Worthington City Council Candidate Questions: A broad perspective
On Tuesday, September 24, the Partnership invited all candidates for Worthington City Council to participate in a forum designed for the merchants who own businesses in the heart of the community: our historic district. We also posed 4 questions to each candidate and asked that they write their answers so that we may share them with the general public. The Partnership is a 501 (c) (3) organization and does not endorse any candidate. The answers below are directly from each candidate, in alphabetical order. Our questions were designed to elicit a broad perspective on the Worthington experience and plans to stimulate business and visitors to the area. To read more about the Partnership, click here.
CANDY BROOKS:
1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience?
“I can hardly wait to come back!”
Those should be the parting words of all who spend time in Worthington, whether as a visitor from across town or across the country, or of us who like to wander around our wonderful city.
What makes such an experience? Fun shops and restaurants. Inviting places to sit and let the experience truly sink in. Wide, comfortable sidewalks. Art along the way, whether it be a mural or a sculpture. Some green areas, like a park or a cozy garden alcove. Safe, accessible bike paths, leading to and from and along the way of all there is to experience!
2. What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
The boldest enhancement to the Worthington experience would be more of the experience.
Expanding our beautiful downtown experience north along High Street from the Village Green to the proposed United Methodist Children’s Home development (and perhaps to Wilson Bridge Road) is the boldest enhancement I can imagine.
Imagine that part of High Street lined with more restaurants and retail storefronts, with offices or living space on the second floor. Wide sidewalks and a bike part separate the shops and street, with safe places to cross the streets. Small sitting areas, green spaces, art will make the walking experience so enjoyable that visitors will walk the entire length of our expanded downtown area, and leave wanting more.
Now is the time for the city to put the extension of the downtown on its agenda. It is time to give the project a name, make detailed plans with drawings of what we want to see happen, and institute a timeline.
The city must work with businesses to attract them to the area. Improvements such as new, wide sidewalks, and lighting and other street amenities tying the existing central business district with the north expansion will go far in attracting business.
3. What is a short-term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
A short-term priority would be to revisit the city’s plan to provide an attractive, easy-to-navigate parking lot behind the businesses on the east side of High Street, north of East New England Avenue. The plan included the encouragement of upgrading rear entrances to those businesses abutting the parking area, as well as signage and other amenities to assist and attract visitors.
The plan was put on hold because one of the abutting building owners chose not to cooperate. I believe ownership has changed hands since then. It may be time to resurrect the plan.
Bike paths leading to the central business district can also be enhanced with signs along the Olentangy Bikeway directing riders (and walkers) to the downtown shops and restaurants. The path itself must also be improved, making it an easy and attractive ride from the path to our city.
4. How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
We have a beautiful, authentic historic community that must be preserved. Other communities build facades to look like Worthington. We are the real thing, and must remember that and find ways to emphasize our history and our values as we move ahead.
That can be done by encouraging architecture of new buildings to blend with our old homes and buildings, by the choice of sidewalk amenities to also tie-in to the downtown, and lots of green spaces. We must remember with pride that we are Worthington, and not get sidelined by other communities which have opted for high-rise, concrete developments.
Worthington has always been the best community in central Ohio. We must keep that in mind, and build on our beautiful history, as we move into a prosperous future.
PETE BUCHER:
1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience?
The most important aspect of the Worthington experience is the sense of community that comes from people gathering in public spaces like Old Worthington and at our community events. Having quality businesses and entertaining community events to drive people together is at the heart of the Worthington Experience.
2. What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
The most significant enhancement we can make to the Worthington experience would be to increase the new restaurants, storefronts and green spaces to increase the number of places for the community to gather. First, we have to ensure that the businesses and community spaces we have will remain high quality places to go while looking to expand areas like Old Worthington north along High St. If new commercial and greens pace could be added along the high street corridor that would benefit the entire community.
3. What is a short-term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
In the short-term we need to ensure people can easily access areas like Old Worthington by improving parking and accessibility. To improve parking, we have to better connect the parking lots behind the stores in east Old Worthington and we have to increase parking behind stores in west Old Worthington to include a second level when possible. To increase accessibility we can include more sidewalks and trails in areas like Worthington Galena Rd., and others, that don’t have easy ways to walk or bike to Old Worthington.
