What do you like?

I strongly support the plan’s recognition that Worthington’s aging office and commercial corridors represent one of the community’s greatest opportunities for reinvestment and long-term economic sustainability. The draft appropriately acknowledges that modernization is not simply an economic development issue, but also a fiscal one. The emphasis on mixed-use reinvestment, walkability, and corridor activation is thoughtful and realistic for a built-out community like Worthington.

I also appreciate the plan’s emphasis on creating places where people want to live, work, shop, and gather. That focus on quality of place is critical to retaining employers, attracting talent, and keeping Worthington competitive within a rapidly evolving Central Ohio region.

What would you change?

I would like to see the implementation section go further in identifying specific redevelopment and modernization tools the City could pursue. Examples could include:

* corridor reinvestment programs,
* CIC-led modernization incentives,
* public-private partnerships,
* office/common-area modernization grants or loans,
* energy-efficiency incentive programs,
* and more predictable zoning and design standards for targeted corridors.

The draft does an excellent job describing the “why,” but the “how” could be strengthened further.

I would also encourage the plan to more formally recognize the Worthington Mile concept as a long-term focus area and economic development corridor. Even if major infrastructure investments occur incrementally over time, formally establishing the framework and identity can begin encouraging private reinvestment immediately.

What are you curious about?

What would you change?

Not much.
We can improve, of course, by adding housing to the numerous open lots in the City – single, duplex, 4 unit apts. on existing lots throughout the City. Too, vacant buildings, might be converted to housing.

Please consider developing and implementing new, connecting sidewalks in Worthington, to make it more accessible, walkable and prompting connectivity.

Topic:

Chapter 1: Introduction | 13 & 14: North High Opportunity Area

What do you like?

The plan is strongest when it connects housing creation to zoning reform, mixed-use redevelopment, reduced reliance on surface parking and more predictable development standards.

What would you change?

I would strengthen the plan’s housing implementation section so it is more focused on the actions most likely to create meaningful housing production. The plan should make zoning reform the top priority, with clear timelines for updating the development code, reducing discretionary approvals and allowing appropriate housing types by right in targeted areas.

I would also make sure the plan does not overstate the role of ADUs. ADUs may be appropriate as a homeowner flexibility tool, but they should not be presented as a meaningful housing-production strategy. Worthington’s housing needs are too significant to be addressed through scattered, homeowner-initiated accessory units. The plan should focus more directly on redevelopment of Opportunity Areas, mixed-use housing, townhomes, small multifamily buildings, senior-friendly housing, parking reform and predictable approval processes.

Finally, I would add more accountability. The plan should include an annual housing dashboard that tracks units approved, units built, housing types, affordability levels, approval timelines and progress in each Opportunity Area. A 1,300-unit goal is useful, but the city should show how it intends to reach that goal and measure whether the adopted policies are actually working.

What are you curious about?

I am curious about how the city intends to translate the housing goals in the plan into actual changes to the zoning and development code. The plan identifies a need for more housing and sets a target of 1,300 new units, but the most important question is how those units will be created in practice.

General Comments

I appreciate the work that has gone into this plan and the recognition that Worthington needs more housing choices. However, I would encourage the city to be very clear-eyed about which strategies are most likely to produce meaningful housing.

Worthington’s housing challenge will not be solved through symbolic or low-yield strategies. Accessory dwelling units may be appropriate as a property-rights or homeowner-flexibility tool, but they should not be treated as a meaningful housing-production strategy. The city’s focus should be on reforms and redevelopment opportunities that can actually create homes at scale.

The plan should prioritize zoning reform, mixed-use redevelopment, townhomes, small multifamily housing, senior-friendly housing, reduced parking barriers and predictable approval processes in the identified Opportunity Areas. If Worthington is serious about a 1,300-unit housing goal, the city should be able to show where those units are likely to go, what code changes are needed to allow them and how progress will be measured each year.

