The COCLT expands its commitment to helping communities in Franklin County create affordable homeownership opportunities
(COLUMBUS) April 17, 2025—The Central Ohio Community Land Trust (COCLT) announced its first project in Hilliard, Ohio, today. With support from the Franklin County Commissioners, the Land Trust will construct a new 1,400-square-foot, ranch-style home on Bryant Street in Hilliard. The project signifies the commitment between the COCLT and Hilliard to invest in making homeownership affordable to more working individuals and families.
The home, which will be listed at $199,000, includes a fenced-in backyard and a two-car garage. The COCLT will be the developer and hire the Simmons Corporation to build the home, which is expected to cost $350,000. Development work will begin in spring 2025 and will be completed this fall.
“We look forward to partnering with the City of Hilliard to bring our model of permanently affordable housing to an area where working families are being priced out of the housing market,” said Curtiss L. Williams, Sr., President/CEO of COCIC. “Mixed-income neighborhoods are critically important. It ensures we’re building neighborhoods that reflect the full spectrum of our community and ensures our teachers, healthcare workers, first-responders and service professionals can afford to live in the communities they serve.”
“We’re excited that an underused lot in Hilliard will become home to a family, thanks to this collaboration with the Central Ohio Community Land Trust (COCLT),” said Dan Ralley, Hilliard Assistant City Manager and Director of Community Development. “This partnership will give access to the wealth-building opportunity of homeownership in our growing and diverse community – a wonderful place to live, work, and play. This is one step among many toward ensuring Hilliard has diversity in housing as part of our commitment to fulfilling Central Ohio’s needs for affordable places for people to live.”
Since its formation, the COCLT has built 138 affordable homes throughout Franklin County for individuals and families with an average annual income of $50,000. Currently, 85% of COCLT homeowners are first-time homebuyers and 59% of homeowners are at 80% or below the area median income (AMI).
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.
About the Central Ohio Community Land Trust
The Central Ohio Community Land Trust, a subsidiary of COCIC, is committed to creating more affordable housing options for individuals in underserved and transitioning neighborhoods, bridging the affordability gaps that exist today in Franklin County. You can learn more about the Central Ohio Community Land Trust and view our homes at www.coclt.org.