4. How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
Going forward, the historic district can improve parking and increase commercial spaces north along High St. to create areas for the community to gather and to add businesses that bring in revenue for businesses and the city. By providing recreational opportunities and tax revenue right here in Worthington we can improve the quality of life for residents and ensure we can maintain and improve city services for all.
MICHAEL FARLEY:
1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience?
The most important aspect of the Worthington is the variety of choices of experience. Whether you are grabbing ice cream with your family, or dinner out with adults—Worthington has something for you. This variety allows for maximum exposure to our community. Our historic district must be a key component of selling our community to those who must bring jobs to our community.
2. What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
Even more variety! We are at an inflection point in our community. We must grow in order to meet the revenue needs of our city. Commercial growth will necessitate even more options in our community. This will mean additional dining options, more shops, and more office space. This is bold because Worthington has not experienced such growth in decades. The time is now.
3. What is a short-term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
My short-term goal is to stabilize the budget for the City of Worthington. This will allow us to continue funding core services. We must invest in developing commercial spaces to sustain growth and opportunity in our community. We must educate our citizens of the need to grow the pie in order to meet current needs and plan for the future.
4. How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
When we are successful in bringing more employees to Worthington, they will naturally be drawn to the historic district. This cycle will be immensely positive for our citizens via continued core services form city government. This cycle will benefit our merchants in increasing the number of people that will visit their shops and restaurants. This is how we evolve. We grow our commercial base.
DOUG FOUST:
1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience?
To “experience” Worthington, to me, means knowing the moment you arrive that you have stepped into something special. Your breathing slows, yet your senses sharpen to the awareness of a warm, upbeat vibe. You are safe, you are well-served, and you can taste and touch the better things while surrounded by people who came for the same reason as you. You may find a special event, a celebration or a street fair. The “experience” spans time and generations with its New England village-like feel mixed with something new for all ages. Great food, fun shopping and store fronts, music in the air, street dining - this is the essence of downtown Worthington.
2. What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
I would like to see an expansion of the arts in the form of rotating displays as well as more live performances. Live music brings an electricity to the air. It opens hearts and wallets too. Feature local artists as well as local businesses, whether it’s the piano stores on Proprieters or local (voice or instrumental) music teachers who offer private lessons or those doing instrument repair, giving them a chance to promote their products or services. I believe Eric Gnezda/The Mac as well as the City’s Parks and Rec department with their connections resulting from the Summer Concert series could assist with direction and guidance.
3. What is a short-term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
I have several….
1. Address Parking – Behind Snap we need to seriously explore a partial below-ground garage, better signage to church lots, the library and the like, and possible added (fun) shuttles from the high school or pool parking in support of special event days. We also must stay focused on making easy foot traffic any time we consider planters, seating, etc.
2. Keep the experience fresh – We need more Village Green art, flowers/flags/landscape. (please see my answer to Q#2.)
3. We should consider expanding/enhancing the DORA based on the success we have seen. Napoleon, Ohio is a good example as a reference point; there are others.
4. While society moves toward more service orientation and less traditional retail, (and that is reflected in our present mix) I would encourage us to foster a return to a stronger mix of retail product storefronts where possible. I know this bucks the trend , but ultimately people still like to shop. They are tactile, they like to look and be stimulated by what they see. When they come to downtown, an eclectic mix of sights, sounds and smells creates intrigue.
4. How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
I believe there is much more we can do to take advantage of our history and seek to build on what we have and leverage it. We have a feel and a look that can’t be replicated in a brand-new build, and we should celebrate it. This need not be in your face, lest we make ourselves look out-of-date, but for those who do care, why not make downtown more interesting by playing up history using small plaques/signage showing interesting historical points. The Historical Society undoubtedly has pictures showing:
i. Graeters (definitely) and La Chatelaine (I am told) were once car dealerships
ii. Legend has it the upstairs Co-Hatch in the former Hardware was once home to a burlesque stage.
iii. We have Underground Railroad connections in our history.
iv. HNB site was the site of the famed Griswold Inn. I believe Johnny Appleseed slept there?
v. The NW corner of the Green has been home to multiple Presbyterian Church buildings over time and the progression is an interesting sequence of images.
vi. Could we create a walking tour app? This would reinstate the notation of a Civil War birthplace without the unwanted attraction caused by a large sign as we experienced a couple years ago.
vii. There are many more examples, and the Historical Society seems like an underutilized resource in that regard. Finally, is there a way to bring some sort of Art Show back to downtown? The move to the Mac may have made practical sense, but could we reopen some smaller or more focused event (or multiple events) once more on the Village Green to draw foot traffic back to where it might do the downtown merchants more good?
