Toledo Development News

[ilovetoledo]

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.

Im not saying toledo isnt dirty but toledo doesnt have that need for it. and if it did then residents in toledo would've welcomed it instead of started a petition to get it out.

[ilovetoledo]

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."

This is quite funny because i know a buisness owner downtown that has one resturaunt and one bar and is now opening up a coffee shop in The Edison Plaza. A dying downtown? NO. people just need to know how to get to the people, by catering and offering a good buisness that will keep people comming back for more.

[Mudhen419]

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.

Your talking near Headliners right?if so then i totally agree wth ya Bonjour..... Nothin over that way except warehouses factories and open land

[ilovetoledo]

WTOL EDITORIAL
Toledo Area Metroparks is planning a new park. The nearly 30 acre wilderness park is going to be downtown, right on the banks of the Maumee river.

I like this idea. If you stood beneath the high-level bridge looking upstream, that's where it will be. I believe this is a chance to turn some pretty ugly property into a nice, riverside attraction.

And best of all, this beautiful new addition to downtown Toledo will come at less cost to taxpayers. Thanks to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, a federal grant provided the money to buy the land and to clean up thousands of pounds of debris.

This is a great example of Toledo utilizing and improving a marvelous natural asset that most cities would love to have.

[ToledoProgrammer]

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."

This is quite funny because i know a buisness owner downtown that has one resturaunt and one bar and is now opening up a coffee shop in The Edison Plaza. A dying downtown? NO. people just need to know how to get to the people, by catering and offering a good buisness that will keep people comming back for more.

You must certainly be talking about Ed Beczynski, who owns the now Mo Joe's, The Blarney Irish Pub, and Foccacio's. What a great man for investing in downtown. I make the long cold walk to Mo Joe's every morning to grab a Mocha to support his business.

[Pilliod Njaim]

How bout them Rockets beatin the Bobcats?

yeah, Toledo ruined our season. It's payback for last year when we destroyed their perfect MAC record.

Yea Weezer sux

They used to be good, but after Pinkerton, it was all downhill. Still, "Tired of Sex" remains one of the rawest post-punk songs to come out of the 90's, and proved that Weezer was not all sunshine and frat-soaked rainbows. "Only In Dreams" has that epic buildup and incredible guitar solo at the end, and it is just a beautiful song. It has one of the best closings to a rock song in history. And you can damn well bet on "Say It Ain't So" being covered by college bands for decades to come. Weezer certainly put out some good music, just not lately.

"My Name is Jonas" is on Guitar Hero. That's certainly not one of their stronger works.

[Pilliod Njaim]

Care to clarify what you mean by this? I'm quite curious of your comment.

Toledo gets some of the tax money it will generate. Normally, when businesses open in the suburbs, the central city completely misses out. At least Toledo set up some JEDZ.

I still think this new hospital is completely a waste though.

[Pilliod Njaim]

Bonjour, the Channel 36 story wasn't that bad. They at least showed both sides of the story:

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.

BTW, who cares about Channel 36? It's all about Channel 11, baby. Channel 11 is the highest-rated and best quality news station in Ohio.

Truthfully though, I watch Channel 13 for Sashem Brey (hottest news chick in America), and because it's decent quality news. Channel 13 is the second best in the market.

Occasionally, I'll watch Channel 24 for Kylie Conway (pretty damn sexy too), but it's amateur as all hell and has pathetic production values. Channel 24 looks like news from Columbus, and Columbus is legendary for its jokingly bad broadcast journalism across the entire market.

Channel 24 also carries the most conservative bias in the Toledo market (which really is moderate when compared to rest of the state, or even liberal compared to Cincinnati). The only reason to ever watch 24 is Kylie- she's just really cute. Channel 11 and Channel 13 offer much slicker and higher quality news. I never really watch Channel 36, and don't have much to say about it.

[ilovetoledo]

You must certainly be talking about Ed Beczynski, who owns the now Mo Joe's, The Blarney Irish Pub, and Foccacio's. What a great man for investing in downtown. I make the long cold walk to Mo Joe's every morning to grab a Mocha to support his business.

Yes i am so i guess we agree on something. 3 buisnesses he has opened in the downtown area and Fox wants to make a report on how our downtown is dying? Tell Ed that because apparently he has beat the odds that no one seems to be able to beat downtown. I dont really see him stopping anytime soon so hopefully he opens a dance club or something closer to the new arena that will be fun. Anyone going to the St. Pattys party at the Irish Pub? It's so much fun.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[rustbeltrevival]

On a somber note, Quiznos downtown has apparently closed its doors. This is especially bad timing next to the recent ridiculous reports of business leaving downtown left and right (if the Free Press and the City Paper can mention new businesses that open downtown, why can't The Blade? Does it make better business sense to bring people negative news? I'd rather read positive news, which is why I check this forum daily!).. Hopefully something will take its place soon. They always seemed to be doing fairly well, so this suprised me a bit, especially as I know the owners and had heard nothing of this until I saw it today... Of course, there is a certain "critical mass" at which downtown businesses that are primarily opened for lunch can operate with the number of people working downtown. We who work downtown still have at least 15 good lunchtime options that I can think of, and I'm sure there are at least 5 more. Nonetheless, Quiznos, you will be missed.

In positive news, the apparent opening of the Ottawa Tavern on Adams April 3 is one step closer to the creation of a true Arts/Entertainment district on uptown Adams Street. There is a local theater group out of there, and a few artist studios, a frame shop, and four solid bars/restaurants within 1/3 of a mile. Its actually starting to remind me a little of Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh between East Liberty and Lawrenceville, if anyone is familiar with that area.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Thanks Rustbeltrevival for your post, I am glad to hear about the progress of the Adams Street Development especially the Ottawa Tavern. It's been quite some time (I think almost 2 years) since the announcement that they are FINALLY opening. I love to see the former Studebaker Car Dealer building to be rehabbed as a loft-style residence which is located on Adams in between 13th and 14th Streets.

As for Quizno's, I'm quite surprised by the closing so sudden since they always seem to get good business. I know with the Fifth Third Bank headquarters moving to One Seagate Center and the downtown arena construction, I wonder if they are the actual cause for the shuttering. With Superior Street closed off it had to impact the flow of traffic, along with the opening of City Hall Grill and with the new location of Subway. It certainly does not help with the stagnant national economy, renovating of the Valentine Theatre (since the explosion) and the closing of COSi.

To give a serious jolt to the downtown area, it's time for the following things to happen:
*MLK Jr. Bridge to be completed,
*Reopen the former Portside Marketplace back to its shopping destination,
*Sell the Erie Street Market to entrepreneurs,
*New downtown arena to be completed,
*Proposed TARTA/TARPS Intermodal project to begin,
*Move Greyhound station to the MLK Jr. Union Station,
*Proposed Water Street Steamplant Loft project to begin,
*The Hytower Fiberglass building to be sold and rehabbed,
*Downtown Metroparks to be completed,
*Expand the Seagate Convention Center for the ballroom atrium,
*Open a Toledo-Lucas Historical Museum in the Pythian Castle building,
*Open a University of Toledo Downtown Campus,
*A major employer (500+ employees) to move in from outside of the region

[Mudhen419]

Bonjour, you idea of a museum in the castle building..... Was that something you came up with or have you heard they are planning on doing that? I like the sound of that idea... Always have wanted to go thru that building...... Isnt there something similar to the castle in Detroit? I wanna say somewhere near Comerica Field a few blocks away across woodward?

