Columbus Daily Local Brief: ICE vote preview, police leadership inquiry, downtown conversion

Local government

City Council was set to vote Monday night on a package of measures aimed at limiting how federal immigration enforcement operates in Columbus. The proposals include barring any immigration detention center within city limits, restricting enforcement activity on city property, and tightening rules around city partnerships and side jobs with federal immigration agencies. A separate resolution urges federal agents to show identification and avoid masking their identities.

Public safety

The police division said Deputy Chief Elrico Alli was relieved of duty while an internal investigation looks into an alleged rules-of-conduct violation. The department has not shared details while the inquiry is ongoing.

In federal court news, a Mount Vernon man was sentenced to 42 months in prison after investigators cited social media posts that threatened violence against law enforcement and others. Court records described posts made in 2023; the sentencing was announced Feb. 20.

Downtown and development

The Downtown Commission approved a plan to convert the 280 Plaza office building on North High Street into mostly residential use. The proposal calls for 148 apartments while keeping several floors as offices, with exterior updates that include balconies and new outdoor amenity space.

In Franklinton, the city signed a lease for the Idea Foundry facility that will put the venue under new management. The plan includes keeping maker and co-working functions while adding smaller performance spaces geared toward local programming.

Arts and community

The King Arts Complex named Corey Favor as its new president and CEO, outlining plans to expand the organization’s impact locally while building on its long-running role in showcasing Black arts and culture in Columbus.