I would also encourage the city to focus on predictability. Projects that are consistent with the comprehensive plan should not have to start from zero politically each time they are proposed. Clear standards, transparent expectations and a more predictable process will be essential if Worthington wants to attract quality redevelopment while still maintaining community character.

The file

What would you change?

I would encourage the final plan to more formally incorporate the Worthington Mile concept as a long-term framework for corridor revitalization, branding, and economic development.

The Worthington Mile was broadly embraced during the Vision Worthington process because it represented more than just infrastructure improvements. It reflected a vision for:

* modernized zoning,
* activated frontage,
* improved walkability,
* coordinated design standards,
* stronger corridor identity,
* and encouragement of private reinvestment over time.

Even if large-scale infrastructure improvements cannot occur immediately, formally establishing the policy framework and redevelopment expectations today can help encourage incremental private investment moving forward.

What are you curious about?

I am curious how the Comprehensive Plan will ultimately inform future zoning modernization, corridor design standards, and implementation priorities along High Street.

General Comments

The current public perception of some aging commercial corridors has become outdated and disconnected from their long-term potential. Establishing a clear vision, identity, and predictable redevelopment framework is an important first step toward changing that trajectory.

Topic:

Chapter 2: Land Use | 12: Wilson Bridge Opportunity Area | 13 & 14: North High Opportunity Area

What do you like?

I appreciate that the plan acknowledges Worthington’s need for additional housing types and a broader range of price points. The reality is that Worthington is a fully built-out community with strong demand and limited supply, and the resulting imbalance has made it increasingly difficult for many people to live here , including young professionals, workforce employees, empty nesters, and even residents hoping to stay in the community long term.

I also appreciate that the plan recognizes the importance of focusing much of this growth and reinvestment within targeted corridors and redevelopment areas where infrastructure and access already exist.

What would you change?

I would encourage the plan to be more direct and confident in embracing density and mixed-use redevelopment as necessary components of Worthington’s future. Density itself should not be viewed negatively. When designed thoughtfully with appropriate transitions, buffering, architecture, and public realm considerations, higher-density development can strengthen the tax base, support local businesses, improve housing availability, and create more vibrant destinations.

I would also encourage the City to modernize zoning and development standards in ways that make it easier,not harder,to deliver additional housing supply in appropriate locations. Predictability and flexibility will be critical if Worthington hopes to remain competitive and attainable for future generations.

What are you curious about?

I am curious how aggressively the City intends to pursue zoning modernization and redevelopment opportunities in order to meaningfully address long-term housing demand and market pressures.

General Comments

Worthington cannot realistically preserve long-term affordability or economic vitality if housing supply continues to lag behind demand. The plan appropriately recognizes that reinvestment and evolution are necessary for the community’s future success.

Topic:

Chapter 2: Land Use

What do you like?

I liked the proposed Corridor Mixed Use placement and concepts in that category. It is important to consider creating safe and inviting pedestrian experiences in these areas (the current condition with 3′ sidewalks, with a 2′ tree lawn next to a street where cars regularly exceed 40 mph does not feel safe). 2-4 stories seems like an appropriate scale.

I think the proposed used around the Wilson Bridge corridor are appropriate. It seems those uses align with the proposed Crawford Hoying project, which I think would be a great addition for our city and ultimately improve the viability of a future development for the Worthington Mall.

I agree with concepts presented in 2.1, that suggest the city should aid one or two catalytic redevelopment projects or areas. I also strongly support the concepts presented in 2.3.

What would you change?

In the two main redevelopment areas (being UMHC and the Anthem site), I liked how the suggested building heights taper down as they get closer to the low density residential area, but believe there should be more flexibility on the UMHC to do Residential, Small Lot and Attached housing.

What are you curious about?

Has the city done any traffic analysis on East Wilson Bridge Road? It would seem the access to commercial properties along that corridor would need to be significantly improved to allow for the uses proposed in that area.

Why are we trying to shift the Huntley Road corridor to include more mixed-use, as opposed to trying to make that a strong industrial base and income tax driver for the city?