[Bonjourtoledo]

Strayer Road Hospital Approved By Monclova Township Trustees
BY NANCY GAGNET MIRROR REPORTER
Posted on Maumee Mirror Website

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MercyMonclova2-19-2008.jpg

After a public hearing, the Monclova Township trustees voted unanimously to approve a site plan for a proposed $73 million medical facility at the corner of Strayer Road and US20A.

The medical facility is a joint venture between Mercy Health Partners and a group of physicians, who want to bring their medical facility closer to patients who reside in southwest Lucas County.

Although the proposed facility is only two miles from St. Luke’s Hospital, the purpose of the hearing was not to address whether or not the area needs medical buildings, trustees said.
“It’s not within our jurisdiction to pass judgment on that,” trustee Gary Kuns said.

“Just because we support this project, doesn’t mean we don’t support St. Luke’s Hospital,” Kuns said, addressing several St. Luke’s employees who were in the audience.

The Lucas County plan commission and the Monclova Township zoning commission had already approved the site plan – with 52 conditions attached – prior to sending it to trustees for a vote. One of those conditions was the removal of a proposed helipad.

Trustees attached two additional conditions: that the applicant could not request a tax exemption on the land and property; and that standing water on the northeast corner of the property be removed.

Mercy Health Partners agreed to all conditions and the plan was approved.
The medical facility would sit on the corner of a 28-acre parcel and consist of a physician-owned medical office building and a short stay surgical hospital.
The 190,000-square-foot facility would house 34 beds, four surgical suites, two procedure rooms, a laboratory, radiology, a pharmacy and an emergency room along with other diagnostic care units.

Following the public hearing and vote regarding the site plan a public hearing was also held in regard to a zoning issue within the site.

The project is part of a joint economic development agreement with the cities of Toledo and Maumee and the township would receive both real estate and income tax revenue from it.

According to Mercy Health Partners the facility would also generate $826,000 annually to the Anthony Wayne School District.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Bonjour, you idea of a museum in the castle building..... Was that something you came up with or have you heard they are planning on doing that? I like the sound of that idea... Always have wanted to go thru that building...... Isnt there something similar to the castle in Detroit? I wanna say somewhere near Comerica Field a few blocks away across woodward?

The museum in the castle was my idea, but I wish it was in the works in that fashion. However, I have heard "rumors" in the past that the building was to be rehabbed into some sort of residential-loft or retail-office type building. I truly believe a Historical museum would be a perfect fit for that building.

The Pythian Castle (according to the Lucas County Auditor's office) is currently owned by Toledo's Pythian Castle LLC on 2223 Robinwood Avenue which is located in the Old West End neighborhood.

[Pilliod Njaim]

The 190,000-square-foot facility would house 34 beds, four surgical suites, two procedure rooms, a laboratory, radiology, a pharmacy and an emergency room along with other diagnostic care units.

34 beds is an extremely small hospital. St. Luke's, which is a small hospital in the Toledo market, has 185 beds. Maybe this new hospital won't be that much competition after all...

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

IMHO, the construction of the new downtown arena, the loss of three parking lots and closing up the portion of Superior Street in between Madison and Jefferson Streets is impacting these businesses in a huge way.

Yes, the national economy can be the reason but the ongoing construction of the arena is really changing downtown fast, along with the closing of COSi and the temporary closing of Valentine Theatre due to the last December's explosion. Ken's Flowers should've bought the former Hill Florist Building on Superior across from Tony Packo's at the Park restaurant which has abundance of parking and they would do well at that location.

Also Diva (which I love the place) should've looked at the properties along Adams Street or even St. Clair Street by Downtown Latte and Home Slice which have abundance of free parking as well. As I have always say in the past when a door closes usually another door opens.

[ilovetoledo]

Oh my god if i hear about one more downtown buisness closing im going to loose it. What is happening down there? I thought the arena would've made buisnesses think about relocating downtown not closing up shop.

[Pilliod Njaim]

^this is perhaps more closings than usual in such a short time period. Ken's and Diva's are big shocks to me, and they will be missed.

Downtown business owners have complained about a lack of free parking.

This is not the root problem. The problem is that we live in a country that has sprawled to kingdom come and is completely reliant on the automobile. Americans have abandoned their cities, and the effects are still being felt, even as downtown's population starts to rebound. Toledo, like most American cities, also has a poor mass transit system. 50 years ago, nobody complained about parking downtown, and there were hardly any spots outside of what was available on the street. Downtown was still thriving by any measure.

The anti-walking attitude in this country is the problem. Many times, there is cheap (or free after 5 or 6pm) parking on the street within a short walking distance from these places. The problem is some people are too damn lazy to even walk a block or two (and cold weather doesn't help). They don't realize that they actually walk just as far when they park in giant surface lots at Franklin Park or Fallen Timbers.

I would say economy is a big factor too, as things are not good in Ohio right now. Flowers and high-end dining are expendable in these trying times. The sooner that arena opens, the better.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Oh my god if i hear about one more downtown buisness closing im going to loose it. What is happening down there? I thought the arena would've made buisnesses think about relocating downtown not closing up shop.

Like I mentioned before, the construction of the arena is making waves by taking away available parking lots (3-4 of them which I know of are gone) and property owners are raising their rents and value because they know the arena is going to a boon such as Fifth Third Field. IMO, new and relocated businesses will start opening up around the arena close to its grand opening (Fall 2009) or sometime afterwards.

[Bonjourtoledo]

^this is perhaps more closings than usual in such a short time period. Ken's and Diva's are big shocks to me, and they will be missed.

Downtown business owners have complained about a lack of free parking.

This is not the root problem. The problem is that we live in a country that has sprawled to kingdom come and is completely reliant on the automobile. Americans have abandoned their cities, and the effects are still being felt, even as downtown's population starts to rebound. Toledo, like most American cities, also has a poor mass transit system.

I would say economy is a big factor too, as things are not good in Ohio right now. Flowers and high-end dining are expendable in these trying times. The sooner that arena opens, the better.

I agree it may not be the root problem but it's one of the major factor because we live in a society where people want abundance of available parking with no hassle (i.e. Wal-Mart, Meijer, mall, etc).

However, poor mass transit system (TARTA) in this region because it's fragmented based on what jurisdiction they serve. TARTA is about to be the only urban transit system in the state of Ohio that rely on property tax (which entails by current supported jurisdictions) versus Cleveland, Cincy, Columbus, Akron transit authorities which derives from sales tax.

Typically sales tax generates more funding than property tax and by having sales tax, the transit authorities are able to serve "countywide". Currently, TARTA only serves nine communities such as Toledo, Perrysburg, Rossford, Ottawa Hills, Maumee, Spencer Township, Waterville, Sylvania and Sylvania Township and it's extremely fragmented IMO.

The public transit is not served in Monclova Township, Springfield Township, Oregon and Perrysburg Township where there's huge growth and it's causing a transportation/economic barrier in making the connections between jobs and large population that can serve the employment needs. I.e., you cannot work at Best Buy in Springfield Township at $9/hour and be able to afford a car (insurance, fuel, maintenance) and live in the cul-de-sac homes in the townships. Most folks who need to get to Best Buy will come from where the majority of the population reside (TOLEDO!).

If TARTA has the tax mechanism like Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, and others, the public transit would be 110% better with more available funding since federal and state dollars are shrinking every year.

