Mayor outlines housing push, zoning rewrite, 'peanut' roundabout plan and new transit effort in State of the City

Mayor delivered the city’s formal State of the City on March 3, 2025, outlining housing shortfalls, an expected zoning code rewrite, plans for targeted infrastructure using tax increment financing (TIF), a proposed longated roundabout to address the chronic “peanut” intersection congestion, and a nascent city transit system that the administration anticipates will rely on state and federal funding for operations. The mayor also updated the council on the condition of Worcester Police Chief Fisher and noted community support.

The mayor said the city recorded 342 housing units built or under construction, 181 units approved to start construction, and roughly 400 units proposed for development. He described a steering committee of community members and development professionals that is preparing recommended zoning code changes, with the administration expecting the committee’s proposal to go to the planning commission and then the council. The mayor said the steering committee is likely to recommend changes across zoning classifications and that the RT (residential) district will be among the areas with the largest impact.

On infrastructure and development financing, the mayor described the continued use of tax increment financing to pay for off‑site improvements that enable development. He said improvements already completed or underway have cleared utility barriers in the North Oak Hill area and, as a result, are expected to support about 400 new housing units in that TIF district; tax revenue from new development would help repay infrastructure costs.

Traffic at the long‑called “peanut” intersection remains a major concern, the mayor said. City staff have considered multiple alternatives and rejected some as impractical; the administration currently favors a longated roundabout as the option that would minimize neighborhood impacts. The mayor said some right of way will be required, but county‑owned land is available and Wayne County Commissioners have been cooperative. “I believe now is the time to move forward with that project,” the mayor said.

The mayor addressed an ongoing neighborhood concern about the Cornerstone school site and said repurposing options remain open. He said if a school bond passes and the district moves off the site, the north portion of the property would revert to the city under the original transfer terms, and the city would engage with Worcester Grove and other groups on redevelopment possibilities. The mayor explicitly denied a circulating rumor that a background “handshake deal” is already in place for the property, saying, “That is absolutely untrue.”

On transit, the mayor said the city is starting a public transit system intended to be expanded countywide over time, with initial operations reliant on state and federal funding; the administration has hired an individual named Kevin to manage the effort. Regarding zoning specifics raised by council members, a councilor asked whether the proposed code revision would address issues such as flag‑shaped lots; the mayor said the steering committee and planning commission will review those questions and that council will ultimately adopt any code changes.

The mayor also opened by reporting that Police Chief Fisher suffered an aneurysm, was treated at OSU Medical Center, has undergone surgery and is recovering; the mayor noted the department’s arrangements to continue safety services during Chief Fisher’s absence and thanked staff and the community for their support.

The administration said zoning code recommendations are expected in coming months and that the city will continue work on housing, infrastructure, and transportation through 2025. The mayor closed by thanking council and staff and inviting questions on the presentation.