COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An estate set amidst “80-year-old trees” on Dublin Road near Hayden Run is being razed to make way for an apartment complex, sparking a wave of heartbreak and debate in the community.
A neighbor's recent post on Nextdoor, accompanied by a photo of the property with felled trees, wrote, “This week the destruction has started to make way for … apartment units thanks to Columbus City Council... It is, literally, heartbreaking!” The post also described the “deafening” sound of saws and the emotional toll on the nearby community. The writer concluded, “Drive Down Dublin Rd to say goodbye to a landmark piece of property before it is gone!”
The post quickly garnered dozens of comments from residents, with reactions ranging from sorrow to outrage. Some grieved the loss of wildlife habitats and mature trees, criticizing the impact on air quality and traffic. Others questioned why the home could not be preserved as a cultural or community center.
A few turned their frustrations toward politics, noting that councilmembers Emmanuel Remy, Rob Dorans, and Christopher Wyche, who are all up for reelection in 2025, approved the project unanimously despite objections from the Development Commission.
“VOTE THEM OUT!!!!!,” one writer emphasized. “Not one council member objected even though the Development Commission said NO, 6-0!!!!"
Several commenters debated the need for additional housing vs. preserving the natural environment. “Greater Columbus needs affordable housing, but these apartments at $3,000 a month are far from affordable,” wrote one user. Another countered, “Trees are nice, but housing people is more important.” Suggestions for alternative approaches, such as repurposing unused buildings, reflected broader dissatisfaction with the city’s development priorities.
People also expressed nostalgia for the property’s historic charm, with one commenter recalling fond memories of the Bell family, who they identified as the longtime homeowners. Another noted that they believed the family “was misled about the plans for the property when they agreed to sell to Sean Mentel and regret.”
The estate, originally listed on the real estate site Redfin, detailed the property's amenities while advising potential buyers to, “DISREGARD LIST PRICE. Property to be auctioned.”
“Rare opp to acquire a large, picturesque parcel within 270,” the listing read. “Site of numerous weddings & family, friend, & corporate functions, the timeless historical stone colonial has been owned & meticulously maintained by same family for 50 years. Beautifully landscaped & private lot close to downtown with the feel of a countryside retreat. Something for every enthusiasm: tennis/pickleball court w/ covered viewing deck; heated, in-ground diving pool w/ adjacent pool house & covered patio; attached greenhouse; fenced garden; meditation meadow; wine grotto; chef's dream kitchen published nationally in Bon Appetit. Detached 1 bed/1 ba apartment/office. Gated, private pea-gravel drive. Subject to prior sale & owner confirmation.”
Columbus City Council defended the project, pointing to the city’s urgent need for housing. In a statement to NBC4, Dorans said, “We understand that change is often difficult, but the project passed by Council was significantly different than its initial proposals because of community engagement.”
Dorans highlighted the builder's commitments to reducing density, preserving green space, and mitigating construction impacts.
