Worcester holds public hearing, leaves zoning code amendments on second reading
January 20, 2026 | Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio
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Worcester City Council opened a public hearing Tuesday on Ordinance 2026-01, proposed text amendments to Chapter 11 of the planning and zoning code and changes to the city’s official zoning map. Councilmember Jose, who led the Laws & Ordinances committee review, said the committee found the discussions informative and recommended additional time for public input.
Two residents spoke during the hearing. Mark Gooch (1636 Scoschee Street) thanked staff for the committee process and asked whether the proposed open-space fee would include a written definition of “valid reasons” for paying the fee instead of providing open space on-site. Planning staff Marion replied such requests would be evaluated by the Planning Commission on a case-by-case basis and must be justified to the commission’s satisfaction. Denise Foster (790 Greenwood Boulevard) said she supported the zoning updates and urged council to preserve green space that is accessible across income levels.
At the council’s request, Jose moved to leave Ordinance 2026-01 on second reading to allow additional time for constituents to review the material; council accepted that motion and the item will return for further consideration and a subsequent reading. No formal changes to the ordinance were adopted at Tuesday’s meeting.
Why it matters: Council members and members of the public framed the amendments as part of a longer planning process affecting housing and open space. Leaving the ordinance on second reading preserves further opportunity for public comment and committee review before any final vote.
What’s next: The ordinance remains on the council calendar and will return for further readings and additional public input before any final passage.
Two residents spoke during the hearing. Mark Gooch (1636 Scoschee Street) thanked staff for the committee process and asked whether the proposed open-space fee would include a written definition of “valid reasons” for paying the fee instead of providing open space on-site. Planning staff Marion replied such requests would be evaluated by the Planning Commission on a case-by-case basis and must be justified to the commission’s satisfaction. Denise Foster (790 Greenwood Boulevard) said she supported the zoning updates and urged council to preserve green space that is accessible across income levels.
At the council’s request, Jose moved to leave Ordinance 2026-01 on second reading to allow additional time for constituents to review the material; council accepted that motion and the item will return for further consideration and a subsequent reading. No formal changes to the ordinance were adopted at Tuesday’s meeting.
Why it matters: Council members and members of the public framed the amendments as part of a longer planning process affecting housing and open space. Leaving the ordinance on second reading preserves further opportunity for public comment and committee review before any final vote.
What’s next: The ordinance remains on the council calendar and will return for further readings and additional public input before any final passage.
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