Two big projects are moving Wood County's economy forward this year. But they might spawn even more growth next year
Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website 12-27-2007

Two big projects are moving Wood County's economy forward this year. But they might spawn even more growth next year. FedEx is moving its distribution center to Perrysburg Township and Bass Pro is building a huge retail store in Rossford. It is economic growth that will be good for the region, as well as Wood County. It's good for the region because millions of construction dollars will generate hundreds of jobs. In the case of Bass Pro, tourists will travel to northwest Ohio from several states.

Federal Express is also moving to Wood County. Crews are pushing dirt at the site of the new distribution center in Perrysburg Township. It probably won't create the economic ripple of Bass Pro, but with easy access to two major national highways and with miles and miles of railroad tracks, Wood County is working out a deal with CSX to build a rail drop-off point near North Baltimore for products made overseas.

Combined Bass Pro and FedEx will bring roughly 1,000 jobs to Wood County. But with the CSX hub and the Bass Pro land development, perhaps a thousand more could be generated, making not just Wood County, but all of northwest Ohio a region companies may want to investigate.

(Copyright ©2007 WTVG-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Here is another media coverage on the Steam Plant development project and gives more information in regards to what's going on with the project. Remember the state is the "sticking point" of this mess.

Back taxes are the newest glitch in building at this downtown Toledo spot
Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website 12-17-2007

The headaches continue for the steam plant. Now the developer is firing back.

Steam plant developers Jimmie Jackson and Dave Ball are behind on their taxes. According to the Lucas County treasurer, they did not pay at all last year and at the moment, owe over $40,000 in back taxes.
Since the steam plant went on the county tax roll last year, the treasurer hasn't seen a cent. But developer Ball says that's money the county never used to get paid anyway.

Up until last year, the city owned the property and they didn't pay any taxes. But now the county wants its money.
Developer Ball is in no rush to pay those county taxes. Ball got animated at times and implied it's very tough to be a developer in Toledo with all these headaches from the city. The city filed a lawsuit againt Water Street Development and Ball says he is not paying the tax bill until the lawsuit is decided.

Ball claims the hangup is with the state. He says he is applying for about $4.5million in tax credits that would bring down the cost of his $30 million project. An email dated December 14 shows Ball is in touch with the state and they are now reviewing his application. And because of the pending litigation, the city declined comment.

Also, Ball says the city owes him $20,000 from a final draw they didn't pay and he would use that to pay the county taxes when that lawsuit is decided. But the county has nothing to do with that and just wants its money.

The United States Census Bureau has released only the 2007 population count for each states but here is the breakdown of 2006 figure according to my calculations of this region:

Toledo MSA (Lucas, Wood, Fulton and Ottawa counties):
2006--653,700
2000--659,200
-5,500 decline with a -0.8%

However, I calculated another figure which included the commuting pattern area, media viewing (television, newspapers, internet) area, and geographically-wise which surrounds the urban/infrastructure core of Toledo (Ohio's Williams, Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa, Erie, Huron, Sandusky, Seneca, Hancock, Wood, Putnam, Henry, Defiance and Michigan's Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe counties):
2006--1,430,900
2000--1,425,100
+5,800 increase with a +0.4%

Based on 2007 census, the state of Ohio and Michigan is severely hurting with the national economy, war, high taxes, and poor leadership of past governors. I have confidence in newly elected Governor Strickland to clean up the mess of Ohio that was left by Taft.

State of Ohio had a +102,804 in population from 2000 to 2007 with +0.9% while Michigan had a +116,405 from 2000 to 2007 with +1.2%. The percentage increase reflects stagnant, low growth; however, from 2006 to 2007 Michigan was one of the two states to post declines (the other one is Rhode Island) while Ohio remains flat. It's not a Toledo, Dayton, South Bend, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Akron, Cleveland, or other city problems; it's clearly a statewide and national problem. It's time to focus on the urban core and restore the economy in the OH/MI region.

IMHO, when Columbus is the only growing metro in the entire state of Ohio, there is something fishy about that when you know the state politicians are pouring all the money in Columbus and forgetting the rest of the state.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Here are the real-time photos of the proposed downtown arena as of today (12-28-2007); as you can see the demolition is completed and moving onto the foundation work:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Arena12-28-2007.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Arena212-28-2007.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Finally the project got the tax credits it needed! What a coincidence of timing if you are aware of the past post in regards to this steam plant project.

DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
Steam-plant owners get Ohio tax credits
Posted on Toledo Blade website 12-29-2007

Businessmen planning residential redevelopment of Toledo Edison's former downtown steam plant received their long-awaited tax credits yesterday from the Ohio Department of Development.

The steam plant and the old Port Clinton City Hall were among 11historic buildings that were awarded tax credits yesterday through the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, which provides recipients with up to 25 percent of their qualified rehabilitation costs.

Water Street Station Development LLC qualified for an estimated $3.1 million in tax credits on the $21.9 million project.

About $12.5 million in rehabilitation costs qualified for the tax credit.

Developers David Ball and Jim Jackson, who plan to convert the 1895 building to apartments and condominiums, are embroiled in financial and legal disputes with the city of Toledo that have prompted their firm to withhold $64,000 in property-tax payments to Lucas County.

Mr. Ball said Wednesday that a city lawsuit filed in April against Water Street Station, demanding that the redevelopment start immediately or the property deed be returned to the city, demonstrated unrealistic expectations on the city's part.

He indicated that securing the historic preservation tax credits was an important prerequisite to proceeding with the project.

He could not be reached for further comment last night.

The state's announcement yesterday said some 110 applications have been submitted for the preservation tax credits, most recently one for the renovation of the 1884 Seneca County courthouse.

The former Port Clinton City Hall, which was purchased by private investors in 2006, is to receive a tax credit estimated at $625,000 on a $3.7 million project that will create condominiums and a coffee shop inside the long-vacant building.

Approximately $2.5 million of rehabilitation expenses qualified for the tax credit.

Hello, I'm a long time viewer, first time poster... This is great news! I'm curious to see if work really begins on the steam plant now that the credits have been granted. It seems like the developers have been saying all along that the holdup was solely a result of not having those credits in place.

I wonder if it is really a great idea to turn the steam plant into apartments and condos. Are there many windows in the building? The apartment side of the structure won't have great views of the river - they will be facing the relatively ugly key bank building, which also lacks windows.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Hello, I'm a long time viewer, first time poster... This is great news! I'm curious to see if work really begins on the steam plant now that the credits have been granted. It seems like the developers have been saying all along that the holdup was solely a result of not having those credits in place.

I wonder if it is really a great idea to turn the steam plant into apartments and condos. Are there many windows in the building? The apartment side of the structure won't have great views of the river - they will be facing the relatively ugly key bank building, which also lacks windows.

Welcome djc2e, I have followed this project for the past couple of years in this thread with endless of posts. You can view them in previous pages, however, I have a link for you to look at the preliminary renderings of the steam plant with "bells & whistles".

Water Street Steam Plant official website:
http://http://www.waterstreettoledo.com/

Be sure to click on "Residences" link on the top of the website to see the actual development plans. From my understanding, the windows and views will be solely facing the river not the back end which is the purpose of people investing in this project.

Not sure if anyone has already posted a link to these interchange drawings yet, but, being the building geek I am, I found them quite intersting (even if I can't make heads or tails of any of the markings / engineering data on it :ohno: ).

http://www.arrowheadpark.org/interchange.htm

Seems this project is going to take the better part of three years to complete (2010). What struck me was how wide the lanes will be (three lanes per direction, a la Airport Hwy.), and, how deep into Salisbury (west side of 475) and Dussel (east side of 475) the reconstruction will be. This project is going to claim (i.e. eminent domain) property from no less than 80 land owners, ProMedica being the largest looser (based solely on how much of their land will gobbled up b the new east-side cloverleaf and ramps). Perhaps this is why they have yet to build the new medical center? They probably new this procjet was coming, and wanted to wait until it was done (or does someone have info to the contrary?).

Also, can anyone confirm or deny a little bet I have with my wife that Salisbury Road is going to be straightened in front of the creek/golf course, all the way to the next T-intersection light? That "wiggle" is mighty dangerous, and it's bends should be eased, even just a bit. I've seen markings and some utility trucks out there in the recent weeks, digging here and there. Maybe they're planning to work on it at the same time ODOT is doing teh interchange?

So, for those of you (like me) who use that interchange daily, I say, "Happy 2008 New Year!", and "Happy 2009 New Year!," and "Happy 2010 New Year!." My new friends are going to be country roads to the A.W.Trail/Waterville interchange. Oh, what fun :(

Not sure if anyone has already posted a link to these interchange drawings yet, but, being the building geek I am, I found them quite intersting (even if I can't make heads or tails of any of the markings / engineering data on it :ohno: ).

http://www.arrowheadpark.org/interchange.htm

Seems this project is going to take the better part of three years to complete (2010). What struck me was how wide the lanes will be (three lanes per direction, a la Airport Hwy.), and, how deep into Salisbury (west side of 475) and Dussel (east side of 475) the reconstruction will be. This project is going to claim (i.e. eminent domain) property from no less than 80 land owners, ProMedica being the largest looser (based solely on how much of their land will gobbled up b the new east-side cloverleaf and ramps). Perhaps this is why they have yet to build the new medical center? They probably new this procjet was coming, and wanted to wait until it was done (or does someone have info to the contrary?).

Also, can anyone confirm or deny a little bet I have with my wife that Salisbury Road is going to be straightened in front of the creek/golf course, all the way to the next T-intersection light? That "wiggle" is mighty dangerous, and it's bends should be eased, even just a bit. I've seen markings and some utility trucks out there in the recent weeks, digging here and there. Maybe they're planning to work on it at the same time ODOT is doing teh interchange?

So, for those of you (like me) who use that interchange daily, I say, "Happy 2008 New Year!", and "Happy 2009 New Year!," and "Happy 2010 New Year!." My new friends are going to be country roads to the A.W.Trail/Waterville interchange. Oh, what fun :(

From the regional priority road project standpoint (via TMACOG), Dussell/Salisbury interhchange is one of the four major road projects (i.e. new Promedica Parkway interchange, I-75/475 split expansion, and new U.S. 24) to be done in the next 3-5 years since the new I-280 bridge is now complete.

The Salisbury road portion (west of I-475) will only be taken care of from the freeway to Briarsfield Boulevard and anything west will be untouched because of the local opposition. I dislike that area so much because the roads are not up-to-par in terms complimenting the current sprawling developments. It would make sense for them to widen Salisbury Road and rename it as Dussell Drive all the way to the airport, but in reality, the subdivision homeowners, township trustees, and Brandywine country club golf course will play their political connection card to stop it. I don't think the roads on Dussell on the Maumee side should be widen, only to take care of the traffic light timing issues. Maumee has one of the worst traffic light times in the region, IMO, because you hit every light from Dussell to Reynolds and you wait for a considerable amount of time for each one of them (seems like you are there all day). Ultimately, I think they should leave Dussell/Salisbury alone and just build an interchange at Illinois/Western-Maumee (U.S. 20 Business loop route) which makes logistical sense for traffic and the connections to the airport.

I know that through the planning process at TMACOG, widening I-475 from Perrysburg to Douglas Road in Toledo is a high priority to widen the freeway it's a matter of when which would probably start anytime after 2010. On top of that project, they are looking at adding two additional interchanges (i.e. potential ramps at Hill, Bancroft, Dorr, Illinois/Maumee-Western Road).

About ten years ago, the Promedica property in Maumee was slated to be the "new" Toledo Hospital campus as they were going to shut down the main hospital and move it to Maumee. But with population being still strong in the central-western portion of Toledo and City of Toledo ties, they've decided to invest in their existing location with the new interchange to be built on I-475.

I think Promedica will basically use the Maumee property for some medical developments with the growing population in the west and sell portions of the land for other developments (retail, commercial-wise) to make money.

Happy New Year to you and the rest of the gang of the Toledo thread. :cheers:

I'm quite surprised Bellacino's (located on Huron & Adams) closed up because they were busy all the time. There is not one day during the weekday that they didn't have a long line, and as I usually say, as one door closes there's usually another one opening. Maybe this will pave the way for Gino's Pizza to come to downtown which they've been scoping for quite some time.

IMO, This would definetly alleviate the burden of the unemployment. Once the national economy picks up, there will be new line of orders and new job creations at the new plant for third shift. It's time to end the war and start focusing on national economy.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

There is a rumor that someone is thisclose in buying the former Durty Bird Building at the corner of St. Clair and Washington. The rumor is that the owners of the Golden Lily Chinese Restaurant which used to be on Superior as it was demolished to make way for the new downtown arena. Stay tune........

It has been announced in past post of this thread, The Fresh Market is making its way to the Westgate Village Shopping Center in between Stein Mart and Costco. You can see banners, signs, and movements that they will be opening soon. Here is the direct link: http://www.thefreshmarket.com/

Also Bassett's Whole Food Market which used to be at the original Westgate and they moved to a strip plaza on Secor a couple of years ago to nearby MC Sports store has now officially moved across the street of where Claudia's Market used to be. Claudia's Market moved out on Monroe Street in between Toledo and Sylvania. It's good to see some grocery markets strengthening in the Westgate area.

The Golden Lily at the Durty Bird? That'd be terrific. Where'd you hear about that one?

By the way, isn't it like music to ears to hear construction actually taking place downtown again? I work right across from Fricker's by the ball park, and its' great to walk by and watch the construction from blocks away.

The Golden Lily at the Durty Bird? That'd be terrific. Where'd you hear about that one?

By the way, isn't it like music to ears to hear construction actually taking place downtown again? I work right across from Fricker's by the ball park, and its' great to walk by and watch the construction from blocks away.

I heard the rumor through several people who are business owners and residents in the Warehouse District recently. However, not too long ago, the owners of Mano's/St. George Pub was looking for property along St. Clair as well.

I do agree with you that it is great to see construction and developments such as:

Marina District
Water Street Steam Plant on Water Street
Triangle Building Condo/Apartments at Lafayette & Erie
Condo/Apartments at Michigan & Madison
Western Union Building on Jefferson & Huron
TARPS Administration/Maintenance Facility on Wade & Knapp
MLK Jr. Plaza Union Station Intermodal Facility on Emerald
Downtown Arena on Jefferson & Huron
Wonder Bread Building Condo/Apartments on Summit
U.S. Federal Building on Constitution
Swan Creek Candle Distribution Center & Offices on Huron/Lafayette/Superior
Pizza Papalis on Monroe & Huron


I like to see Hytower Building and Portside Marketplace to be on that list.

The Golden Lily at the Durty Bird?

Wait, what happened to the Durty Bird?!

...keep in mind I don't live in Toledo, but visit family up there occasionally.

The Golden Lily at the Durty Bird?

Wait, what happened to the Durty Bird?!

...keep in mind I don't live in Toledo, but visit family up there occasionally.

The original owner had personal problems and decided to sell it end of 2006, then the owners of Home Slice Pizza entered an agreement to lease-to-own the business as they reopened before the 2007 baseball season. By mid-fall 2007 original owner's family and Home Slice owners parted ways as Home Slice did not want the business anymore so it's up for sale again.

Durty Bird is in a prime location and it's always busy during the warm season baseball or no baseball.

I'd say it'd be nice to have the Durty Bird back at its' current location and the Golden Lily at the warehouse across the street from Tony Packo's where Ted Strickland ran his district office out of.

Home Slice. The owner's are good people. They're talking about possibly expanding out into the building next to them. Its' good to see them busy, and St. Clair St. is finally seeing buildings being turned around.

I'd say it'd be nice to have the Durty Bird back at its' current location and the Golden Lily at the warehouse across the street from Tony Packo's where Ted Strickland ran his district office out of.

Home Slice. The owner's are good people. They're talking about possibly expanding out into the building next to them. Its' good to see them busy, and St. Clair St. is finally seeing buildings being turned around.

The former flower shop building across from Tony Packo's on Superior is a great looking building with great location. To my bias, I'd love to see an all-round-the-clock lofty coffeehouse with bookstore (new & used) at that location. Or even a Scrambler's restaurant since Findlay downtown has one, I am a huge breakfast fan.

Interesting to hear about Home Slice possibly expanding, where to? It looks tight to me. I know that Ahava Wellness Center has expanded recently into the former St. Clair Market for a juice bar and exercise space.

Not to veer off the topic, the two buildings on St. Clair in between Washington and Monroe is in need to rehab and get filled up with businesses. The building on the corner of St. Clair & Washington next to the Mud Hens office and the building on St. Clair in between Monroe & Perry seems to be at a standstill and I would love if the owners would take down the "For Lease" sign and just sell it to the ones who are willing develop.

IMO, businesses nowadays are in the market to buy buildings and properties not leasing. The building on Monroe & Perry would be perfect for apartments and lofts; the building at St. Clair & Washington would be more for retail/boutique stores and restaurant-zoning (think Jamba Juice, Panera Bread, or Einstein Bros. Bagels). If that doesn't work, how about a Toledo-Lucas County Historical Museum or even an Ohio Baseball Hall of Fame?

good idea... With the new arena taking place i have a feeling Panera and other compaines are going to want to eat up all the space downtown. Time will tell...

I'm up at Home Slice all the time. I work on Perry St. (Nemsys LLC). Home Slice is looking to expand to the building right next to them up in the loft area. They'd like to create a stage for music possibly, and I believe one of the brothers wants to develop an ebay type store on the bottom floor.

I wasn't aware the building on the corner of St. Clair and Washington (The Purpleish Building) was being looked at for development (AND BEING TURNED DOWN BY THE OWNERS). That is ridiculous. I've had fantasies of opening up a Mongolian Barbecue restaurant right there. In fact, I have a few ideas of business I'd like to start in downtown and could see being very profitable. Coffee house/book store type deal was definitely one of them.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I'm up at Home Slice all the time. I work on Perry St. (Nemsys LLC). Home Slice is looking to expand to the building right next to them up in the loft area. They'd like to create a stage for music possibly, and I believe one of the brothers wants to develop an ebay type store on the bottom floor.

I wasn't aware the building on the corner of St. Clair and Washington (The Purpleish Building) was being looked at for development (AND BEING TURNED DOWN BY THE OWNERS). That is ridiculous. I've had fantasies of opening up a Mongolian Barbecue restaurant right there. In fact, I have a few ideas of business I'd like to start in downtown and could see being very profitable. Coffee house/book store type deal was definitely one of them.

Thanks for the update on Home Slice. Now how about your fantasy to become a reality? :)

"Thanks for the update on Home Slice. Now how about your fantasy to become a reality?"

By the way, fantasy was NOT the word that I meant to write :). My preferable word of choice should have been "I've had IDEAS of". Fantasy just does not sound right, haha :).

So someday I'd like to be more of an investor in downtown Toledo. At the moment, I'm in the process of applying for my LLC and would like to move into an office downtown for my web development business, a business that's really been beginning to boom. Hopefully as time comes, the money generated from that can extend to other ventures that I would like to bring to downtown Toledo as well. I see so much potential, money wise, and its' my opinion that it NEEDS to be private enterprise that steps up its' game in Toledo to help turn things around, rather than waiting on the local politicians.

Speaking of web development, I'd like to take a second to bring about not only local news, but national news, in regards to the terrible DUI accident on I-280.

Myself (Steve Livingston), of 1055 Software, and Matt Nachtrab of Nemsys LLC, have set up a donation page for the Griffin-Burkman family to help alleviate some of the medical costs, as well as the cost of laying to rest five beautiful people. All funds go directly into a trust fund managed by a local law firm and Fifth Third Bank has agreed to waive all e-transactions. Donations can also be made at any Fifth Third Bank branch under The Griffin-Burkman Memorial Fund.

If you don't wish to pledge or donate, please leave a message for the family in the condolence section, where they will be presented to Danny Griffin. I've spoken to the family as well as friends of the family and they are TRULY APPRECIATIVE of the warmth Northwest Ohio has given to their family, especially Danny & Sidney Griffin, and Beau Burkman, the surviving victims.

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=5878177

Keep up with your optimism and we need it! Thanks ToledoProgrammer.

For good news in West Toledo, the vacant Food Town store on Dorr and Reynolds Road is now being developed into a $5 million dollar project to make way for the new Super Fitness Center. This will IMO definetly improve the Reynolds Corner area.

Two articles, one somber and one good news as we need to focus regionally to continue diversifying the workforce and the economy so we are not relying on the automotive industries. Automotive industries are still an asset and important in our region, but to have a diversified work force such as Bio-fuels, solar, transportation, medical, education, tourism, and financial and it has to be heavily invested so the layoffs would be less of a burden.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

$60M being invested in Bryan Hospital
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website January 2008 Edition

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/BryanHospital.jpg

Planning for an expansion and renovation to the Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers Bryan Hospital (CHWC) in Bryan, Ohio is currently under way. The project will require the renovation of approximately 73,000 square feet of existing space and the design and construction of east and west expansions of approximately 185,000 square feet. Construction will kick off in April and be completed fall 2010.

SSOE, Inc. is designing the project, which has an expected investment of $50 million to $60 million.

While the expansions and renovations provide increased square footage to meet contemporary standards for patient care, equipment and future flexibility, the net outcome for CHWC will be an on-site, replacement hospital.

“The added benefits to the community will be a completely renewed facility for patient care and a prudent use of site and facility resources,” stated Lee Warnick, principal and vice president, SSOE. “This also strengthens the vitality of the community in concentrating the construction to its current location in the city. It is not unusual with new replacement hospitals that the older facility is abandoned in the neighborhood, without a viable reuse opportunity.”

CHWC has indicated it will employ sustainable design strategies to make its hospital energy efficient as well as create a healthy environment for the patients. Although the hospital will not be seeking official certification, SSOE will be using the LEED for New Construction as a source of sustainable design and construction concepts, according to Robert Siebenaller, senior associate, SSOE and LEED accredited professional. Specific initiatives include: reuse of existing facilities, innovative wastewater technologies, water usage reduction, energy reduction, construction waste management, the use of regionally procured and recycled construction materials, and the use of day-lighting.

