'A movement of hope,' Mayor Ginther joins Franklinton Rising in new home ribbon-cutting
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Mayor Andrew Ginther and other community leaders took part in the ribbon-cutting of a rebuilt home purchased by a Franklinton resident.
The project was done with Franklinton Rising, a group dedicated to rebuilding blighted properties.
On Tuesday, the group hosted an open house in celebration of Alex Powell, the first former trainee returning to purchase a house rebuilt by Franklinton Rising.
Since his time as a trainee, Powell has continued in the construction career with Setterlin Building Company. He moved into the new home today with his fiancée and four kids.
"We always say our top three priorities are neighborhoods, neighborhoods and neighborhoods, this is what it's all about," Mayor Ginther said. "Alex Powell and his family represent the best and the brightest in Columbus. It's a great example of what we can do when we all work together."
Franklinton Rising has invested in preparing young, at risk adults to become productive citizens, with careers in the building trades, owning property, and living as role models in the community.
"There are incredible careers in construction, not just jobs, but careers," Ginther said. "So for these trainees to see Alex and his family moving into this beautiful home here in Franklinton really gives them an example and a path forward to build their skills, get incredible career opportunities and maybe open their own construction company one day."
The property, purchased from the Columbus City Land Bank, represented the tenth residence in Franklinton that had been completely rebuilt.