BARTON HACKER:
What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington Experience?
My own Worthington Experience includes memories growing up in Worthington and now activities as a father raising my own son in Worthington. They include enjoying the bike path, having ice cream at Dairy Queen after a little league game, Friday night football, and our walking the dogs with my family catching up with neighbors. The Worthington Experience is rooted the concept that we are a walkable community — being able to walk to the Village Green for a concert, to the farmer’s market for groceries, or for dinner and ice cream.
I recently asked a few friends about what their impressions of Worthington were. As a point of reference, one lived in New Albany, a second in Upper Arlington, and the third just outside of Dublin. All three provided the same response: federalist architecture, bunting, and the farmer’s market. Each gravitated toward Old Worthington as the focal point of our community, though they also identified the McConnel Arts Center and Thomas Worthington High School as visible points of interest. While their answers were partially tongue-in-cheek, they were nonetheless instructive, as they are consistent with the unique, historic New England image that Worthington has cultivated and what gives Worthington it’s charm and identity.
What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
Let’s get bold…
I would like the Worthington Experience to feel more intimate.
I would expand the Worthington Experience north of SR161.
The physical design of a city can influence one’s sense of enjoyment. For example, if High Street had a single lane of vehicular traffic in each direction, with a second lane for bikes only, the experience would be completely different than it is now. If we removed the on-street parking in favor of a wider pedestrian walkway, we could allocate the existing interior sidewalk area for increased outdoor dining. This would also provide additional space for pedestrian traffic during the Farmers Market.
Extending events like Market Day or the Farmers Market to the Village Green might better incorporate the area of High Street between SR161 and North Street into the Old Worthington experience. It may encourage new businesses to open in Worthington, which would be an enhancement as more business means more people, and more people means more revenue for the city.
If I was forced to settle for a small, incremental enhancement, I would advocate for the use of actual glassware instead of plastic cups, while dining outside. The later cheapens the experience.
What is a short-term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
Locally owned businesses are the lifeblood of our community. Without them, there is no Worthington Experience. So, while I certainly have my own vision for our community, my immediate priority is simply to ask each business owner, how can City Council help them to succeed?
How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
Worthington is one of the few suburban communities in Central Ohio that has been able to preserve and maintain an iconic historic district as the center of its community. Our historic district will always be the foundation of Worthington and of our identity as Worthingtonians. Yet I believe the preservation of our history often competes with our march into future. It does not have to, and our historic district businesses can help lead our evolution.
This starts by understanding that our community benefits most by having a strong and diverse economic core in Old Worthington that extends its influence outward to surrounding areas. Worthington must therefore leverage the historic district that we have worked so hard to preserve, to build a brave new future for our community where we do not fear modern additions to our historic charm. This is especially true for areas on the fringe of, or immediately outside our historic district.
Such a non-binary approach - binary being the equivalent of the belief that “it’s my way or the highway” - preserves the importance of historic Old Worthington while opening the opportunity to develop the modern commercial and institutional needs of our community. This will never replace the core value proposition that Worthington is a charming and historical city, as I believe people prefer to picture themselves living around historic structures as they are reminders of our culture and complexity. In fact, quality of place is a key factor in where people choose to live, and businesses choose to open their doors. However, it will allow Worthington to be so much more than it is today and our historic district can be the catalyst for this to be successful.
SETH KRAUT:
1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience?
The Worthington experience is a friendly, welcoming experience. The historic nature of the district combined with the sense of community gives Worthington a unique feel. The challenge is figuring out how to keep that feel while expanding businesses.
2. What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
As other areas of Worthington add commercial development, like the Worthington Gateway, UMCH, and other areas, they should each develop their own character. A shuttle could connect them to each other, though. This would make the complete Worthington experience more accessible, and make it a single unit for consumers.
