Planning Committee No Longer Special
The Harlem Township Strategic Planning Committee voted to disband during Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting.
Committee member Tom Nied offered the motion to disband stating, “In light of the unrelenting and unwarranted personal attacks on members of the Harlem Township Strategic Planning Committee, both in person and on social media, I move that this committee recommend to the Harlem Township Board of Trustees that the Trustees disband this committee, effective immediately.”
“Not everyone here may be aware of the personal abuse directed at some of the members of the Strategic Planning Committee and their families. That sort of abuse is simply unacceptable…and even more so when it is directed at members of the community who have volunteered to work on behalf of the community,” he continued offering his explanation for the motion.
Nied's motion indicated a very vocal and unrestrained objection to the committee, its findings, and the proposed merger. There have been packed public meetings where residents have voiced numerous questions and concerns about the details of the merger and who would ultimately benefit from it.
The vote to disband was approved unanimously with Richison abstaining because he is a trustee.
Committee member Jim Steelesmith said after the vote, “I am distraught over the potential loss of the collective knowledge we acquired over two years of work. But the personal attacks on myself and my family can’t go on.”
Nied’s closing comments noted “Some folks may tell you this is a victory for their ‘side’. Let’s be clear, there is no winner here. It is the township as a whole that loses.”
The Board of Trustees approved the disbandment at Wednesday’s meeting 2-0 after the resignation of trustee Matt Jaeger. Jaeger left the meeting without comment.
Westerville’s Response
In a news release from the City of Westerville, spokesperson Christa Dickie said, “We are aware Trustees, staff, and volunteers have been inundated with outcries of criticism from opposing parties in recent weeks. Westerville’s endeavors for reasonable, responsible decision-making on growth and development are not ending. This is key to any strategic partnership in Harlem Township or elsewhere where Westerville can have a voice in planning.”
Michael Heyeck, City Council Chair, responding to an email commenting, “We very much respect the thoughtful citizen processes and deliberations that will embrace both of our futures as we deal with the eventualities of growth to our east.”
Committee Background
The Harlem Township Strategic Planning Committee was formed in March 2022 to serve as an advisory body to the Harlem Township Board of Trustees after Intel announced its plan to build a chip factory to the township’s east. The committee was to advise the township’s trustees on plans to mitigate possible development that would disrupt the township’s rural nature.
In March 2023, the Strategic Planning Committee developed the "Harlem Township Quick Strategy Guide" with specific recommendations for land use, communications, and administrative capacity.
In February 2024, the township and Westerville announced a plan to merge the two communities as a way to leverage growth for Westerville while protecting Harlem Township's character and quality of life.
During a series of town meetings, opponents to the merger spoke with anger about the committee’s merger plan and the actions of its members.
The proposal was met with significant resistance and skepticism from township residents, who expressed concern about losing the rural character of their community and felt that their voices were not being heard by elected officials. Residents have voiced numerous questions and concerns about the details of the merger and who would ultimately benefit from it.
What’s Next?
A news release from Westerville says, “Westerville will continue to serve and advise our neighbors to the east as development and potential annexation takes shape. Westerville is committed to working with Harlem and any regional partners to pursue thoughtful, well-planned growth that facilities continued strong public services, responsive public safety and crime prevention, safe schools and neighborhoods, job creation, and overall economic stability.”
Requests for comment from Township Trustee Carl Richison were unanswered before publication.
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