Yes, the sooner the arena opens, the better. With hockey on its way and the pending announcement for arena football in a couple of weeks nothing can be better than this.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[ilovetoledo]

Hail to Ed. hahah. Downtown buisnesses need to ADVERTISE. I've never really heard of Diva until now. And i wouldnt because i dont go downtown everyday. So to get people to come from the suburbs to your resturaunt wouldnt you want to advertise there to attract people. With out the public's awareness that you are there, you do not exist. The only people who have HONESTLY heard of Diva are the people that live downtown and work downtown. Occassionally you will have some others but honestly this is a major problem. The reason the docks get such good buisness is because it is reconized by the public and everyone knows and has heard of it. How many times have you seen Tony Paco's adds in the paper of what have you. Look at Ed Beczynski he advertises at the Mud Hens (great idea!). They need to get their name out on the street or else you will see what happens. I swear that this is the root of the problem.

[ToledoProgrammer]

Ed does a good job too of cleaning up his storefront and making it presentable. Diva, from the outside, didn't look of much. If I can't see inside, I think twice about going in. Blarney there is an abundance of signs off of Monroe Street, with a nice outdoor patio for the summer, and live music. Foccacio's and Mo Joe's are in high foot traffic areas.

These businesses might be failing, but that's not a blow to downtown. Less parking spaces means we need to build more mid-high end living spaces like the Bartley Lofts and the Townhomes because those are the people most willing to make the walk for food, flowers, etc.

I also agree with Bruce Rumpf that the city needs to make downtown more attractive financially for business start-ups. A 500+ employer coming in is doubtful for some time, but we can nurture and encourage small business from within to retain people and dollars in the downtown area.

[rustbeltrevival]

First of all, I agree with Bonjour on the whole sprawl issue.. but this has simply baffled me for years, and for whatever reason, a whole lot of people just don't seem to get it.. I hope more than anything that we find a solution to this energy crisis, but one would think that rising transportation costs would reverse the trend based purely on efficiency. That just doesn't seem to be happening on a large scale right now, but I hope that it will at some point.

The people who live close to downtown and or work downtown, like myself, are stunned at the closure of an establishment like Diva. Diva was arguably the best restaurant in the city. However, what has been brought to my attention is that some people, many people who live in the suburbs or surrounding towns, simply won't come to downtown because they consider it dangerous or difficult to navigate. The "parking" problem, while I agree people are lazy, might be more of a "my car may get broken into" problem, because people are simply unaware of what downtown is actually like. But this is why the warehouse district is booming while the business district is struggling: the Stadium has introduced so many people to downtown who would not typically be exposed to it. That is why the arena is such a good idea. While it may not do a ton to directly bring downtown back up, in the sense that its not going to be a huge employer, it will do great work to make more people comfortable with the idea of going downtown, which will help to revitalize that part of the neighborhood. The third part is dominated by government, the northern part, so that will always be relatively stable. So the way I see it, we have the southern and northern part of downtown doing well, we just need to work on that center part, which is where the arena will be. We also have the benefit of having a geographically small downtown, which makes it easier to concentrate efforts.

On a political note, whatever your affiliation, it's pretty awesome to have all three major candidates coming into town in the next four days. I hear McCain is staying the night at the Park Inn downtown with his 40 person entourage. Nice little shot in the arm!

[Mudhen419]

How does everyone feel about the Walleye as the new name of our hockey team? I personally like it cant wait to see what the jerseys will look like.... The fish logo could be a lil better i think.... People at ToledoTalk are dissin the name hard. Why cant they call them the Storm? Is that Gladieux's doing?

And also I read in Mondays paper that the Curtice rd ramps and overpass will be closed for up to 60 days soon. This will be to finalize the upgrades that Menards had to do to the roads to be allowed to build where they are. I drove by today and some of the traffic lights are already up. Im not sure if this means Menards will be open by then or not because there is anotehr entrance off Brown rd.... Also in that same article it talked about how Wheeling will be widened from 280 to woodville..... That will help out the 280/navarre/ woodville area hopefully we can see somethin boom in that area

[Bonjourtoledo]

rustbeltrevival, thanks for your insights which I agree as well. McCain staying at Park Inn is quite a coup, I'm surprised they weren't staying at the Hilton at UT Health Science Campus.

MudHen419, people at Toledo Talk and Swampbubble DISS about EVERYTHING period. The people from both of these sites do not know how to have a constructive dialogue and they b*tch endlessly that's why I don't even bother reading it because it's so negative.

I personally love the Walleye name, logo, and mascot--it's quite a perfect fit for Toledo. Toledo Storm logo is a Gladieux trademark and I think the artistic aspect of the logo looks very amateurish. Bottom line, the name Storm has nothing to do with Toledo region and it was a smart move to ditch it.

Menards will be facing the I-280 freeway whereas there will be main entrances from both Brown and Curtice Roads since they sit right on the Oregon/Northwood line.

Wheeling to be widened in between I-280 and Woodville is looooong overdue. Plus communities of Northwood and Oregon needs sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly access, and public transit to be able enhance those area.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[ToledoProgrammer]

rustbeltrevival, thanks for your insights which I agree as well. McCain staying at Park Inn is quite a coup, I'm surprised they weren't staying at the Hilton at UT Health Science Campus.

MudHen419, people at Toledo Talk and Swampbubble DISS about EVERYTHING period. The people from both of these sites do not know how to have a constructive dialogue and they b*tch endlessly that's why I don't even bother reading it because it's so negative.

I personally love the Walleye name, logo, and mascot--it's quite a perfect fit for Toledo. Toledo Storm logo is a Gladieux trademark and I think the artistic aspect of the logo looks very amateurish. Bottom line, the name Storm has nothing to do with Toledo region and it was a smart move to ditch it.

Menards will be facing the I-280 freeway whereas there will be main entrances from both Brown and Curtice Roads since they sit right on the Oregon/Northwood line.

Wheeling to be widened in between I-280 and Woodville is looooong overdue. Plus communities of Northwood and Oregon needs sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly access, and public transit to be able enhance those area.

SwampBubbles is ridiculous. If you want to argue about a smoking ban or taxes, thats your place. Its' like the Blade sometimes, they focus on the doom and gloom and never balance it with what good is going on in the community.

I like the team logo. I was a little weary of it at first, but seeing the logo and mascot it really does look pretty slick. I'm walking by the arena everyday just waiting for some vertical development, I'm really excited for its' completion.

[BGFalcon]

How does everyone feel about the Walleye as the new name of our hockey team?

I like it too. I am not really sure why so many people are so against it. It fits well with the region and is unique.

And, I believe Menards will open in March with the one on Alexis in May maybe.

[cjfjapan]

Greetings -
The Blade says that Obama and Clinton will be making stops in Toledo in the next four days - and Bill Clinton will be in Bowling Green this Sunday...FYI.

Also, can anyone tell me about the plan to build a new city west of Toledo in, I believe, the 1970s? I heard something about this somewhere, and maybe read a little bit about it here - I also heard that the developer of that canceled project went on to build Portside. Anyone know of any articles that might talk about the fated new town west of Toledo?

Thanks -

[ilovetoledo]

I like the the name its fits Toledo.

[ilovetoledo]

I heard that the commisioners had discussed something about a big screen on the outside of the arena to emulate Times Square in New York. Is this true? And they still dont kno exact price of the arena they have estimated, so i guess my question is are we hoping they spend more on it to make it look nice or what?

[ToledoProgrammer]

I heard that the commisioners had discussed something about a big screen on the outside of the arena to emulate Times Square in New York. Is this true? And they still dont kno exact price of the arena they have estimated, so i guess my question is are we hoping they spend more on it to make it look nice or what?

I'm pretty sure there will not be a big screen out front....but if they do....it would certainly look nice near the big artwork they will have on display in honor of Art Tatum.