When asked to explain the driving force behind its decision to build a sustainable facility, CHWC's president, Rusty O. Brunicardi, stated, "CHWC's goal is to provide safe, quality care at every point of service, and we know that a technologically advanced building will assist us in achieving our goal. We recognize that many LEED principles will help us to stem the rising cost of healthcare and operate more efficiently by allowing us to double the size of our hospital without doubling the cost of our utilities.”

Because the hospital will remain operational during construction, special care is being taken to not interfere with the hospital and its patients, according to SSOE. The project will be completed in four main phases; the first phase is to build a new physical plant, followed by the east addition, then the west addition, and ending with a renovation of the existing hospital.

CHWC is also advancing several related projects of limited scope to facilitate and maintain the patient and visitor experience. Patient care will be enhanced with the addition of more patient space in the hospital’s 80 single occupancy rooms. Support services are being located immediately adjacent to the rooms with nursing stations and support spaces located at the core surrounded by patient rooms. Specialty areas for obstetrics, intensive care, and cardiac catherization are planned, and general med-surg areas are also being created and existing spaces renovated.

The hospital, portions of which were built in 1930 with subsequent major additions through 1975, will now have more public areas and conference rooms on the first floor, an atrium, a state-of-the-art birthing center, and new operating rooms.

SSOE has performed approximately 50 projects at CHWC facilities over the past 30 years including many with CHWC’s Bryan campus. These projects include: renovating and expanding its emergency department, outpatient registration, laboratory, dining and kitchen facilities, outpatient surgery, surgery decontamination, surgery holding, surgery locker rooms, endoscopy procedure rooms, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cardiac rehabilitation departments. SSOE also made an addition to the existing hospital with an imaging center that provides an MRI, cardiac catherization, and radiographic imaging services and also facilitates CHWC’s participation with mobile imaging equipment.

$8M+ Mich Inergy consolidation to create 189 jobs
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website January 2008 Edition

France-based Inergy Automotive Systems plans to relocate its Ontario, Canada operations to its 320,000 square foot Adrian, Michigan facility with assistance offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The expansion will create $8.2 million in investment by Inergy and 427 new jobs, including up to 189 directly by the company.

“Inergy’s investment in Michigan will help secure automotive manufacturing as a key sector of our increasingly diverse economy,” Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm stated. “Our leadership in R&D and concentration of talent continues to attract global companies and new jobs to the state.”

In November, based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved a state tax credit valued at more than $1.3 million over seven years to win the expansion. The City of Adrian is prepared to support a 12-year local tax abatement valued at approximately $1.8 million. In addition, the South Central Michigan Works! office and the Lenawee Chamber for Economic Development have committed to supporting the project by providing recruiting, screening, and job training assistance.

“State and local collaboration is vital to attracting business expansion,” MEDC president and CEO James C. Epolito added. “Our local partners are on the front lines every day to secure the economic future of their communities and win jobs for the state.”

An economic analysis conducted by the MEDC estimates that increased economic activity created by the new facility will generate up to 238 indirect Michigan jobs in addition to up to 189 created directly by the company. The project is expected to generate more than $109 million in personal income for Michigan workers over the life of the tax credit.

“As the first MEGA program recipient in 1996, Inergy recognizes and appreciates the efforts the State of Michigan continues to make toward helping to increasing our competitiveness,” North American CEO Mark Sullivan stated. “Inergy’s success to compete in a global market is a solid example of the value of collaboration between business and a future-oriented Michigan government.”

The Inergy project is one of six economic development projects Granholm announced in November. In all, they are expected to create and retain a total of 8,339 Michigan jobs.

“We are delighted and proud that Inergy Automotive has selected Adrian for the expansion of their operations,” Adrian Mayor Gary McDowel stated. “This large and significant investment in our community represents the type of economic growth we are working hard to obtain. On behalf of the citizens of Adrian, I thank Inergy for its support to our community and look forward to continuing our long relationship.”

Inergy Automotive Systems was formed in 2000 as the result of a merger between Solvay Group and Plastic Omnium Company’s fuel system activities. The company is a fuel systems supplier operating 24 facilities in 17 countries with global headquarters in Paris, France. Inergy’s key North American customers include Chrysler, General Motors, BMW, and Nissan.

“The Lenawee Chamber for Economic Development is excited about the expansion, investment, and new jobs at Inergy Automotive,” chamber president and CEO Randy Yagiela added. “This is great news for the company, the State, and our local economy.”

In her 2007 State of the State address, Granholm emphasized the importance of making Michigan a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century. According to the MEDC, since January 2005, the governor and the corporation have announced the creation or retention of more than 209,000 jobs.

“We are successfully competing for new job-creating investments from all over the world,” Granholm added. “As these businesses choose Michigan for their job growth, they send a message that Michigan is a great place for other companies to do business and create jobs, too. We’ll continue to go anywhere and do anything to recruit and retain jobs like these.”

West Toledo YMCA plans $8M+ expansion
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website January 2008 Edition

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/YMCA-Start.jpg

Construction is set to begin this spring on an $8.2 million expansion at the West Toledo YMCA on Tremainsville Road. The new facility has been in the planning stages for more than two years and is being designed to complement the recently completed 306,000 square foot Roy C. Start High School, which was constructed by Lathrop/Gant/Barton Malow, LLC (LGB). Overall, the two projects provide an investment of more than $50 million for Lucas County. Completion of the YMCA is expected by early 2009.

According to Robert Alexander, YMCA of Greater Toledo president and CEO, the new YMCA building will be 60,000 square feet. It will include a 10,000 square foot aquatic center and be the largest YMCA in the region.

Half of the facility will be new, and half will be refurbished. The auditorium, gymnasium, and the rooms surrounding them will be completely remodeled and transformed into a wellness center, aerobic studio, family center, teen center, and a strength and conditioning area. North of these areas will be a new entranceway, lobby, offices, new locker rooms, and the aquatic center.

“Because the aquatic center has a lot of glass and natural light, it will open up to the outdoors,” Alexander explained. “So, in the summertime, [the aquatic center] will open up to a patio area, a sunbathing area, and a concession stand. We’ll have an indoor / outdoor environment in the summertime.”

The aquatic center will include a 25-yard indoor competitive swimming pool with six lanes and a leisure pool with zero depth entry. Other features include a large sliding board and additional family apparatus for the water. According to Alexander, the pool will be the largest pool at any of the YMCA of Greater Toledo facilities.

“We had a 55-year-old YMCA that was 23,000 square feet, housed about 7,000 members, and was completely inadequate for our needs,” Alexander stated. The new YMCA is expected to have approximately 15,000 members. “There is a demand in that neighborhood for a YMCA, and the school district was building a brand new Start High School [next door]. So we looked at our needs and found some mutual benefit of collaboration [with Start]. By doing the project this way, the school district has saved millions of dollars by not having to relocate students for two years while they built a new high school and also by not having to build a new auditorium.”

In an interview with Toledo Business Journal, Roosevelt Gant, president of R. Gant, LLC, part of LGB, stated, “Part of the uniqueness is in the fact that there’s a partnership with Toledo Public Schools and the YMCA. [The YMCA is being built] adjacent to the site… We can’t tear their building down until we give them a new one to move into.”

Start students and coaches will also be able to use the new YMCA’s strength and conditioning areas during school hours and take part in programming after school. The YMCA plans to hire Start students for a range of tasks as part of the expected 20 full-time and 100 part-time jobs needed to employ the facility.

SSOE, Inc. is the architect for the YMCA project; a general contractor has not yet been hired, but bidding is expected to begin soon. The YMCA does not expect an interruption of operations due to construction, as the old facility will be used and not demolished until the new construction is complete.

According to Alexander, the YMCA is in the midst of a $3.5 million campaign to raise money for the facility. Approximately $1.25 million has already been raised. No public funds will be used to fund the YMCA project.

“The YMCA mission is to build strong kids, strong families, and a strong community,” Alexander stated. “As a charitable 501(c)(3), the YMCA has a large annual scholarship campaign so that everyone can use it regardless of their ability to pay; that’s what makes us different than a health club.

“Toledo doesn’t have a clue what’s coming. It knows a new YMCA is going to be built, but it doesn’t really know how fantastic it’s going to be on that property with the school, the football field, the park, and all the parking coordinated.”

Rail car business rolling along
By LOU WILIN Findlay-Courier STAFF WRITER
Posted 1-9-2008

The upright steel beams along Ohio 12, several miles east of Findlay, tell part of the story. “The rail car business is booming,” JK-CO President Joseph Kurtz said. “We’ve been turning work away. We don’t have the space and the rail.”

The repair shop for railroad cars -- formed by several people who were laid off in the 2002 closing of the Trinity DIFCO plant in Findlay -- will remedy its space shortage by May. JK-CO’s additional $1.5 million, 19,000-square-foot building will about double the firm’s work space at 16960 Ohio 12 East.

About 20 workers, mostly welders, will be added within about 18 months. The company currently employs about 30. JK-CO also will soon become a firm which not only repairs rail cars but also manufactures them.

It hopes to roll out its first complete rail car by July, said Chief Executive Officer John Kurtz, Joseph Kurtz’s father. Demand is rising in the rail car industry, and JK-CO is rising to the occasion. Firms have been turning to railroads instead of trucks to transport goods with the price of diesel fuel up. Two train engines hauling 50 rail cars is more cost efficient than a truck hauling a trailer or two, Kurtz said.

CSX has been moving more railroad carloads than ever over the past 18 months, Joseph Kurtz said. Norfolk Southern also is hauling more loads these days. Kurtz sees that trend continuing for a while.

Further boosting the business, companies have been keeping rail cars for a longer time. That means the cars undergo more wear and tear and need more repairs. But there’s more to JK-CO’s success than fortunate circumstances.

The company was born out of misfortune. In 2002, Trinity Industries closed the former DIFCO plant it had acquired years earlier. Seven people who were laid off then are now with JK-CO, including John Kurtz, who was plant manager at the Trinity Industries plant, and Leon Thornton, JK-CO vice president, who was quality assurance manager at the Trinity plant.
“It was just a shame,” John Kurtz said, recalling the plant closing and layoff of 32 people.

He was 59 years old then. Retirement was on the not-too-distant horizon, but he was not quite there yet. He had an idea. “With all of that talent and knowledge when Trinity closed the facility, it was just a sin to see all those people out of work,” John Kurtz said. “I couldn’t see all of those folks being put on the street.”

He did something financial advisers tell people never to do: He cashed in his 401(k) and used it to start the new business.

“Every penny I had, every penny I could get my fingers on, I put into my business,” Kurtz said. Kurtz lined up contracts to repair and maintain rail cars for railroad companies, and in early 2003 JK-CO began to roll.
“All of us had either manufactured or automated those cars (at Trinity and DIFCO), so we were totally familiar with them,” he said.

From the start, Kurtz eyed eventually expanding into the manufacture of rail cars. JK-CO began manufacturing components of rail cars as a stepping stone. It also began to reverse engineer the types of rail cars it repairs to figure out how to manufacture them.

The company is nearing completion of the reverse engineering puzzle. John Kurtz hopes to roll out the company’s first homemade rail car by July.
Kurtz and Thornton said they never had a doubt that their business would succeed. They had a rare advantage, they say.

“Most people who start a business have trouble finding people with knowledge and people they can trust,” John Kurtz said. “But I knew we would be successful. I knew with those people, we could do whatever we wanted to do.” “People are a business’s best asset,” he added.

Large project will be warehouse
Building on Enterprise Street to be finished in March
By LESLIE BIXLER Staff writer The News-Messenger

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/FremontWarehouse.jpg

A 126,000-square-foot steel building that is being constructed on Enterprise Street has a couple of months to go before completion.

Fremont Economic Development Director Mike Jay said the Clyde-based KF Ventures Inc. will use the large facility for warehouse and distribution purposes until a tenant is found.

"A building of that size with railroad access is desirable to have," Jay said.

Janotta & Herner Inc. of Monroeville is the contractor for the project, which started in November and is expected to be complete in March. The cost of the project is about $3.15 million.
The building can be used as a manufacturing firm or for research and development, Jay said. KF Ventures purchased the site on Enterprise Street years ago.

KF Ventures came to Fremont several months ago for a tax abatement.

"It's another building that I have available for prospects," Jay said.

KF Ventures will contribute $9,120 to Fremont City Schools annually for the next 15 years, and it will give Vanguard Sentinel Career Centers a lump sum of $8,730 in lieu of paying taxes to the city, as part of the enterprise-zone agreement.

Through the enterprise zone agreement, two permanent full-time and part-time jobs will be created.

Jay said the city submitted this building as a potential site for a confidential prospect that the Ohio Department of Development has in mind.

The city will not know of the business prospect until further details are worked out, since Fremont might not be the only location the company is looking to locate.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

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Perrysburg to try annexing more homes
By CHRIS MILLER Sentinel Staff Writer Posted on Sentinel-Tribune

The city is moving to annex Perrysburg Township homes in the Crandenbrook subdivision and is hoping to do the same with businesses in the area of Eckel and Eckel Junction roads.

The latest annexation push is part of an ongoing effort to eliminate township “islands,” essentially areas that are technically still part of Perrysburg Township but surrounded by city boundaries.
The city last week filed a petition with the Wood County Commissioners to annex about 47 acres of land and dozens of homes within Crandenbrook plat 1, located along Ohio 65 on the city’s west side.
It’s the oldest section of Crandenbrook and the last to be annexed to the city.

According to City Law Director Pete Gwyn, about 60 percent of the residents in plat 1 have signed a petition to annex at the city’s request. The deadline for signing the annexation petition was the end of last month.
“It’s probably 50 homes,” Gwyn said when asked the number of residences being annexed.

Also being pursued by the city is annexation of township businesses along Eckel and Eckel Junction roads. The city also is eyeing property located along Ohio 25 near Perrysburg Heights subdivision, according to Gwyn.
The city provides water and/or sewer service to the township properties and has legal right to compel annexation in exchange for those services, according to a 2006 ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court in a case involving the city’s push to annex Willowbend subdivision.

No objection is expected from the township because of a contractual agreement, a 99-year city-township pact signed several years ago, which permits the city to annex township land west of Interstate 75 without interference from the township’s board of trustees. In exchange, the city does not demand annexation from its township water and sewer customers east of I-75.

The Wood County Commissioners have set a public hearing for the first week in March to consider the Crandenbrook annexation. The annexation also includes a number of homes on the river side of Route 65, according to Gwyn.

Plans approved for Starbucks Coffee
By JIM MAURER Staff Writer Posted on Findlay Courier website

Findlay coffee enthusiasts can raise their cup this morning to celebrate the anticipated arrival of Starbucks.

Starbucks Coffee will locate in a new building to be constructed in front of the Market Square mall, 1739 Tiffin Ave.

There is a vacant building at the site which most recently housed a pizza business. That structure will be torn down and replaced with a 3,556-square-foot, free-standing building which will have the coffee shop in the east side of the structure. A menu board will be located at the southeast corner of the building for a drive-through window.

There will be another tenant, as yet unnamed, in the west side of the building.

The five-member Findlay Planning Commission on Thursday approved a site plan for the building, including the drive-through.

Zac Isaac with the Isaac Group, a Bryan-based developer, said construction should start in the spring and be completed by September.

On another development matter, the planning commission unanimously approved a site plan application for construction of a Monsanto seed research facility at 8390 County Road 140.

The facility will be located on the west side of the county road between an existing church to the north and a tree service business on the south.

The new building will be an 18,550-square-foot, single-story building which will have between 12 and 18 employees.

There would be one or two trucks per week making deliveries to the site during the peak season, while about one semi per month would arrive during the off season.

The Hancock Regional Planning Commission (HRPC), which reviews site plans and makes recommendations to the city planning commission, listed seven recommendations which the planning commission accepted, after some discussion, as part of its unanimous approval of the site plan.

The recommendations include combining the new plant's entrance with the existing drive for Tawa Tree Service, or getting a waiver from the township and the county.

The planning commission also approved a site plan, submitted by St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, to pave and stripe a stone area adjacent to the church to create 67 angled parking spaces.

The commission also recommended approval of an alley vacation petition for the north/south alley just north of Lincoln School, between West and Cory streets. Findlay Council has final say on the matter.

The two property owners on each side of the alley assumed the alley had been vacated in 1977. They had the alley paved and a sign erected indicating it is private property. The property owners use the alley for access to their properties.

But when Dave Clinger, one of the property owners, sought a building permit he was told that only the southern portion of the alley had been vacated.

Law Director Dave Hackenberg suggested the property owners have a "common driveway easement" document prepared by an attorney in case one of the current owners sells their property and a new owner isn't as agreeable to the current situation.

City planners postpone vote on salvage yard
By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER

The Toledo Plan Commission yesterday postponed its vote on an automotive parts salvage yard in South Toledo after neighboring residents and business owners rallied against the proposal.

...Tom Ricketts, president of the high-voltage cable and connector company, Connectronics Corp., said that his business recently purchased land on South Avenue near the proposed salvage yard in hopes of building a 50,000-square-foot factory building.

Those expansion plans could change if the commission grants Pull-A-Part its zoning and permit requests, he said.

"With the potential of another junk yard, I think our expansion should be made in Perrysburg or across the Michigan line," Mr. Ricketts told commissioners.



I don't understand why a junkyard being located in an already industrial area would cause Connectronics to need to move to Perrysburg or Michigan. Does anybody else have any insight?

I don't understand why a junkyard being located in an already industrial area would cause Connectronics to need to move to Perrysburg or Michigan. Does anybody else have any insight?

I think the perception of a typical scrap/junk yard is not appealing to the residents and businesses. It is quite understandable that the folks are raising the ruckus of another scrap yard coming in.

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I've posted this development news about a year ago in this thread about a new private hospital opening in the northwest area of Toledo.

http://www.regencyhospital.com/locations/ohio-toledo.aspx

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The old Arbuckle property which is located on Monroe & Ontario Streets looks like it has been sold. I noticed the "For Sale" sign has a "Sold" banner on it yesterday for the first time. If you recall, there was a big fire a couple of years ago as a result the beautiful Arbuckle building was destroyed.

According to the county real estate report, Rumpf Development Ltd has bought the 0.275 acre property for $175,000 on 1/4/08. The Rumpf Dev. are the same owners of the The Glass Centre building on the corner of Erie & Jefferson Streets which is on the opposite corner of the same block. Stay tune of what this property will become....

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I'm sharing a variety of Google images of Toledo, credit is given to many photographers and webmasters who posted via internet:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ashlandbaptist.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/fountainskyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/GlassBowl.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Glasspavilion.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Glasspavilion2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HarborLighthouse.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HolyRosary.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Hylant.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/kingpin.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LucasCH.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MaritimePlaza.jpg
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Shipyards.jpg
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Zoo.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/woodwardhs.jpg
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WaterFountainatoneSeagate.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WaiteHS-1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UTHealth.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UTGlassBowl.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UTCampus.jpg
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/toledoplantOldJeep.jpg
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OwensCorning2.jpg
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/DevilbisHS.jpg
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Boating.jpg
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Clarion.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/comodoreperry.jpg

:wave:

Credit to The Toledo Blade for the photos:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/DowntownFire9-2005.jpg
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/DowntownFire9-20055.jpg

God, what a tragedy. I loved that building. Hopefully the property will turn into something nice and urban and not a strip mall or gas station.

Anyone know where I can find some pics of the Toledo Zoo from the 80's and 90's? Was up there yesterday and was reminiscen about the days when thr tigers were in the cages where the Carnivore cafe is and when they had the rock formations u could walk up and the seals would swim around u down below... anything from before they expanded across the trail would be cool

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Anyone know where I can find some pics of the Toledo Zoo from the 80's and 90's? Was up there yesterday and was reminiscen about the days when thr tigers were in the cages where the Carnivore cafe is and when they had the rock formations u could walk up and the seals would swim around u down below... anything from before they expanded across the trail would be cool

Try the downtown library which they store an abundance of photo archives.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

County Commissioner Ben Konop yesterday said "Woodpeckers" and "Peckerheads" would not be suitable names for the teams.

"I have received an overwhelming response to the community forum I started on my blog," he said. "We received at least 100 calls and letters, and hundreds of people stopping me on the street and anywhere I go."

He needs to relax. I personally think it's hilarious, and I know equally as many people who love the name. The complainers are always the first ones to make their voices heard. Give it time and independent surveys, and I have a feeling it will catch on due to its originality and comedic value. They're just trying to build on the Mud Hens.

Walleye is the best of all the names though, and it's very suitable for the Walleye Capital of the World. I don't see how the hockey team could be named anything else. Arena football? Well, I could care less about football...

"We want a team to rally behind and that is certainly not Woodpeckers," he said.

It'd be funny and would certainly bring a lot of press coverage to Toledo. Granted, I understand naming a sports franchise that will be part of the community for decades to come is not supposed to be a PR stunt, but Woodpeckers works since they're birds like Mud Hens...and Toledo is a one of the continent's top birding destinations. There is a local connection with any bird name, just a less obvious one.

Still, I like Walleye best since it has a strong connection to Toledo's better-known walleye fame, and will still probably get press coverage for its sheer quirkiness and originality.

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More new jobs to be added on top of the expansion and new offices which is very good news for both Maumee and Perrysburg Township.

Perrysburg Twp. tax break to create jobs
By CHRIS MILLER Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted on BG-Sentinel Tribune website 12-18-2007

LIME CITY — A planned business expansion promises to bring new jobs to Perrysburg Township.
Westhaven Services LLC, a division of Omnicare Inc., plans a $1.9 million expansion of its Cedar Business Park site that will include $1.5 million in new equipment.

The company provides pharmaceutical care for senior citizens through a nationwide network of more than 100 facilities, including the expanding hub here in Perrysburg Township.

