Housing Hilliard
The 'Third Rail' of Suburban Politics Shouldn't Scare Anybody
At the October 28th City Council meeting, members took the latest steps in moving forward the sale of a 0.17-acre parcel at 3474 Bryant Street to the Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation (COCIC). While only a single piece of property, this sale could represent a significant step toward addressing the growing need for affordable housing in Hilliard and Central Ohio.
COCIC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to neighborhood revitalization and permanent affordable housing solutions, intends to construct a single-family home on the property as part of its Land Trust Program, a key initiative supporting affordable homeownership in the region.
The Bryant Street parcel was originally reserved for a potential roadway connection, a plan that became unnecessary as the surrounding neighborhoods in Darby Glen took their mature shape. In 2024, given the lack of a realizable use for the land as city property, council members deemed it surplus and authorized the sale. While the land is appraised at $80,000, COCIC’s $30,000 bid was the only offer received, reflecting the difficulty in attracting buyers due to specific development limitations. The City’s decision to move forward with the sale at a lower price reflects strategic commitments to use its resources for long-term community benefits.
The sale includes the waiving of certain city permitting fees and Hilliard’s share of water and sewer capacity fees. This support aims to reduce overall development costs, making it possible to offer the home at a more accessible price for qualified, income-eligible buyers. The property’s future owner will hold a 99-year land lease through the COCIC Land Trust, allowing them to build equity while sharing market value growth to retain affordability for future buyers. COCIC’s approach in Hilliard should help to redevelop affordable housing options in mature neighborhoods close to local amenities like schools and parks.
The new residence is expected to integrate with the area’s architectural style, complementing the neighborhood's established look and feel while bringing diversity to the housing market.
The COCIC Land Trust Program, launched in 2019, is a strategic initiative aimed at tackling Ohio’s affordability crisis head-on. By retaining ownership of the land and creating agreements that control resale prices, the program enables families to enjoy homeownership benefits without falling victim to rapidly escalating housing prices. With recent successes in neighboring areas, COCIC has helped develop over 175 affordable units, leveraging similar partnerships and public support to sustain affordability and foster community investment.
Given Hilliard’s challenges in developing single family housing and Community Plan goals focused on infill development this can be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen Hilliard’s commitment to responsible, community-minded development. The new home should contribute to neighborhood diversity while maintaining aesthetic continuity, and its location near an elementary school is ideal for families.
As the project timetable progresses, the plan is for Hilliard’s city officials and COCIC to work together to ensure a smooth integration of the property within the community.
The COCIC will oversee construction in collaboration with a reputable home builder, managing every phase from site planning to community engagement. Once complete, the property should add to a growing portfolio of accessible housing options, supporting Hilliard’s overall vision for building in and through existing neighborhoods.
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