Wirthman Yard

Project Overview

The City is considering an affordable housing redevelopment proposal, involving a rezoning and abatement application, for the current site of the Wirthman Brothers Junk Yard at Main and Barnett. Brought forward by LDG Development, the site proposal includes 316 units, which potential residents would qualify for based on income (ranging from 30%-80% of Franklin County AMI, with a required complex average of 60% or less). The units would be a mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms and the site would also include a private pool, tot play lot, balcony area, fitness room and community area. 

Learn more about the proposed development below, and give your feedback at the December 19 Public Hearing. View the slide deck from the November 28 City Council Committee meeting presentation here.  Questions or comments? Please email Megan Meyer at megan.meyer@whitehall-oh.us. 

Project Timeline

• August 2021: Wirthman family approaches City to sell property; LDG Contacts City for potential affordable housing development site opportunities
• Fall 2021: LDG engages private firm in comprehensive site environmental testing
• Summer 2022: LDG Awarded $5.05 million from Ohio Department of Development for site remediation
• Winter 2023: LDG works with City of Whitehall and City of Columbus on boundary adjustment, moving small portion of site along Barnett from Columbus to Whitehall jurisdictions 
• October 2023: LDG submits applications for variances, rezoning and tax abatement to City for consideration
• December 19 City Council Voting Meeting: Public Hearing for rezoning application; Third reading and consideration of abatement and rezoning applications
• (If approved - site work would commence as early as Spring 2024)

Site Environmental Remediation

Given the sites history as a junk yard, extensive environmental testing and remediation is required to ensure the site is safe for future housing uses. 

• LDG  has worked through the Voluntary Action Program (VAP) administered through the Ohio EPA with a VAP-Certified Professional Engineer from SME for more than 18 months
• Remediation methods are expected to include a combination of encapsulation and soil removal guided by:
  • Risk mitigation plan during construction
  • Ongoing Operations and Maintenance Plan with annual inspections once the development is complete to ensure safety of residents. These inspections continue annually indefinitely. 
  • At the end of the VAP process, the development will receive a “No Further Action Letter” from the Ohio EPA