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To inspire an alternative mixed-use vision for the UMCH property, for the enjoyment and well-being of all, now and in perpetuity.

Citywide Mobilization Kickoff Thursday 8/13/26 at the Griswold

| PCPW Co-chairs |

“No matter where we live in Worthington, or where we stand on any particular development issue, we can all agree: our elected officials should listen to the residents.”

This is at the top of the Democracy Before Developers website, and it’s the guiding principle of the citywide mobilization kickoff this Thursday evening at the Griswold Center.

The pressing matter at hand: City Council’s recent re-zoning of the Boundless (formerly Harding) property on East Dublin Granville Road to allow a 246-unit apartment complex on the site, despite overwhelming public opposition.

The broader issue: impending citywide re-zoning that will directly impact us all.

Democracy Before Developers has launched a referendum effort to overturn the re-zoning, and signature-gathering is underway. To reach the 3,042 valid signature threshold needed to get the issue on the ballot, we need to help keep up the momentum through the September deadline. And we need to stay united going forward. If you’d like to be part of this citywide movement, join us this Thursday.

WHEN: Thursday, August 13, 5:30 PM pizza & camaraderie, 6:00 program
WHERE: August 13, at the Griswold Center (777 High St).
WHO: Worthington Alliance for Responsible Development, Keep Worthington Beautiful (KWB), Project Community Park Worthington, Our City Our Vote (OCOV) and hosts Democracy Before Developers.
RSVP:  Click here to RSVP
Come to the Griswold Thursday at 5:30 for pizza and camaraderie. Then there will be a short program (6-6:30). For the remainder of the time you will have an opportunity to:

  • Sign the Democracy Before Developers referendum petition (halting the Boundless re-zoning)
  • Get to know your Worthington neighbors both near and far
  • Join a neighborhood team to help with this referendum and other upcoming efforts
  • Leave with a set of action steps to take in the coming days and weeks to help make sure the voices of the residents are heard

Our organization, PCPW, remains focused on its mission: a community-centered outcome at the former United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH, 1033 High St.) property. However, what Council just did at Boundless indicates what may lie ahead for UMCH—a re-zoning despite overwhelming community opposition. And we know from the city’s planning documents that council will be discussing citywide re-zoning early next year, including at UMCH.

What we do over the next 42 days is critical. By demonstrating that Worthington residents can and will take action to make our voices heard, we will ensure that there’s a very different discussion between the public and our City government going forward.

We are inspired by the determination of the Democracy Before Developers campaign to gather over 3,000 valid signatures by mid-September. It’s a steep climb, but if residents from all over Worthington pull together, we can get it done.

And as our friends at Worthington Alliance for Responsible Development (WARD) stated in their mobilization email yesterday, “it’s all hands on deck. Time to act.”

We hope to see you Thursday. RSVP here.

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