[Mudhen419]

Greetings -
The Blade says that Obama and Clinton will be making stops in Toledo in the next four days - and Bill Clinton will be in Bowling Green this Sunday...FYI.

Also, can anyone tell me about the plan to build a new city west of Toledo in, I believe, the 1970s? I heard something about this somewhere, and maybe read a little bit about it here - I also heard that the developer of that canceled project went on to build Portside. Anyone know of any articles that might talk about the fated new town west of Toledo?

Thanks -

This sounds interesting....... The part about the new city. Hopefully someone here can recall something about it.......

And on the arena....... I also remember hearing about the big video board on the outside.... Im not sure if its necessary but if other arenas similar to ours have something like it then im all for it... It definatly would look cool... Not sure what the price tag on those sorts of things are but if its a reasonable price then i say take it....

I've been hearing reading about a lot of people who dont agree with where the arena is going and or how big the arena will be..... Issues with super blocks, parking, or what side of the river it should have went on are probly the most commonly talked about. But I read something about the new arena not being big enough to host NCAA tournament games? Is this true? I was hoping we could have March Madness in Toledo but if that doesnt work is there any way we could get the MAC tournament back? I think it would fit pretty good in Toledo now..... Back when we hosted in the mid 90's there was nothing downtown. I liked the way Seagate handled the events and with the new arena you could have games going on at both venues at once. It make the tournament more centrally located now since NIU and Buffalo are in the MAC

[Pilliod Njaim]

the whole sprawl issue.. but this has simply baffled me for years, and for whatever reason, a whole lot of people just don't seem to get it.. I hope more than anything that we find a solution to this energy crisis, but one would think that rising transportation costs would reverse the trend based purely on efficiency

We live in a culture that does not care about the future. Americans live for the here-and-now, and they don't think about the consequences of their actions. I think by the time people do finally "get a clue", it may be too late...

Part of the reason our counterparts in Europe have grown so distant from us is that they see our lifestyle choices (suburbs, oil-guzzlers, fast food, big box chains, obsession with beauty/sex, rampant consumerism, etc.) and think we're killing ourselves both on a physical and emotional level. And they're right. When it comes to lifestyle, Europeans are healthier than us. Based on almost any measure, we are the unhealthiest people in Western culture. We have the highest obesity rates, highest STD rates, highest infant mortality rates, highest teen pregnancy rates, highest abortion rates, highest violent crime rates, highest rates of depression/anxiety/ADD, highest car accident rates, highest drunk driving rates, etc., etc., etc.

We are a people that desperately need to change the way we live.

[Pilliod Njaim]

People at ToledoTalk are dissin the name hard.

ToledoTalk is pathetic. The posters tend to be extremely pessimistic and afraid of change. Many live in the suburbs, not the city, and some go on there just to rant about how their boring, crappy suburban locale is better than Toledo for whatever sad reason they can come up with. Many posters do nothing but complain. Skyscrapercity is a much better place to discuss the urban happenings of Toledo. We have a very good thing going on this development thread.

With that said, I like the name "Walleye". It fits the city perfectly and is quirky enough to stand side-by-side with "Mud Hens."

[ilovetoledo]

AGREED!

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[ToledoProgrammer]

I wanted to go to this, however, I had some other things planned that I needed to get done. I hope there is a recap of it in the paper or on the LC website.

[ilovetoledo]

I couldnt exactly find the report on it on Fox Toledo's website but they recapped the meeting. Buisnesses downtown want a tax free downtown. OUR COUNCIL PRESIDENT Michael Ashford didnt like the idea go figure. Wasnt he the only one to vote down the council vote to loan money for Southwyck Redevelopment? This is who we want to be the head of our council? I think that the tax free zone is crucial to bringing the buisnesses back. People complain that there is nothing to do downtown so give us something to do. And most importantly ADVERTISE IT so we know you are there. I dont understand why we cant do a tax free downtown for a year and see if buisnesses start popping up...

[Bonjourtoledo]

I couldnt exactly find the report on it on Fox Toledo's website but they recapped the meeting. Buisnesses downtown want a tax free downtown. OUR COUNCIL PRESIDENT Michael Ashford didnt like the idea go figure. Wasnt he the only one to vote down the council vote to loan money for Southwyck Redevelopment? This is who we want to be the head of our council? I think that the tax free zone is crucial to bringing the buisnesses back. People complain that there is nothing to do downtown so give us something to do. And most importantly ADVERTISE IT so we know you are there. I dont understand why we cant do a tax free downtown for a year and see if buisnesses start popping up...

Michael Ashford is no longer the president of council since the beginning of January and he is an utter fool in my book. Mark Szobcak is currently the president.

[Bonjourtoledo]

I wanted to go to this, however, I had some other things planned that I needed to get done. I hope there is a recap of it in the paper or on the LC website.

Nothing in the Tuesday's paper and I'm quite surprised they didn't cover it.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Developer, Mayor to Pursue Southwyck Deal
Travel to Kansas City This Week
Posted on WSPD 1370 AM Newsradio website 2/26/08

Developer Larry Dillin and Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner travel to Kansas City Tuesday, hoping to convince one more owner to sell his stake in the Southwyck Mall. Dillin says he's closer than ever to sealing a deal with Tom Morgan, the managing partner of the mall ownership group. Dillin says this time, it's most likely he would purchase that half of Southwyck without the use of city money if a deal is worked out. Dillin says reality has set in for the owners: that he's the only one willing to buy the mall. Dillin calls the mall's owners "enlightened and motivated."

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[ToledoProgrammer]

Michael Ashford is no longer the president of council since the beginning of January and he is an utter fool in my book. Mark Szobcak is currently the president.

And on top of that statement, current president Mark Szobcak is too an utter fool. He cites, based on an interview on Fox Toledo tonight, that there currently is already enough tax incentives downtown.

Look, Mr. Szobcak, do you honestly think the abandoned buildings and unfilled offices downtown mean the tax incentives are working? Not to mention, a business owner has to apply for tax incentives, running into government red tape just to start a business. MAKE DOWNTOWN TAX FREE. You will see a boon of businesses, because the risk of starting a business is that much lower.

EDIT: I WILL be calling my city councilman Tom Waniewski and urging him to move forward with this. Downtown development is KEY to economic vitality not just in Toledo, but the entire Northwest Ohio region.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Yesterday morning, I noticed a sign was put up at the former Durty Bird building on St. Clair/Washington. It's now being called "Legend's Bar & Grill", and for the past few weeks they've been renovating inside.

[Bonjourtoledo]

And on top of that statement, current president Mark Szobcak is too an utter fool. He cites, based on an interview on Fox Toledo tonight, that there currently is already enough tax incentives downtown.

Look, Mr. Szobcak, do you honestly think the abandoned buildings and unfilled offices downtown mean the tax incentives are working? Not to mention, a business owner has to apply for tax incentives, running into government red tape just to start a business. MAKE DOWNTOWN TAX FREE. You will see a boon of businesses, because the risk of starting a business is that much lower.

EDIT: I WILL be calling my city councilman Tom Waniewski and urging him to move forward with this. Downtown development is KEY to economic vitality not just in Toledo, but the entire Northwest Ohio region.

ToledoProgrammer, I can see Mr. Szobcak's view on the tax incentives because there are plenty of them which I firmly believe it's not promoted enough to existing and new businesses. It's the approach the city need to take place in order to foster the growth and understand the needs of businesses. Some of the businesses in downtown already have these incentives, IMO, it's a matter of national economy, parking issues, security and promotion. They truly have to think "outside-of-the-box" when it comes to competing with suburban developments where you can find ample of parking.

