LC lawsuit dismissed!
Ward Planning
WARD is excited to share great news as 2024 winds down! Yesterday, the lawsuit brought by Lifestyle Communities (“LC”) against the City of Worthington related to the former UMCH site was dismissed in its entirety and the case is officially closed! Other claims by LC had been dismissed previously in a prior court ruling. LC has a right to appeal the Court’s decision, but it is even more of an uphill battle to prevail on appeal. WARD was referenced several times in the decision, in the context of expressing objections shared by the majority of Worthington residents to LC’s plans.
To recap, LC filed suit against the City of Worthington back in March, 2022 alleging a litany of claims of wrongdoing by the City related to LC’s failed attempts to secure rezoning of the former UMCH property. LC’s lawsuit followed its 7 years of presenting essentially the same high density, apartment heavy plan that failed to address the concerns of the public regarding undesirable uses of the property and the lack of green space. Since the lawsuit was filed, there have been repeated cries from some in our community urging the City to settle the lawsuit with absurd claims regarding the cost of legal fees and fear mongering that the City would lose and have to pay millions of dollars to LC.
WARD from the outset has been steadfast in our commitment to our vision that the property be responsibly developed for the benefit of the entire community and that the City not cave to the bullying of LC. As WARD has repeatedly stated and as expressed in our White Paper, the site is a sacred piece of property in the heart of the city that must be protected and preserved from the likes of LC and other corporate interests who seek to destroy the character and charm of Worthington. WARD applauds the actions of the City in assertively defending itself against the specious claims made by LC and ignoring public sentiment expressed by a vocal minority to settle. David Robinson, who has been much maligned for his actions and steadfast opposition to LC, deserves thanks for his leadership and unwavering commitment to be the voice of Worthington citizenry against powerful business allegiances and developers that seek to advance their own financial interests rather than what is best for our community.
WARD is excited to see what lies ahead in 2025 for the former UMCH property and welcomes the chance to move forward after almost 3 years of being in litigation limbo. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
louise annarino
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