Council hears update on Worthington HRA efforts

The Worthington City Council on Monday heard an update on Worthington Housing and Redevelopment Authority activity presented by Executive Director Tanner Rogers.

Rogers focused upon the HRA's renovation of an existing home at 1203 Apel Ave. The two-bedroom home and accompanying property was acquired in July 2025, and the renovation was completed through the HRA Levy Fund.

The total investment in the property includes $110,000 for acquisition and $172,900 for renovation, which adds up to $282,900. Renovations included: a raised roofline to provide additional head space on the second level; installed headers throughout the home; all new wiring and plumbing; new insulation and sheetrock; new HVAC system; the conversion of an existing entryway into a main-floor half bath; all new flooring; new cabinetry; new windows and doors; and new fixtures and appliances.

The Apel Avenue property is currently listed for sale at $299,000. Rogers pointed out that a downside is the home having two bedrooms, adding that similar projects in the future would likely have what he called "the sweet spot" of three bedrooms. Rogers also noted that the current mortgage rate is high, which likely makes the market difficult for buyers.

Rogers received praise for the HRA's work from council member Mike Kuhle, who cited increased property tax revenue and improvement of the neighborhood. City Administrator Steve Robinson indicated that Director of Community Development Matt Selof is a key part of the HRA team.

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The operator of a downtown Worthington business is appealing his proposed assessment for the City of Worthington's Third and Fourth Avenue street reconstruction project following Worthington City Council action on Monday.

Brent Droll of Forbidden Barrel Brewing Co. cited a total of $18,762 in extra service charges that he said were part of his assessment. He also noted that a street reconfiguration caused by the new "bump-out" curbing cost his business parking spaces and will result in additional effort for snow removal. He added that the construction exceeded the planned time frame, and that his business wound up sustaining a loss in revenue from the previous year because of the project. Droll also pointed out that he did not receive notification about Monday's public hearing on the proposed assessments until that afternoon.

With regard to what Droll said was a high cost for extra service charges, Worthington City Engineer Hyunmyeon Goo explained it's a result of the foundation of the awning for the business. New footings had to be installed, and when the old footings were excavated, previously unknown subsurface complications were discovered.

It was determined later in the meeting that the notification for Monday's public hearing went to the property's owner — which is city practice — and not its taxpayer, which is Droll. Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson also noted that costs for bump-outs are city costs and not assessed. The city is covering $4.1 million of the $5 million cost of the street improvement project. 

Robinson said Tuesday afternoon that the city never discourages anyone from appealing an assessment, as it's their legal right. The city council was required to approve the proposed assessments before Droll could formally appeal them, which took place Monday.