BEXLEY, Ohio — After years of battles in court over an affordable housing complex in Bexley, it now may become a reality.
Last week, Bexley Apartments LLC officially purchased a funeral home property on East Livingston Ave with plans to convert it into an affordable housing complex. The property was purchased by the LLC for $1.5 million.
Some Bexley residents said it would be a welcome asset to the community.
"I personally believe that food and housing are things that are a statutory right, and we are a progressive community, and we should be behind it,” said Bexley resident Carolyn Gunther.
But it seems not everyone is on board. In 2022, a lawsuit was filed against the city to prevent this project from going through, stating it violated the city’s zoning codes. At last check, the proposal stated plans for a three-story, 35,000-square-foot apartment complex with 27 units.
"There is a contingent of people in the community who are not for affordable housing in Bexley,” Gunther said.
According to the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, the need for affordable housing options only continues to grow.
"Affordable housing and housing generally, is in more of a pressure situation than we've ever experienced before,” said Carlie Boos, executive director of Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio.
Boos said homeownership prices are much higher in Bexley compared to other areas in the community. She added renting has similar challenges for those under a certain income bracket.
"Anybody who's earning less than about $40,000-$45,000 a year is going to find it really difficult to afford an apartment in Bexley,” Boos said.
Whether the community is in favor of it or not, developers continue to fight for affordable housing options.
"The need for affordable housing to me is more important than concerns that can hopefully be addressed, or in the grand scheme of things, probably aren't that big of a deal,” said Bexley resident Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan.
The new owners of the property will need to get approval from the city before they can move forward with plans for building affordable housing there.