STAFFORD VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT FACTS

Key Stafford Village facts:

· Worthington Presbyterian Church asked National Church Residences four years ago to take over their portion of Stafford Village. They did so because they understood that the site could not be sustained. Like many other compassionate organizations across the U.S., the church sought to preserve the affordable mission of the community even if they could not own the property.

· The section of Stafford Village designated for a new structure needs immediate attention. Beyond aging roofs, failing sewers, outdated wiring and other infrastructure concerns, some units are so small they are not safe for older adults who often struggle with mobility issues.

· Worthington has the greatest need and fewest options for senior housing in Central Ohio (according to a Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission 2017 report). Eighty percent of Worthington residents believe more must be done to ensure older adults in this community can stay home for life, as proven by an actual community-wide survey taken in 2018.

· Adding market rate homes to Stafford Village responds to the community’s senior housing shortage and helps assure National Church Residences can maintain and sustain affordable apartments on site.

· Older adults generally prefer the safety and security of enclosed apartments, where they do not have to walk outside to access services or see neighbors. Isolation poses the greatest health risk for older adults; their living spaces should encourage social interaction.

· Opponents continue to misconstrue the intent of the market rate units and their fee structure:

· There is no “rent” but rather an all-inclusive monthly fee that covers housing, gas, electric, phone, garbage and recycling disposal, a meal plan, house cleaning, access to general transportation for group trips, a wellness center, community room, and a service coordinator to assist as needed with issues like temporary immobility from minor surgery. These services – and the ability to leave behind costs for a mortgage, yard services, maintenance and repairs – make communities like Stafford an attractive and affordable choice for many.

· The market rate units planned for Stafford Village keep other units affordable, including ensuring current residents can return at their same below market rents.

· National Church Residences has achieved win-win solutions with those willing to look for common ground. Their team has actively listened and responded to input from key stakeholders, holding more than 90 meetings over two years, creating two very different sets of plans intended to reflect key community priorities, and making significant changes, including dropping roof lines up to 13 feet and creating a setback to preserve a historic Sycamore tree. They are supported by many neighbors and community organizations, including the Worthington Community Relations Commission, the Worthington Resource Pantry and Worthington Presbyterian Church.

· National Church Residences paid property taxes of more than $90,000 in 2019. While the final tax will be calculated by the Franklin County Auditor, their team estimates future property taxes could exceed $350,000 – providing a substantial monetary boost to Worthington Public Schools (and the children they serve) for decades to come.

· Opponents of the new plan have been unwilling to negotiate and quick to attack the reputation of even a nonprofit provider that serves 42,000 seniors every day. They continue to insist on a single story, scattered site approach, despite sobering realities. Their plan:

· will leave traffic and parking concerns unaddressed

· is not financially viable without significantly raising rents (thus displacing many existing residents permanently)

· doesn't address what older adults want and need in their housing

· They raise misleading ideas about the treatment of current residents, intentionally overlooking the truth that more than two-thirds of the impacted residents live in a studio apartment that must be replaced, and that all impacted residents have a personal relocation specialist working for them as well as a $10,000 relocation assistance package to cover costs. They discount many neighbors in the historic district who support National Church Residences’ plan. Finally, they offer no answers to the older adults in Worthington who would prefer to stay in their home community throughout their life.