PHASE ONE
To initiate the Community Development Plan, ROFCDC has created a business roundtable to establish a medical clinic, a food pantry and possibly attract a K16 career-oriented school. The roundtable will focus its support on all the new redevelopment owner’s efforts for the Rock of Faith Baptist Church’s campus situated on 3 acres between Main St, Seymour Ave, Mound St. and Berkeley. We will have 3 community outreach festivals this summer, have adopted Fairwood Elementary for backpacks and school supplies and the nationally recognized artist Malcolm Cochran will have an important art installation in the church beginning in September, supported by all of the central Ohio arts community.
The 1911 church will be converted into a state-of-the-art event center and outdoor pavilion. The 1845 Miller Farmhouse adjacent will become a modern BNB. It is believed the beginning of this neighborhood resurgence will provide our neighbors with the hope that more time, effort and resources will be invested in the area. The goal is to begin to help alleviate poverty by also providing walkable trades training and jobs and raise the physical attractiveness of the property and the expectations for the surrounding area.
PHASE TWO
ROFCDC is working to develop Rock of Faith Neighborhood Residences by initially raising one million dollars for the development of affordable and supportive housing and to option adjacent parcels for cohesive long-term planning, rather than scattered sites. As market value rises with development, we will leverage our holdings for matching funds, grants, loans and donations to complete Phase Two in partnership with a developer that has capacity and experience. Since the conversion of Holy Rosary Church to an event center and the complete renovation of the long-vacant High School on the corner of Mound Street and Berkeley Rd is planned, our housing project will gain in value. Working with the Veterans Administration, the State of Ohio, Franklin County, the City of Columbus and our development/construction partners and suppliers we will begin reconstruction, creating 8 residences for veterans and/or affordable transitional housing for some of our neediest residents. The project will provide wrap-around social services to ensure residents’ recovery, employment, financial growth, family stability and personal empowerment. These services will be offered on-site as well as through linkages with service providers in the community.
Phase Two will then begin construction of a 26 affordable apartment building with a clinic and health service offices on the first floor. We will work closely with Columbus Health and Franklin County Services and Health Impact Ohio/Unite Us programs as strategic health partners. Starting date is to be announced.
Simultaneously, working with the Columbus/ Franklin County Land Bank and the State of Ohio, ROFCDC will gain control of all abandoned parcels available around the project area, which has a 32% owner occupancy rate. ROFCDC will lease or sell parcels to affordable/supportive projects as they arise. The city and county will raze abandoned buildings, transferring ownership to ROFCDC. We will begin a landscaping training class in partnership with Columbus State University to care for the parcels in anticipation of their development. We will endeavor to work with the trades council for training and apprenticeship programs.
Our approach immediately reduces crime, the costs of municipal services, liability and blight. Our purchase of this land at the lowest market capitalization possible, allows the lowest, quickest point of entry for development, immediately increasing property values in the project area and the surrounding area, ensuring higher valuations and revenue as remaining parcels are developed. The renovation of the church will provide an interfaith community anchor at the center of the project. The remodel of the school, whether for residences, a school or offices will also create additional value.
While developing housing and services on the south side of Main Street, ROFCDC will try to assemble available parcels one block into the north side of Main St until the market provides the opportunity to develop mixed use facilities. All these projects will contribute to the Near Eastside Area Commission and Columbus redevelopment efforts, which have been very successful! Abutting Bexley to the east, one of the most affluent communities in Ohio and the US, the redevelopment will curtail the natural flow of associated problems east. Also, it will reverse the blight by moving west to eventually join the redevelopment moving from downtown led by The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. As this project succeeds by utilizing certified sustainable construction standards, US and Ohio teaching and training practices and proven community outreach services, it will provide an environment of safety, security, sustenance and stability. Having a healthier base from which to renew, individuals can pursue a more productive, fulfilling life. The ROFCDC master plan and implementation may be a model for other cities throughout the US.
Effects of Change
Reduction in Crime – Vacant lots and blighted buildings permeate the landscape of this section of Main Street, turning them into opportunities for much illegal activity. The new development will decrease abandoned and misused property and encourage both residents and visitors to patronize local businesses. It will also create a welcoming environment and a change in perception outside the community.
Revitalized Neighborhood – New businesses and development will increase overall pride within the neighborhood. Once this occurs outsiders will take notice and want to become a part of the renaissance by occupying and renovating homes. This will ultimately result in creating a positive identity for the neighborhood, something the neighborhood currently lacks.
Overall positive impact-The chasm of disparity between South of Main and its neighbors, Bexley one block away east and downtown Columbus ten blocks west, is overwhelmingly evident. With long-term planning and controlled development, the entirety of Main Street, which includes Bexley/ Capital University area east to downtown Columbus west will become re-energized! A cohesive corridor is created enabling the entire corridor and area to thrive!
Perception changes – this will also have to occur before any dirt is moved. However, once redevelopment begins, the perception of both residents and visitors will change.
- Teaches Community new skills.
- Provides nutritious foods to residents who have little to no income.
- Beautifies the neighborhood by reclaiming deserted, dilapidated space
- May create entrepreneurial income in what is literally a ‘food desert’!
- Replaces the decrepit silos with green space.
- Creates a safe environment for families to enjoy recreation and sports.
- Enhances the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
- Encourages surrounding communities to come and enjoy the park