The Q&A portion of Worthington's November 20th Community Choices webinar addressed several pressing questions about the city's fiscal health, upcoming development projects, and how the comprehensive planning process accounts for economic realities.
Current Financial Position
City Manager Robyn Stewart provided a candid assessment of Worthington's fiscal situation: "The city financially is strong right now. We have strong reserves. Our revenues have been strong and we are in a good spot fiscally."
However, she noted challenges on the horizon. Within a year, one of Worthington's top employers will relocate outside the city. Worthington Industries split into Worthington Enterprises and Worthington Steel in December 2023, and Worthington Steel is moving its headquarters operation out of Worthington. While Worthington Enterprises is staying, the departure represents a significant loss of jobs and income tax revenue.
"We've also lost a few other employers in Worthington this year, so we are watching it," Stewart added. "We're in a strong position now but we are also watching what the trends are going to be in the next year or two or three."
Property Tax vs. Income Tax
In response to a question about property tax revenue, Stewart noted that property tax accounts for approximately 10-12% of the city's revenue. The majority comes from income tax, which is why employment levels within city limits are closely monitored.
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Remote Work: A Financial Silver Lining?
An interesting question emerged about how residents working from home affect city finances. The planning team's fiscal analysis consultant found that while all residential uses are typically net negative from a fiscal standpoint, this calculation changes when residents work from home and report their income taxes to the city.
The team explained that if somebody is working at home and reporting their income taxes to the city, those residential uses become at least fiscally neutral, and can become positive for city finances.
The team added that for remote workers to thrive, communities need local amenities. "If you want to leave your home office, or if you want to have a meeting with somebody, you've got to have amenities and support around for your work, or it's harder to be working from home."
Wilson Bridge Corridor: A Gateway Taking Shape
The Wilson Bridge Road corridor emerged as one of five key opportunity areas in the comprehensive planning process. The planning team's draft vision centers on transforming underutilized office buildings and large parking areas into a more vibrant, walkable gateway into the city.
The concept includes four statements of intent developed with the community committee:
- Create a vibrant gateway into Worthington that fosters community identity
- Support redevelopment of underutilized properties with a mix of uses—office, residential, and hotel—in a walkable design that reduces surface parking
- Allow greater building heights with high-quality materials and architectural styles distinct to this area, while stepping down in scale near existing residential neighborhoods
- Improve connectivity through better pedestrian and bike connections, including trails throughout the area and safer paths across High Street
During live polling, participants expressed support for mixed uses, additional housing options, and improved walkability. At the same time, concerns emerged about traffic impacts and the challenge of crossing High Street safely—something the planning team acknowledged would be "really important to this area."
Crawford Hoying: Early Interest on West Wilson Bridge
Speaking of Wilson Bridge Road, a question arose about recent property acquisitions in the corridor. Assistant City Manager David McCorkle confirmed that developer Crawford Hoying has acquired five multi-tenant buildings on West Wilson Bridge Road and is actively having conversations with existing tenants to understand lease terms and timelines.
"I anticipate that we will have an update from them probably in the next couple months," McCorkle said. He expects the developer will want to discuss ideas with neighbors and the city, but emphasized: "We have not received any plans from Crawford Hoying."
McCorkle projected it would likely be spring before substantive dialogue begins about what might be proposed for the site.
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Lifestyle Communities Lawsuit
Stewart addressed the legal situation with Lifestyle Communities, noting that the city has not received any new development plans from them. "Many people know there is a lawsuit between Lifestyle and the city regarding their interest in developing their site and the city's denial of that rezoning request from several years ago," she explained. "The city has not seen a new application or new proposal from them."
Editor's note: On December 27, 2024, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Sarah D. Morrison ruled in favor of Worthington, granting the city's motion for summary judgment and dismissing all remaining claims. Lifestyle Communities filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on January 24, 2025, which remains pending. You can see a fuller history of the suit on the city's official page.
Green Space Ownership Questions
When participants asked who would own and maintain any future green spaces in the Central Focus Area, Stewart explained that arrangements vary. Sometimes green space is dedicated to and maintained by the city. Other times, it remains part of the development and is maintained by homeowners or business associations while still being publicly accessible.
South High Street Concerns
One participant raised concerns about South High Street as an area of opportunity, noting its underdeveloped properties. The planning team acknowledged the challenge: the smaller, narrower lots and multiple different owners make redevelopment more difficult compared to the Central Focus Area's larger consolidated sites.
"We believe they're underdeveloped, but hard to develop," the team noted. The plan will address strategies for combining smaller parcels if redevelopment opportunities arise.
Looking Ahead
The planning team encouraged residents with additional questions to visit WorthingtonTogether.org, where they can provide detailed input on all five activity areas through December 19, 2025.