Special to 1808Delaware
Late last week, the City of Westerville shared the following statement about the proposed merger with Harlem Township:
We are aware of the Harlem Township Trustees action to discontinue discussions related to the intent to merge.
In fact, Westerville City Council was informed on Tuesday, March 19 a change may be imminent. Township officials had requested an expanded timeline to pursue a Merger Agreement, to which the City was amenable. An adapted timeline would move an election for both communities into 2025. The timeline to hit the November ballot was aggressive from the beginning for a very new or rarely used strategic partnership like a merger.
While this was one scenario to continue to move forward in good faith, we are aware Trustees, staff and volunteers have been inundated with outcries of criticism from opposing parties in recent weeks.
It is important to note the Feb. 28, 2024 announcement did one thing only: initiated a public process of exploring the development of a Merger Agreement, upon which the voters of each community would approve.
These discussions began because Township officials and representatives approached Westerville administrators as a potential strategic partner in July 2023. Harlem recognized the need for planning help and support, and Westerville believes that need still exists.
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.
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 facilitate continued strong public services, responsive public safety and crime prevention, safe schools and neighborhoods, job creation and overall economic stability.
The growth now and that predicted for Central Ohio has a direct impact on both communities and cooperation best serves our interests. This was entirely the conversation City Manager Monica Dupee had with Westerville residents in the 2024 State of the City. Please watch her full remarks HERE.
