COCLT on track to complete 100 homes by 2024
(COLUMBUS) November 10, 2022—The Central Ohio Community Land Trust (COCLT), a subsidiary of COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank, today announced it has entered into a general construction agreement with Rockford Homes to construct 21 single-family, residential homes in the City of Columbus and Franklin County.
“Building more homes working individuals can afford is a cornerstone of the work needed to address the current housing crisis in Franklin County,” said Curtiss L. Williams, Sr., President/CEO of COCIC. “Housing prices are still at all-time highs and inventory throughout the county continues to dwindle. Working in partnership with the team at Rockford Homes, the Trust is not only able to bring a new supply of homes to market, but we’re able to keep them affordable today and into the future.”
Pre-development work is already underway and construction is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2022. The partnership agreement includes seven homes in Milo Grogan, three homes in Weinland Park, six homes in Mifflin Township and five homes in Clinton Township. The entire project is expected to be completed by summer 2023.
“Rockford Construction was privileged to partner with COCIC on these 15 new affordable homes in the City of Whitehall and the Village of Urbancrest,” said Robert Yoakam, President / CEO of Rockford Homes. “COCIC’s mission to assist in what is one of Central Ohio’s greatest needs in affordable housing is something we need more of in not only Central Ohio but our entire Region. We look forward to the continued partnership as we get ready to break ground on the next 21 houses.”
“The Board of Trustees of Clinton Township is excited to be working with COCIC and Rockford Homes in building new homes on some of our vacant parcels. Vacant properties decrease tax revenue, create greater maintenance costs, increase safety and crime issues, and are a blight that lowers the value of nearby properties. By revitalizing these lots, Clinton Township will be welcoming new residents to our community, returning these parcels to productive use, and improving our neighborhoods,” said Matthew C Huffman, AICP, Administrator of Clinton Township.
According to Nancy White, Township Administrator of Mifflin Township, “Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees in Mifflin Township, we are looking forward to partnering with COCIC and Rockford Homes to bring more affordable housing options to Mifflin Township. We know that investing in affordable housing and overall community redevelopment has a direct positive impact on the health, education, job security and overall wellbeing of the individuals and families in our community.”
Prior to this agreement, Rockford Homes has partnered with the Trust to complete 24 homes in Franklin County. In May, the COCLT announced the completion of their first 50 homes and plans for the next 50. The agreement with Rockford Homes is part of the Trust’s goal to reach 100 homes by the end of 2024.
The Central Ohio Community Land Trust, a subsidiary of COCIC, is committed to creating more affordable housing options for individuals in under-served and transitioning neighborhoods, bridging the affordability and racial homeownership gaps that exist today in Franklin County, and transitioning unsafe and abandoned properties into vibrant projects that serve our community. You can learn more about the Central Ohio Community Land Trust and view our homes at www.coclt.org.
About COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank
COCIC is a non-profit organization formed by the Franklin County Commissioners in 2012 to improve the quality of neighborhoods and communities within Franklin County. More information about COCIC can be found at www.cocic.org.
