Moving Forward
| PCPW Co-chairs | Uncategorized
Like many of you, we were disappointed in the outcome of Tuesday’s Worthington City Council election, and we are concerned about the uncertain future of the UMCH property (1033 N. High St).
But here’s what we know: our endorsed candidates, Michael Sharvin and David Robinson, were abundantly clear with the public about their approach to decision-making regarding UMCH and many other Worthington issues.
We feel certain that every person who cast their ballot for Sharvin and Robinson did so with a clear, confident understanding of who and what they were voting for.
In our democracy, that is the ideal. And it is something for which Michael and David, and all who helped get out their message, should feel proud.
Regarding the numbers: throughout this election cycle, we spoke to many voters who stand firmly with us on the UMCH issue, but who voiced some reason or another to support an additional candidate or two. This, and other influences in play in Worthington over the last several cycles, complicates any attempt to use the vote totals to draw conclusions about how many members of our community support a Lifestyles Communities type of development over the PCPW vision.
Moving forward, we won’t have the two seats on Council we had hoped to win. Here’s what we do have: you and your neighbors. Together, there are many ways we can make an impact and move our city toward a community-centered outcome at UMCH.
One of these opportunities is coming up this Wednesday, November 12, when the city’s Comprehensive Plan update process will take public input, including on the future of UMCH. Details:
WHAT: Community Choices (Round 2 of Public Input)
WHEN: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 6:30-8:00 PM
WHERE: Worthingway Middle School, 6625 Guyer St.
RSVP: Registration encouraged but not required. Register here: https://worthingtontogether.org/get-involved/#Round2
From the City’s announcement:
“Did we hear the community correctly? Rate and help refine draft principles based on previous community input. Then, help choose the look and feel for key places.”
We know that one of the “key places” mentioned above is UMCH, and that 3 potential concept maps for UMCH will be presented. We’ve seen the drafts. None of them are remotely similar to what Worthington residents have been calling for over the past 12 years: significant, contiguous greenspace, commercial/office along High St., and a modest amount of housing.
We need as many voices as possible at this event. Please mark your calendar for Nov. 12, and bring your family, neighbors, and friends. Look for an email from us with more information in the coming days.
Ever onward!
About Project Community Park Worthington:
We advocate a mixed-use development at the former UMCH (United Methodist Children’s Home) site:
- 9-10 acres of commercial/office along High Street
- 3-5 acres of residential (preferably focused on senior living)
- 18+ acres for contiguous public space (plus the undevelopable Tucker Creek area, about 7 acres)
Potential amenities: multi-use event facility, outdoor amphitheater, walking trails, athletic field, pollinator and community gardens, and a natural preserve along Tucker Creek suitable for educational purposes.
For in-depth information about the PCPW vision:
https://projectcommunityparkworthington.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PCPW-UMCH-Proposal-August-2020-FINAL-2.pdf
Please note this document is from 2020, from before LC purchased the property. We will be posting an updated version in early 2026.
A broad overview of the PCPW vision is summarized on our petition page, here:
https://
Realizing the Vision of a Worthington Commons – to inspire an alternative mixed-use vision for the UMCH property, for the enjoyment and well-being of all, now and in perpetuity.