Township trustees Craig LaHote, Bob Mack and Gary Britten on Monday night agreed to grant a 100-percent tax abatement on the $1.9 million real estate improvements.

The property tax abatement will last 10 years under the township’s enterprise zone program.

Wade Gottschalk, associate director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission, told the trustees the expansion will preserve 250 existing jobs and bring another 75 to the business park along Ohio 795.
Westhaven is part of the Omnicare network of pharmaceutical service providers for senior citizen living centers. The company has 160 pharmacies and serves 47 states plus Canada. Omnicare says it serves about 1.4 million seniors every day.

The company is undergoing a reconfiguration of its existing network to increase efficiency, and Perrysburg Township’s facility is expanding and upgrading to cover a larger service area.

Part of the expansion project includes the addition of new automated equipment at the Cedar Business Park facility.
“We’ll be a regional hub pharmacy,” explained Rolf Schrader, regional vice president for Omnicare.

He said the company plans to add 75 jobs within the next 12 months which will represent $2.5 million in new payroll. Positions being sought will include pharmacists and medical technicians.

The Westhaven facility has been in Cedar Business Park since the early 1990s.
In other township news Monday night, the trustees agreed to renew the township’s membership in the Wood County Economic Development Commission at a cost of $1,500. LaHote noted the commission continues to provide valuable assistance in preserving jobs and bringing new employment to the township.

New jobs coming to Maumee
Omnicare Westhaven Services is moving into an office building in Maumee, and expanding in Perrysburg Township
Rob Packard Posted on NBC 24 website

MAUMEE, OH -- Approximately 200 new jobs are coming soon to Wood and Lucas counties as a major medical company expands giving an economic boost, officials announced Tuesday.

Omnicare Westhaven Services is moving into an office building in Maumee. Company officials say it will be home to a new billing center creating 125 white collar jobs that will mean $4.2 million in additional payroll.

John Jezak, Maumee city administrator says with Ford leaving this is important news.

"I think what a lot of people will recognize, it helps bring diversity to our economy that will bring skilled jobs to the area that will balance out jobs we are losing in the auto industry," he said.

Omnicare is also beginning a $3.5 million expansion of their operations in Perrysburg Township. That will mean more than 75 new jobs and $2.5 million in payroll.

If you're planning to apply, put down your pen for now --- The company may not start hiring until spring>

Maumee, Perrysburg Township and the state of Ohio provided the company tax breaks inxchange for a promise that the company will stay at least the next 14 years.

Omnicare provides pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

Maumee leaders say the new jobs will pay an avererage of $33,000 a year.

$250,000 gift to help build new weight room in athletics complex
By Paul Helgren
Posted on UT News website Jan 15, 2008

The University of Toledo Athletic Department Jan. 14 announced a $250,000 gift from Charlie and Nancy Creech for the Building Champions Capital Campaign. A portion of the gift will go toward the construction of a new weight room in the athletics complex that is being built alongside Savage Hall on Main Campus.

“Charlie and Nancy Creech are great friends of UT and longtime supporters of our athletic teams,” said UT Athletic Director Mike O’Brien. “Their incredibly generous gift will have a big impact on our program. The new weight room will be a tremendous boost for our student-athletes and help them in their quest for athletic excellence. We are very grateful for Charlie and Nancy’s support of this important piece of the capital campaign.”

The Creeches have been fans of The University of Toledo for years. Charlie graduated with a degree in engineering in 1965. He played on the freshman basketball team in the 1959-60 season. Nancy is a 1972 graduated of the School of Education. She was a cheerleader during the glory years of the UT football teams that went 35-0 from 1969 to 1971. The Creeches are Rocket Fund donors, season ticket holders and Downtown Coaches Association members. Charlie is the current president of the association.

“The University has given me so much. I had a great time and many wonderful memories,” Charlie said. “I’m just happy to be able to give a little bit back.”

“We are very happy to be able to make this contribution for Savage Hall,” Nancy said. “This project has been talked about for a long time, so it’s nice to see it happen. We’re glad we are able to help.”

O’Brien said the weight room will be 6,000-square-feet and will be located in the new athletics complex, which is under construction. It will feature all the latest weight training and conditioning equipment in a modern, glass-wall setting.

The $250,000 contribution from the Creeches is the most recent major gift in the Building Champions Athletics Capital Campaign that is raising funds for the construction of the athletics complex, the renovation of the Savage Hall arena and the construction of an indoor practice facility. In December, the University announced a $1 million gift from Hail and Susan Fetterman that was earmarked for the construction of an indoor practice facility. The overall campaign was kicked off in July 2006 by a $5 million gift from Chuck and Jackie Sullivan.

The athletics complex and renovated arena is scheduled to open for the 2008-09 basketball season, while the indoor practice facility is set to debut in time for the 2009 football season.

‘Green’ school for BG
Construction of middle school to start in spring
By MARIE THOMAS BG Sentinel-Tribune website

Construction will start this spring on Bowling Green’s new middle school and auditorium, and the finished product will be one of the first “green” schools in the state.

The school board gave the go-ahead Tuesday for Rudolph/Libbe, the construction management firm in charge of the project, to go out to bid later this month. Final design plans also were presented and approved.
Approval also was given to hire Heapy Engineering, in Dayton, at $59,529 to oversee the commissioning process to achieve Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certification, which attests the building has minimized impact on the environment by meeting specifications for land use, water and energy efficiency, construction materials and indoor air quality.
“I think the process has been really an exciting one so far,” said board member Dr. Tom Milbrodt, who has served as a representative on the monthly owners, architects and managers meeting.

Kent Buehrer said his architectural firm tried to give Bowling Green its own unique facility without copying any other district.
Bids will be opened in February. Groundbreaking likely will be in April; the plan is to have students in the building for the 2009-2010 school year.
That can’t be soon enough for junior high Principal Lee Vincent, who said the new school will give her teachers a chance to use technology that’s not available now. The design also will provide a “more conducive learning environment” by supporting team teaching and block scheduling, and will minimize disruption from music and physical education classes by placing them away from the academic wings.

The estimate for construction, technology, furnishings and equipment is $23,325,000, according to Ron Dulay, of Rudolph/Libbe. Soft costs, such as fees and improvements to Fairview Avenue, along with a contingency fund, add another $4,652,000 to the project, bringing the total base bid estimate to $27,977,000.

“It’s a scientific formula, but it is an estimate,” said Dulay, adding they’ll know more once bids are in and contracts are awarded.
The new school, to be situated north of the Bowling Green High School, will be attached to the high school’s band and choir rooms via a hallway. The new auditorium and music rehearsal rooms are situated closest to the high school, to allow for dual usage by performing arts students.
The auditorium lobby will seat 100 for meetings and events, according to Buehrer. Seating in the auditorium will be between 730 and 750.
The academic wing will have two floors, one for seventh-grade students and the other for eighth-graders. Total space for the new facility is about 105,000 square feet.

Superintendent Hugh Caumartin said there will be some disruption at the high school while the project is under way, but a plan has been developed by district personnel to try to minimize the impact on students and families.
Proceeds from the sale of bonds, as well as interest earnings, means there is more than $28 million available for the project, said district Treasurer Rhonda Melchi.

Milbrodt added that additional funding sources, such as seat sponsorship in the auditorium, are being considered to help raise money for extras such as an art gallery in the auditorium lobby.
Voters approved in 2006 a 2.93-mill bond issue for the new facilities. According to Melchi, due to increased valuation throughout the district, taxpayers this year will pay 2.3 mills.

Some bond income already has been spent to move the high school track to the football stadium to make room for the construction project.

Perrysburg Twp. petition filed to stop new homes
By CHRIS MILLER Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted on BG Sentinel-Tribune website

Hundreds of Perrysburg Township residents have signed a petition trying to stop three proposed residential developments along rural Neiderhouse Road, about a mile south of U.S. 20.

Last month the township’s board of trustees approved rezoning three different sites totaling about 180 acres. The land is being developed by Velocity Development/Miller Diversified and McCarthy Builders.
Although rezoning approval came with numerous conditions, including assurances the land won’t be annexed to the city of Perrysburg in the future, nearby residents oppose the planned projects and want voters to decide the matter in November.

Opponents worry that the hundreds of new homes being proposed will upset the quality of life in an area marked by single-family homes on large five-acre lots.
“If we wanted subdivisions out here we would have moved to the city,” said nearby resident Lynn Hunter.

Hunter has been involved in the push for a ballot referendum. She said she and her family have resided at their Neiderhouse Road home for 13 years. They live across the road from one of the roughly 40-acre parcels where more than 80 homes are supposed to be built.
“To plop a subdivision down in the middle of this area is just ridiculous,” she said. “I don’t want 88 neighbors across the road from me.”
On Tuesday, petitions containing more than 500 signatures were given to the township’s administrative office.
Hunter said more signatures could have been obtained but the deadline for filing was fast approaching.

“If we had another week we could have a thousand signatures,” she said, adding they need 375 valid signatures to get a referendum on the fall ballot.
Perrysburg Township Administrator John Hrosko said the petitions will be forwarded to the Wood County Board of Election for review and certification.
Hrosko said the township also will request the county prosecutor’s office review the language of the proposed referendum.
Local residents like Hunter hope to put the matter before township voters as a referendum in November.

They want voters to overturn the township trustees’ approval last month of zoning changes allowing residential development on the three separate sites.
Trustees Bob Mack, Craig LaHote and Gary Britten unanimously approved rezoning, but with several conditions including assurances the developments would not annex to the city of Perrysburg.
The sites include two areas, about 40 acres each, that would feature 86 and 87 homes, respectively. A third larger site, about 100 acres at the southeast corner of Neiderhouse and Thompson roads, also was rezoned for residential development although detailed plans have not been unveiled by the developer.

Opponents want the land to remain zoned for agricultural use or, if it’s changed, low density single-family homes on large lots.
The landowners and developer last year indicated the property could be annexed to the city of Perrysburg if the township rejected rezoning.
Although the city of Perrysburg has agreed not to forcibly annex township land east of Interstate 75, the city still considers and typically accepts annexations that are voluntarily requested by the landowner.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request..

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Continental Connection adds more capacity, larger aircraft from Toledo Express
By Staff Reports; Posted on Toledo Free Press website 1-18-2008

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority announced Jan. 17 that Continental Connection will add more capacity and larger aircraft Feb. 20 from Toledo Express Airport. According to a news release, Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan residents will soon be able to access more destinations and flights via Continental's Cleveland hub.

Continental Connection, operated by Commutair, will fly the Dash 8 37-seat aircraft, according to the releases. All Toledo flights will be transitioned to the larger aircraft by March 20. Tickets are currently available.

“Toledo-area travelers have asked Continental for more seats and more destinations. We are pleased that Continental is committing the necessary resources to expand capacity and provide a larger aircraft,” Eric J. Frankl, airports director for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, said in the release. “Now all area travelers need to do is take advantage of Continental's great service, and experience the convenience of flying from Toledo Express Airport.”

Huntington settles into new home following acquisition
By Duane Ramsey
Senior Business Writer
news@toledofreepress.com

As the dust settles from last year's merger between Huntington National Bank and Sky Bank, water damage recently caused problems at the bank's headquarters in Downtown Toledo.

A water line in the penthouse of the historic building at Madison Avenue and Huron Street broke and caused damage down through the second floor. Work has begun on repairs and renovations to the water-damaged areas of the building.

“The bank is committed to staying in the historic building in Downtown Toledo,” said Sharon Speyer, regional president for Huntington National Bank.

Speyer said renovation work would have no effect on the bank's operations or customer service. When the work is completed, 130 employees of the bank's regional operations will be housed at that location.

Following the merger of operations, all retail-banking employees were guaranteed jobs within the region and the majority of associates retained their positions, Speyer said. Some regional employees were given the opportunity to transfer to the bank's home offices in Columbus.

The biggest challenge, Speyer said, was the bank's regional operations in Bowling Green, where only 100 jobs were guaranteed. The Sky Financial Group and its employees will be housed in the Sky Insurance offices there.

“The company recognized the impact the merger had on employees of the holding company and operations in Bowling Green.

Speyer became president of the Northwest Ohio region for Huntington, following its official acquisition of Sky Bank in September. She began her career with the former Mid-Am Bank, which later merged with Citizens to become Sky Bank. She served as general counsel and became president of the Mid-Am region of Sky Bank in 2001.

Already knowing the region and the banking market coming into the merger was definitely an advantage for her, Speyer said.

“Getting people to acclimate and adapt to change was our leadership's responsibility,” Speyer said.

Most notably, Speyer said bank associates needed to learn new products, processes and systems to meet the needs of their customers. About 650 to 700 employees underwent intensive training, both on- and off-site, to handle the changeover smoothly.

“Some customers saw no impact at all while others were impacted by it. Our dedicated associates helped them through the process and solved any problems they encountered,” Speyer said.

Another advantage of the merger, Speyer said, is that both banks had strong reputations in the Toledo market with many associates having 30 or more years of experience.

Following the consolidation of the two banks, Huntington became the third largest bank in Ohio and 24th largest in the United States. The bank is ranked sixth in online banking in the country, according to the company.

“Our core value is we want to provide simply the best service possible,” Speyer said. “We want to be essential partners with our customers and provide the best service day in and day out.”

Huntington gives service scores to its associates and branches to insure the highest level of customer service.

The bank recognizes that customers want choices. Some customers like the personal contact with people, while others prefer online banking. Huntington's advanced technology is complemented by human resources to assist all customers, Speyer said.

“It complements what we do in the region. It's unusual for a regional bank to have such strong resources yet provides local contact and services,” she said.

Huntington is a regional bank with the authority and responsibility for local decisions made in respect to credit, loans, local sponsorships and charitable contributions.

In 2007, Huntington maintained its top ranking in Small Business Administration lending in Ohio. It was also recognized as one of the nation's best banks for small businesses in the 2007 Greenwich Associates' Business Banking Study.

For the second consecutive year in 2007, Huntington earned the Bank of the Year award for writing the greatest number of loans through the Ohio Statewide Development Corp.

“We're very proud of the business banking awards and the service levels we provide to our customers with online banking and security. It's very significant in today's market,” Speyer said.

Does anybody happen to know what the occupancy rate is at the Bartley Lofts and the River West TownHomes?

Does anybody happen to know what the occupancy rate is at the Bartley Lofts and the River West TownHomes?

There was a news report on Bartley Lofts a week ago or so, that they have sold three more units. I would fairly assume they are about 65-70% occupied.

As a resident of River West Townhomes, out of 40 units there are 33 units occupied.

Interesting. Now if we can only get some new news in regards to the Waterstreet Station now that Ball and Jackson have received their tax credits.

How about the ones on the east side on miami i heard they were building more are the ones already built full?

Interesting. Now if we can only get some new news in regards to the Waterstreet Station now that Ball and Jackson have received their tax credits.

Mr. Ball and Mr. Jackson have stated over last summer (see previous posts in this thread) that with tax credit to be granted toward end of 2007, they will begin the Water Street Steam Plant in spring of 2008.

How about the ones on the east side on miami i heard they were building more are the ones already built full?

I heard that too, but I cannot find any reference (via internet) in regards to this development. If you go further south on Miami right before the Toledo/Rossford line, you can see a huge-scale developments of proposed housing along the river.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

DETROIT -- Tom W. LaSorda, the head of Chrysler, is announcing a more than $26 million investment into the Toledo machining facility.

The investment will be for a new torque converter for automatic transmissions to deliver improved fuel efficiency. More money will go toward a new steering column.

It is thought the investment will retain more than 200 jobs.

Stay tuned to News 11 and wtol.com for updates on this story.

I think downtown toledo needs a Dave and Busters

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I think downtown toledo needs a Dave and Busters

Why? (LOL!) There's the Blarney, Manhattan's, St. George Pub, Diva's, Bronze Boar, Fusion Lounge, Home Slice, Fricker's, Mutz Pub, The Docks, Wesley's, Michael's, Madison Bistro, etc, etc. But if it means to fill in the vacant space across from the new arena, I am all for Dave & Buster's to come to downtown.

Yea Dave n busters is awesome.....id love to see one in the area but downtown would be great....

I'd like to see the Mongolian Barbecue that is going in by Franklin Park mall be downtown rather than by the mall. The Mongolian Barbecue concept of a fun environment just makes more sense in a downtown environment I think.

So whose about ready for spring and for the Mud Hens? I just bought my season tickets and opening day tickets. I can't wait for some tailgating.

I know im ready to get back to 5th 3rd... Hopefully we have some guys to fill in our gaps since detroit traded most of its prospects away. Wonder what the new arena will look like then? Hopefully we'll see some verticle constrution by that time.

I'd like to see the Mongolian Barbecue that is going in by Franklin Park mall be downtown rather than by the mall. The Mongolian Barbecue concept of a fun environment just makes more sense in a downtown environment I think.

So whose about ready for spring and for the Mud Hens? I just bought my season tickets and opening day tickets. I can't wait for some tailgating.

Where around Franklin Park is this Mongolian Barbecue going to be at?

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Northwood shopping center
Great Eastern renovation gets preliminary approval
By J. Patrick Eaken Press Staff Writer
news@presspublications.com

Northwood city officials would like nothing better than see the renovation of Great Eastern Shopping Center and Woodville Mall. The first step toward one of those goals is being taken.

The city’s planning commission last week approved a preliminary site plan proposal from Centro Properties Group of Farmington Hills, Michigan.
“I think its fantastic news for the City of Northwood. I think its going to be the start of having all of that revitalized down there and make it a lot more attractive for people to come down there and shop,” said Northwood Mayor Mark Stoner.

Andrew Cottrell of Centro told commission members that his company is in the stages of closing a deal with a national tenant for the shopping center. The color scheme proposed for the renovated center is to match the national tenant’s color scheme.

“We realize that Northwood had Great Eastern for some time. It shows its age,” said Cottrell. “I’m not from Toledo, but I’ve heard stories that this was the destination shopping center at one time. We’ve pursued this property along with a few others in Toledo.”

Cottrell went so far to say his company is interested in bringing back some of Great Eastern’s history, such as a Christmas celebration where Santa Claus arrived on a helicopter.

“Even I remember way back when they used to have the festival during the summer time,” said former Northwood resident and City Engineer Dave Kuhn of Feller, Finch, and Associates. “They used to have all the rides and everything and that was really nice.

“They’re going to upgrade that whole shopping center and bring in some better nationwide retail establishments. It will be a more viable shopping center and more like a center attraction for the City of Northwood.”
Centro owns approximately 700 shopping centers worldwide, including 65 in the United States. Centro owns Miracle Mile and Southland in Toledo, and the company has followed up with renovating both of them.

“It’s going to have a similar look to those,” Kuhn continued. “They have upgraded them. Supposedly, they are going to upgrade it a lot like that. They use a lot of brick and stone — stuff like that — a nicer look.”
Mayor Stoner says he “honestly does not know who the national tenant is,” but guests attending last week’s commission meeting were speculating it is Kroger’s.

“Last year I heard that they were going to move down here. Well now we’re a year down the road. I’m hoping down the road further we can get maybe a Target or a Kohl’s or something like that in there,” said Stoner.
“I think everybody in the city is exciting about this. A grocery store could be coming be back to Northwood, you know — it’s going to come home where it belongs,” Stoner added.

Kuhn said, “Everybody’s assuming that (Kroger’s). We haven’t seen anything in writing. It’s the rumor going around.”


Three Phases

The three phase plan also includes landscaping, new lighting, islands, irrigation, and a renovated entrance into the shopping center.
“Our goal is to join and partner up with Northwood and take this to the next level,” Cottrell explained. “We’re coming into third base now and getting ready to slide into home.”

“They’ve got a good start on a concept,” Northwood city engineer Dave Kuhn said. “What we’re trying to do is incorporate their renovations with what the town is trying to do to create that central business district.”
Mayor Stoner said the next step for Centro is to return with several requested amendments and get final approval on the site plan. Phase I construction and demolition, Cottrell said, could begin as early as spring or summer.

The first phase involves demolition of the center area, which Cottrell refers to as center field, for the national tenant. First, however, Cottrell plans to build a new building to allow current tenants an opportunity to relocate.
“They are taking care of the tenants that are there. They are going to build one building over by where the old Kroger’s was, so the tenants can be relocated there while they demolish the center section,” Stoner said.
Current major tenants at Great Eastern are Aldi Food Store, Dollar General, Goodwill, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Super Dollar Tree, The Pharm, Value City Department Store, and Value City Furniture. Centro lists a total of 36 tenants in 339,394 square feet of commercial space.

Cottrell said Centro is negotiating with tenants, and many could move into the new building temporarily or permanently, depending on each tenant’s lease agreement.

“That’s why we’re being proactive and throwing everything on the table,” Cottrell said.

Phase III involves the end of the shopping center which houses Aldi, Dollar General, and Value City Department Store. Cottrell said since those businesses are on long-term leases and popular destinations, the only changes to that area could be renovation and landscaping.

“Phase III is to please Northwood, too,” said Kuhn. “Northwood is trying to create that village type of setting along Northwood Road and they would encourage something like that at one of their main entrances. Then they can incorporate sidewalks so they can tie in the main buildings in the back with the sidewalks along Woodville Road.”

I know im ready to get back to 5th 3rd... Hopefully we have some guys to fill in our gaps since detroit traded most of its prospects away. Wonder what the new arena will look like then? Hopefully we'll see some verticle constrution by that time.

I'll post some photographs once I start to see some vertical construction. They've had quite the headstart with the recent weather (not including today).

Where around Franklin Park is this Mongolian Barbecue going to be at?

Where the apartments used to be at off of Sylvania. They demolished that and are beginning construction on some stores. Word on the street is there will be a Mongolian Barbecue going in over there.

I'd like to see the Mongolian Barbecue that is going in by Franklin Park mall be downtown rather than by the mall. The Mongolian Barbecue concept of a fun environment just makes more sense in a downtown environment I think.