Topic:

17: Northeast / Forge Fields (Boundless)

What do you like?

Additional housing opportunities and increased walkability features such as restaurants and retail.

What would you change?

Commercial and multifamily residential development adjacent to the Colonial Hills neighborhood can be successfully integrated through a thoughtful and gradual transition in housing form, scale, and density.

To maintain compatibility with the existing neighborhood character, residential units closest to Colonial Hills should consist primarily of one-story duplexes, townhomes, or similar housing types. Building height and intensity may increase progressively deeper into the development, with two-story units becoming more prevalent farther from the neighborhood boundary.

I live just outside of Worthington, but bicycle through it frequently

Topic:

13 & 14: North High Opportunity Area

What do you like?

I like that the city is planning to keep green space at 1033 N High. Right now there is a lot of green space but it is inaccessible to the public so I see this as a major upgrade for our city as a whole.

What would you change?

I would love to see a plan that addresses the lack of quality sports fields in the City of Worthington.

I’ve volunteered as a coach through the WYB program across multiple sports for the past eight years, and one thing that stands out is how far behind Worthington is compared to many other Central Ohio communities when it comes to athletic facilities. Dublin has Darree Fields and Soccer First, Hilliard has Spindler Sports Complex, Grove City has Murfin Fields, Westerville has its Sports Complex, Gahanna has Academy Park, and New Albany has Bevelhymer Park. These communities have invested in centralized, high-quality athletic facilities that serve youth sports, adult recreation, camps, and community events.

Outside of Ohio, similar communities have taken this even further. West Chester developed VOA MetroPark, and Westfield, Indiana created Grand Park, which has become a destination for youth sports tournaments and regional events.

Chapter 4: Mobility and Connectivity

What do you like?

I appreciate that the City is taking a structured look at mobility, connectivity, and development impacts. The survey reflects an effort to understand how proposed changes could affect traffic, safety, and neighborhood character. It’s encouraging to see planning happening before issues escalate.

Even with these positive steps, the process would have been stronger with clearer, earlier communication. Providing simple summaries of what is being considered and why , instead of long documents , would have helped residents understand the goals of the review and feel more prepared to participate.

What would you change?

The scale of the proposed changes makes it concerning that many residents were unaware this review was underway. When people don’t know zoning changes are being considered, they lose the chance to understand the implications and participate in shaping the outcome. Limited communication channels left large portions of the community uninformed, which naturally reduces trust in the process.

For a process of this importance, the City needed broader outreach , mailed notices, neighborhoodlevel meetings, temporary signage at neighborhood entry and exit points, and using the firehouse’s flashing sign to display the response due date. Notices through schools and the library would also have helped ensure residents actually knew the survey existed and understood the potential impact.

What are you curious about?

I’m curious how the City determined that its outreach was sufficient for a process with this level of impact. I’d like to understand what alternatives were considered, how feedback will be weighed, and how input from residents who never received notice will be incorporated. I’m also wondering whether the City plans to adjust the process if it becomes clear that many people were unintentionally left out.

A clearer explanation of how the City evaluated its outreach strategy , and how it plans to address gaps in participation , would help residents better understand the process and feel more confident that their input is valued.

General Comments

The City has an opportunity to strengthen the overall process by making it easier for residents to understand what is being considered and how decisions will be made. People want clarity about the goals, the alternatives, and the reasoning behind each option. Transparent, accessible communication builds trust and leads to better longterm solutions.

Looking ahead, the City could support broader participation by offering multiple ways to stay informed , earlier communication, clearer explanations, and opportunities for residents to ask questions directly, through neighborhood volunteers. These steps would help ensure that future planning efforts reflect the full range of perspectives in Worthington.

Topic:

Chapter 4: Mobility and Connectivity

What do you like?

I value the strong sense of community in Worthington , the walkability, the familyfriendly neighborhoods, and the way residents look out for one another. I appreciate that the City is asking for public input as it plans for the future.

What would you change?