Here is the direct link to the city's website where many small and big businesses can take an advantage of: http://www.ci.toledo.oh.us/Departments/DepartmentofDevelopment/TaxIncentives/tabid/119/Default.aspx.

I totally agree with your statement in regards to downtown development is the "key" to economic vitality region-wise. The arena construction is not coming soon enough for downtown plus they need to sell Portside Marketplace to a reputable developer in order bring back the "regional-draw" shopping mall status. We only have one enclosed mall in the entire region, why not have a second one with Portside? I certainly will never be caught shopping at Fallen Timbers and Levis Commons in this weather.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here is the website link to the actual developments that the City of Toledo Department of Development is assisting currently: http://www.ci.toledo.oh.us/Departments/DepartmentofDevelopment/CurrentDevelopmentProjects/tabid/116/Default.aspx

This reflect the Quarter 4 of 2007 whereas many jobs are being retained and created within the city, this also enables redevelopments and expand existing projects as well.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Very interesting article at looking at the automotive industries in the Toledo regional area. IMO, I think it's time for Hyundai or Nissan to start looking at this area to expand their market in the North American division as the Big Three is being chipped at.

[toledo25]

I think that Toledo should set something like this up... So we could get some films made here and generate more jobs for local businesses and stimulate our economy. Or a Video Game company.... Either way.

----
"Public Enemies" (Starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale) is the first major production to come to Wisconsin after new tax incentives took effect Jan. 1. Doyle's office said the film company, which plans to spend nearly $20 million in the state, will earn about $3.9 million in tax credits.

Under the law, a production company qualifies for a tax credit of 25 percent of the wages paid to employees to produce a film, video, electronic game, broadcast advertisement or television production in the state. Also included are credits for sales tax, construction, wardrobes, clothing and visual effects.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Downtown Business Concerns
Lucas County Commissioner meets with business owners to discuss business downtown
By Arielle Berlin Posted on WNWO NBC 24 website 2-25-2008

TOLEDO, OH -- In the last few weeks, several businesses have closed in the downtown area. Bellacino's, Quizno's, Ken's Flower Shop, and now, Diva Restaurant are all closed.

Monday night, business owners shared their ideas with Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop, about how to help downtown Toledo thrive.

One of the suggestions was to offer tax free areas for businesses. Too many taxes was a major concern, along with a lack of free parking and dwindling crowds.

Konop says he hopes the new arena will help spruce up the area, but something has to be done in the meantime.

While there are many businesses leaving the area, there are some moving in. Madhouse Productions, a graphics design firm from Perrysburg, has just purchased a building in the downtown area.

Business owners want to create an association to network and generate interest in Downtown Toledo. But they say there is an onus on the community members to come downtown.

[Bonjourtoledo]

I think that Toledo should set something like this up... So we could get some films made here and generate more jobs for local businesses and stimulate our economy. Or a Video Game company.... Either way.

----
"Public Enemies" (Starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale) is the first major production to come to Wisconsin after new tax incentives took effect Jan. 1. Doyle's office said the film company, which plans to spend nearly $20 million in the state, will earn about $3.9 million in tax credits.

Under the law, a production company qualifies for a tax credit of 25 percent of the wages paid to employees to produce a film, video, electronic game, broadcast advertisement or television production in the state. Also included are credits for sales tax, construction, wardrobes, clothing and visual effects.


That would be cool and I can see it now "The Sopranos" film version just like the "Sex and the City" coming out on the silver screen.

[tk29]

Fox Toledo reported last night that Pizza Papalis plans to open dowtown in 2009. They have a coming soon sign already on the building at Monroe and Huron. And in Westgate news, according to their website Fresh Market plans on opening this fall.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Fulton Co. Company Eyes Expansion
Sylvania Twp. Plant Would Add Jobs
Posted on WSPD 1370AM Website 2-28-2008

A Fulton County company is eyeing Sylvania Township for expansion. As Newstalk 1370 WSPD's Kevin Milliken reports, that may mean some much-need new jobs. Next Specialty Resins currently has facilities in Fayette and Addison, Michigan, but is looking to buy the old Reichert Stamping plant on Central Avenue. The company wants the port authority to approve four million dollars in bonds to complete the purchase, fix up the building, and buy new equipment. It's a deal that could create 25 new jobs over the next three years.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[4silverrings]

Proposal: Developing a Main Downtown Toledo Gateway from I-75 Highway
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3838/gatewayfinalcv8.jpg
Posted from my blog: www.nextsteptoledo.blogspot.com
(http://www.nextsteptoledo.blogspot.com)
Executive Summary
Downtown Toledo lacks a main downtown gateway road interchange that allows people to easily enter and leave the downtown area. A main gateway should be designed to provide easy access for those who live, work, and visit downtown. In addition to creating simplified driving routes, the main gateway would assist further development of the downtown area. The gateway would fuse the entrance ramps and exit ramps to and from I-75 to the same interchange system. This localization, and creation of a full interchange, will allow investments into businesses and city beautification to be centralized and focused in an effort to increase effectiveness

Proposed Downtown Gateway
The main Downtown Toledo I-75 gateway should provide easy access to the downtown office buildings, 5/3 Field, the future arena, the Seagate Center, the Erie Street Market, and the bridges across the Maumee River. The gateway would need adequate space for a full interchange with as little demolition as possible. The gateway should provide a scenic view of Downtown Toledo and provide simple, efficient traffic flow.

Image Above

The Downtown I-75 Gateway would achieve the goals of the project by being developed south of downtown at the I-75/Anthony Wayne Trail interchange. The Anthony Wayne Trail interchange is classified as a partial interchange as it lacks half of the directions of a full interchange. The location and current road setup make the AW interchange the most desirable. Railroad tracks once took up much of the land heading into the Warehouse District, and with their removal, there is a large amount of available land around the area. The redevelopment of the interchange into a full interchange would allow for traffic from both the Anthony Wayne Trail and I-75 to enter Downtown Toledo and disperse to intended destinations. The gateway area between the interchange and downtown would be renovated and a small park and boulevard developed, with 3 lanes per direction.

Proposed Loop
A downtown loop can then be developed using the streets that connect to the AW Trail, as north Anthony Wayne Trail turns into N. Erie St. loops by the Lucas County Courthouse and returns to South Anthony Wayne Trail via N. Michigan St. The loop itself is already in place and can be advertised as a central investment area. The north loop provides access to downtown condos and lofts, the Warehouse District, 5/3 Field is one block from the loop, as will be the new arena. Serviced by the south loop are the Lucas County Courthouse, administrative buildings, the downtown library, the Greyhound station, S, the Pilkington building, as well as a gas station prior to the I-75 entrance ramp. The loop also provides easy access to The Greenbelt Parkway and thus I-280.
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3817/toledoloopsb9.jpg


My original goal was provide insight into improvements and renovations that could be done in the Toledo area. This is my first attempt at getting some of my ideas on paper and on screen. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3079/aw3hy3.jpg

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9351/aw4nh3.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Welcome 4silverrings, thank you for the post in regards to this project. We are all looking forward in providing inputs and learning more about this project.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Perrysburg Delafoil plant sold
By CHRIS MILLER Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted on BG Sentinel-Tribune website 2-29-2008

PERRYSBURG — Something is brewing at the old Delafoil manufacturing facility along Ohio 25, and it could be good news for Perrysburg and the region.
According to recent real estate transfers reported by the Wood County Real Estate Division, the Delafoil facility, a commercial property, has been sold for $7 million to Spring Grove Trading Company, LLC.

The real estate transfer was reported in the House & Home Section of Thursday’s Sentinel-Tribune.