So whose about ready for spring and for the Mud Hens? I just bought my season tickets and opening day tickets. I can't wait for some tailgating.
I don't know if anyone here has been to a Mongolian BBQ, but I do agree that it would fit better in Downtown than near the mall. It draws in a lot of business and never seems to die off. So it would be beneficial to have it closer to where the nightlife is the best because that is the theme you get.

Why? (LOL!) There's the Blarney, Manhattan's, St. George Pub, Diva's, Bronze Boar, Fusion Lounge, Home Slice, Fricker's, Mutz Pub, The Docks, Wesley's, Michael's, Madison Bistro, etc, etc. But if it means to fill in the vacant space across from the new arena, I am all for Dave & Buster's to come to downtown

Being a teenager in Toledo, Ohio can be fun if you like going to movies, going bowling, mall, and over to people's houses everyweekend. Dave and Busters offers a type of entertainment that you really cant get anywhere else. Its the Chuckie Cheeses for adults. I think that it is highly needed and if it were to be placed in Toledo i would want it Downtown. This would draw tons of people to the Downtown area. To me that doesn't seem like a problem. Bonjor, to an adult those places you listed may seem fun but all they consist of is dinner. Dave and Busters offers entertainment with a wide variety. I want one but i really dont know how to get them to come here. I know that there is one in Columbus, Cleveland, and i believe Cincinatti. I think that they could make it here in Toledo, Ohio's 4th largest city. Help me get them to come here.

Ayyy Pizza lovers try out Denados pizza on Conant St. in Maumee right by Miejer. You'll love it.

Centro owns Miracle Mile and Southland in Toledo, and the company has followed up with renovating both of them.

They are going to do this or they already have. Southland needs it bad. I think they could put some lighting shining on the bricks up at the building. I think that a Target at Southland where the old JC Pennys would be a good move. They need something in there besides Kroger because you know that there is a Kroger 1 minute down the road. (STUPID). That shopping center has a really good potential but it needs some improvements. BTW what are they building right in the middle of the parking lot in Southland? I saw something that looked like a gas station but i wasnt sure.

I don't know if anyone here has been to a Mongolian BBQ, but I do agree that it would fit better in Downtown than near the mall. It draws in a lot of business and never seems to die off. So it would be beneficial to have it closer to where the nightlife is the best because that is the theme you get.

Is this the place you guys are referring to????? http://www.gomongo.com/index.php

Where the apartments used to be at off of Sylvania. They demolished that and are beginning construction on some stores. Word on the street is there will be a Mongolian Barbecue going in over there.

Ahhh..the new addition of the "open-air" mall to the existing enclosed Westfield Franklin Park. Thanks for the update.

Centro owns Miracle Mile and Southland in Toledo, and the company has followed up with renovating both of them.

They are going to do this or they already have. Southland needs it bad. I think they could put some lighting shining on the bricks up at the building. I think that a Target at Southland where the old JC Pennys would be a good move. They need something in there besides Kroger because you know that there is a Kroger 1 minute down the road. (STUPID). That shopping center has a really good potential but it needs some improvements. BTW what are they building right in the middle of the parking lot in Southland? I saw something that looked like a gas station but i wasnt sure.

Kroger is very competitive in Toledo, especially after when Food Town closed up they moved in right away. I am all for Target to come to Southland because it is close to the UT Health Science Campus and in a very populated area. Who the heck wants to drive all the way out to Airport Highway? Certainly not me.

Once the Southwyck Mall goes under a huge makeover, Kroger is looking to replace their outdated grocery store on Glendale behind Reynolds Road which they might possibly move over to Southwyck as a major anchor.

I really hope they dont. Thats not what i envisioned for southwyck at all. Kroger would make the new southwyck look trashy. Kroger has a way of doing that to where ever it relocates too. Of course Target would do wonders at Southland because there are so many people in a 2 mile radius of Southland that many people would come to it. We would get people from South Toledo, Maumee, Probably Downtown residents. But honestly what are the chances of them moving in there. Slim to none.

Anyone know whats going on at Southland there is some developement going on and havent heard anything about it...

About the Great eastern project.... The rumor or kroger going in there... theres a kroger down woodville next to Cousinos.... Not sure if this is considered Oregon or toledo but would that mean this kroger is goin down? If not there would be 3 krogers within 4-5 miles of each other... 2 on woodville one on navarre.....

and on the Dave n Busters.... They have been playin there comercials in toledo lately and i dont think i saw one kid in it... all adults

About the Great eastern project.... The rumor or kroger going in there... theres a kroger down woodville next to Cousinos.... Not sure if this is considered Oregon or toledo but would that mean this kroger is goin down? If not there would be 3 krogers within 4-5 miles of each other... 2 on woodville one on navarre.....

and on the Dave n Busters.... They have been playin there comercials in toledo lately and i dont think i saw one kid in it... all adults

I think if they open a Kroger at Great Eastern, it will be more like Miracle Mile's newly remodeled or the brand new Suder Avenue stores with fueling station which they are like the "Super Kroger" to me. IMHO, they will keep the Kroger on Woodville on the Oregon/Toledo line because it's a "Sav-On" Kroger and they just added a drive-thru for the pharmacy. Perhaps they would tear down the old El Camino Sky restaurant and put in the fueling station. I've seen many Krogers stay open despite of close proximities.

Anyone know whats going on at Southland there is some developement going on and havent heard anything about it...

Not that I heard of thus far, but I know that Kroger got a "green'light" few months back to put in the fueling station somewhere on the Southland property. I think if they put a Starbuck's or Caribou Coffee there, it would do well considering Panera Bread and Beaners are already in the area.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

You know what, thats it. Apparently Kroger is putting a fueling station in Southland. For God knows what reason.

The reason is to be more competitive against Giant Eagle and Meijer's who offer gas as well. Kroger's has a gas station on Monroe in Sylvania as well.

Kroger's isn't a bad store. They're improving the look of their buildings, which helps add to the value of the area, and they employ quite a few people in the Toledo area.

Is this the place you guys are referring to????? http://www.gomongo.com/index.php

That's the place. Its' a huge hit in Columbus and Ann Arbor.

Is this the place you guys are referring to????? http://www.gomongo.com/index.php
Yep, great food and when I have been there I have always had great service. But as I said before, it belongs more in downtown.

UT, Lourdes show gains in enrollment
By MEGHAN GILBERT BLADE STAFF WRITER

The University of Toledo is continuing to see increases in student enrollment in the wake of the merger with the former Medical University of Ohio.

UT's spring enrollment is up 441 students to 19,706, an increase of 2.3 percent over 2007.

The greatest increase was in nursing students, with 21 percent more than last spring for a total of 1,117 now studying to be nurses. That, said Larry Burns, UT's vice president for marketing, communications, and enrollment services, shows one of the positive synergies to come from the merger, which occurred July 1, 2006.



It's pretty amazing to me that Toledo supports three large universities, all roughly the same size: UT, BGSU and Owens. Those 60,000 students represent a little less than 10% of the Toledo metro population. That is a very respectable number from which to build a more vibrant downtown, and a younger hipper "vibe" for Toledo.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

If they are building an addition to the existing YWCA building on Jefferson Avenue, the facility is basically landlocked with the county building to the west, SSOE office to the north, LaSalle Cleaners to the east, and Lorraine Hotel to the south. It will be interesting to see what happens next in terms of "where" will the new five-story structure will be constructed.

Invision plant still on track, company says
By LOU WILIN STAFF WRITER
Posted on Findlay Courier website 1-24-2008

About 25 new Invision jobs will indeed be created this year in Findlay.

The Invision factory will open this year, possibly by October, Barry Rhodes, chief operating officer for Invision’s parent company, A. Schulman North America, said Wednesday.

Invision manufactures plastic sheets for molding into parts such as vehicle rocker panels and bumpers.

Up to 50 workers could be employed at the Findlay plant within a few years, Rhodes said.

The future had looked uncertain for the partially completed plant, south of Hancock County Road 212 and west of the Cardinal Health distribution center.

A. Schulman’s new chief executive officer, Joseph Gingo, has announced plans to suspend “further capital expenditures” for Invision.

But those plans except Findlay’s new 81,000-square-foot plant.

“We’re looking forward to getting that facility done,” Rhodes said. “Findlay has been good to us. We don’t want to stop what we’re doing there.”

Gingo has praised Invision as having a “fantastic future.” Its focus on the difficult automotive industry, however, could pose problems, he said. Gingo wants to explore less demanding, potentially more profitable markets.

Schulman also is preparing to build a second, 77,000-square-foot factory near the Invision plant.

That factory will employ 33 and open by early 2009. It will make plastic compounds for the packaging industry.

Downtown action plan moving forward
By JIM MAURER Staff Writer
Posted on Findlay Courier website 1-24-2008

FOSTORIA — Some of the short-term aspects of Fostoria's downtown revitalization plan are ready to be implemented this year.

An update of the plan was presented to the public Wednesday by Danielle Steinhauser, a community development specialist with Poggemeyer Design Group, a Bowling Green engineering, architectural and design firm, and Bridgett Gamby-Mundy, head of a steering committee which has overseen the plan.

About 20 people attended the presentation, which focused on items which can be accomplished this year.

Short-term ideas for revitalizing the area include: bringing programs, festivals and activities downtown; pruning trees along the curbs; working with merchants on low-cost or no-cost ways to promote the businesses; and developing a calendar which balances promotional events with retail events, and encouraging merchants to stay open during the special events.

Supporters of the plan say many volunteers will be needed to move forward with downtown revitalization.

"We do need your help," Gamby-Mundy said.

The overall plan is a joint effort of the Fostoria Economic Development Corp. (FEDC), the chamber of commerce and the city administration.

Poggemeyer was hired by FEDC to help develop the revitalization plan. The firm met with local officials for more than a year to work on the plan before it was presented to city council last June.

Since then, the steering committee and subcommittees have been meeting to discuss the overall plan.

The revitalization plan also calls for making long-range "streetscaping" improvements to the downtown in order to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and improve its appearance.

Economic restructuring and economic development efforts to revitalize the business district are outlined in the plan.

Last September, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced the city will receive an $815,700 grant to begin development of a train-viewing park, the Fostoria Iron Triangle Visitors Center, at the site of a former salvage yard near downtown. The money will be available in 2010-2011. The funds may be used to leverage other grants.

The steering committee also hopes to eventually apply for a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to provide "matching funds" for up to half of what downtown property owners spend for improvements.

And other financial incentives will be sought to assist property owners who undertake improvements.

The plan focuses on the city's glass and train history by working with local merchants to promote the history. It also seeks property owners' participation to upgrade buildings.

While the plan is aimed at the downtown, the entire city will be affected by any improvements done to Main Street and adjoining roadways, Steinhauser said, because it will improve the perception of the community.

A copy of the plan is available for review at the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce office, 121 N. Main St.

Yep, great food and when I have been there I have always had great service. But as I said before, it belongs more in downtown.

I totally agree. It has a vibrant, fun environment and it would fit so well downtown.

I wish I had the capital and experience to explore the idea of starting a business downtown. I walk past so many prime locations that I see could be so profitable if somebody just invested in them. One idea that comes to mind is a downtown bowling alley.

It's pretty amazing to me that Toledo supports three large universities, all roughly the same size: UT, BGSU and Owens. Those 60,000 students represent a little less than 10% of the Toledo metro population. That is a very respectable number from which to build a more vibrant downtown, and a younger hipper "vibe" for Toledo.

It sure is. We'll get there, or I should say its' getting there.

Manager has big plans for SeaGate, arena


Steve Miller says he sees similarities between Grand Rapids, Mich. a decade ago and Toledo today.
( THE BLADE/LORI KING )

Zoom | Photo Reprints


By JOE VARDON
BLADE STAFF WRITER


Lucas County has a convention center in need of expansion, a multipurpose arena on the way, and a major city in need of a shot in the arm.

Enter Steve Miller, who recently was chosen as general manager of SeaGate Centre and the county's yet-to-be-named, still-under-construction arena.

Mr. Miller, 36, spent the last 11 years as the assistant general manager for the convention center and multipurpose arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.

He was there for the opening of Grand Rapids' 12,000-seat arena - Van Andel Arena - and oversaw a $200 million renovation of DeVos Place, the city's convention center.

During Mr. Miller's introduction yesterday as the replacement for retired SeaGate Centre GM Jim Donnelly, much was made about the success of the arena and convention center in Grand Rapids, and how those buildings contributed to the revitalization of that city's downtown.

The man responsible for bringing Mr. Miller to Toledo said he was hired because of what he accomplished in Grand Rapids.

"I received a ton of resumes for this job, but Steve has a convention-and-arena background as well as a sales background," said Joe Mazur, regional vice president for SMG, which has a contract with Lucas County to operate the convention center and arena."Adding somebody with that background is huge," Mr. Mazur said.

Mr. Miller's official introduction by county Commissioners Pete Gerken and Tina Skeldon Wozniak took place yesterday in the main concourse of SeaGate Centre.

But Mr. Miller said he's been on the job since Jan. 14 shadowing Mr. Donnelly, whose last day was Wednesday.

Mr. Miller said he wants the arena to be used as a venue for live entertainment, leaving SeaGate for standard conventions and banquets.

He said musical acts like Cher, Bruce Springsteen, and

Van Halen visited Grand Rapids, and believes similar headliners will come to Toledo.

"The key now is to get Toledo on the map," Mr. Miller said.

Mr. Miller said he sees similarities between Grand Rapids a decade ago and Toledo today.

"It's like we're starting all over again, and I'm excited to be a part of it," he said.

Running SeaGate Centre and the new arena is an inner-company promotion for Mr. Miller. SMG also operates the Grand Rapids venues, and Mr. Mazur said he prefers to promote current employees.

Mr. Mazur also said Toledo's venues will benefit from SMG's network of contacts and arenas. The Philadelphia-based company operates convention centers and arenas in Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh, and will be able to steer A-list performers to Toledo when dates in those other cities are unavailable.

Mr. Miller said another key component to the types of concerts Toledo can attract will be community support of the arena, which he predicts will be there.

"For so long, Toledoans have driven to Cleveland or Detroit because those were the only places with buildings that hold these kinds of acts," Mr. Miller said.

"People don't want to leave to see those shows, but right now they don't have a choice."

With the arena not scheduled to open until the fall of 2009, Mr. Miller's immediate focus will be on SeaGate Centre.

Mr. Gerken said under consideration is a new, 1,000-seat, $4.5 million ballroom at the convention center, which he said the building sorely needs.

"Most great convention centers have ballrooms, and we need to be able to provide that amenity," Mr. Gerken said. "Not having one has been a wart on this building."

I totally agree. It has a vibrant, fun environment and it would fit so well downtown.

I wish I had the capital and experience to explore the idea of starting a business downtown. I walk past so many prime locations that I see could be so profitable if somebody just invested in them. One idea that comes to mind is a downtown bowling alley.
Guess where I went last night! I had to wait 20 min. for a table, but after 4 plates, it was worth it as usual.

where

where
LOL, i thought everyone was paying attention to my discussion about Mongolian Grill! :(

My fault on not including it to my last post. I went to Mongolian Grill last night. Had 4 plates with 4 different styles to it. I love that you're able to choose what you want (meats, veggies, and sauces and spices). And being packed last night I believe proves my claims that this kind of restaurant needs to be located in downtown. I don't know how big the one I went to is, but I think you guys should certainly build a bigger one than the one I go to. I would even suggest a 2 story Mongolian Grill with maybe Live Entertainment, larger Bar area, and a patio area.

There was a good article in the blade last week about all the public art we have displayed all over our city...... Also had a pic of a proposed sculpture that will be outside the new arena in the plaza.... a 20 plus foot high piano keyboard sculpture for rememberance of art tatum

I think that this region could support another PF Changs and the perfect location for it is at the former Oasis downtown at the Docks. The Docks already draws people from all over the metro area. Look at PF Changs, this resturaunt drawls people from all over also. The Docks have a wide variety of food from Italian, to Seafood, to Meditranian food. Chinesse would be a major addition to the Docks. The PF Changs at Fallen Timbers is too small. People are always waiting and never getting food. The former Gumbos offers a 2-story building with a sectacular view at downtown Toledo's skyline. Another plus to having that down there is that soon the Marina District will be booming into the region drawling people from all over as well. Dont forget about the new Arena also comming soon to Toledo in 2009. Downtown is about to be changed forever and i really think PF Changs would do well downtown.

I think that this region could support another PF Changs and the perfect location for it is at the former Oasis downtown at the Docks. The Docks already draws people from all over the metro area. Look at PF Changs, this resturaunt drawls people from all over also. The Docks have a wide variety of food from Italian, to Seafood, to Meditranian food. Chinesse would be a major addition to the Docks. The PF Changs at Fallen Timbers is too small. People are always waiting and never getting food. The former Gumbos offers a 2-story building with a sectacular view at downtown Toledo's skyline. Another plus to having that down there is that soon the Marina District will be booming into the region drawling people from all over as well. Dont forget about the new Arena also comming soon to Toledo in 2009. Downtown is about to be changed forever and i really think PF Changs would do well downtown.

I think a Chinese restaurant would be a nice addition to the already varied themes at the Docks.

Also, has the triangle building on S. Erie and Lafayette just been sold or have I been blind for a while?

It has been sold but is awaiting developement i do believe. Had anyone noticed the article of office space in the area this morning in the Blade. It just kind of proves my point that the blade never says anything nice about Toledo on the front page...

I think a Chinese restaurant would be a nice addition to the already varied themes at the Docks.

Also, has the triangle building on S. Erie and Lafayette just been sold or have I been blind for a while?

The Triangle Building have been going through a prepping phase in the past few months, they've closed up all the windows while working and cleaning inside. I've seen vast amounts of debris and junk being hauled out. I also believe it's a historic-designated building so they could perhaps be getting a 6tax credit to develop it as well. There have been numerous of past posts of articles about this development in this thread.

It has been sold but is awaiting developement i do believe. Had anyone noticed the article of office space in the area this morning in the Blade. It just kind of proves my point that the blade never says anything nice about Toledo on the front page...

This is the exact reason of why we have a Toledo Development thread to counter the negativities, half-truths, mis-truths, lies, and lack of information that is shown by our local media (newspaper, television, radio, and internet). However, most of them do a good job of reporting the development news, but we have to be objective and positive to look at the projects from both sides of the story. I like the in-depth discussions of this thread which many of the articles usually lack.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I think that this region could support another PF Changs and the perfect location for it is at the former Oasis downtown at the Docks. The Docks already draws people from all over the metro area. Look at PF Changs, this resturaunt drawls people from all over also. The Docks have a wide variety of food from Italian, to Seafood, to Meditranian food. Chinesse would be a major addition to the Docks. The PF Changs at Fallen Timbers is too small. People are always waiting and never getting food. The former Gumbos offers a 2-story building with a sectacular view at downtown Toledo's skyline. Another plus to having that down there is that soon the Marina District will be booming into the region drawling people from all over as well. Dont forget about the new Arena also comming soon to Toledo in 2009. Downtown is about to be changed forever and i really think PF Changs would do well downtown.

Either a Japanese or Thai restaurant would be much better IMO, because it's more classy and the food is cooked lighter which would fit the Docks theme well. P.F. Chang Bistro would be good, I ain't being picky!

I have the blade from 1-20 i found it in a stack.it does have a pic its not very big kind of sketchy i can try and scan it later when i can get to my scanner It looks pretty cool though, the Column towers over a cool lookin open plaza with trees lining it. not sure how the quality will be... not even sure how im gonna post it on here

I have the blade from 1-20 i found it in a stack.it does have a pic its not very big kind of sketchy i can try and scan it later when i can get to my scanner It looks pretty cool though, the Column towers over a cool lookin open plaza with trees lining it. not sure how the quality will be... not even sure how im gonna post it on here

When I save pictures or scan pictures, I upload them through Photobucket in order to post the pictures on this site. Here is a direct link: http://photobucket.com/, and it works well for me.

This project looks like it's a go since it beat out other locations throughout the midwest region.

CSX buying property for rail yard
By JOY BROWN Posted on FIndlay Courier website

NORTH BALTIMORE -- CSX has bought most of the farmland it needs for an intermodal rail yard between North Baltimore and Hoytville, representatives say.

“Everything is going forward as planned,” said CSX Public Projects Director Dan Murphy.

Records show Paducah, Ky.-based Evansville Western Railway, a CSX affiliate, has bought several parcels along Deshler Road between Range Line and Liberty High roads.

For instance, Gene Barker sold 65 acres at the corner of Deshler and Potter roads to the railroad for $487,500 in September. More than 130 acres to the west, owned by Esther Wagner, were sold for $805,260.

Premiere Partners III, an agricultural asset management firm, also sold eight parcels, including some south of Deshler Road. In April, Premiere CEO Murray Wise had criticized the railroad for “starting off on the wrong foot” with low offers, but later resumed negotiations.

Ken and Zel Uhlenhake, whose property at 2264 Rangeline Road sits on the western edge of the project, were critical a year ago and attempted to unite others in opposing it. They were unsure whether they’d remain in their third-generation home.

But when contacted last week, Zel Uhlenhake said they are negotiating with CSX.

Murphy said the railroad expected to close on four more properties soon.

The purchases make the project all but certain.

Since fall 2006, CSX has been attempting to buy more than 500 acres near its main line that runs east and west between Chicago and the East Coast to construct an intermodal block swap yard.

It initially brokered land options with owners that included nondisclosure clauses.

After The Courier reported the railroad had its eye on the area, forums were held to give the public a general idea of its intentions.

Parts of those forums were hostile. Several residents claimed they were wary of increased traffic in the area and were concerned about safety and the environment. Disappearing farmland and the potential draw to transients and prostitutes were also mentioned.

Some thought CSX might try to acquire land through eminent domain, a practice that allows government and others to buy land without landowners’ consent for public use.

