ryan Center following an EF1 tornado on August 11. Councilmember Dorrens criticized the mayor for using the disaster as a political prop and delaying the capital budget process. The city's real estate office confirmed insurance claims filed for Berliner and Barrack (deductible $250,000), with FEMA reimbursement pending. Barrack is expected to reopen in spring 2027. Councilmember Rosa de Padilla noted that funds for Barrack were already being addressed and that the capital budget process is separate.
• Economic Development Grant (Ordinance 2538-2026): A $2 million grant to Downtown Columbus Inc. (DCI) was authorized, with $500,000 from the housing business tax incentive fund for Safer Downtown's homeless outreach and $1.5 million for downtown strategic plan implementation. Robin Davis, Executive Director of Safer Downtown, reported 26 full-time ambassadors, 36,000 calls answered, and 126 people moved off the street via homeless outreach. DCI also raised $1.2 million in private funds.
• Immigrant and Refugee Support (Ordinance 2237-2026): Councilmember Rosa de Padilla introduced a $213,000 grant split equally among CRIS, Jewish Family Services, and ETSS for case management, legal services, mental health, and resource coordination. She emphasized the importance of supporting families facing federal uncertainty.
• Energy Efficient Home Repair Program (Ordinance 2757-2026): Councilmember Weish moved to amend the income cap from 200% of federal poverty level to 100% of area median income (approx. $110,000 for a family of four). The program, administered by MORPC, provides weatherization and home repairs to low-to-moderate income homeowners who often fall through gaps in existing programs. The amendment was approved unanimously.
• Arttober Resolution (0225X2026): Councilmember Rosa de Padilla presented a resolution recognizing October 2026 as Arttober, celebrating Columbus's creative community. Mitch Maniaci of GCAC noted the arts generate $2.1 billion in annual economic activity and support 22,000 jobs. The resolution passed.
• Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon Resolution (0227X2026): Councilmember Dorrens presented a resolution honoring the marathon and half marathon. Race Director Darius Blackford reported that the event has raised over $15 million since 2012, with a record-setting pace to raise $1.5 million this year. The resolution passed.
• Pastoral Anniversary Resolution: Council President Harden recognized Overseer Michael Reeves for his 50th pastoral anniversary at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. The resolution was adopted.
• LGBTQ+ Commission Code Amendments (Ordinance 2622-2026): The council amended city code to clarify the commission's enabling provisions, allowing committees and chairs to be set by bylaws rather than code. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved with Councilmember Green abstaining on ordinance 2459-2026.
• Storm Damage Ordinance (2461-2026): Passed (all in favor).
• Economic Development Grant (2538-2026): Passed (Councilmember Green abstained).
• Immigrant Support Ordinance (2237-2026): Passed.
• Energy Efficient Home Repair Ordinance (2757-2026): Amended and passed.
• Arttober Resolution (0225X2026): Adopted.
• Marathon Resolution (0227X2026): Adopted.
• Pastoral Anniversary Resolution: Adopted.
• LGBTQ+ Commission Ordinance (2622-2026): Passed.
• Other ordinances (bond anticipation notes, WIC contract, film permits, public utilities items) all passed as noted.

Zoning Committee: Administrative Appeal (Case COA 2600161)

The zoning committee heard oral arguments on an appeal by Town High Plaza, LLC of a downtown commission's 3-3 tie vote denying a certificate of appropriateness for demolition of buildings at 171-191 South High Street and 200 Wall Street. The appellant proposes to demolish the unsafe, fire-damaged buildings and leave a grass-seeded, maintained lot while pursuing redevelopment. The downtown commission historically rejects such "vacant lot" plans, arguing the design guidelines require a productive replacement use.

• Appellant's Position (Kevin Dunn): The city code (Section 3359.23) provides a second alternative for demolition when no replacement structure is proposed: a maintenance plan. The submitted plan includes capping utilities, grading, seeding, and ongoing maintenance. The commission's refusal to even review the plan on its merits violates the code. The buildings are unsafe (city unsafe building orders since 2019) and the owner cannot get environmental assessments without demolition.
• City's Position (Josh Cartier): The downtown commission has discretion to interpret its guidelines, which disfavor vacant lots. The applicant declined an offer from Vice Chair Maniaci to consider a public art installation or walkway. A vacant lot has no design element, and the commission's decision should be affirmed. Other processes (court order or emergency order) can still lead to demolition if safety is formally determined.
• Council Deliberation: Councilmembers asked about the definition of a maintenance plan, the commission's discretion, and whether intentional neglect played a role. No immediate vote was taken; the committee will issue a written decision later.