District Area
The District of the Central College Community Development Authority (CDA) consists of certain new residential developments in the vicinity of North Hamilton Road, Warner Road, Ulry Road and Central College Road in northeast Columbus, Ohio. The entire District is located within the city of Columbus.
Purpose and Creation
The Central College CDA collects and manages revenue to help address the impact of new development in the District on surrounding infrastructure and services. The revenue is used to help fund the construction of roads and other infrastructure improvements and the provision of public services needed for balanced development of the participating neighborhoods.
The establishment of the Central College CDA is in keeping with the policy of the City of Columbus to promote the principles of “Pay As We Grow” and “Grow With A Plan” through public–private partnership.
The Central College CDA was created under Chapter 349 of the Ohio Revised Code subsequent to the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the developers of new residential developments in the District, the recording of Declarations of Covenants, and a petition by the developers. The process was completed with the approval of Ordinance 1271-2008 by Columbus City Council on July 28, 2008.
Community Development Charge
In accordance with the MOU, the Central College CDA collects a Community Development Charge of 4 mills annually for 20 years (commencing one year from the date of completion of a structure on the property) from each property owner in the District. The Community Development Charge is calculated on thirty-five percent of the assessed value of chargeable property, which includes buildings, structures, and improvements. This 4 mill assessment equates to $140 per $100,000 of property value.
Notification of and collection of the Charge from property owners is performed semiannually by the County Auditor along with the collection of property taxes and other assessments.
Board of Trustees
A seven-member Board of Trustees manages the business of the CDA. All Trustees are unpaid and are expected to attend one, two or three Board meetings per year. They must act within the parameters of state law, the petition, the Declarations of Covenants, City Ordinance 1271-2008 and a Cooperative Agreement with the City of Columbus. For example, they cannot remove the Community Development Charge. Within these parameters the Trustees manage the business of the CDA, including establishing budgets, authorizing expenditures, entering into agreements with other parties, electing officers, and hiring professionals as may be needed to properly execute the duties of the Board. Trustees serve two-year terms.
Although the members of the Board of Trustees were initially appointed when the CDA was created, all appointed members will eventually be replaced with elected members in accordance with a formula based on population growth within the District. Public elections are held as needed to replace one or more members as predetermined population thresholds are exceeded or terms expire. Any adult resident of the District may vote and be nominated, or nominate themselves, as a candidate in the election. The scheduling of an election and instructions to participate are publicized in advance through various media and by posting of notices within the neighborhoods of the District.