According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, the agent for Spring Grove Trading Company is Michael Cicak. He’s a Perrysburg Township resident and past president of Solar Cells, forerunner of the now-notable First Solar company which produces photovoltaic solar modules at its township plant in Cedar Business Park.

A phone message seeking comment on the recent Delafoil purchase was left at Cicak’s home this morning, but had not been returned by press time late this morning.

Perrysburg city officials acknowledge there is interest in the Delafoil facility, a sprawling 250,000 square-foot manufacturing and warehouse site located on the east side of Route 25, across from the new Harbor Town Place commercial development and about a mile south of Levis Commons. The address of the Delafoil facility is 1775 Progress Drive.

City officials are not commenting on the exact nature of the expected new business.

Will it be a new solar module manufacturing facility, further solidifying Wood County’s status as an emerging hotbed of alternative energy production and usage here in Ohio?

No one is saying publicly just yet.
Rick Thielen, the city’s planning, zoning and economic development administrator, earlier this month said he’s hopeful some “good news will break yet this year.”

Perrysburg Administrator John Alexander, contacted this morning, confirmed the city has been in contact with “representatives of the new owners” of the Delafoil facility.

“We’re not in a position to discuss the nature of those communications,” Alexander said. “But we believe the general outline, with their business plan, will be beneficial to the region.”

He said the city is “aware of the sale of the building and we’re very pleased it appears it will once again be occupied. We always recognized it as a versatile structure that could be used for manufacturing and warehousing.”

Delafoil was a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of television components that opened its $46 million Perrysburg facility in 1996. The company produced components used in TV picture tubes, including magnetic shields. It was the largest single industrial investment in Perrysburg at the time.

At its peak it employed about 250 workers. But the company fell on hard times when its main customer, LG Phillips, closed its TV production plant in Ottawa and moved to Mexico.

Delafoil attempted restructuring itself, closing its Pennsylvania facility and consolidating operations here in Perrysburg in 2003. The company cut its workforce, received numerous tax breaks, and attempted marketing its magnetic shielding for automotive and construction applications. Delafoil closed for good in 2005.

Another company, Proline, began using part of the facility under a lease arrangement in late 2005, but closed the following summer. Proline provided bulk food packaging for Campbell Soup and H.J. Heinz.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Menards, Wal-Mart open new locations in Oregon, Perrysburg
By Justin R. Kalmes Toledo Free Press Managing Editor
and Duane Ramsey Senior Business Writer
Posted via website 2-29-2008

Two retail giants will open the doors to new properties in the Toledo area this week, adding to the expanding business landscapes in Oregon and Perrysburg.

Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer Menards is set to open its 240,000-square-foot store near Interstate 280 in Oregon March 4 as part of the company's plan to add an estimated 15 stores in 2008, two of which will be in Northwest Ohio. Menards expects to open a location on Alexis Road in Toledo in late spring or early summer. The company's Holland store on Airport Highway opened in 2005.

The world's largest employer, Wal-Mart, is opening its newest store in Northwest Ohio March 5 on state Route 20 in Perrysburg, adding more retail competition to the growing commercial area.

The Perrysburg location is one of four Wal-Mart Supercenters opening in Ohio the first week of March with stores opening in Bedford, Lancaster and Warren. The four new stores will bring 1,265 news jobs and additional tax revenues to the state, Wal-Mart officials said.

The Oregon Menards will employ between 165 and 175 employees, about 50 percent of whom will work full time, said general manager Dave Long. Of the store's total number of employees, about 120 were local hires, he said. Long leads a leadership team that will include two assistant general managers, 10 department managers and 18 assistant department managers.

Long, who worked as general manager of the Holland location for about 18 months before reporting to the Oregon store Jan. 14, said each Menards carries more than 750,000 different items. Though the store specializes in hardware and home improvement and building supplies, it also carries a variety of other products, including clothing and groceries.

“Even though we sell milk and eggs, we're still a lumberyard at heart,” Long said.

The Oregon Menards will feature new displays product lines that will eventually be made available at other locations, Long said. Worth checking out, he said, is the store's patio block display, which showcases five semi-loads of slabs arranged to exhibit several different possibilities.

“It truly gives you a feel of what you can do in your backyard,” Long said, noting Menards does not compete with local contractors by offering installation services like its competitors do.

Other store features of note include a garden center and a design center that allows customers to use a computer to map out their home improvement projects. The technology creates a materials list to match the user's design specifications.

Long said the store's mission is to provide customers with a one-stop shop to purchase everything they need to complete a project.

“We are truly dedicated to service and quality,” he said in reference to the company's motto.

The company's controlled growth throughout the Midwest has set Menards apart from its competitors by ensuring its employees have the knowledge they need to exceed customers' expectations, Long said.

“We have the opportunity to train our team members to make sure they're ready when we open the store,” he said.

Marv Prochaska, vice president of real estate for Menards, said the company's success at its Holland location led to its decision to open two more stores in the area. He said the company would decide if the market warrants more stores based upon the success of the Oregon and Toledo locations.

Gary Thompson, executive director of the Oregon Economic Development Foundation, said Menards is the type of store that has goods people use in everyday life. He said community leaders hope the opening leads to more retailers locating in Oregon.

“It means people living and working here in Oregon can spend their money here in Oregon as well,” Thompson said. “We're always excited about keeping the local dollar in the local economy.”

Menards will host a contractor preview night from 6 to 8 p.m. March 3 and will open to the public March 4. The store's grand opening is set for March 29 and will feature an appearance by former Detroit Tigers outfielder Willie Horton, Long said.

The Oregon Menards will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Wal-Mart opens Perrysburg store

The Perrysburg Wal-Mart will employ around 300 associates with the majority of the positions being full time, manager Russell Sporysz said. The national average wage for Wal-Mart full-time associates is $10.65 per hour.

“We think our new associates will find that Wal-Mart is a great place to work and full of opportunity for those looking for advancement and want to make a career here,” said Sporysz, who began his career with the company 10 years ago as a cart pusher at a store in South Carolina.

The 176,000-square-foot store offers more than 175,000 different items with a full line of groceries. Non-food merchandise includes apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, furniture, health and beauty aids, toys, lawn and garden supplies, and electronics.

Another feature is Wal-Mart's “site-to-store” option, which allows customers to order items online and pick them up at the company's nearest location.

Wal-Mart stores also support Ohio manufacturers by carrying products from companies like the Ballerich Chip Company, Keystone Meats, Ole Mexican Products, Ghossian's MidEast Bakery and DiRusso Sausage.

Additional services include a one-hour photo lab, a pharmacy with two drive-through lanes and a Wal-Mart Connect Center for wireless sales. A SmartStyle family hair salon, a branch of Woodforest Bank and a Subway restaurant are located within the store.

The Perrysburg store will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight every day.

The store will host a grand opening ceremony at 7:15 a.m. March 5. It will open for business following the
ceremony.

Grand opening activities planned for the day include product samples, giveaways and character appearances. Sporysz said that grand opening grants from the store would be distributed to nine local organizations that have a positive impact on the community.

Most of the funds will support local educational programs. A total of $18,000 will be distributed to area organizations like the Ohio Division of the American Cancer Society, Miracle League of Northwest Ohio, Young Women's Christian Association, Penta County Career Center, Perrysburg school district and Perrysburg police and fire departments.

“Wal-Mart has a long history of supporting educational initiatives,” Sporysz said.

