Council to consider Joe Willy’s block rezoning tonight

Columbus City Council is being asked for its final approval tonight on a proposal to rezone property at the corner of of 11th, Washington and Jackson Streets that would allow a commercial and residential project in the historic downtown area.

The project would replace the former Joe Willy’s Burger Bar building and other unused spaces at the corner. Residents have said they are concerned about the traffic the development would bring to already busy streets, the lack of setbacks and of parking.

Rubicon Investment Group of Bloomington is requesting the rezoning for just over two acres or four properties at the corner. That includes a residence, the former restaurant and a drive-thru bank building. The change from the Commercial:Neighborhood zoning to the Commercial:Downtown district would allow for more dense development at that location.

The proposal received a positive recommendation from the city plan commission in December. The city and county planning department staff is also recommending approval of the zoning change.

Columbus City Council gave its first approval to rezoning the properties at its meeting last month.

City Council meets at 6 p.m. tonight at Columbus City Hall.