CSX explained the yard will cost up to $75 million, create as many as 100 jobs and add four extra trains per day.

It will serve as an intermodal hub for cargo in large containers. The containers are placed on flatbed trucks and flat rail cars. The yard would also inspect coal cars.

Murphy said North Baltimore is desirable because of its proximity to Interstate 75 and because of the “ability and openness of the area to attract other business,” like warehouses.

Murphy said the company expects to formally announce project details “this spring or late summer.”

“The design process is under way and we’re working on the engineering and drawings,” he said.

CSX spokesman Garrick Francis said construction will start by the end of this year, and it will be operational during the first half of 2010.

Utilities, traffic coordination and potential grants are also being discussed with government, Francis said.

The Wood County Commissioners have already permitted portions of Wingston and Potter roads to be vacated. Murphy said CSX has also been talking with township and North Baltimore officials about “developing an emergency response facility” near the site.

The railroad doesn’t intend to host more forums as it did last winter, but Murphy said through community groups and government leaders, “any forums and meetings they would like to have we’d be delighted to participate in.”

It's pretty amazing to me that Toledo supports three large universities, all roughly the same size: UT, BGSU and Owens

Ah, Owens is not a UNIVERSITY (meaning four-year, accredited, degree actually matters, etc.). Still, UT and BG is a lot for a metro Toledo's size. Most metros Toledo's size (and even larger) only have one large university.

Owens is terrible for the metro area. It gives kids false hope and is sucking thousands of students away from UT and BG. They would be much better off at a real college and there is absolutely no substitute for that experience. Owens is horrid- no social scene, few clubs, no campus population since it's a community college, joke classes, mostly joke instructors, etc., etc.

This whole community "college" thing is terrible for the universities in Ohio.

It's pretty amazing to me that Toledo supports three large universities, all roughly the same size: UT, BGSU and Owens

Ah, Owens is not a UNIVERSITY (meaning four-year, accredited, degree actually matters, etc.). Still, UT and BG is a lot for a metro Toledo's size. Most metros Toledo's size (and even larger) only have one large university.

Owens is terrible for the metro area. It gives kids false hope and is sucking thousands of students away from UT and BG. They would be much better off at a real college and there is absolutely no substitute for that experience. Owens is horrid- no social scene, few clubs, no campus population since it's a community college, joke classes, mostly joke instructors, etc., etc.

This whole community "college" thing is terrible for the universities in Ohio.

I have two degree's from Owens, one in Information Technology and one in Computer Programming. That's after I had gone to school at UT for a year and a half, and I learned well more at Owens in their hands-on approach to learning -- at least in their IT. Now, I do intend on going back to UT this fall for my Bachelor's in Computer Science, but thats' because I'd like to go for more of a research purpose.
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Owens has its' niche in the community, in workforce development. Not to mention, most of its' 20,000 students go because its' cheaper than going to UT, BG, OSU, or UM taking Comp I and II. So most of those people do get to experience the college experience.

A lot of the Owen's instructor's are people out in the field already. My first "real" tech job was through an Owens instructor who owned his own company, and I worked as a Mainframe RPG programmer. I now work as a System Administrator in downtown Toledo.

An education is what you make of it. Your looking down on Owens in the same manner people look down at UT or BG with the thinking a degree only counts if its' from prestigious colleges like Boston College, UCLA, etc.

As far as the experience, I give you that. However, while many of my friends are still in college and unsure of their future, I'm out with a nice home, a beautiful wife, a good-paying job, all while meeting new people and having a busy social life. My college debt is minimal.

I have two degree's from Owens, one in Information Technology and one in Computer Programming. That's after I had gone to school at UT for a year and a half, and I learned well more at Owens in their hands-on approach to learning -- at least in their IT. Now, I do intend on going back to UT this fall for my Bachelor's in Computer Science, but thats' because I'd like to go for more of a research purpose....

...As far as the experience, I give you that. However, while many of my friends are still in college and unsure of their future, I'm out with a nice home, a beautiful wife, a good-paying job, all while meeting new people and having a busy social life. My college debt is minimal.

OK, so Owens isn't technically a "university" - it's a community college. I think Owens does a very good job at its mission - associate's degrees, primarily focusing on technical training, and as a stepping stone to more traditional colleges and universities. I have seen that some students here at BGSU from Owens and other places are not quite as well prepared as the students who started here, but I also find them to be more motivated, grounded and serious about their studies when they do come here. There is plenty about BG and other "universities" that I would love to change - the focus on athletics, Greek life, and drinking. This is my beef with most American universities, not just BG.

Still, there is a sizable youth demographic in Toledo that is has not been identified. Granted, many want to leave NW Ohio and check out greener pastures - which I wholeheartedly encourage - but I often find that people do come home.

Pilliod, you're too condescending toward Owens and other non-traditional schools. I don't know if that is because of your current status as a student at what I recently saw referred to as the "Harvard on the Hocking (http://examinelife.blogspot.com/2005/07/harvard-on-hocking.html)"?!??! or just a general characteristic, but the people who attend Owens are much more likely to be the ones who establish and nurture roots in cities like Toledo, and keep the manufacturing and services humming along.

[/two cents]

amen

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Mayor pans land deals
By JOHN GRABER STAFF WRITER
Posted on Findlay Courier website

New Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert doesn't like "situations I've inherited" that mix public property with private interests.

He'll have to live with some of the deals former mayor Tony Iriti put in place, but Sehnert intends to block one land use proposal.

Findlay City Council voted last year to give a Lexington, Ky.-based developer, Thayer Group, what could amount to a 99-year lease for the former Brandman tire dump and Swale Park. Thayer plans to build a $90 million development on the city-owned properties.

"That's pretty much a done deal," Sehnert said.

He finds it odd that Thayer Group President Brad Burgess hasn't even touched base with him, though.

"I don't know if he's waiting for the honeymoon to be over or if he's just giving me some time," Sehnert said.

Work on the project, which is supposed to create a cultural corridor between the University of Findlay and downtown, was supposed to begin last month. However, that got pushed back to June because the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is requiring more soil studies.

Another project that Sehnert figures he will have to live with is the new park planned for the downtown intersection of Main and Sandusky streets.

Council is expected to vote during its Feb. 5 meeting on a five-year lease agreement with the owner of the Revolver restaurant, who will pay $1,560 annually for 780 square feet at the park.

Mike Bulkowski, owner of Revolver, intends to set up a small outdoor cafe on the property.

"I just don't think we should be renting out city property," Sehnert said.

In fact, Sehnert doesn't think the city should own that land at all. During his campaign, he openly criticized the decision by council and Iriti to spend $100,000 to purchase and demolish a burned-out building there. Some called it a bailout with public money, because the owner of the building did not appear to be insured.

Meanwhile, Sehnert plans to reverse course on another project.

Local investors hoping to build an $8 million indoor arena for soccer, volleyball and basketball next to the Cube may not get the land lease they were looking for.

City Council voted last month to give the group a one-year option to lease the necessary property, but Sehnert has no intention of following through with the agreement.

"I hope they want to buy (the land) because I'm not going to lease it to them," Sehnert said.

Chuck Bills, president of the investment group, hasn't heard anything to that effect from Sehnert but said his group has other options.

"We have plenty of land, it just made sense for the community there," Bills said.

Some other property situations just need to be clarified, Sehnert said.

The University of Findlay's baseball and softball teams will be playing at new city diamonds next to the Cube this spring, in return for maintenance of the fields, but Sehnert wants everyone to know the university will not have sole access to those fields.

"There's a rumor going around that they are going to be in charge and they are not going to be in charge," Sehnert said.

A University of Findlay spokesman did not return a call for a comment Monday afternoon.

The same goes for two soccer fields being built by the Afternoon Rotary Club on the south end of Emory Adams Park.

"Our plans are to have lighting, a scoreboard, irrigation ... bleacher seating," said Michael Lewis, chairman of the Rotary community projects committee and the boys' competitive director of the Findlay Soccer Club.

That all sounds fine to Sehnert, but he wants to make it clear that everybody will have access to the new soccer fields.

"If they say we want to be the only one using it, well our Rec Department is in charge of that," Sehnert said.

That has been clear since the beginning of the project, Lewis said.

"These fields would be completely at the discretion of the city for use by the public," Lewis said.

Pilliod, you're too condescending toward Owens and other non-traditional schools. I don't know if that is because of your current status as a student at what I recently saw referred to as the "Harvard on the Hocking"?!??! or just a general characteristic, but the people who attend Owens are much more likely to be the ones who establish and nurture roots in cities like Toledo, and keep the manufacturing and services humming along.

My problem with Owens is simple: It's hurting UT and BG. There is no argument to counter that. UT is not full, not anywhere near full, and BG sometimes struggles to maintain its population. All the while, Owens has exploded. Community colleges compete with universities, and it's gotten vicious judging by the commercials I've seen in Toledo.

Community colleges suck students away from universities, and students can never have the "college experience" at a school like Owens, period. While it's great some people are doing well with their associates and technical degrees, that doesn't change the fact that it's a cheap alternative to real college and their presence at Owens is a vacancy at UT or BG. Price is its selling point, but it's cheap for a reason. I'm not one to put too much stock into degrees (ANY degree), as I think even most bachelor's degrees are jokes these days, certainly ones from schools in Ohio. When you explore markets like LA, New York, Chicago, and Boston, you'll find your degree from Ohio State, Miami, Ohio, Cincinnati, Toledo, etc. doesn't carry nearly as much weight as it does in Ohio. The reason for this is because Ohio is one of the most uneducated states in the country and even if a school is hard to get into, our reputation for academic rigor is lukewarm at best. You always here the horror stories of employers asking "Did you regret going to <insert school's name> in Ohio?" Undergrad at ANY public university in this state is not too challenging unless you pick a hard major like organic chemistry or mechanical engineering (which are hard anywhere you go). We are widely known as a football (OSU in sports magazines) and party (OU in Playboy) state. We also have a reputation as a teacher factory, which is an insult. Education majors are amongst the easiest on earth. Paying for school (and sometimes working while a full-time student) is what makes things challenging. School itself is not the problem. All the pressure put on kids these days is the problem. What's a student who has to pay for classes, health insurance, food, and housing supposed to do? Take out $75,000 for undergrad?! The high costs have fueled this community college explosion. Of the kids I know at Owens, most would prefer to be at UT and BG, but can't afford it. The reason Ohio struggles is due to its community college mentality, which have made Owens and CSCC two of the largest schools in the state. Owens and CSCC should be nowhere near their size. Sure, more people from UT and BG (and every other university in this state) move out after graduation, but that's because their degree gives them more options, or at least gets them into a grad school, which is where academia becomes more challenging. Owens kids are much more likely to stay in Ohio because their credits are far less likely to transfer to schools in other states. It's pretty simple.

"Harvard on the Hocking"

Almost everyone from OU has a superiority complex and hatred for the other schools in the state, because once you see how ugly and boring other schools can be, you appreciate OU that much more. The nickname, however, comes from the architecture and historic green which was modeled after Harvard's, not academics. It's more of a joke really since OU is a party school before anything else, albeit a party school that looks like it belongs in the Ivy League.

Still, there is a sizable youth demographic in Toledo that is has not been identified.

I certainly agree. The fact it's largely overlooked is precisely the reason so many kids leave after graduation. This MUST change. Still, even Columbus bleeds just as many college grads as the other cities in the state (they are just lucky enough to offset this by pulling from the other cities in the state). Out-migration from OSU is no different from Toledo, Bowling Green, OU, Miami, Cincinnati, etc. Kids just want to get the hell out of Ohio, myself included since I need a warmer climate due to asthma.

An education is what you make of it.

Well, obviously, but you're also getting a label attached to yourself. How far a degree travels is based on a school's reputation, whether it's fair or not. It also affects your ability to get into other schools down the road. Owens will not be given much, if any credit outside the state of Ohio. Can someone from Owen's be successful? Of course. You don't need ANY education to be successful, and success should really be based on internal goals, not the mandates of mainstream society. Can someone from Owens get into Michigan? That's about as likely as me marrying Jessica Alba. Really, Owens can just make future academic pursuits more challenging and time-consuming as opposed to having started a degree at a univeristy.

Pilliod, you're too condescending toward Owens and other non-traditional schools. I don't know if that is because of your current status as a student at what I recently saw referred to as the "Harvard on the Hocking"?!??! or just a general characteristic, but the people who attend Owens are much more likely to be the ones who establish and nurture roots in cities like Toledo, and keep the manufacturing and services humming along.

My problem with Owens is simple: It's hurting UT and BG. There is no argument to counter that. UT is not full, not anywhere near full, and BG sometimes struggles to maintain its population. All the while, Owens has exploded. Community colleges compete with universities, and it's gotten vicious judging by the commercials I've seen in Toledo.

Community colleges suck students away from universities, and students can never have the "college experience" at a school like Owens, period. While it's great some people are doing well with their associates and technical degrees, that doesn't change the fact that it's a cheap alternative to real college and their presence at Owens is a vacancy at UT or BG. Price is its selling point, but it's cheap for a reason. I'm not one to put too much stock into degrees (ANY degree), as I think even most bachelor's degrees are jokes these days, certainly ones from schools in Ohio. When you explore markets like LA, New York, Chicago, and Boston, you'll find your degree from Ohio State, Miami, Ohio, Cincinnati, Toledo, etc. doesn't carry nearly as much weight as it does in Ohio. The reason for this is because Ohio is one of the most uneducated states in the country and even if a school is hard to get into, our reputation for academic rigor is lukewarm at best. You always here the horror stories of employers asking "Did you regret going to <insert school's name> in Ohio?" Undergrad at ANY public university in this state is not too challenging unless you pick a hard major like organic chemistry or mechanical engineering (which are hard anywhere you go). We are widely known as a football (OSU in sports magazines) and party (OU in Playboy) state. We also have a reputation as a teacher factory, which is an insult. Education majors are amongst the easiest on earth. Paying for school (and sometimes working while a full-time student) is what makes things challenging. School itself is not the problem. All the pressure put on kids these days is the problem. What's a student who has to pay for classes, health insurance, food, and housing supposed to do? Take out $75,000 for undergrad?! The high costs have fueled this community college explosion. Of the kids I know at Owens, most would prefer to be at UT and BG, but can't afford it. The reason Ohio struggles is due to its community college mentality, which have made Owens and CSCC two of the largest schools in the state. Owens and CSCC should be nowhere near their size. Sure, more people from UT and BG (and every other university in this state) move out after graduation, but that's because their degree gives them more options, or at least gets them into a grad school, which is where academia becomes more challenging. Owens kids are much more likely to stay in Ohio because their credits are far less likely to transfer to schools in other states. It's pretty simple.

"Harvard on the Hocking"

Almost everyone from OU has a superiority complex and hatred for the other schools in the state, because once you see how ugly and boring other schools can be, you appreciate OU that much more. The nickname, however, comes from the architecture and historic green which was modeled after Harvard's, not academics. It's more of a joke really since OU is a party school before anything else, albeit a party school that looks like it belongs in the Ivy League.

Still, there is a sizable youth demographic in Toledo that is has not been identified.

I certainly agree. The fact it's largely overlooked is precisely the reason so many kids leave after graduation. This MUST change. Still, even Columbus bleeds just as many college grads as the other cities in the state (they are just lucky enough to offset this by pulling from the other cities in the state). Out-migration from OSU is no different from Toledo, Bowling Green, OU, Miami, Cincinnati, etc. Kids just want to get the hell out of Ohio, myself included since I need a warmer climate due to asthma.

An education is what you make of it.

Well, obviously, but you're also getting a label attached to yourself. How far a degree travels is based on a school's reputation, whether it's fair or not. It also affects your ability to get into other schools down the road. Owens will not be given much, if any credit outside the state of Ohio. Can someone from Owen's be successful? Of course. You don't need ANY education to be successful, and success should really be based on internal goals, not the mandates of mainstream society. Can someone from Owens get into Michigan? That's about as likely as me marrying Jessica Alba. Really, Owens can just make future academic pursuits more challenging and time-consuming as opposed to having started a degree at a univeristy.

Don't blame UT and BG's lack of growth to Owens. Perhaps UT and BG need to look further into attracting students from outside the region, as about 90% of the students that go to those schools are commuters. UT, especially, needs to market itself more as a true research university, and perhaps it can continue to grow with the momentum they have from the merger.

By the way, I have three friends that attended Owens for 1 year to take some of the basic courses and bump their GPA up. Two went to Ohio State and one is at Michigan State.

^Ohio State accepts Owens credits. Most universities in Ohio do. Michigan State would be so-so. It would depend on the major. MICHIGAN (the toughest public school in the Midwest) would probably not accept anything.

Still, there are a hell of lot of major tracks where going to Owens would be just a waste of time. Many credits would not transfer or would be viewed as electives. For university programs that have a full four years of major classes, Owens is just tacking on another two years. Some easy majors (like education) only have two years of major courses, but that's not the norm. Any difficult major will have three or four years of major-only courses. Nothing from community college can substitute. In short, if you go to Owens, do your research ahead of time. It really depends on what program you're looking at and what school it is. As schools become more specialized, fewer Owens credits are transferring except as electives.

Perhaps UT and BG need to look further into attracting students from outside the region, as about 90% of the students that go to those schools are commuters.

Ah, no. This is not Cleveland State. Fewer than half of UT students are commuters, and very few BG students are commuters. The vast majority of BG students now come from the Cleveland area.

UT has a history as a commuter school, but that's not accurate anymore. It is roughly equal to Ohio State's or Cincinnati's commuter percentage. 5,000 students live on the Bancroft campus alone. While that's less than a school like OU with 10,000 on the main campus (literally almost every single freshman and sophomore), that's over half of the freshman and sophomores. UT has gained students on campus and in adjacent neighborhoods. Bowling Green is more similar to Miami or OU- it's a true college town. The vast majority of students live on campus or adjacent to it.

Kent State, Cleveland State, Wright State, and Youngstown are the true commuter schools in Ohio. The majority of kids at those schools are commuters. Cleveland State is the highest with a full 80% of its student population hailing from Cuyahoga County. Even Ohio State only has 24% of its student body living on campus. That's the same as UT, and far, far less than OU which has nearly half the school living on campus. Every Ohio school except OU (least number of commuters), Miami (second least), and Bowling Green (third least) has a large commuter element. At some schools, commuters are the majority. Luckily, UT is no longer one of those schools.

Perhaps UT and BG need to look further into attracting students from outside the region

UT does this in spades. They go for Michigan students. They offer in-state tuition and many scholarships for kids hailing from the Southeast Michigan area. UT also has a large international percentage when compared to other schools in the state.

OK so how about getting back to DEVELOPEMENTS!

Whats wrong with JUCO? not all of us can afford "real college" like all these rich Cleveland kids at BG. Most of my graduating high school class started at Owens. I had a few friends get scholarships for sports and a few ended up transfering to 1A schools. Is Lourdes College also bad for UT and BG? Davis? I just read in the paper the other day that UT's enrollment was up.

And on some development........ Has anyone been to the new indoor water park in Maumee? I havent really heard much about it but I know its open. Admission Rates and any other kind of info would be cool....

Whats wrong with JUCO? not all of us can afford "real college" like all these rich Cleveland kids at BG. Most of my graduating high school class started at Owens. I had a few friends get scholarships for sports and a few ended up transfering to 1A schools. Is Lourdes College also bad for UT and BG? Davis? I just read in the paper the other day that UT's enrollment was up.

And on some development........ Has anyone been to the new indoor water park in Maumee? I havent really heard much about it but I know its open. Admission Rates and any other kind of info would be cool....

I have multiple pictures of the construction project for the indoor water park in previous posts of this thread. Here is the direct website of "Splash Bay Resort": http://www.splashbayresort.com/

I know the family who owns it personally, they are very good people and the business locally-owned.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Very, very interesting news in regards to the bankrupted Calpine Corp. and you can see a huge energy plant that was almost finished from U.S. Route 20 as you are heading into Fremont eastbound.

Is Lourdes College also bad for UT and BG? Davis? I just read in the paper the other day that UT's enrollment was up.

No, Lourdes and Davis are too small to make a big dent in UT or BG. Owens, however, has over 20,000 students in the Toledo area, and thousands more elsewhere in Northwest Ohio.

not all of us can afford "real college" like all these rich Cleveland kids at BG

lol at the "rich Cleveland kids" comment. BG is mostly a working and middle class school, and it's cheaper than Miami and OU. Miami and OU are more the "rich kids" in Ohio.

Truthfully, most of us can't afford college, and that's why Owens has grown so damn big. For some majors, it's a cheap way to get out of two years of university tuition, which is higher in Ohio than almost anywhere else.

I just read in the paper the other day that UT's enrollment was up.

Thank God for that, but it's still nowhere near capacity. The Bancroft campus can handle upwards of 25,000 students. It's currently around 20,000 students. UT's total enrollment was larger in the 1990's and that was without MUO. UT's total right now is about 24,000 for all campuses.

Owens has arguably hurt UT more than BG. BG has held steady at around 20,000 students for quite some time. In terms of Lourdes and Davis, I would imagine Owens has hurt them as well, but I don't have a clue what their numbers are like. I think Lourdes is only around 2,000 students.

It's probably worthwhile to note that there is also competition b/t UT and BG for students. The BG numbers are down this year because a state budget agreement not to increase tuition (agreed to by all public uni's in Ohio, I believe) caused BG to offer fewer scholarships. UT went a different direction, and offered more scholarships. That explains the more recent swings in enrollments at the two campuses more than Owens, at least from what I hear.

The growth of commcolls everywhere are causing third and fourth tier unis like BG and UT to reevaluate their missions, and likely expand their international and graduate programs.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Cure for hospital - County issues $47M in bonds for expansion
By JAN LARSON Sentinel County Editor

With Wood County Hospital juggling its beds this week to care for all its patients, the request for $47 million in bonds came with even more urgency.
“We’re struggling to figure out where we’re going to place patients,” Wood County Hospital Administrator Stan Korducki told the county commissioners Thursday morning as he asked them to authorize $47 million in bonds for an expansion to the hospital.