The Perrysburg store is the fifth Wal-Mart Supercenter located in the Toledo area with other stores on West Central Avenue and Glendale Avenue in Toledo, Navarre Avenue in Oregon and at Spring Meadows in Holland. Wal-Mart also operates stores in Bowling Green, Bryan, Fremont, Napoleon and Wauseon.

Wal-Mart was seeking a site for an additional Supercenter in North Toledo possibly along Alexis Road, a company official said in October.

Discount clothing retailer Burlington Coat Factory plans to open a store in the Airport Square Shopping Center on Airport Highway just west of Reynolds Road.

[Bonjourtoledo]

AH HAAAA!!!! I knew it due to the fact that they are NOT closed despite of the poor reporting from several media outlets indicated they were closed. It's a good thing that not everything is so doom-and-gloom these days. Thank goodness for this website to allow us to post and discuss constructive, positive developmental news.

Jackson's Lounge remains open as banquet facility
By Brandi Barhite
Special Sections Editor bbarhite@toledofreepress.com

Jackie Mullen, office manager for the retired NBA player Jim Jackson, said Jackson's Downtown restaurant is not open for lunch, but is running as a full-service banquet facility, hosting private parties, luncheons, business meetings and special events.

Mullen, who runs the restaurant at night, said recent media reports that Jackson's was closed were made without confirming facts.

“We are not closed,” she said.

Jackson's lunch business was stopped because the person leasing the kitchen for the day left the restaurant, Mullen said. Negotiations are under way to bring in a new person for the lunch hour. Jackson's Lounge, 233 N. Huron St., is open from 6 p.m. to midnight Mondays for “Martini Mondays.” All martinis are $3 and wings are 30 cents.

Jackson's also hosts ballroom, step and line dancing every third Thursday of the month. Starting March 8, the restaurant will host a professional networking event, Mullen said.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Two media articles in regards the Swan Creek project (WNWO 24 NBC and WTOL 11 CBS):

City plans for downtown river walk
Townhouses, shops to go near Swan Creek
By Matt Trezza
Posted: Friday, February 29, 2008

SWAN CREEK -- Mayor Finkbeiner is unveiling a plan for a thriving river walk community near downtown Toledo. He hopes the Swan Creek development will begin a new renaissance for the city. Today, Swan Creek is lonely, desolate and polluted. The mayor introduced a vision of what the City of Toledo thinks it could be in the not so distant future.

“Fifteen years from now,” he says, “people will be highly charged, energized about finding a place to live in, have an office in, dine in, be entertained in, or just plain stroll along the waterfront.”

The city is working with Tetra Tech to make it happen. The company which opened a Toledo office helped develop high-profile riverfront projects like the ones in San Antonio and Indianapolis.

“I was proud of the city,” says lifelong Toledoan, Andrew Langenderfer, “when I visited San Antonio and I came back, when I saw Swan Creek I said there's our San Antonio River Walk.”

Over the next year, Tetra Tech will conduct a feasibility study to put together their plan for development along Swan Creek. The city hopes Swan Creek will compliment the marina district being built at the other end of downtown.

“Bring Swan Creek back to the forefront as the natural resource that it is,” says Jeffrey Fleischman, who works for Tetra Tech, “to do that we're going to bring people, activities and an economic engine to the area.”

Mayor Finkbeiner says the city is forming a long-term partnership with Tetra Tech on the Swan Creek project. He says the company is paying for the feasibility study.

One of the barriers to getting it done has been Swan Creek's ecosystem. It would be prohibitively expensive for a private developer to clean-up the water and soil there that's been polluted from years of local manufacturing. Tetra Tech hopes this partnership with the city will help them get government funding to clean the area up and move ahead with the project.



Major revitalization project proposed along Swan Creek
Posted WTOL 11 Website Feb 29, 2008

TOLEDO -- Mayor Carty Finkbeiner announced Friday the city's vision for a major revitalization project along Swan Creek in Toledo's Warehouse District.

The city is focusing on Swan Creek from its mouth at the Maumee River to I-75. News 11's Shelley Brown has the details.

We're talking about a whole new neighborhood surrounding the Erie Street Market along Swan Creek.

But first, millions of dollars in environmental cleanup -- dollars the mayor believes could come from the state and federal governments. It's a project the mayor says the city can't afford to pass up.

In the Warehouse District, the city is hoping to develop 50 to 100 acres along Swan Creek into a vibrant waterside neighborhood. Mayor Carty Finkbeiner explained it as, "A San Antonio-type riverwalk along the Swan Creek, and right in the middle of that is the Erie Street Market."

The mayor adds that it's a chance to improve Swan Creek as a natural resource and provide greater public access to it. "The vision calls for single family homes, townhouses, shopping opportunities, business offices, restaurants, boating opportunities and a pedestrian riverwalk along the Swan Creek."

Tetra Tech, a national planning and engineering firm, is working with the city at "no cost" to study the plan. Jeff Fleischman of Tetra Tech told News11, "We're going to bring people, activities, an economic engine to the area."

But not without significant environmental cleanup first of the water and soil, exposed and contaminated by industry for years. Developer Larry Dillin said "I think it's a compliment to what we're doing at the Marina District." The marina district is set to open next spring and the downtown arena after that.

This project -- if all goes as planned -- would follow. Though planners say it could be a 10 to 15 year project. Bob Rosencrantz of the Erie Street Chowder House said, "We need growth in the city, you know. I hope there's enough bodies to fill all of this proposed project."

The next step?

City council will vote whether to enter into an agreement with Tetra Tech to move forward on a feasibility plan.

[ilovetoledo]

This all sounds too good to be true

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Pilliod Njaim]

Plans are for construction of the Stroh Center to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2012. It is to have seating for 5,000 to watch basketball and volleyball games, graduation ceremonies, and other events.

What the hell?! 5,000?! That's a joke and no larger than Anderson Arena. OU's Convocation Center holds 13,000 and can fill up for big basketball games and concerts. UT's renovated Savage Hall will hold 9,000 to 10,000 for games and concerts. It too can sell out. Why in the hell is BG building something so small? It seems with a major university and proximity to Toledo, Bowling Green should have a much larger arena. I can't believe they're building something with only 5,000 seats. I mean, shit, Athens is in the middle of nowhere, is 70 miles from the nearest big city, and it has a 13,000-seat arena (even more for concerts). Bowling Green can handle that since it's the same size AND can draw from metro Toledo. I was at least hoping for something with 7,500 seats for basketball and maybe a little more for concerts...

Did the fact there's going to be two large, high-class arenas in Toledo affect their decision? I don't think it should make a difference since most NCAA D1 schools of BG's size have a large arena of at least Savage Hall caliber.

And that rendering looks like crap...really cheap and not very "university." The only positive thing I can say about it is the name is great. "Stroh" will automatically become "Stroh's" since that's one of the staple beers of college keg parties.

[Pilliod Njaim]

The 50 to 100 acres could include office space, homes, shops, and a waterfront promenade.

Key to the development would be the idea of a dense, mixed-use development, with residents living there contributing to pedestrian activity and vitality, said Gonzalo Echeverria of the architectural and planning firm Looney Ricks Kiss of Princeton, N.J.

The end result would be much like San Antonio's River Walk, Mr. Finkbeiner said.

This would be awesome, and more fitting for the "River Walk" development like in San Antonio, which is really not a river, but more of a creek or canal.

