Westerville, Delaware County Harlem Township merger talks die after 'outcries of criticism'

A plan to merge Westerville and Delaware County's Harlem Township has ended after township trustees decided against proceeding due to backlash from residents opposed to a possible tax hike and loss of township identity.

Both communities announced their intent to merge in February, with both emphasizing that expected demand in housing, traffic, utilities and other services from the Intel chip manufacturing operation being built in western Licking County would require change.

Both sought to place the issue on the November ballot, but recently extended that to sometime next year, according to Westerville officials.

"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," according to a statement on Westerville's website.

Harlem residents' opposition to merger talks prompt vandalism, threats

A statement from the township's Strategic Planning Committee, which on Tuesday voted 6-0 to disband, indicated that some of the pushback has been less than civil. Trustees agreed to accept the committee's decision on Wednesday.

“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.” 

A trustee's car was keyed during a meeting, and some opponents threatened committee members, said Mike Cannon, a committee member and zoning and development official for the township.

On Wednesday, a day after the committee voted, Trustee Matt Jaeger resigned.

"It was ridiculous," said Cannon, who said he understands why some were upset but not why they become hostile.

"Most want the township to stay the way it is … a little farm community. But we know we're going to get blown up" with Intel-related growth, he said.

Trustee David Jackson called the resident behavior "disgraceful," adding "We'll never know what could have been."

"Our risk of annexation is very real. That's what townships are — kind of a placeholder until someone takes us over," Cannon said.

Trustee Carl Richison told critics they can take down their "Vote No" signs related to the merger because a vote on the issue was never planned, just discussions to explore the possibility of a merger.

"It's one thing to disagree. It's another thing to be vicious," Richison said.

Westerville residents mostly 'neutral or supportive' of merger, city says

Westerville residents "have generally been neutral or supportive" about a possible merger, city spokesperson Christa Dickey said. "I think our residents are aware that change is coming and they trust us to make smart, reasonable decisions about the crunch coming into Westerville."

The city, in its statement, said it will continue to explore ways to assist its neighbors.

"Westerville is committed to working with Harlem and any regional partners to pursue thoughtful, well-planned growth that facilitates 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."

During closing comments at Tuesday's meeting, Strategic Planning Committee member Tom Nied called the decision a lost opportunity for both the city and the township.

“Some folks may tell you this is a victory for their side,” Nied said. “Let’s be clear: There’s no winner here. It is the township as a whole that loses.”

dnarciso@dispatch.com