The commissioners voted to issue the bonds, with Jim Carter abstaining since he serves as president of the hospital board of trustees. By issuing the bonds, the county will take a sublease on the facility and lease it back to the hospital. No county money will be used to pay off the debt, with the hospital being solely responsible, explained John Fischer, bond counsel.

The $47 million will pay for the construction of 100,000 more square feet to the hospital, renovation of some existing areas in the facility, and the equipping of the new areas.

If all goes as planned, construction will begin at the end of March. The new construction is expected to take approximately 20 months, followed by the renovations which will take another 16 months or so.

The new construction will be added to the front of the hospital, creating more medical-surgical units, a new outpatient surgery area, a recovery room, outpatient diagnostics and a patient registration area.

Renovations to the existing hospital space will allow for an expansion of the emergency department, plus 56 more private patient rooms. Since some of the existing two-bed patient rooms will be converted to private rooms, the renovations will result in a total of 30 additional patient beds.

The hospital currently has about 78 patient beds — which is not enough during peak patient times of fall and winter.

“This problem comes up every year,” Korducki said of the bed shortage.
In addition to more building space, the hospital’s plan also calls for more parking spaces being paved in front of the building. The parking plan will go before the city next week for the necessary zoning change.
“We’ve very excited about the project,” Korducki said. “We think it will allow us to provide more services to the community.”

He doesn’t expect the construction to get in the way of hospital services, with the staff being accustomed to operating around construction.

“We’re very experienced at working in a living, breathing building,” he said, noting the major renovations a few years ago to the obstetrics area of the hospital. “We had to do the construction the same time we were delivering babies up there.”

BUSINESS
Downtown coffee shop aims for ‘Ann Arbor feel'
By Lori Golaszewski
Special to Toledo Free Press
news@toledofreepress.com

http://www.toledofreepress.com/?id=7120


A coffee shop catering to business people on the go has opened in the Edison Plaza in Downtown Toledo.

Mo Joe's is a full-service Seattle's Best Coffee shop serving lattes, cappuccinos and other specialty drinks, as well as soups, salads and sandwiches from Focaccia's Delicatessen. Mo Joe's is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The coffee shop offers more than drinks and paninis, said owner Ed Beczynski. Mo Joe's sells flower bouquets from Bartz Viviano and is a dry cleaning pick-up site for Lasalle Cleaners. Wi-Fi access is available.

“It's a very service-oriented location where people will be able to come in, grab a latte, a sandwich or soup and flowers if you need them for your wife or girlfriend,” said Beczynski, who also owns Focaccia's Delicatessen and the Blarney Irish Pub. “It's sort of like the airport, where you grab what you need and run.”

Mo Joe's, located at 301 Madison Ave., occupies 1,300 square feet in the Edison Plaza where the former Focaccia's Express was located. Beczynski had operated Focaccia's Express for eight years, but at only 200 square feet, he said he outgrew the space and needed to expand. He said he thought a Seattle's Best Coffee shop would be a “great fit.”

“Before, we were limited on what we could sell because we were so small,” Beczynski said. “Now we can offer more items. It's a great relationship we've put together with the Starbucks people, who own Seattle's Best Coffee.”

Beczynski said he's looking forward to springtime when he plans to put patio tables outside Mo Joe's. The Edison Plaza is next to Levis Square, where live music is played on Thursdays during the summer, he said.

“I'm really looking for an Ann Arbor-Chicago feel, with people sitting outside, drinking a cappuccino and listening to music,” Beczynski said. “There are a lot of great things happening Downtown, and I'm glad to be a part of it.”

A grand opening celebration for Mo Joe's is planned for early February. The date has not been determined.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I think that a congrats are in order for one of Downtown's biggest contributors. Ed Beczynski had 3 buisnesses downtown and i personally know him and hes not planning on stopping anytime soon. His new buisness Mo-Joes will be a big hit in the summer where people will go downtown to get a coffee listen to music and enjoy the river. I know some think that people wont actually do this but i got Downtown with my friends all the time just to hang out by the river and have fun. One thing that i do believe that Downtown needs is music from speakers maybe on the lamp post so when you are walking you can listen to music. I think that people would find this as an attraction when walking down by the river and in Toledo's most famous Downtown. But first we need to BRING BACK PORTSIDE. I do believe that Portside is a jewel of the city. With few modifications you could make that into a coffee shop with some stores in there nothing too big but not too small. We need to think Medium sized because that is what size our downtown is. This would be a HIT. During the day we could do a coffee shop by the glass windows or even on the patio that Cosi provided. At night. we could totally transform it into a dance club. This would attract people from UT, BG and all of the colleges near. I was thinking with live bands playing all the time. A Headliers but for the middle-upper class and more for the adults. This is actually perfect because a dance club would not interfear with the new arena or seagate center because it would only attract bands/musicians for teens and adults that want to dance and no go to a concert type of attraction. Im really glad that CitiFest is done with planning events. Toledo needs to think big and more festivalish. Everyone on the South Side looks forward to the St. Patrick of Heatherdowns festival, why? Because during the day parents feel that they can take their kids to the festival to ride rides, etc. And at night they go to drink at a big Beer tent in a SAFE enviroment. Would you care if Toledo had little get togethers in Promanade? NO people want one BIG event that Alot of people would come to. Something to make Toledoans and people from everywhere be proud of their city and have fun. Fireworks, Rides for the kids, beer tent, live music, ribs. All of this at one event. Sponsored by Jeep, Pepsi, Dana, Toledo Edison, Owens Corning. Lets get our businesses to be apart of our community....

Someday, when I've got the capital, I'd like to fund some ventures as well. I really am looking forward to Mo Joes, especially the outside patio, it will be a welcome addition to downtown. With the addition a few more housing units, such as Waterstreet Station, we'll start to see more retail popping up downtown to accommodate those people.

So when is this whole Water Street going to happen again?

Well, they are on record saying if they received the tax credits that they would begin sometime this spring. However, I'm curious if they'll push that date back with the city's stupid, non-business friendly lawsuit against them.

Tired of hearin about this Water Street Station. I was looking forward to this project happening since I heard about it atleast 7 years ago. I think Jimmy Jackson got in over his head on this one.. WOuld be nice if they actually did some work on it.

Be patient folks, the developers just received the tax credit less than a month ago and we are in the middle of winter. Patience...patience.

Interesting article, it's not all doom-and-gloom especially the restaurant industry is a very competitive field no matter where you are. Toledo has a reputation of having one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in the nation.

"In the suburbs, he explained, 'you can have instantaneous success because you’re closer to people’s houses.'"

Yea, instant success for about a month or two until the 'New' wears off, like Carson's steakhouse. I know Tony Packo's is always busy during lunch, and Home Slice is generally busy most nights. Mo Joe's is the result of expansion due to good business and Jimmy John's seems to always be busy as well.

The Golden Lily did not fold because of slow business, they closed up due to the construction of the new downtown arena. They have yet to determine their new location to reopen. Big Boy's on Summit/Oliver Street changed their hours from 24 hours to 6am-3pm 7 days a week few months back.

Some of the restaurants that were not mentioned are doing well:
Rockwell's
Mutz Pub
Downtown Latte
Pam's Corner
Murphy's
Michael's
Glass City Cafe
Mano's
Manhattan
Madison Bistro
PJ's Deli
Zia's
Real Seafood Co.
Erie Street Chowder House

Coming soon will be the PizzaPapalis on Monroe and Huron Streets. We usually go to local restaurants and will return if good service and food. For the most part, most downtown restaurants are pretty good and we go frequent.

I'm quite surprised Spaghetti Warehouse is the 3rd busiest restaurant in their 21-store chain in the nation. I know it's busy but not that busy.

"In the suburbs, he explained, 'you can have instantaneous success because you’re closer to people’s houses.'"

Yea, instant success for about a month or two until the 'New' wears off, like Carson's steakhouse. I know Tony Packo's is always busy during lunch, and Home Slice is generally busy most nights. Mo Joe's is the result of expansion due to good business and Jimmy John's seems to always be busy as well.

ITA, Champs, Smokey Bones, and Lone Star restaurants in the Franklin Park Mall area closed up. Carson's Steakhouse used to be Stixx and Bill Knapp's and now it's going to be some Fondue-type restaurant later this year. So whether if you are close to residential homes in the city or suburbs, ALL restaurants face the same fate whether they survive or not. IMO, If you have good service, food, atmosphere, and management, you will survive in the long run, i.e., look at Mancy's on Sylvania Avenue.

Yea, I'm looking forward to seeing PizzaPapali's opening. I'll certainly be going there from time to time.

MBA students, professor team up to create business
By Matt Lockwood
Feb 1, 2008

Since 1987, Dr. Carlos Baptista, associate professor of neurosciences, has dreamed of creating a business using his method of preserving human and animal organs for use as teaching tools.

Dr. Carlos Baptista posed for a photo with an example of his organ preservation method, a plastinated cow heart, on the Health Science Campus.
The method, called plastination, involves multiple steps in which water in tissue cells is replaced with a specialized plastic. It takes two to three months to plastinate an organ, but the result is a highly accurate, long-lasting model. The process has been popularized lately through the popular Body World exhibits.

Baptista said besides having trouble finding the time to pursue the idea, he didn’t know where to start with a business plan.

Twenty years later, he is finally exploring his dream with the help of MBA students Scott Haas and Gregory Metzger.

The professor, based on the Health Science Campus, and the students, based on Main Campus, united through a new program in the College of Business Administration’s Center for Technological Entrepreneurship and Innovation that teams entrepreneurs both inside and outside the University with MBA students and faculty advisers. Under the leadership of business faculty members, students help startup companies with everything from business and marketing plans to financial analyses and organizational planning.

Haas and Metzger spent about 15 hours a week each last semester gathering information about human organ plastination, meeting with Baptista and visiting the University of Michigan plastination lab. At the end of last semester, they handed Baptista a business plan.

“People have great ideas, but they’re not sure how to implement them,” Haas said. “Where we come in is putting things on paper so they can convey the feasibility of their business proposal.”

The University is currently reviewing the business plan and contemplating investing in Baptista’s idea. The plastinated organs would be used by hospitals, medical schools, veterinary schools and high schools.

“For somebody like me with absolutely no clue how to start a business plan, to have students help with this has been fantastic,” Baptista said. “The students are very knowledgeable and the advice of Dr. Sonny Ariss has been very helpful.”

Ariss, a professor of management who along with Dr. Tom Sharkey, associate professor of marketing, coordinates the entrepreneurial projects, said, “The University needs to play a role in economic development of the region and with this program, students help play a role in driving the economic development engine. We think the future of northwest Ohio is tied to the knowledge economy and breakthroughs from area universities.”

Baptista said he hopes his idea will generate revenue for the University, but he’s more excited about UT becoming known as a force in the field of plastination.

If that happens, Haas and Metzger will have played an important role while gaining valuable experience.

David Chatfield, director of the MBA program, said, “Personal contact with real inventors and entrepreneurs itself is a great learning experience. Along the way, students learn about the technology commercialization process and get a hands-on opportunity to apply it.”

Haas agreed: “As a student we get a lot from books, but with this project I’ve learned a lot about the little questions that have to be asked that can make or break a project. It’s been a great opportunity to learn and to provide a service to the University.”

Currently, several other entrepreneurial projects for MBA students are being explored inside and outside the University. In addition, Ariss and Sharkey are teaching classes focused on exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in the areas of wind, solar and ethanol energy.

In addition to the above article, here are a few other notable start-ups brought to you by the Research department of the University of Toledo.

Gene Express Inc.
http://www.geneexpressinc.com/index.asp

Cognitive Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
http://www.cognitivepharma.com/

Hi-Genomics
http://www.higenomics.com/contact.htm

The Turning Point, LLC

Xunlight Corp.
http://www.xunlight.com/

Spinal Designs

Suganit Systems, Inc.

Http://www.toledoblade.com


Public asked for input on Toledo riverfront Metropark

Two additional public meetings have been scheduled for residents to offer thoughts about what they’d like to see at a proposed county park near downtown Toledo.

The two newly scheduled meetings will be Feb. 11, from5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lagrange branch library, 3422 Lagrange St.; and Feb. 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kent branch library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd.

The next meeting, previously announced, is from 4 to 8 p.m. tomorrow in the Locke Branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, 703 Miami St.

The Toledo Area Metroparks plans to develop a park on the downtown Toledo riverfront on part of the Middlegrounds site near the Anthony Wayne Bridge.

Another public meeting is anticipated for July to present design alternatives.

Http://www.toledoblade.com


Public asked for input on Toledo riverfront Metropark

Two additional public meetings have been scheduled for residents to offer thoughts about what they’d like to see at a proposed county park near downtown Toledo.

The two newly scheduled meetings will be Feb. 11, from5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lagrange branch library, 3422 Lagrange St.; and Feb. 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kent branch library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd.

The next meeting, previously announced, is from 4 to 8 p.m. tomorrow in the Locke Branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, 703 Miami St.

The Toledo Area Metroparks plans to develop a park on the downtown Toledo riverfront on part of the Middlegrounds site near the Anthony Wayne Bridge.

Another public meeting is anticipated for July to present design alternatives.

I went to one of those meetings last week at the library on Broadway. They displayed photos and historical information about the site. Clipboards with a survey attached were also available for the public to fill out.

It was exciting to visualize a new park downtown, and it is great that Metroparks is taking suggestions on how to make it a great downtown park. Here were a couple of my suggestions:

-Most importantly, make the park as integrated as possible with the surrounding neighborhood. It needs to be open and inviting to the public. There should be multiple entrances.

-Should be pet and family-friendly. I have neither a pet nor family in the area, but I think it is important to have a place that welcomes pets and children so that more people will be persuaded to move downtown.

-A circular walking path. Maybe it could be connected to Walbridge Park and Promenade Park?

-Of course, lots of trees! But there also should be open areas for frisbee, croquet, badminton, etc...

-Miscellaneous: Chess boards? Kayacking dock of some sort?

If anyone is interested, here is a recent article I read that is about what makes a great downtown park: http://www.eugeneweekly.com/2008/01/24/coverstory.html

What would you all like to see at the park? If you can make it, I'd highly suggest letting Metroparks know what you think!

IMHO, I like the idea of hiking-walking-biking trails connecting to Walbridge Park and Promenade. I would like it to be connected to the boardwalk along Swan Creek by the Erie Street Market as well then extend the boardwalk into a trail straight to Swan Creek metropark.

A few ideas for the downtown metropark: dog-friendly area, outdoor ice-skating rink, and bird-watching deck.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

“I'm really looking for an Ann Arbor-Chicago feel, with people sitting outside, drinking a cappuccino and listening to music,” Beczynski said. “There are a lot of great things happening Downtown, and I'm glad to be a part of it.”

Great news. Mo Joe's sounds awesome, and whenever I visit downtown, I'll support it. I like the Ann Arbor attitude. For anyone who's been there, you know Ann Arbor has a ridiculously good coffee shop scene. I've never been to another college town with so many good coffee shops. It's almost as if everyone in the city drinks coffee.


It was exciting to visualize a new park downtown, and it is great that Metroparks is taking suggestions on how to make it a great downtown park. Here were a couple of my suggestions:

-Most importantly, make the park as integrated as possible with the surrounding neighborhood. It needs to be open and inviting to the public. There should be multiple entrances.

-Should be pet and family-friendly. I have neither a pet nor family in the area, but I think it is important to have a place that welcomes pets and children so that more people will be persuaded to move downtown.

-A circular walking path. Maybe it could be connected to Walbridge Park and Promenade Park?

-Of course, lots of trees! But there also should be open areas for frisbee, croquet, badminton, etc...

-Miscellaneous: Chess boards? Kayacking dock of some sort?

I agree with these, but I'd also add:

-docks along the river.

-boardwalk along the river

-visitor center with history of Toledo's industrial prominence (particularly rail and shipping which was what the Middlegrounds was known for)

-grills and picnic tables

-maybe a snack shop and little gift store with stuff from Toledo

-ability to walk from nearby neighborhood to park with a good sidewalk system.

-bike/running path connected to Promenade Park. Should not be too difficult considering the proximity and how narrow a bike path is. It can go under the bridge along the river.

-boat tours of the Maumee River/Bay with a dock at the park. There already is a tour boat in Toledo called the Sandpiper. It was built by Andersons and holds 100 people. It runs six months of the year (May through October). Maybe just have that pick up people at the park:

http://www.sandpiperboat.com/

Is there an article on the blade for the middle grounds park? I couldnt find anything on it at the blade site. Is it currently private property? Id like to go check it out sometime. How far does this area go? I have been down by the river south just south of the 75 bridge Isnt that train yard still used?

And on some other stuff... Oregons Menards should be open anyday now. All the signs are up and I believe they started hiring last week. I also drove by the new industrial park or whatever is going in on courduroy rd between Wynn and Lallendorf. From what I could see theres about a 2 or 3 story skeleton of a building going up that looks similar to the other bussinesess out that way (Fersinius or the ivy steel building) It was dark so I couldnt tell if there were any other foundations laid out.


And finally, Clay High School has begun to tare down there out dated buildings. Im pretty sure all construction on the new sections of the high school are complete. When I drove by the old Clay Elementary building was just a pile of rubble. The East annex building will come down next.

Is there an article on the blade for the middle grounds park? I couldnt find anything on it at the blade site. Is it currently private property? Id like to go check it out sometime. How far does this area go? I have been down by the river south just south of the 75 bridge Isnt that train yard still used?

And on some other stuff... Oregons Menards should be open anyday now. All the signs are up and I believe they started hiring last week. I also drove by the new industrial park or whatever is going in on courduroy rd between Wynn and Lallendorf. From what I could see theres about a 2 or 3 story skeleton of a building going up that looks similar to the other bussinesess out that way (Fersinius or the ivy steel building) It was dark so I couldnt tell if there were any other foundations laid out.

And finally, Clay High School has begun to tare down there out dated buildings. Im pretty sure all construction on the new sections of the high school are complete. When I drove by the old Clay Elementary building was just a pile of rubble. The East annex building will come down next.


Middle Grounds Park is owned by Owens Corning from Fort Industry Square to the Anthony Wayne "Hi-Level" Bridge--anything south of the bridge will be the new downtown metropark.

As far as Menards on Brown/Curtice Roads, so is Alexis Road location across from Meijer near I-75. Do you know what outlots will be outside of the Oregon/Northwood's Menards?

Thanks for the update on Oregon developments, anything on when they will construct a downtown for Oregon? (inside joke)

OK this may sound a little ridicilous but i want to see a waterfall at the new park with lights and music possibly water going into a pond with a trail going around it or into the Maumee river itself. I would love to see FIRE PITS down by the river. How cool would it be to go downtown with your friends and have a bonfire and just chill listen to music and have fun. I think this park needs to be open 24hrs a day with a boardwalk and lighting so that it is able for you to walk at night. What are your opinions on the fire pits down by the river? a big hit or what?

Is there an article on the blade for the middle grounds park? I couldnt find anything on it at the blade site. Is it currently private property? Id like to go check it out sometime. How far does this area go? I have been down by the river south just south of the 75 bridge Isnt that train yard still used?



I don't think the park extends south of I-75. Here is the Metroparks website that has a description and some photos:
http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metroparks/development/display.asp?id=578&subj=development

Here is an article in the Blade that describes the park in more detail:
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080127/COLUMNIST42/801270334



I agree with these, but I'd also add:

-visitor center with history of Toledo's industrial prominence (particularly rail and shipping which was what the Middlegrounds was known for)

-ability to walk from nearby neighborhood to park with a good sidewalk system.



I think these are great ideas. Sidewalks leading from the neighborhood to the park should be a priority. Docks and a boardwalk also sound good.

Bonjourtoledo's idea of a trail leading to the erie street market sounds good, although I wonder if there is already a convenient way to get there via streets and sidewalks. Regardless, there should be signs at the Erie St Market pointing the way to the park, and maybe some bike lanes leading to the park as well.

For that matter, signs should be placed all around downtown pointing the way to the park and other attractions.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I could not find the news article on this, as it was 'new' news on Channel 11 last night, but the Madison building that housed 5/3rd has sold. I'm curious if there are any outside tenants that would come with that sale.

I could not find the news article on this, as it was 'new' news on Channel 11 last night, but the Madison building that housed 5/3rd has sold. I'm curious if there are any outside tenants that would come with that sale.

Are you referring to the Madison Building on Madison/Huron across from Huntington and next to the TARTA Park Station? Or the building that used to be the Fifth Third Center building that house banking, law firms, and Ken's Flower Shop?

According to the county records, the former Fifth Third Center was sold on 1/18/2008 to Ergur Private Equity Group out of San Francisco.

The Madison Building across the street is still for sale as of yesterday which City of Toledo is selling.

Gotta love them and they are a good firm to work with. I am quite in awe of their commitment to grow in downtown and the region. Since they've expanded out from their original location to the Hylant Building I wonder if they are expanding to another building somewhere in downtown?

Toledo Club is located on Madison/14th Streets with a gorgeous building and I have yet to go inside. I hear it's pretty good, however, I am tempting to whether to check out the place because of its amentities and reaching out the younger generation like myself.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Unique, rustic materials accent Bass Pro store construction; opening scheduled for June 19
Posted on Perrysburg Messenger-Journal website 2/6/2008

Construction of the new Bass Pro store in Rossford is more than halfway complete, and the countdown until opening day is on.

The 150,000-square-foot building in the Crossroads of America, right alongside of I-75, is about 65 percent complete, according to Mike Keane, construction superintendent for general contractor Rudolph Libbe.

"We have until May 14 to turn the building over, and June 1 to finish the deli/ restaurant area, with a grand opening planned for June 19," he said.
In October 2006, the retailing giant Bass Pro Outdoor World LLC committed to opening a store in the area south of State Route 795 and west of Crossroads Parkway.