3. What is a short term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
My short term priority would be to learn more about how the businesses in Worthington view the environment. I want to know what difficulties businesses are having, so that City Council can be part of the solution.
4. How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
Events have been very successful in bringing visitors into the historic district. The partnership has been very creative in running both regular and seasonal events that bring people into the area. We are probably reaching the limits of that strategy.
To me, the historic district is in better shape than some other areas. As we improve nearby areas of Worthington, the historic district will benefit. Additional businesses and residences will bring new customers to the historic district.
BONNIE MICHAEL:
1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience?
The special sense of community that is felt at the Farmer’s Market, Wednesdays in Worthington and all the wonderful special events put on by the Worthington Partnership. Worthington has a “welcoming to all” feeling that is naturally extended to residents and visitors of all ages.
2. What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
Just as Dublin has the Irish Festival, Worthington could have a Song Writer’s Festival. With the success of Songs at the Center & Natalie’s, Worthington is a prime location for such an event. It could begin small and grow over time - bringing in song writers from our region and later expanding to national talent. While this festival idea has been discussed over the years, I would love to see a Worthington Song Writers Festival become a reality. This could be an event to attract local and regional guests, be a destination event, and boost the Worthington business economy.
3. What is a short-term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
In order to have quality Worthington experiences, the City provides support to the Partnership and its programs. The City also provides capital improvements to the downtown area such repairing the brick sidewalk pavers, putting in new LED street lighting and new charge stations. To continue City program support and finance capital improvements, the City needs to ensure that there are sufficient funds to continue providing existing services and possibly expanding the city participation to new events.
To accomplish the above, the City needs to do all it can to make Worthington as business friendly as possible. Since over 70% of the City revenue is income tax, the City must retain existing businesses, attract new businesses, and/or grow existing businesses to continue the income tax funding needed for providing our outstanding city services to residents and businesses. Without sufficient funding, it is difficult to provide additional services to enhance the Worthington experience.
4. How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
First, we need to continue to market the great events being held in the historic district, such as the Holiday Open House, Illuminated shopping, chocolate walk, craft crawl, Wednesdays in Worthington, Farmer’s market, picnic with the partnership etc.
Maybe we can expand some of the events that are uniquely Worthington, such as the Ghost Walks. The flags on the Village Green in honor of Patriots Day, were so meaningful. Perhaps we can find a way for the flags to be on the Village Green for several days and add programs that celebrate our veterans and first responders during those days. It may be good to work with the schools so our youth will not forget Patriot’s Day.
Many look at the Village Green as a place to celebrate. And, there has been mention of a need for an all season events center in Worthington. If the City got a liquor license for the Griswold Center, this could become our events center. Its right on the Village Green, has parking and would not cause any traffic concerns. Weddings, showers, reunions, family events, neighborhood functions and more could be held here at very little additional cost to the City. Rental fees could be set to cover the cost of staffing, maintenance, set up and tear down.
EDDIE PAULINE:
1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience?
Vibrancy and inclusivity. I believe a thriving vibrant city core radiates and influences prosperity throughout the entire city. I will work closely with Old Worthington stakeholders to ensure we have a robust and thriving downtown environment that will draw in residents and visitors who will enhance economic activity. This vibrancy must be co-created by residents and city leaders to ensure our experience is welcoming and respectful.
2. What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
Thoughtfully connecting Old Worthington to North Worthington all the way up along High Street. We could create one of Central Ohio’s most dynamic corridors of live, work, play environment. This would make current commercial properties much more attractive to companies who hire employees who are attracted to environments that are in close proximity to amenities. This vision could also include options for senior and other age appropriate housing along the corridor.
3. What is a short-term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
Mobility. It is not easy for most of Worthington to get to downtown. We have parking issues and we also have tremendous inconsistency in our bike path and sidewalk system, which ends up being a deterrent for many residents to visit downtown. We need to make it as easy as possible to get to downtown so I fully support moving forward with our approved bike and pedestrian master plan, which addresses many of these issues.
4. How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
We as a community must support existing signature businesses downtown and work towards the creation of more unique establishments that will draw people closer to our core. This can be accomplished with creative incentives and creation and implementation of a thoughtful economic development plan. Supporting more people living in downtown Worthington would also help support and encourage this vibrant culture. I support further empowering organizations like the Old Worthington Partnership to help guide us through this journey and help protect our unique character while continuing to evolve to accommodate today’s resident’s interests.
