Worthington clashes over proposed redevelopment
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An overhead view of the proposed Boundless property redevelopment. Image: Courtesy of the city of Worthington
Worthington leaders and residents are at odds over a redevelopment project that meets big-picture city goals but makes neighbors feel unheard.
Why it matters: The clash is part of a Central Ohio theme of communities grappling with continued regional growth.
- For some, it means planning ahead.
- For others, it means wrestling for a sense of control.
In landlocked Worthington, that tension has manifested in a dispute over one of the city's few available redevelopment opportunities.
Zoom in: Elford Development proposed the redevelopment of a 20-acre site at 445 E. Dublin Granville Road on Worthington's east side.
- The property belongs to I Am Boundless, a disability services nonprofit that's one of the city's largest employers.
What's inside: The proposal calls for nearly 250 housing units — mostly two- and three-story apartment buildings — and related amenities.
- Boundless would be renovated, continue its operation and expand its workforce by 65-plus.
State of play: City Council unanimously approved rezoning for the site on July 20, prompting local group Democracy Before Developers to start collecting petitions to trigger a referendum on the rezoning.
- They have until later this month to gather 3,042 signatures, which would place the referendum on the November 2027 ballot.
Friction point: Critics say the project is too dense and too close to nearby Colonial Hills and will bring too much traffic, among other objections.
- City leaders say the yearlong delay could kill the project.
The big picture: Goals for the redevelopment — and Worthington's broader strategy — haven't come out of the blue.
- A 2024 housing assessment found the city is 80% single-family homes and needs 2,000 more units, particularly rentals and lower-cost options.
- Housing needs are detailed in the city's comprehensive plan.
- Both the assessment and comprehensive plan involved extensive public input.
Between the lines: Elford has held public discussions and meetings with neighbors that resulted in lower density, reduced building height and other compromises.
- The city commissioned a traffic study and stormwater consultants and has required tree additions and buffer space to Colonial Hills.
Yes, but: Opponents say it's not enough.
- They say the city "isn't listening" and that the redevelopment isn't in "the best interest of the community."
The bottom line: City leaders disagree. The project has the support of council, city staff and the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce.
- "I think the board and commission and council went back to those vision statements and what we want as a community and decided … here's what we're charged with, and we believe this project overall will be a benefit to the community," planning and building director Lee Brown tells Axios.