Last week, Mr. Keane provided a building tour exclusively for the Messenger Journal.

Unique and historic materials are the hallmark of this construction project, including pine trees from North Dakota and boulders from Oklahoma.

Perrysburg OKs controversial Kroger zoning
By CHRIS MILLER Sentinel Staff Writer

Donald Jahns and his wife Cheryl believed the view from their Roachton Road home would either remain farm fields or, at worst, a possible apartment complex.

But they didn’t expect a new shopping center.
“It just seems to me that it’s already been decided,” Jahns told members of Perrysburg city council Tuesday night.

By a 4-1 vote, with two council members abstaining, council cleared the way for a new shopping center near the southeast corner of Ohio 25 and Roachton Road.

The new retail development, about 88 acres in total, will include a second Kroger store for Perrysburg together with other retail outlets.
For the project to proceed, about eight acres of the project site needed rezoning from RM multi-family residential to PBP Planned Business Park. That was approved with council’s 4-1 vote.

George Oravecz, consulting engineer for developer Timberstone Group Inc., said the project will meet stringent design standards under PBP zoning. This includes claims of extensive landscaping along Roachton Road to serve as a visual barrier for nearby residents.

But Perrysburg Heights residents have objected to the plan since it was first announced last year. The neighborhood, actually part of Perrysburg Township, includes around 500 residents.

Opponents of the rezoning accused the city of reneging on a promise made in the 1990s that development along the south side of Roachton Road, across from the heights, would always include a residential buffer.

The city in its master plan had designated multi-family residential zoning, a strip about five acres deep.

But the prospect of new business development convinced city officials to alter at least some of that zoning to accommodate Timberstone’s project.
The project is located within the city’s “south employment corridor” along Route 25.

Fred Moor, long-time activist for the neighborhood and member of the Perrysburg Heights Community Association, asked council to honor the commitment made more than a decade ago and not alter zoning.
Jahns, who has lived at his Roachton Road home for 30 years, said he would prefer seeing apartments across the road rather than a large grocery store.
In the end, council members Joe Lawless, John Kevern, Maria Ermie and Mike Olmstead voted in favor of rezoning. Tom Mackin voted against it while councilmen Tim McCarthy and Joe Rutherford abstained because their employers do business with the developer on other projects.
It’s not the first time Roachton Road rezoning has spurred objections.
Two years ago, Perrysburg Heights residents protested rezoning the land for business use, and council voted it down 4 to 3. Prior to that, heights residents objected to a trucking terminal and the company ended up building in Middleton Township.

The proposed Timberstone project not only will bring another Kroger store to Perrysburg — the current store along U.S. 20 will remain open — but also new retailers that will occupy additional buildings on site.
The main entrance will face Route 25 but there will be additional entrances off Roachton Road.

Developers claim the project will generate around $22 million in new construction, bring about $450,000 in property tax revenues, and create several hundred retail jobs.

Construction results in detours for pedestrians
By Matt Lockwood Posted on UT News website Feb 5, 2008

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Fences surround the construction site of the new Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement on Main Campus.

If you typically enter Main Campus from Bancroft Street, you’re probably aware that construction has started on the 54,000-square-foot, $15.4 million Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement that will extend north from Stranahan Hall up the hill between Gillham Hall and Ritter Planetarium.

Because the building is being built into a hill, dirt is being dug up and moved out by heavy trucks.

The construction means that many pedestrians will have to find alternative routes onto Main Campus. Fences have been put up surrounding the work area to protect everyone from the cranes, heavy trucks and drilling rigs that will be used in the initial construction.

“The long-term gain in creating this high-tech facility to educate our next generation of business leaders certainly outweighs the short-term inconvenience of having to walk around the construction site,” said Chuck Lehnert, associate vice president for facilities and construction. “Safety is our primary objective and that’s why the fences are necessary.”

A new concrete sidewalk has been poured between Gillham and University halls leading to Bancroft Street to make that detour a little shorter and cleaner.

The project is expected to be completed and the fences taken down in fall 2009.

New corporation created to take potentially lifesaving invention into marketplace
By Tobin J. Klinger Posted on UT News website Feb 6, 2008

An invention by a group of University of Toledo researchers is now the centerpiece of a new corporation, which aims to take the product out of the laboratory and into the marketplace.

On Thursday, Jan. 31, Michael Glembourtt, the president of the recently formed ADS Biotechnology Corp. who has a track record of developing pharmaceutical products, joined leaders from The University of Toledo to discuss their product and hopes for its future use at a news conference on Main Campus.

“We are tremendously excited by the potential for this invention,” said Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, president of The University of Toledo. “It’s efforts like this that can help to transform the economic climate in Toledo, while improving the human condition through medical innovation.”

The invention, a new liquid compound that is polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified albumin, has use during various medical scenarios where a patient’s blood vessels begin to leak, flooding surrounding tissue, with all-too-often critical results.

In simple terms, the PEG works with the albumin, a protein found in blood, to expand blood’s volume so it will not escape through holes in the blood vessels.

"ADS Biotechnology is very excited about completing this license agreement
with the University," said Glembourtt, president and CEO of ADS Biotechnology. "This discovery has great potential in the marketplace and more importantly may give physicians a much-needed tool to help desperately ill, trauma, burn and sepsis patients."

Three UT faculty members are credited with the product’s creation: Dr. Joseph Shapiro, professor and chair of the Department of Medicine and associate dean for business development; Dr. Ragheb Assaly, director of the UTMC Medical Intensive Care Unit; and Dr. J. David Dignam, professor of biochemistry and cancer biology.

“The creation of this corporation represents a great deal of work, collaboration and passion in an effort to help prevent the millions of deaths that occur around the globe as a result of these types of leaks,” Shapiro said. “While the solution may seem simple, it will take significant time and resources to maneuver through the process of earning approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. ADS Biotechnology will help us make that a reality.”

“We are at a critical stage in the process,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, provost, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the College of Medicine. “We have the drive and the momentum to get a product into the hands of clinicians around the world and have a significant impact on patient survival. This effort exemplifies what The University of Toledo stands for — our dedication to improve globally the human condition and to support the economy of northwest Ohio.”

I don't know much about the project, but I was leaving Home Slice this afternoon, and when I got to the corner of Lafayette and St. Clair streets, I noticed on the corner a sign that there will be a housing development project.

Has anybody heard anything on this?

I don't know much about the project, but I was leaving Home Slice this afternoon, and when I got to the corner of Lafayette and St. Clair streets, I noticed on the corner a sign that there will be a housing development project.

Has anybody heard anything on this?

I covered this is previous post late last summer, it is being developed by the same owners (Martin + Wood Appraisal Group, Ltd) of who's redeveloping the entire former Toledo Heater building. It will be built as if it is facing Lafayette and attached to the Martin + Wood Appraisal Group, Ltd offices with 4-6 units.

I don't know much about the project, but I was leaving Home Slice this afternoon, and when I got to the corner of Lafayette and St. Clair streets, I noticed on the corner a sign that there will be a housing development project.

Has anybody heard anything on this?

See photos that I posted late last summer:
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http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StClair10-5-2007.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StClair410-5-2007.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

$85M Hillsdale project moves forward
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website February Edition

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Construction of Independence Grove at Hillsdale College, an independent living facility, is slated to begin this spring. The project was initially announced in 2005, but it has been delayed for the past two years. According to Maribeth Watkins, director of marketing for the facility, plans for the project have significantly changed, and the new completion date is set for early to mid-2009.

“We have had so many people that wanted to move to Hillsdale sooner [than what the initial project allowed], and we had a number of people that were saying, ‘I want to come, but I want to see what this is going to look like. I need to see something brick and mortar,’” Watkins stated. “We decided that instead of building the entire community all at once, we are going to build half the community. So, instead of having all 164 homes going up, we’re going to have 62 homes going up [to start] along with a smaller community center, initially. We’re going to build 9,000 square feet of the community center to accommodate the 62 homes. That is probably the greatest change.”

Independence Grove has also decided to partner with Drews Place Assisted Living Communities, a long-term healthcare provider. According to Watkins, the partnership has allowed Independence Grove to lower its entrance fees as well as its monthly service fees.

“The main reason for the lower monthly service fee was that we opened up our amenities package,” she explained. “We have a good number of people that want to be here for part of the year and want to be in a warmer climate another part of the year. So, they really want to choose the amenities they are going to be using and how much they are going to be using them. By opening up that package, it allows them more flexibility and decreases the required monthly fee substantially. They’ll have the healthcare when they need it, and they’ll have the help when and if they need it. But they are also allowed these independent decisions in terms of how they’re spending their money even when they’re in the community.”

Amenities include a gourmet restaurant, cafÈ / bistro, private dining room, country store, woodworking shop, card / game room, all-purpose room / theater, creative arts and crafts center, billiard room, library / media room / computer center, fitness center, club room / cocktail lounge, and walking paths and nature trails. The monthly service fee includes indoor / outdoor maintenance; 24-hour security and response system; apartment utilities including telephone and cable service; scheduled local transportation; banking and postal services; concierge services; lecture / concert series; cultural, social, and spiritual programs; a dean of studies on campus; and a wellness program. For an additional fee, residents can receive a flexible meal plan, housekeeping and linen service, cottage utilities including telephone and cable service, dry cleaning service, prescription medication delivery, non-local transportation service, and priority access to on-site assisted living.

Residents at Independence Grove will have many opportunities to interact with Hillsdale College events. For example, it will have visits from professors, guest speakers, and students. Additionally, residents are invited to all the college theater and arts programs, sporting events, and lecture and concert series.

“Independence Grove is a half mile from campus. The property was purchased with funds that were donated specifically for this purpose,” Watkins stated. “Our property connects with the (Slayton) Arboretum, which is owned by the college. So, you could be taking a walking path from Independence Grove up through the arboretum and end up on campus.”

According to Watkins, approximately 50 jobs will be created as a result of the first part of the project, and 100 jobs will be created overall.

The general contractor for the project is New York-based LeCesse Construction and the two architects are TMP Associates, Inc. and AG Architecture.

Apartments and cottages will range from $193,000 to $498,000.

“It’s a lot of change, but it’s a really good change,” Watkins added. “We know that when we start to build, enthusiasm will build with it.”

Allen County lab begins $16M expansion
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website February Edition

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Charles River Laboratories (CRL), located in the Village of Spencerville, Ohio, has begun site prep work on a more than $16 million expansion at its Allen County facility. According to the company, the project will include new machinery and equipment, new building construction, and on-site infrastructure. Marcel Wagner, president/CEO of the Allen Economic Development Group, explained that approximately $12 million will be spent on the building and about $6 million will be used for the new machinery and equipment. Construction completion is estimated for mid-2009.

The Spencerville project consists of a new 58,000 square foot single-level addition to be added on the north side of an existing 55,000 square foot building. CRL will utilize the space as a preclinical testing facility to conduct professional laboratory testing services in the drug development business. Ohio was in competition with Massachusetts, Nevada, and the Canadian Province of Quebec for the project, which is expected to create 80 jobs and retain 204 positions within the first three years of its initial operations.

Wagner stated, “Charles River Laboratories also has facilities in Massachusetts, Nevada, and Canada, and it could have done the expansion there. But, our community stepped up as well as the State to put together a nice package of incentives, which allowed the company to do it here.”

According to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), CRL has been awarded a 55% credit for a five-year term to expand operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $296,902 over the term, and the company is required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years.

“Charles River Laboratories is a multinational [company]. It has about 8,000 employees nationwide, and the plant here has always been very profitable. It was formerly Springborn Laboratories, Inc.; [CRL] purchased it in 2002, and it has always been operationally very good,” Wagner added. According to a CRL press release at the time of the acquisition, the firm paid $27 million to obtain Springborn; the attainment was designed to expand CRL's market share geographically and add to its customer base a number of medium and smaller pharmaceutical companies that often rely on outsourcing services to a greater degree than large pharmaceutical companies to develop new products.

Amy Cianciaruso, Charles River spokeswoman, added, “The Ohio expansion is in addition to several other expansion projects at Charles River. A key driver of this growth is the continued investment by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in basic research and their increased strategic use of outsourced drug development services. With the life science industry laser focused on replenishing product pipelines and managing price competition from inexpensive generic drugs, biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations are challenged to quickly and cost effectively introduce new drugs to the marketplace. As a result, many of these organizations are streamlining operations and creating cost efficient practices by outsourcing their drug development process to Charles River Laboratories.”

According to Cianciaruso, the company has designed a footprint for the building. Major equipment is consistent with the needs of modern preclinical testing operations and includes heating ventilation and air conditioning systems and controls, laboratory instrumentation, and cleaning / sanitation equipment.

“It’s been a project a fairly long time in coming,” stated Wagner. “We started working with [CRL] last February, and it’s been a good project to work on; we’re excited about it. The Village of Spencerville lost two automotive companies over the past two years (MacDonald’s Industrial Products and Spencerville Metal Systems), which totaled about 300 people. This will replace about 80 of those jobs. So, for the village it’s exciting, because these are better than average paying jobs.”

Charles River Laboratories, established in 1947, is headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts and operates more than 80 production facilities in 15 countries with 8,300 employees worldwide.

CRL's customer base includes pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide as well as academic institutions and government research centers. According to CRL, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies outsource drug discovery and development research to it because the outsourcing helps the companies put more drug candidates in the pipeline, move those compounds through the pipeline faster, and at the same time control development costs.

Wood County urged to get aboard port authority
Posted on BG Sentinel-Tribune website 2-6-2008
By JAN LARSON Sentinel County Editor

Since port authorities are no longer limited to sea ports, local officials have found out they may be missing the boat if they don’t expand the organization to cover the entire county.

Representatives of the Northern Wood County Port Authority tried Tuesday to convince the Wood County commissioners that the organization should be expanded to benefit every municipality and township in the county.
The commissioners did not seem opposed to the idea.

“It is simply another tool for economic development,” Wood County Administrator Andrew Kalmar said of the port authority.

The port authority was formed in 1999 by Rossford and Perrysburg Township to help with the arena-amphitheater project, which later fell through. Though that project failed, the authority has been successful helping other projects, and has built bridges between Rossford and Perrysburg Township, according to Rex Huffman, legal counsel for the organization.

The port authority helped with the bond financing of the new Owens-Illinois headquarters in Perrysburg, assisted with the Bass Pro project in Rossford, has studied brownfield issues with Libbey-Owens-Ford in Rossford, arranged for a property purchase to aid Perrysburg City Schools.

“It’s a way to bridge those public and private arrangements,” Huffman explained.

A study of the organization has shown that the port authority should expand to cover the entire county, he continued. While the authority can work on projects anywhere in the county, it takes an extra step in the approval process if the entity isn’t already in the organization’s coverage area. That could be detrimental for some projects that need quick action, according to Wade Gottschalk, associate director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission.

“It would be much more efficient to have a county-wide port authority,” Gottschalk said.

It would make it more difficult for outside port authorities to scoop up a Wood County project, Huffman explained.

Without naming the business or the outside port authority, Mike Scott of the Northern Wood County Port Authority, said the local organization is at risk of losing some “substantial” income to another authority eyeing a project here in Wood County.

“We’re concerned, county-wide we should ensure our borders more,” Huffman said.

By having a port authority that covers the entire county, the likelihood is less of a project being backed financially if it is not backed by the community. The commissioners were told of a mega dairy farm that was supported in another Ohio county by an outside port authority.

Both Huffman and Scott said the local port authority has no plans to use its eminent domain powers.

“I can never envision using the power of eminent domain,” Huffman said.
Though they made no commitment, the commissioners promised to study the idea of entering the entire county in the port authority.

“I think it’s safe to say we will be open minded,” Commissioner Tim Brown said.

Enticed by population growth in western Lucas County and beyond, several groups of doctors and Mercy Health Partners may construct an estimated $73 million specialty hospital and medical office building in Monclova Township - and essentially in the backyard of St. Luke's Hospital.

This sounds like a total waste of money and will probably drive up costs even more. St. Luke's is already there and more than adequate for the population in the area.

Yet Dr. Dull said that, while health-care costs may initially increase, the competition ultimately will help decrease them while improving quality.

Ha! They'll keep going up, regardless.

The group also said they appreciated Sylvania's strong sense of community.

That's one of the funniest things I've ever read in my life. Suburbia is the anathema of community. Sylvania has a strong sense of community destruction, suburban sprawl, and an extreme addiction to trashy consumerism.

Only the historic part has any remote sense of community, but it's wholly overwhelmed by the hellish sprawl.

whats going on with southwyck.....?

^I think Dillin took on more than he can handle right now. The Marina District Phase 1 ($75 million housing and park development) is coming first. Southwyck probably won't happen until some time after that. Hopefully, there will be more urban proposals, as his old proposals were no better than Fallen Timbers (suburban, giant surface lots), and actually a little worse than Levis Commons (Levis is more mixed use). Judging by how nice and urban his plans for the Marina District are (high density, little or no surface parking, true mixed use, etc.), future Southwyck proposals should look better.

^I think Dillin took on more than he can handle right now. The Marina District Phase 1 ($75 million housing and park development) is coming first. Southwyck probably won't happen until some time after that. Hopefully, there will be more urban proposals, as his old proposals were no better than Fallen Timbers (suburban, giant surface lots), and actually a little worse than Levis Commons (Levis is more mixed use). Judging by how nice and urban his plans for the Marina District are (high density, little or no surface parking, true mixed use, etc.), future Southwyck proposals should look better.

I'm not sure that its' he's bogged down. It has everything to do with how the process has been handled from transferring Southwyck to the City of Toledo and Dillin. The old Dillard's owner's were stubborn bastards that let the building rot while they collect through tax write offs. A group in Texas, I believe, bought the building and is willing to sell it to the city, however, there is a big discussion as to why the City of Toledo needs to purchase it and then have Dillin purchase the lot from the City. The question is, why doesn't Dillin purchase it directly from the current owner. As far as I know, that is where everything has left off.

Both Marina District and Southwyck is on the right track. Right now, since it is winter season Dillin is doing multiple public meetings with neighborhoods and businesses for the Southwyck project in terms of design, ambience, and etc.

Both the city planning and Dillin has been working closely with both projects and it involves in infrastructure upgrades such as streets of Front, Main, Reynolds, and Southwyck Blvd along with sewer/water/utility lines.

I'm not sure that its' he's bogged down. It has everything to do with how the process has been handled from transferring Southwyck to the City of Toledo and Dillin. The old Dillard's owner's were stubborn bastards that let the building rot while they collect through tax write offs. A group in Texas, I believe, bought the building and is willing to sell it to the city, however, there is a big discussion as to why the City of Toledo needs to purchase it and then have Dillin purchase the lot from the City. The question is, why doesn't Dillin purchase it directly from the current owner. As far as I know, that is where everything has left off.

Very simple answer, in order to use the brownfield grants with very strict criteria you have to be a government agency or similar party and it's more difficult for a private business to use government funding due to bureaucratic reasons (think red-tape); with the city buying the property and demolishing it with the grants then Dillin will buy the land from the city. It's quite a simple, streamlined process.

MLK Bridge troubles are past, engineer says
By Scott McKimmy
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer
news@toledofreepress.com

After nearly five and a half years and numerous setbacks, traffic will resume permanently on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge in mid-March, according to a city official.

Complications arose involving crumbling concrete, work barges dislodged by ice and other problems causing unanticipated closures in addition to the scheduled closings during construction.

But the difficulties now lie behind the project, Kristin Cousino, City of Toledo engineer and project manager of the MLK Bridge rehabilitation, said. She attributed the recent relatively smooth process this year to the fact that only half of the bridge needed work. In 2007 work was suspended to allow navigational traffic to flow on the Maumee River.

“We haven't had any problems of any significance; the worst part of it's over because barging those spans up the river the way we had to, you had to pay attention real close to the water levels, winds and ice and that,” Cousino said. “It was a very small window to be able to work, but once all the spans were in place, there was our biggest sigh of relief right there.”

The U.S. Coast Guard granted a navigational outage from Jan. 7 to March 14, one day before the city plans to finish the construction, leaving only painting and touch up scheduled for completion by May 31. The city must meet the deadline or face fines if the water is not open to traffic in time.

“We don't have a whole lot of options; the Coast Guard is pretty strict about their navigational outage, Cousino said. “They aren't negotiable about it, so we have to be ready to go when they say we have to be ready to go.”

As of Feb. 7, construction crews have replaced the control towers, replaced the entire mechanical system for the lifts and overhauled the electrical system. Three major components remain: connecting the opposing spans with beams, filling the steel frames comprising the spans with concrete and installing a new lift-control system.
Troubled waters

The project suffered financial difficulties as well, adding a $4.4 million overrun to the $42.5 million price tag, which the City of Toledo blamed on construction delays.


The first phase involved renovating the Bastille arches and approach spans, which ended in spring 2004, while the second phase called for replacing the draw spans and control towers.

Toledo since has sued the contractor, National Engineering and Contracting Co. for late completion of the project and HNTB Corp. and Bergmann Associates Inc. for faulty engineering drawings and inspection, respectively. The city later dropped its suit against NECC in early January and asked all contractors not to discuss the project with the media.

Despite the difficulties, Cousino said, city officials chose the “most reasonable and the most feasible” plans for the bridge's rehabilitation. Options were limited by the river's topography, which offers no other alignment from Summit Street to Main Street where a new bridge could be built.

“Any other bridge that you put in there, you'd have to be so far from the existing piers, even if you were to take that bridge out first, you wouldn't be able to come up with that same alignment or you'd have to have ramps going down,” she said.

“That's 100 percent brand-new, so you are getting a new bridge. All the moving parts, basically, are all brand-new except the towers. The only thing we're reusing is the approach spans.”