JENNIFER RHOADS:
1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience?
I grew up in Worthington and I chose to raise my family here. As a single mother with an autistic child, I love the culture of our community and the support fellow parents and neighbors provide each other. To me, the most important aspect of the Worthington experience is that are a community anchored by a town square—the Village Green—that dates back to the founding of the State of Ohio.
For my entire life, this has been a community that has fostered a strong sense of belonging amongst residents. It’s no secret that “belonging” is a basic psychological need. We all need to feel physically and emotionally safe and we need to have supportive relationships. Now, more than ever, we need to feel personally connected not just via text or email. And, we bond with people in places that help us satisfy our needs. Worthington has always been that place to my friends and family—my neighbors.
Worthington is the epitome of a strong community. At least it has been until recently. That’s because in order for residents to feel that sense of belonging, they also need to feel that they have a say in what happens to them. The fact of the matter is that most Worthington residents today feel the opposite. The more I engage with residents, the more I hear about their viewpoints being disregarded by city leaders. That’s a core reason I am running for city council. The divisiveness in our community is tearing apart our sense of belonging to what is the greatest community in all of Central Ohio to live, work, and play. With new leadership on city council, we can return to that extra special community, anchored by the Village Green, that dates back to when the Buckeye State was founded.
2. What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
A bold enhancement to Worthington’s experience would be to increase parking. Our Downtown district is home to exceptional retailers, and it’s home to an extraordinary Farmer’s Market and other top-notch events. We need to partner with local businesses to ensure that those coming to shop at their unique stores and/or dine in their delicious restaurants can park conveniently. We need to eliminate the barriers to entry that drive business away from downtown Worthington and prevent people from other Central Ohio communities from coming back to Worthington more often or at all. There are several ways in which we can improve our parking deficits and at the same time fuel traffic into downtown vendors’ establishments.
3. What is a short-term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
A short-term priority for me to enhance the Worthington experience would be to incorporate more public art into our community fabric. Art for all, and all for art. Public art is another well-known way to bring people to a community. Public artwork engages people in conversation that can vary based upon their historical understanding, cultural backgrounds, etc. Public art can also drive an attachment to our city for those who are visiting while at the same time it can reinforce civic pride in our residents. Plus, public art can be a tool to drive growth and help our community thrive economically. A recent study revealed that seventy percent (70%) of Americans believe that the “arts improve the image and identity” of their community. Moreover, public art can enhance our residents’ sense of belonging. Public are can slow pedestrians down sufficiently in order to let them not only enjoy the piece, but to also experience all the other amenities that Worthington has to offer.
4. How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
Our historic district is what makes us who we are. It’s that quaint, safe, traditional feel about which most, if not all, residents remark. To me, the most important aspect of the Worthington experience is that we are a community anchored by a town square—the Village Green—that dates back to the founding of the State of Ohio. That said, it is important that we do not lose sight of where we came from as we look forward. When we contemplate the strategic direction of the city, we must take into account the future path of our historic district. The historic district is too integral to who we are to do otherwise.
I believe we can be long-term stewards of our heritage and historic building fabric while moving in a forward direction. I believe the historic district can, and will, evolve to serve the greater community. I’ve watched the historic district evolve for decades. To the best I can recall the changes have always strengthened our historic district, with one exception—the loss of the Worthington Inn. But, it is not up to me to determine in what ways the historic district should evolve to serve the greater community. Nor is it up to city council to unilaterally decide the answer for us. Strategic conversations amongst local businesses, community leaders, residents, and others should already be taking place regularly to explore matters like these. In business, if you wait too long to look far enough ahead, you won’t be around for long because you will be too far behind the competition. If conversations are not already underway about better serving the greater community and attracting visitors vis-à-vis the historic district, we need to get them started right away.
MICHAEL TROPER:
What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Old Worthington experience?
The most important aspect of the Old Worthington experience is the character and charm of Old Worthington. Whether you are coming to experience the vendors at the Farmer’s Market, the breadth of attractions at Market Day, eating at many of the amazing restaurants, boutique shopping, getting a haircut or having a drink at House Wine or the Pub Out Back, the quaintness and people make the Old Worthington experience warm and inviting.
