Before being sworn in as Ward 6 councilman Monday, Jason Spears plans to resign his seat on the Columbus Redevelopment Authority board.
Spears, who was appointed to the board in 2022, said he’s proud of what has been accomplished during his time there, specifically with the Burns Bottom redevelopment. The project aims to transform the five-block area between Third and Fourth Street and Second and Seventh Avenue North into a mixed-use development with residential living spaces, dining, shopping and other amenities.
“We’ve been successful as a group in raising the amount of funds through federal allocations and of course the state dollars that we’ve received,” he said. “(I’m) also very excited that we’re getting a lot closer to seeing big things happen down on that piece of property.”
Spears pointed to the board’s success in completing property acquisitions in Burns Bottom and in fundraising for the project as key accomplishments. He said he looks forward to seeing the development come to fruition as well as seeing the impact of other projects the CRA pursues in the future.
“Working with the group of people there to lay out a vision for what the next projects are shaping up to be in that continuous effort to bring value to the tax base in Columbus, I think is another thing that has been rewarding,” he said.
Board President Marthalie Porter said the CRA has benefited from Spears’ time on the board, particularly from his financial expertise.
After state funding was secured for Burns Bottom, Porter said Spears suggested looking for federal dollars – an idea that ultimately landed the group a $2.2 million congressional appropriation to cover infrastructure work at the site.
“That is really helping us out on the project because it was for infrastructure, and that was a portion of the areas that we really needed more money in,” Porter said. “That was just really impressive, and we appreciated his idea and then he just went after it. We supported him, but he was the one leading the charge, and he did very well.”
Porter said the board looks forward to working with Spears in his new role.
“We’ve just really enjoyed Jason’s time on the board, and we wish him well on the new position he’s taking as a council member,” she said. “… We’ll still be getting to work with him in ways, just a little bit different than what it has been, but that’s okay. I think he’s going to be a great addition to the city council.”
City Attorney Jeff Turnage said Spears’ decision to resign was voluntary but likely the right legal move.
“He didn’t ask me if he had to, but I believe (the CRA seat is) in the executive branch, and he as a council member would be in the legislative (branch),” Turnage said. “So it’d be a separation of powers problem.”
Spears’ term on the board was set to expire in September 2027, and the city council will have to appoint a new member. Spears’ term on the council begins July 1.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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