The city also had to follow state historical preservation guidelines regarding architecture and adhere to city council's decision to keep bridge traffic open during the project. However, by reusing the original concrete piers, it saved the additional cost of replacement.

‘This really was the cheapest way to go,” she said. “Some people, I guess, are saying, ‘Why not just replace the bridge? Why not build a new one?' Well, that would be much, much more costly, believe it or not. It would be more than double the cost.

“It's a difficult project, and if you look at projects similar to this one throughout the United States, it's not your typical type of bridge. Other bridges of that nature that are on navigational waterways do have, overall, they do have so more problems.”

Bridge out ahead

Local businesses have felt a greater pinch in their pocketbooks because of delays in the project. Corey Cousino, general manager of Tango's Mexican Cantina, said the construction has discouraged patrons from crossing the river near the Docks to shop or dine. However, he added that it was the “nature of the beast and you've go to do what you've got to do.”

“When the bridge is [closed], Ithere is definitely a noticeable drop in business,” he said. “You don't get the Downtown traffic you normally would get.”

Navy Bistro General Manager Douglas McCoil agreed, saying he has noticed a slight effect on business. The inconsistency of the bridge closing has inconvenienced customers, becoming “a little frustrating.” The city notifies businesses of closures; however, on some occasions high winds or ice has forced work stoppages on the bridge.

He related a recent situation where a shutdown was scheduled to begin on a Tuesday and re-open on a Thursday. Wind speeds prevented work crews from moving the barge, and the bridge remained opened. That weekend, the bridge closed from Friday through Sunday with little time to notify businesses and the public.

“We'll have some people coming down here for lunch, and then all of a sudden they realize that the bridge is closed,” McCoil said. “It's definitely become a little frustrating, but we'll continue to work with it.”

ProMedica builds environmentally friendly hospice, to open fall 2008
By Alissa Romstadt
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer
news@toledofreepress.com

When ProMedica designed its new 1,200-square-foot hospice on the campus of Flower Hospital, it took its “green” logo to heart. The Ebeid Hospice Residence will be ProMedica's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, environmentally friendly, building and one of the first such buildings in the state, according to Gladeen Roberts, president of ProMedica Continuing Care Services.

To receive LEED certification, a building is scored according to six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation and design, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's Web site.

The decision to build according to LEED specifications was made after lots of research, Roberts said. “[We wanted] to be sure we were part of the community and giving back,” she said. “All hospices try to promote the medical, physical and emotional aspects of care ... the green building emphasizes the physical aspect.”

The 12-bed facility at Lake Park will operate separately from Flower Hospital and will accept patients from anywhere, not just ProMedica, Roberts said. “We will take people from all over.”

The hospice, which will open in the fall of 2008, will have all private rooms with private bathrooms and patios. Each of the hospice's private rooms will have a private bathroom and patio access and be large enough for family members to stay the night. The plans call for 2 spacious family rooms to celebrate birthdays and weddings, two distinct courtyards, a chapel or reflection room, and an enclosed sun porch, Roberts said.

It won't feel like and institution, Roberts said, but more like a chalet in the woods overlooking a pond.
The hospice is possible in part to a donation by Bloomfield Hills businessman Russell Ebeid.
Ebeid made some of his first deals in Toledo and wanted to do something to help support families for years to come, Roberts said.

“It's a great example of someone outside our community supporting and giving,” she said.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

found this while i was just randomly searchin stuff......


Sandusky on board for high-speed rail project
By JENNIFER GRATHWOL | Sunday January 20 2008, 1:14am

SANDUSKY

City leaders are laying the tracks to connect Sandusky to the future of high-speed transportation.

High-speed passenger trains running 79 to 110 mph have caught the attention of both Ohio legislators and Sandusky City Commissioners.

"Passenger rail is penicillin for pain at the pump," said Stu Nicholson, public information officer for the Ohio Rail Development Commission.

At its most recent meeting, the Sandusky City Commission voted to support U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur's federal appropriation request for matching funds for the development of the Ohio Hub Cleveland-Toledo- Detroit passenger rail corridor, which would connect many Ohio cities and in the long run save Midwesterners about 9.4 million gallons of fuel.

Nicholson said if the funding can be secured, some initial passenger trains could be up and running in as soon as two years. To build the entire system, with 6-8 trains running 110 mph on seven different corridors, could take 10-11 years. The rail development commission is now in early talks with Amtrak about a partnership to utilize existing corridors. Sandusky has an Amtrak station on North Depot Street.

"It's a big step to take, but an important step," said Steve Fought, spokesman for Kaptur, D-Toledo. "It's not 'pie in the sky' anymore."

This isn't the first time Ohioans have heard talk of a high-speed rail. In 1975, the state General Assembly created the Ohio Rail Transportation Authority to develop a long-term high-speed passenger rail plan.

In 1980, the commission determined that a 1 percent increase in sales tax could finance a 600-mile system connecting 13 Ohio cities. The proposed tax increase was put on the ballot in 1982 but was defeated.

However, with rising gas prices and increasingly congested highways, the idea of high-speed passenger rail is picking up steam once again.

Late last fall, the U.S. Senate passed Bill 294, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, which was co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. Nicholson said they expect the House of Representatives to introduce a companion bill within the month. According to the 2007 Ohio and Lake Erie Regional Rail Ohio Hub Study, the grand total capital investment requirement including planning, engineering, design and construction costs would be more than $4 billion dollars.

Proponents of high-speed rail say the benefits will more than justify the cost, and point to examples of high-speed rail in Germany, France, China and Japan as testimonies of success.

"We're missing an opportunity by not taking advantage of this technology," Fought said.

High-speed passenger rail is also expected give a boost to the state's tourism industry to the tune of $80 million annually, according to the Ohio Rail Development Commission. Ohio now ranks number seven in the top ten list of destination states, with Sandusky's own Cedar Point being among the top attractions. The commission estimates that at least 80 percent of the overnight tourists who come to Ohio are from areas that would be connected through the Ohio Hub railway.

In addition to generating more than $23 billion dollars of revenue throughout the Midwest, the Ohio Rail Development Commission estimates that over the anticipated nine-year construction phase there will be at least 7,000 short-term jobs available. Over the long-term, they estimate the Ohio Hub project will yield 16,700 permanent jobs and raise the region's income by over $1 billion over the life of the project. According to their calculations, that will raise the average household income by at least $90.

^Great news, and it's no surprise Kaptur is leading this. She rocks.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Very interesting hence the "name" of the new ride. LOL!

The person who posted it claimed it was in downtown Toledo.

http://zappalo.com/images/toledo_billboard_small.jpg

Toledo, in the Philippines:
http://www.batch2006.com/cebu/imag_toledo/06-12-30_9711.JPG

http://www.batch2006.com/cebu/imag_toledo/06-12-30_9718.JPG

Toledo, Iowa
http://www.tamatoledo.com/images/toledo.jpg


The original, Toledo Spain

http://www.travelinginspain.com/toledo.jpg

http://www.aceros-de-hispania.com/image/toledo-swords/toledo-sword.jpg

^The original Toledo is best of course. The whole f-ing city is a world heritage site.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

The complex is in a joint-economic development zone, so payroll taxes would be shared with the township, Maumee, and Toledo.

Well, at least there's some silver lining in this disaster. Toledo won't completely miss out.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 WTVG (WTVG) -- According to the state, Toledo Express has a $640 million annual impact on the local economy. But the area is losing between $80 million and $100 million each year because travelers use other airports.
Could Toledo Express help jump-start the local economy? Today, Michael Boyd, president of a leading aviation consulting group, spoke out about how Toledo Express Airport can help stimulate economic development.
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority also spoke out today encouraging local businesses to use Toledo Express and keep travel dollars in the local economy.
According to the state, Toledo Express has a $640 million annual impact on the local economy. But the area is losing between $80 million and $100 million each year because travelers use other airports.

Junkyard not to be built in Toledo
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 WTVG (WTVG) --
They created a plan of action to keep a junkyard out of their neighborhood. Now they are celebrating a victory.
They created a plan of action to keep a junkyard out of their neighborhood. Now they are celebrating a victory.
Do-It-Yourself Pull-Apart Used Auto Parts will not be building a salvage yard in south Toledo. The company is exploring other options. They held community meetings and went door-to-door to protest the junkyard's request for rezoning. If approved, it would allow the company to build a junkyard on an 18 acre lot, just feet away from Ohlmans Greenhouse and Farm.
The Toledo Planning Commission was expected to vote on the request tomorrow, but the company changed its mind about the property.
Story continues belowAdvertisementPull-a-part is a do-it-yourself junkyard. It allows its customers to disassemble cars themselves and take what they need for a fee. Residents were concerned about pollution and the people the junkyard would attract. Tonight the Ohlmans and other south Toledo residents are breathing a sigh of relief. They just wonder about Pull-a-parts new plans.
We tried to contact Pull-a-part to find out about their new plans, but our calls were not returned.

Sorry to disagree with ya but the Glass City claims the title for best Toledo.... Best minor league baseball team, best mayor, best RAPPERS, best people......

^I agree. BTW, who are the good Toledo rappers these days?

I was just comparing the one in Spain with the unimportant ones in Philippines and Iowa?! (lol).

Even outside of rap theres a lot of good musicians coming out of Toledo and goin even further theres a lot of people in performing arts from this area that are doing well.... We have a few multi platinum artists and very sucessfull actors/actresses.. As well as sports figures and politicians

Good toledo rappers.... Sixx Digit, A-Laz, Pillagers, Magic Juan, L2W, Ghiftd, yung prof, Hells Kitchen (back together) S.S. Fame Double Deuce.......A lot of these guys are on tour right now thru out the midwest... Theres a show friday in Cleveland with Bizzy Bone headlinin A-Laz Ghifted Digit and Kitchen are playin for sure not sure who else......

But yea on some other stuff I bet not many people know we have 2 heisman trophy winners in Northwest Ohio..... Richard Kazmaier (Maumee/Princeton '51) and Charles Woodson (Fremont Ross/TTUN '97) an Indy 500 winner in Sam Hornish...... We have the Most Senior Woman of Congress in Marcy Kaptur

Junkyard not to be built in Toledo
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 WTVG (WTVG) --
They created a plan of action to keep a junkyard out of their neighborhood. Now they are celebrating a victory.
They created a plan of action to keep a junkyard out of their neighborhood. Now they are celebrating a victory.
Do-It-Yourself Pull-Apart Used Auto Parts will not be building a salvage yard in south Toledo. The company is exploring other options. They held community meetings and went door-to-door to protest the junkyard's request for rezoning. If approved, it would allow the company to build a junkyard on an 18 acre lot, just feet away from Ohlmans Greenhouse and Farm.
The Toledo Planning Commission was expected to vote on the request tomorrow, but the company changed its mind about the property.
Story continues belowAdvertisementPull-a-part is a do-it-yourself junkyard. It allows its customers to disassemble cars themselves and take what they need for a fee. Residents were concerned about pollution and the people the junkyard would attract. Tonight the Ohlmans and other south Toledo residents are breathing a sigh of relief. They just wonder about Pull-a-parts new plans.
We tried to contact Pull-a-part to find out about their new plans, but our calls were not returned.

I saw an interview on Fox Toledo of a South Toledo woman protesting this, and she seemed completely uneducated and unaware of what Pull-A-Part really is as she ripped them apart. At a time when we have a shrinking economy, we have residents scaring away businesses. Its' depressing and frustrating to see resistance toward new business in Toledo.

Thankfully, they are still interested in our city. I'm curious as to where their potential next location will be. They're welcome to come to the West Toledo - Douglas Rd. area in my backyard.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 WTVG (WTVG) -- According to the state, Toledo Express has a $640 million annual impact on the local economy. But the area is losing between $80 million and $100 million each year because travelers use other airports.
Could Toledo Express help jump-start the local economy? Today, Michael Boyd, president of a leading aviation consulting group, spoke out about how Toledo Express Airport can help stimulate economic development.
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority also spoke out today encouraging local businesses to use Toledo Express and keep travel dollars in the local economy.
According to the state, Toledo Express has a $640 million annual impact on the local economy. But the area is losing between $80 million and $100 million each year because travelers use other airports.

I think the best way for the airport to stimulate the economy might be with business moving in around the airport, primarily logistics related. The creation of jobs and all the goods going through the area couldn't hurt. There are already plans for warehouses on the south side near BAX global and on the north side there is a group that wants a development that would incorporate the RR tracks, Airport Hwy., turnpike and airport.

Send that junkyard over this way!!!! All the good ones are out in Swanton..... theres only about 2 decent ones on the east and there both not very big

No. Toledo does not need a junk yard in its midst. Where is the closest one? Swanton. Why? Because Swanton has the dirty look that Toledo does not have. A junk yard makes the city look trashy and no one wants to look at that in their backyard im sorry, even if it does mean jobs. Build it in perrysburg. haha that will be the day.

No. Toledo does not need a junk yard in its midst. Where is the closest one? Swanton. Why? Because Swanton has the dirty look that Toledo does not have. A junk yard makes the city look trashy and no one wants to look at that in their backyard im sorry, even if it does mean jobs. Build it in perrysburg. haha that will be the day.

You need to inform yourself before making assumptions. You are thinking of a junk yard that has car's piled upon car's and tire pits and large fences blocking all of the ugliness. If that's what your thinking, then yes, I might see some merit in what your saying. But, before you continue to discredit the junk yard just because it is a member of the junk yard industry, take a look at their website and some photo's of theirs. The look of the junk yard is no more different than a nice looking car wash or a Midas/Tuffy.

http://www.pullapart.com/About/Main.aspx

^yeah, it looks like shit- just like a giant parking lot with trashed cars. A junk yard is a junk yard, plain and simple.

Build it in perrysburg. haha that will be the day.

I second that one.

Good toledo rappers.... Sixx Digit, A-Laz, Pillagers, Magic Juan, L2W, Ghiftd, yung prof, Hells Kitchen (back together) S.S. Fame Double Deuce.......A lot of these guys are on tour right now thru out the midwest... Theres a show friday in Cleveland with Bizzy Bone headlinin A-Laz Ghifted Digit and Kitchen are playin for sure not sure who else......

I've heard of A-Laz and Hell's Kitchen. I also remember Mortal Miztuz scoring a big hit in the Midwest with "Backbone." Do these other guys have myspace pages? Truthfully though, Toledo's scene will always be overshadowed by its big brother. Slum Village, J Dilla, Black Milk, Phat Kat, Guilty Simpson, etc. are untouchable. Detroit has the best hip hop/rap scene in the nation, bar none.

Luckily, being next to that helps Toledo and sets the bar high.

We have a few multi platinum artists

Anita Baker is one, though mass media sometimes lists her as Detroit, but she's certainly from Toledo. Toledo's Art Tatum and Jon Hendricks are untouchable in the jazz world and have an incredible legacy. Hendricks still sometimes performs and he lives in the Old West End. Toledo also has two of best current jazz musicians on earth with Claude Black and Clifford Murphy. Long story short, get to Murphy's Jazz Club, it's one of the best on the planet. Very few cities still have a jazz club of Murphy's caliber.

Doghouse Records (Get Up Kids, Meg and Dia, All-American Rejects, Army of Me, Say Anything, Koufax, etc.) is based in Toledo, and the owner of Dischord Records (Jawbox, Fugazi, Minor Threat, Shudder to Think, etc.) lives in the Old West End. His name is Jeff Nelson. Then there's Lyfe Jennings too. Toledo has produced more influential music than most cities its size actually (excluding big college towns like Autsin of course). Having a pretty big record label like Doghouse Records (now part of Warner Music) is unheard of in cities like Toledo. Practically no label music is actually produced in the Midwest anymore save for true indie holdouts in Detroit and Minneapolis. Nearly every sizeable label ("indie" and major) is strictly in LA and New York. The Midwest basically has nothing of significance except for Barak and Rhymesayers. Pretty much everything is ran in LA and New York these days, and they control most the means of production and distribution. That's why the internet has become so important for indie artists today, since most of the so-called "indie" labels (including Doghouse) are now under the umbrella of the four major labels (Universal, Sony BMG, Warner, EMI). Still, Toledo producing Doghouse Records is an incredible accomplishment. They have brought bands from New York and LA to Toledo. 99% of the time, it's the other way around. Not even Chicago has anything like Doghouse. The Midwest is a dead zone to the major labels.

Toledo also produced Tom Sholz (founder of Boston) and the bassist of Weezer, though Weezer sucks now.

Yea Weezer sux.... I always clown on my dude cuz he likes there song off guitar hero 3... I dont seehow they got on Legends of Rock.... Boston on the other hand... Im cool with themthey have some good music. But yea I have the groups myspace pages... u can pretty much find any decent toledo rapper on there sites too.... How bout them Rockets beatin the Bobcats?

No. Toledo does not need a junk yard in its midst. Where is the closest one? Swanton. Why? Because Swanton has the dirty look that Toledo does not have. A junk yard makes the city look trashy and no one wants to look at that in their backyard im sorry, even if it does mean jobs. Build it in perrysburg. haha that will be the day.

That's funny. Try to be a little informed before you spout off nonsense like that. Where exactly is there a junkyard in Swanton? There are some junkyards in rural areas between Holland and Swanton. There is also at least one in Sylvania Township but Sylvania has that dirty look that Toledo does not.

I've never read such utter crap "yellow journalism" by this reporter over at FOX 36 in regards to businesses and downtown. Perhaps he needs to do his research a little bit better instead of some "5-minute made" article because he could be so far from the truth.

IMHO, businesses especially in the restaurant and retail background come-and-go all the time. Perhaps this Brenda's Chocolates and Bellacino's failed in business because they didn't adapt to the current national economy, provided excellent customer service, reasonable hours of operation, online-service, etc, etc. If they were serious about surviving in businesses, they would cater to the clients and ensure excellence in their products. I've been to both of these businesses in the past and I was not impress with their overall business model which I did not return. If they truly value the customer and the patron dollars perhaps they would do just fine in business. Not everyone is cut out to be a business owner or even to be a customer service specialist to make money.

A Dying Downtown?
by SHAUN HEGARTY FOX Toledo News
Posted via website 2-14-2008

Yet another Downtown Toledo business shut its doors for good Thursday - Brenda's Chocolates of Toledo on Superior Street.

You may remember the candy shop as Superior Chocolate, but this latest close of another downtown business is becoming an alarming trend in the heart of the Central Business District.

"We've been here for six years and when I first arrived it was, I mean I thought it was great," says Brenda Reynolds. "But we've seen businesses continue to move out of town and the foot traffic gets worse and worse all the time."

Daily business has gotten so bad recently, especially since Superior Street was shut down for the new arena construction.

"The foot traffic is so bad," she says. "Business is so slow. I'm shocked how many businesses have left."

Bellacino's Pizzas and Grinders, on the corner of Huron and Adams streets, and Scarpe on North Michigan, a women's shoe store that was voted one of the Glass City's top businesses in 2006, also shut down recently.

But it's not all that bad. The flames are still burning strong inside Swan Creek Candle Company, across the street from Fifth Third Field. Ann Albright, the owner, admits 2007 was a little slow, but February is already looking great.

Albright is remaining optomistic about downtown.

"I know of three businesses right now, which I'm not at liberty to release, that are looking at downtown."

Businesses, though, seem to thrive and die in different parts of downtown all the time.

"They seem to be more noticeable when they're in a downtown because everybody is so sensitive to the renewal of a downtown," Albright tells FOX Toledo News.

But the situation a few blocks up at Brenda's Chocolates is not so rosy.

"People are terrified to come down here at night," Brenda says. "The only thing that's down here are the clubs the homeless people and the panhandlers."

The complex is in a joint-economic development zone, so payroll taxes would be shared with the township, Maumee, and Toledo.

Well, at least there's some silver lining in this disaster. Toledo won't completely miss out.

Care to clarify what you mean by this? I'm quite curious of your comment.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 WTVG (WTVG) -- According to the state, Toledo Express has a $640 million annual impact on the local economy. But the area is losing between $80 million and $100 million each year because travelers use other airports.
Could Toledo Express help jump-start the local economy? Today, Michael Boyd, president of a leading aviation consulting group, spoke out about how Toledo Express Airport can help stimulate economic development.
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority also spoke out today encouraging local businesses to use Toledo Express and keep travel dollars in the local economy.
According to the state, Toledo Express has a $640 million annual impact on the local economy. But the area is losing between $80 million and $100 million each year because travelers use other airports.

This is a no-brainer, but the problem is people are too LAZY to realize this.

IMHO, It's quite interesting to hear everyone's side on this development news. I don't think anywhere in the region is appropriate for this development project except for the northern corridor of Detroit Avenue nearby Hoffman Landfill. Even the statement about Perrysburg made me chuckle, perhaps at Levis Commons would be even better. :lol:

A small blurb about the expansion plans for Wingate Inn in downtown Sylvania.

Wingate Inn expansion set for Sylvania
Friday, February 15, 2008 Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website

Hotel is part of the Wyndham group

Sylvania's Wingate Inn may be reaching for the sky in the near future.
13abc Action News has learned the city and the hotel are getting ready to talk about expansion. And that expansion may not be out, but up.

Of the chain's 150 hotels nationwide, the city says its location, which has been open since 2003, actually ranks second in occupancy rates.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WingateHotelSylvania.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

You need to inform yourself before making assumptions. You are thinking of a junk yard that has car's piled upon car's and tire pits and large fences blocking all of the ugliness. If that's what your thinking, then yes, I might see some merit in what your saying. But, before you continue to discredit the junk yard just because it is a member of the junk yard industry, take a look at their website and some photo's of theirs. The look of the junk yard is no more different than a nice looking car wash or a Midas/Tuffy.

Maybe you should inform yourself that you're talking about a junk yard here. There may be different types of them but they all do the same thing. JUNK. do you really think that Junk looks good in the city? And if i need to inform myself of what im talking about then maybe you should tell that to the 200 people that signed a petition for them not to build that JUNK in our city.