Worthington will promote a varied business economy, including niche businesses.

Insight

Economic development should be done in the “Worthington Way,” balancing tradition, history and character with a recognized need for additional jobs and tax base within the City. There seems to be two differing opinions when it comes to the density of development and re-development. Any vacant land and/or buildings available for development and re-development can assist with additional funding for the City.

Background

• Almost 70% of the City’s revenue sources come from income taxes and these funds are used to provide the City Services that the majority of surveyed residents rank very highly.
• There are very few sites available for new development and redevelopment is very difficult and can be expensive. Wilson Bridge Road buildings fluctuate between high 80’s-low 90’s % occupancy (right now at 88%), so there are is not much availability here.
• The #1 planning issue on the Public Survey for visioning to focus on was land use. In public input discussions, there was a lot of consensus that something needs to be done with the vacant land and vacant buildings; however, there is still not consensus on whether development should be green space (or green-space that generates revenue) or new offices/housing/retail/restaurants.
• There is still considerable friction between those who wish to keep as much green-space as possible on currently vacant land with those who wish to see some level of development.

Key Questions

• Do you see a middle ground on this issue? What would it be?
• What would a niche market/economy look like in Worthington?