Eastland Mall, Gahanna and Weinland Park receive funding for remediation
(COLUMBUS) JUNE 5, 2025—COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank announced today the Ohio Department of Development has awarded it $3.75 million for the remediation and clean-up of brownfield sites in Franklin County. Projects will include cleaning up and/or demolishing blighted structures at Eastland Mall, Gahanna’s Creekside District and Weinland Park.
“The remediation and demolition of brownfield sites opens the door to new possibilities for our community,” said Curtiss L. Williams, Sr., President & CEO of COCIC. “Having support from the Ohio Department of Development, we’re able to move these three projects, Mill Street in Gahanna, Eastland Mall and Weinland Park, forward, sparking new opportunities for residents, business owners and community leaders.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced nearly $60 million in grants for communities in 27 counties as part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. As the lead entity for Franklin County, COCIC was responsible for collecting and submitting qualified projects.
The following projects in Franklin County met the requirements set forth by ODOD and will be awarded grants:
Gahanna Mill Street Redevelopment (Awarded $108,000)
This project will fund the demolition and asbestos abatement of two vacant and deteriorated commercial properties in Gahanna’s Creekside District. Formerly a car wash and an auto repair facility, the properties are in blighted condition and inhibit surrounding development. Cleanup will stop ongoing contamination and prepare the sites for mixed-use redevelopment, supporting commercial, retail, and residential activity in the community’s downtown area and creating 20 new jobs.
Eastland Mall Redevelopment (Awarded $2,022,409)
This project involves asbestos abatement and full demolition of eight dilapidated structures on the former Eastland Mall property in Columbus. The site will be cleared and cleaned up to meet environmental and health standards. Once remediation is complete, the parcels will be marketed for multi-family residential redevelopment.
Weinland Park Apartments (Awarded $1,632,017)
This project involves the demolition of two vacant structures and the remediation of environmental contaminants at a site in Weinland Park. Once remediated, the site will be redeveloped into two seven-story buildings featuring 186 apartment units, retail space, and parking.
Last year, COCIC, as the lead entity and grantee, was awarded $28.9 million by the Ohio Department of Development for the remediation and clean-up of six brownfield sites in Franklin County.
About COCIC: Franklin County Land Bank
COCIC was formed by the Franklin County Commissioners to address rising vacancy rates and improve community land use. Through strategic land acquisition and demolition, COCIC is tasked with removing and repairing blighted, unsafe or abandoned properties, paving the way for safer and more vibrant neighborhoods. As the Franklin County Land Bank, COCIC is able to acquire unproductive land and work alongside community leaders to deliver strategic redevelopment plans that will return these parcels to income-generating, taxable projects that support local residents. Visit www.cocic.org for more information and to learn about recent projects.
