The developer of affordable housing will be approaching the Columbus City Council Tuesday night to seek a $6.5 million tax-abatement at the site of the former St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, as well as surrounding properties on Sycamore Street between Seventh and Eighth streets.

The city’s office of community development says that TWG Development is pursuing plans for a development called “Bartholomew Lofts.” Officials say the site, which has been vacant since 2001, was declared an Economic Revitalization Area last year. The intent, says the developer, is to preserve the church building and develop it into a community space for tenants. Surrounding buildings would then be demolished and 55 to 60 two-bedroom units would be developed to be rented at 60-percent of average median income. Since the site is in an ERA, it would be assessed at 30-percent of the investment cost, says city officials. In paperwork filed with the city, the developer anticipates that the development will create two new jobs paying an average of $17.65 per hour.

Council meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. at city hall and you are invited.