Worthington Beats Lifestyle Communities (Again) in Court!
| PCPW Co-chairs | Uncategorized
This week, the federal Court of Appeals ruled in Worthington’s favor, and against Lifestyle Communities (LC). This effectively brings LC’s lawsuit to a close regarding 1033 High St (the former United Methodist Children’s Home property, or UMCH).
Read the court’s full opinion here:
https://projectcommunityparkworthington.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Worthington-WINS.pdf
Kudos to Worthington’s superb legal team for conducting themselves with utmost professionalism—preparing staff and council members for deposition, and adhering to the law in a way that was sound and effective.
Thank you to all who stood strongly in support of this fight for our community. We note that some prominent voices in our city repeatedly engaged in fear mongering, saying Worthington should cave to LC’s bullying.
The three-judge appeals court affirmed what we have always known: LC owns the property, but the community owns the zoning. Our City Council has discretion on zoning decisions, and the voters have veto power in the form of the citizen referendum. These rights and powers have been established in our City Charter for many decades, well before LC bought the property for $5.2 million in 2021, and they still govern our community to this day.
With the end of the lawsuit, both LC and the community have an opportunity: LC can exit gracefully by selling the property.
Since the City itself has repeatedly avoided all discussions of acquisition, it should be known that there is a group of Worthington residents who have the financial resources and commitment to purchase and develop the property in accord with community interests, largely in line with the PCPW vision.
We urge LC to come to the negotiating table, and to seek a fair and just resolution for all parties to this unnecessary and unproductive conflict. Let’s move on.
In the meantime, although neither an LC high-density development nor a community park are realized yet, 1033 High St. currently serves as one of Worthington’s few remaining natural open spaces, just as it always has. We hope you get a chance this week to see it while it’s covered in a deep blanket of snow—whether viewed as a passing vista while you drive, or while you’re braving the cold, experiencing our city on foot. It’s a great time to enjoy the beauty of all of Worthington’s open spaces, and contemplate the value they bring to our community.
About Project Community Park Worthington:
True to our city’s history, we advocate building a community-centered, mixed-use development at the singular and irreplaceable UMCH property:
- Centered on a large (18+ acres), vibrant public space with abundant amenities*, worthy of our extraordinary city—a place full of celebration, conversation, and recreation, full of natural wonder, full of music, full of joy, full of life.
- Enhanced and bounded by commerce (9-10 acres of commercial/office along High St.) and homes (3-5 acres of residential, preferably focused on senior living).
- For the enjoyment and well being of all—Worthington residents and visitors from near and afar, now and in perpetuity.
*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.
Sign the petition here:
https://