Monday's City Council meeting included an extended report session where council members addressed several community matters, from expressing support for immigrant neighbors to celebrating a historic Underground Railroad designation and discussing how to maintain respectful discourse at public meetings.
Standing With Haitian Neighbors
A council member expanded on the immigration support resolution that council passed earlier in January, specifically addressing the Haitian community in central Ohio.
"I want to express tonight my support for our neighbors in central Ohio who are Haitian and currently here under temporary protected status," the council member said. "TPS is a lawful immigration status. Individuals with this status had to go through formal federal applications to get that status. They had to submit documentation. It is a difficult process and they did it to get that status."
The council member noted that the possible termination of TPS for Haiti "creates real uncertainty and fear for people who have followed the rules and built their lives here." While acknowledging that Worthington may not have a large Haitian population, the council member emphasized that "what happens to our neighbors across central Ohio affects the broader community."
"I want our Haitian residents in central Ohio to know that they are seen, valued, and respected here," the council member stated.
Gardner House Earns National Underground Railroad Designation
A council member reported on a significant milestone for the historic Gardner House at Flint Union Cemetery. The property has been designated as a National Park Service "Network to Freedom" site — only the second such designation in central Ohio, alongside the Hanby House in Westerville.
"It took a lot of work by a lot of people to get the designation of the house to be on the Network to Freedom National Park Service site as a landmark in the Underground Railroad," the council member said.
Several individuals were recognized for their contributions to achieving this designation, including Wes and Elaine Russell, who spent considerable time working toward the designation and helped draft an informational brochure; advisory committee members; and former cemetery board members. Another council member also recognized Courtney Chapman, who served on the cemetery board for 30 years and was instrumental in securing the property.
Coming Soon: The historic renovation of the Gardner House is expected to be complete by the end of February, with a grand opening and tours to follow.
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WIFA Dinner Celebrates Brazilian Culture
Council members also reported on the successful Worthington International Friendship Association (WIFA) dinner, which featured Brazil this year.
"Great time, a lot of fun," one council member said. "Had delicious food, entertainment, and some discussion of certain aspects of Brazilian culture."
Residents interested in learning more about WIFA or joining can visit the organization's website. WIFA typically selects its featured nation five to six months ahead of the annual dinner.
Snow Removal Praised
Multiple council members thanked city staff for their work during the recent winter storm that kept schools closed for a week.
One council member noted the sense of community that emerged, with "a lot of people helping out, other people offering to shovel their sidewalks and driveways."
City Manager Stewart clarified that snow removal was a team effort between the Service Department (handling main roads) and Parks crews (handling residential streets), who then shifted to parking lots and public walkways once streets were clear.
"It's really easy to know where the boundary is between Worthington and other jurisdictions when the snow's here," a council member observed.
Boundless/Elford Development Update
A council member provided an update on the [January 22nd Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission meeting]articles/proposed-246-unit-apartment-development-at-boundless-site-draws-community-feedback), which featured discussion of the Boundless/Elford development proposal.
Key points from that meeting:
- The development would use a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning approach
- Rush Run would have protection requiring city approval for any removal
- Boundless is one of Worthington's top employers and plans to add approximately 100 jobs
- The proposed apartments would include 74 workforce housing units
The council member also noted that Fired Up Pizza — familiar to some residents from the farmers' market — will be moving into the former Natalie's space in Old Worthington.
Council members were encouraged to watch or listen to the MPC meeting recording before the Boundless project comes to council for a vote.
Addressing Meeting Civility
The meeting concluded with a discussion about maintaining respectful discourse at public meetings — prompted by comments made at the January 22nd MPC meeting regarding the Boundless development.
A council member raised concerns about some "pretty nasty things" said during that meeting's public comment period. The council member asked whether the civility guidelines that council is developing should also apply to boards and commissions.
Another council member who attended the MPC meeting noted two concerns: comments that "don't reflect our values as a community" and factual inaccuracies that need correction. As an example, the council member cited claims that apartment residents don't contribute to school funding through property taxes — when in fact all residents pay property taxes, whether renting or owning, just through different mechanisms.
Three council members are working on updated language for visitor comment guidelines. Council President Dorothy indicated that once finalized, these guidelines would be shared with boards and commissions.
"We definitely want to assume that everyone that comes out and speaks has the best positive intent," Dorothy said. "There's definitely going to be differences of opinion. But we do need to have the same facts."
The council also discussed creating fact sheets to address commonly misunderstood topics — a resource that could help ensure productive public discourse.
Other Reports
A council member also thanked Worthington police for their handling of a person in distress near a resident's home, which was "handled very quickly and respectfully."