NOTE: One of our hosts, Tim Hoffman, has known Wendy Johnson for about 25 years through Tim’s wife Casey - Wendy’s sister. We’ll let you decide whether that makes his questions tougher or easier, but either way, we figured you should know, lol.
On this episode, the Beacon team sat down with Dublin City Council candidate Wendy Johnson, who is running for the open Ward 2 seat. Johnson, a longtime Ballantrae resident, says her campaign was prompted by the proposed rezoning of rural land west of Cosgray Road into the West Innovation District. This transformation brings flex innovation, light industrial uses, and a regional sports complex directly to her neighborhood’s doorstep. (Recognizing the parallels here, Hilliard?)
Johnson emphasized that she is not opposed to growth, but wants Dublin to be deliberate in how it manages rezoning near established communities with strong property values. She cited the importance of protecting existing assets like Darree Fields, the Miracle League facility, and historical sites while overseeing Ohio University expansion via the Dublin Framework Plan, the new OSU medical building, and Dublin’s acquisition of the Sports Ohio complex.
The conversation also broadened to Dublin’s challenges in their infill / re-development cycle post Bridge Park:
* Revitalizing Metro Place and Blazer Parkway office corridors, where aging infrastructure and vacancies have lingered.
* Ensuring housing affordability, with Johnson pledging to support policies that dedicate significant portions of new residential projects to young professionals, downsizers, and families not making six-figure incomes.
* Balancing density concerns with Dublin’s need to retain vitality and intergenerational residents.
* Reimagining Metro Center as a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use hub with community and entertainment spaces.
Johnson also discussed the ward system’s critical role in representation, advocating for new public forums, cross-generational roundtables, and better outreach beyond HOAs to improve communication. She stressed the importance of strong partnerships with Washington Township and neighboring municipalities, calling Dublin’s relationship with its township government healthy and open.
Looking ahead, Johnson envisions Dublin leveraging its fiber connectivity, ongoing research-and-development focus, and regional assets to attract innovative businesses while building housing options that keep families rooted for generations - A formula many are aiming for in Ohio and across the country.
We return to Hilliard specific election coverage this Thursday interviewing all three candidates for Hilliard City School Board.
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