The plan does not address the dramatic increase in population , and therefore daily travel , coming from the highdensity housing just outside the City of Worthington but inside the Worthington School District. These residents use Worthington Schools, drive through Worthington neighborhoods, and use Worthington parks and roads, yet they are not counted in the City’s population numbers.

This creates a growing mismatch between who uses our infrastructure and who is included in the City’s planning assumptions. Our streets were never designed to function as regional cutthrough routes, yet that is exactly what is happening. Any longterm plan must acknowledge and measure this impact before proposing additional development.

What are you curious about?

am curious whether the City is actively measuring the true volume of cutthrough traffic, especially during peak events. This past weekend made the issue impossible to ignore.

On Saturday during the Farmers Market, Google Maps appeared to route thousands of vehicles through Worthington Estates. Cars unfamiliar with the neighborhood were speeding down residential streets. Children on motorized ebikes and electric skateboards were weaving between cars. Toddlers were playing near the roadway. Neighbors were out walking their dogs, trying to stay safe between fastmoving vehicles that had no understanding of the area or its people.

It was chaotic and genuinely unsafe.

On Sunday, traffic was lighter , and I was grateful. Three middleschool boys were selling lemonade in front of Evening Street Elementary. One even laid down in the road to get attention. If that had happened on Saturday, the outcome could have been tragic.

These are not hypothetical risks. They are real, visible, and happening now.

General Comments

Given what we experienced this weekend, the idea of adding even more highdensity housing at the top of our neighborhood is, frankly, unconscionable. Our children’s safety is at stake.

17: Northeast / Forge Fields (Boundless)

What would you change?

In order to create a multifamily residential development adjacent to the Colonial Hills neighborhood that is successfully integrated it must fit harmoniously.

We need a Central Park.

Topic:

Chapter 6: Environment

What do you like?

What are you curious about?

Are 31 and 35 W. Stafford included in the Old Worthington Core? They should be, along with 38 and 40 W. Stafford.

All four of these houses represent a unique period in the history of our town and even the U.S. These four homes are Sears kit homes, built in the late 1920s, when Sears was the biggest homebuilder in the U.S. The cluster is unique because it offers a rare grouping of four kit homes together on one street. Each one is a variant of the “Walton” model, the most popular design out of the 150-plus offered by Sears. Each of the four is an example of the Craftsman-style aesthetic, popularized by designer Gustav Stickley in the early 1900s, a reaction to the depredations of the Industrial Age.

The homes were built by Robert Buzzaird in 1927 as an antidote to the affordability crisis brought on by the hyperinflated stock market of the Roaring Twenties. They will be 100 years old next year, and the niche they occupy in the housing market is no less vital today.

Unclassified / General

General Comments

We need tax revenue! We have literally the best location in Columbus and are almost can’t pay our bills. Ridiculous that we have to borrow money/bond levy for a pool when neighboring suburbs pay for multiple. We need sustainable revenue. We can do this maintaining high architectural design with mixed use development, that the loudest NIMBYs will love when finished. I think we also have an extreme demand for one story oriented living options as well as increased density options(with architectural character)

Topic:

Unclassified / General

General Comments

The full concept of a chapter is available here: https://bit.ly/43yHyVD

This proposal is informed by research into peer communities across Central Ohio (Upper Arlington, Dublin, New Albany, Gahanna) and nationally (Decatur GA, Carmel IN, Gig Harbor WA). It has not involved direct engagement with the organizations named — further engagement with the MAC, Worthington Partnership, school district, and library should accompany any integration of this content.
Worthington already has the assets: a nationally recognized Farmers Market, a 22,000-attendee Arts Festival, an arts center with a 213-seat theater, community theater and chorus, Concerts on the Green, and a historic downtown on the National Register. What it lacks is the policy framework to coordinate, sustain, and grow them. This chapter provides that framework.
I respectfully request that the committee consider this as a standalone chapter. If that is not feasible, I request that the substance be incorporated into existing chapters and that a commitment to an Arts and Culture Master Plan be included as an implementation action.