What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Old Worthington experience?
I think that Experience Worthington should host an annual Community Health and Wellness event. The local restaurants could offer special vegan or gluten free items; the various wellness and fitness organizations in Central Ohio could promote their services. Worthington Parks and Recreation could promote the Bike and Pedestrian Master plan.
What is a short-term-priority for you related to the Old Worthington experience?
The Picnic with the Partnership is a tremendous event. I would like to see one or two more similar events each summer because it is such an impactful way to bring the entire community together to experience the downtown core of Worthington.
How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
The Old Worthington Partnership has done an amazing job creating events to attract visitors. The Picnic with the Partnership and First Wednesdays are two perfect examples of how this organization has been able to attract visitors to our historic district. The Worthington Farmers Market is one of the best in Central Ohio. I would like the market to expand with additional vendors to meet the ever-changing consumer tastes of Worthington and the surrounding community.
KAREN WILSON
What do you believe is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience?
I feel at the core of the Worthington experience is the age diversity of our residents. I love how I have grandparents, more recent empty-nesters, and families with new babies and kids all together on the same street. We all share similar values; we all moved here for a reason: we weren’t seeking a pretentious golf course community or far out ‘burb. We appreciate our history, architecture, and our quaint downtown. That unique New England village vibe is the reason people visit here, establish businesses here (large and small), or make their home here. Visually it is a quaint and welcoming oasis, it is family-friendly, with some nice shopping and dining options for adults, too. All of the Worthington Partnership events play on our strengths very well. The village vibe of our historic downtown and its events as they relate to the rich age diversity of our city is the most important aspect of the Worthington experience.
What do you envision as a bold enhancement to the Worthington experience?
A bold enhancement to the Worthington experience would be an expansion of visitor-, business-, and family-friendly sites beyond our current historic area. Everyone loves Worthington; basically we need more Worthington. I’d propose additional brick sidewalks, curved bench nooks and planters along High Street. (One good location might be as a replacement/improvement of the weedy front lawn in front of Kinkos/Ace Hardware next to Dairy Queen!)
Of course, the boldest of enhancements and expansion could involve the oh-so-contentious UMCH property. Sadly this might not have been so contentious had our city possessed the kind of strong leadership needed to own and articulate a holistic vision years ago. As I speak to residents, it is clear that filling up the property primarily with dense housing (as is currently proposed) is not the best way to enhance the Worthington experience. Rather, quality of life development in the form of restaurants and parkland, plus revenue-generating buildings and venues is preferred. If we had a clear vision, we as a community and the developers who wish to partner with us wouldn’t have to be in such contention over a single property. We’d be able to look at the big picture of our city and see we truly are a land of opportunity with room for ALL our needs—commercial, residential and quality of life properties—no need to argue over one single parcel.
What is a short-term priority for you related to the Worthington experience?
Money and Vision. Of course our city needs to ensure we continue to have revenue to help fund these enhancements. In the short-term, that means filling the Anthem building and continuing to focus on Wilson Bridge investment. This is already happening. The more urgent short-term priority directly addresses our city’s lack of leadership. In the last several years, it seems Worthington has been growing and developing without any real direction. It is vital that we establish a vision for what we (visitors, businesses, residents) want. As a marketing professional, we have valuable brand equity, yet we are not realizing our full potential. Residents constantly gripe: “If I see one more bank or pizza shop...” In order to get the kind of development I believe many of us want, it takes a proactive, rather than our current reactive, approach.
How can our historic district evolve to serve the greater community and attract visitors?
Our historic district has limitations mainly due to its small size, yet we have done such an excellent job creating events that are a good draw. I believe if we want to attract more visitors we need more to do and see in the form of more restaurants, kid-friendly spaces, and larger events. I continue to think of all the opportunities a large, open, green space could be for our city. It could be draw not only for the greater community and visitors, but a draw to business and residential developers as well: much in the way The Commons was for downtown Columbus. Once again, vision and leadership are required. When City Center was demolished, the resulting large expanse of green seemed ridiculous at the time. The idea was “if you build it, they will come;” it is an excellent success story. I see the UMCH property in a similar light: an opportunity to evolve our historic/business district in a way that can serve residents and attract visitors.