Columbus City Council changed part of a soccer facility land deal by removing 10 acres on Greenlawn Avenue from the agreement tied to the city’s push for a women’s professional soccer team.

The change came after questions from residents and city leaders about how the land would be used, especially because the Greenlawn Avenue parcel had been connected to earlier expectations for a therapeutic center. The revised deal separates that parcel from the broader soccer facility plan.

Greenlawn Avenue Removed From Columbus Soccer Land Deal

Most of the soccer practice facility discussion has centered on McCoy Park, where some neighbors said they expected park improvements instead of a team training site. Earlier reporting said Columbus City Council approved a $25 million agreement connected to a National Women’s Soccer League bid in a split vote on Monday night, April 20, 2026.

The McCoy Park proposal has drawn opposition from residents who said the area had been expected to support inclusive or therapeutic recreation space. Supporters have argued that bringing women’s professional soccer to Columbus could boost sports investment and economic activity.

Council President Shannon Hardin said city leaders still need further talks with the ownership group and the administration about the future use of the affected parcels.

Star House Funding Approved For Youth Homelessness Services

In a separate action, Columbus City Council approved up to $1 million for Star House facility renovations. City records show the ordinance authorizes a capital contribution agreement with Star House and funding from the Development Taxable Bond Fund.

The money is expected to support therapy and case management spaces, HVAC replacement, parking improvements and an educational child space. Star House serves central Ohio youth experiencing homelessness, and the investment is intended to help connect young people with housing, education and job support more quickly.

Complete Streets Added To City Code

Council also moved to place Columbus’ Complete Streets approach into city code. The policy is aimed at safer road design for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit users.

Officials cited safety work on Indianola Avenue and Milford Avenue, including lane reductions, a partially protected bike lane and a high-visibility crosswalk. The broader goal is to reduce risks at high-fatality locations and make streets safer for multiple types of travel.

The council actions matter because they touch three major local issues at once: public land use, youth homelessness services and street safety. For Columbus residents, the Greenlawn Avenue change keeps attention on how city-owned or city-linked land is used as officials pursue a professional women’s soccer team.