08/24/2026
Residents deserve accurate information when deciding whether to sign a referendum petition. A recent letter regarding the Boundless/Harding Hospital redevelopment contains several claims that do not reflect the complete public record. Here are the facts.
Density: The proposal includes 246 apartments on approximately 20 acres, or about 12.2 units per acre. The City reports that this is at the lower end of existing and approved multifamily developments in Worthington. For comparison, Granby Place is approximately 16 units per acre, Selby is 18, High North is 22, and Hartford is 28. The buildings closest to Colonial Hills are limited to two stories. It is not "high density."
Traffic: Route 161 through this corridor already carries approximately 16,000 vehicles per day. The Traffic Impact Study accounted for that existing volume and was reviewed independently by the City Engineer and the City's independent engineering consultant, Arcadis. Both concluded that the additional traffic from this development would have an acceptable impact on the surrounding roadway network and could be accommodated by the existing signalized intersection. The analysis relied on established ITE trip-generation methodology, and the traffic counts used were consistent with independent ODOT/MORPC data.
Tax Abatement: The letter states that the proposed abatement is $13.5 million. The City's published estimate is approximately $743,000 annually for 10 years, or $7.4 million, with a present value of approximately $5.7 million. The abatement applies to 75% of the qualifying new improvement value. It is not a $7.4 million payment from the City to the developer.
New Tax Revenue: The Boundless property is currently tax exempt. When the property transfers to private ownership, the land itself becomes taxable — that alone is new revenue the City, schools, and other taxing bodies do not receive today. New improvements will also generate property taxes during the abatement, because only 75% of the qualifying improvement value is exempt. The City estimates that Worthington Schools alone will receive approximately $280,000 annually in new revenue during the abatement, rising to approximately $837,000 annually in new revenue beginning in Year 11, based on current estimates.
Economic Impact: The project represents approximately $52.45 million in private investment. The City's current proposal also includes commitments related to approximately $7.5 million in retained payroll and $3 million in additional payroll, which the City estimates would generate approximately $262,500 annually in municipal income taxes from the combined payroll.
Cost to Serve: The City's fiscal-impact study does estimate a deficit associated with residential land uses, including multifamily housing. However, these figures are generalized land-use prototypes, not a project-specific bill to taxpayers. The same analysis finds fiscal deficits for all residential categories, including single-family homes. The City specifically notes that fiscal impact is only one consideration alongside housing, economic development, jobs, environmental factors, and quality of life.
Environmental Impact: Approximately 6.25 acres along Rush Run will be permanently protected as a No Disturbance area. Of the 135 trees proposed for removal, the City reports that 88 are currently rated poor, very poor, or dead, while the development will plant approximately 275 new trees. The approved stormwater system is also designed to reduce peak runoff leaving the site and provide water-quality treatment.
Public Process: The proposal was not approved without public review. Boundless engaged the community before the formal application, Elford voluntarily held seven neighborhood meetings, City staff worked with the development team for an extended period, and MPC considered the proposal over multiple meetings before recommending approval. City Council then heard public testimony and deliberated extensively across multiple meetings before voting 7-0 in support. In total, this proposal was under public review for well over a year — from the first community meetings in mid-2025 through City Council's vote in July 2026.
Comprehensive Plan: The City's ongoing comprehensive-plan process does not automatically rezone Worthington or authorize five-story buildings throughout the City. A comprehensive plan provides guidance for future land-use decisions. Individual rezonings still require their own application, staff review, MPC consideration, public process, and City Council action.
There are legitimate differences of opinion about development, housing, and Worthington's future. Those policy disagreements should be debated on their merits. Residents considering whether to sign a referendum petition should review the complete factual record before making that decision.