Toledo has a bona fide river with the Mighty Maumee, and Marina District development should focus on that. I know Carty in the past had proposed digging a canal between Front Street and the Maumee River. Frankly, I didn't see the point since Toledo already has a great riverfront to work with and digging a canal would be overkill. The San Antonio type project is much more fitting along Swan Creek than the Maumee River. Swan Creek is similar in size to what they have in San Antonio. It's narrow and easy to build pedestrian bridges across.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

A. Schulman plans $18M Findlay expansion
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website
March 2008 Edition

A. Schulman, Inc. plans to construct a 77,000 square foot plastics manufacturing building as well as purchase machinery and equipment to increase operating capacity at its Findlay site. The company facility will be utilized for compounding products used in the additive and film markets. Ohio was in competition with Missouri, Indiana, and Mexico for this $18 million project, which is expected to create 33 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations.

According to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), A. Schulman has been awarded a 40% credit for a five-year term to assist the expansion. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $76,698 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years.

A. Schulman’s new CEO, Joseph Gingo, joined A. Schulman late last year, succeeding the company’s former chairman, president, and CEO, Terry L. Haines. Gingo most recently served as executive vice president, quality systems and chief technical officer for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He has also been an A. Schulman board member since 2000.

In a statement regarding his appointment, Gingo commented, “The company is poised for growth, with the restructuring of our North American operations and the launch of InvisionÆ.”

Invision is a compound and resin finish for automobiles (assist handles, console lids, armrests), trucks, recreational vehicles (handles, grips), and appliances (soft touch surfaces).

In early January, Gingo also revealed a 100-day plan designed to improve the company’s profitability and to drive future earnings growth. According to the company, Gingo’s plan covers six main areas of transportation across the firm:

• More efficient and effective utilization of A. Schulman's North American manufacturing facilities, including potential restructuring;

• Enhanced focus on value-added products to drive profitable growth in the polybatch and engineered compounds segments;

• Re-assessment of A. Schulman's North American automotive business to emphasize profitable areas;

• Suspension of further capital expenditures on InvisionÆ until the marketing strategy has been refined to ensure accelerated market adoption of the new multi-layered sheet product;

• Identification of additional efficiencies in the sales and administrative structure of European operations; and

• Ensuring that the proper leadership team is in place to execute upon A. Schulman's strategy.

Gingo stated, “While the special committee of the board reviews external strategic alternatives, we will focus on ensuring that we have in place the best strategy and infrastructure to take the company forward, positioning A. Schulman for success under all circumstances.”

In the March 2007 issue of Toledo Business Journal, Haines discussed the company’s growth plans, including $53 million plans for new construction, machinery, and equipment at Findlay’s Tall Timbers Industrial Park.

At the time, Haines explained that the company was moving away from “commodity” products and toward custom formulated, engineered plastic compounds in an effort to broaden its customer base.

A. Schulman is an international supplier of plastic compounds and resins, which are used as raw materials in a variety of markets. The company’s principal product lines consist of proprietary and custom-formulated engineered plastic compounds, color concentrates, and additives designed to improve the appearance and performance of plastics in a number of specialized applications.

The company has technology centers in North America and Europe. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, A. Schulman employs approximately 2,500 employees and has 13 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Mexico, and the Asia-Pacific region.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Erie County wins petri business
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website
March 2008 Edition

Akro-Mils, Inc. – located in Sandusky and a manufacturing segment of Myers Industries, Inc. – has proposed a plan to invest more than $1.5 million in new machinery and equipment and on-site infrastructure to support the relocation of a Petri dish business from Brampton, Ontario, Canada to the Sandusky facility.

According to Mark Litten, executive director of the Erie County Economic Development Corporation, eight production lines that manufacture Petri dishes will be relocated to Sandusky from Ontario.

“It’s going to create new jobs and it’s a very nice investment in our community by Akro-Mils,” he stated.

The new injection molding lines are designed to complement Akro-Mils’ existing lines and manufacturing processes, and the company plans to conduct both manufacturing and distribution functions at its existing Sandusky facility. Ohio was in competition with South Carolina and Kentucky for the project, which is expected to create 30 jobs and retain 78 positions within the first three years of the project’s initial operations.

Myers Industries is closing three recently acquired facilities in Brampton, Ontario; Lugoff, South Carolina; and Dawson Springs, Kentucky with the company’s other facilities bidding to make the products that were previously produced at these facilities. The Petri dish making operations are proposed to move from Ontario to the Sandusky plant.

“Akro-Mils has facilities around North America. They actually put this out to bid to all of their facilities,” Litten explained. “So, the Sandusky plant management submitted their proposal to bring this business here. And we worked very closely with plant personnel in trying to put together an incentive package to enhance their bid to their corporate board of directors.”

To accommodate the project, Akro-Mils plans to create a semi-clean room operation and install eight additional injection-molding machines. It also plans to maintain its current employment level of 78 full-time equivalent employees and create a minimum of 30 new full-time equivalent job positions.

The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) has approved a 30% tax credit for a five-year term for the expansion. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $24,070 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years.

Additionally, the City of Sandusky has approved a $100,000 Revolving Loan Fund low interest loan to the company. Litten explained that the loan principal could be forgiven if the company reaches its job creation goals for the project.

In 2006, Akro-Mils completed a 165,000 square foot addition to its existing 144,000 square foot facility at Sandusky’s Bayside Business Park. A small part of the building expansion has been used for an existing injection molding operation with the balance of the new facility being used for warehousing and shipping.

Akro-Mils is headquartered in Akron and is one of four manufacturing segments that sells more than 20,000 products under 14 brands to a range of customers and markets. The company conducts its business activities in four segments, including three manufacturing segments and one distribution segment. The manufacturing segments consist of North American material handling, automotive and custom, and lawn and garden. The company designs, produces, and markets both plastic and metal storage, organization, transport, and material handling products for use in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets.

Since 1947, Akro-Mils has provided plastic and metal products for storage and organization for businesses and consumers. Its industrial / commercial products can be used to store nuts and bolts or medical supplies, as Akro-Mils’ bins, carts, and material handling products can be found throughout the commercial and healthcare industries.

Myers Industries is an international manufacturer of plastic and rubber products for industrial, agricultural, automotive, commercial, and consumer markets. The company is also a wholesale distributor of tools, equipment, and supplies for the tire, wheel, and undervehicle service industry. Myers encompasses 25 manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, 39 domestic and five international distribution branches, more than 20,000 products, and more than 5,000 employees.

[Bonjourtoledo]

The RightThing, Inc. expands Findlay operation
Firm establishes global service center headquarters
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website
March 2008 Edition

The RightThing, Inc., an end-to-end provider of recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), broke ground in November to expand its headquarters in Findlay. According to the company, the project is designed to meet increasing client demand, year-on-year double-digit revenue growth, and recent global initiatives in the RPO industry.

The new structure, scheduled to open in June, will be located next to the company’s current facility with an enclosed walkway connecting the two spaces. The 35,000 square foot expansion will house up to 320 employees and feature eight conference rooms and a 200-seat auditorium; the auditorium will be a multi-purpose room used for clients as well as to hold events. Other features include a client display room, a large reception area, an open environment without individual workstations, an exposed ceiling, a raised floor, and a backup generator.

Alvada Construction is the general contractor and RCM Architects is the architect for the project. According to Whitney Killinger, public relations, The RightThing, the expansion has been designed to blend in with the existing facility.

With recent global partnerships covering Asia, Europe and South America, the expanded office will play a key role in establishing The RightThing’s global service center headquarters, according to the firm.

“We’re excited about the expansion. It’s evidence of our continued growth and commitment to delivering quality service to our clients,” Terry Terhark, president and CEO of The RightThing stated. “It’s also an investment in our employees. State of the art facilities create a productive environment, which tends to attract the best people.”

The RightThing moved into its current 43,000 square foot location in August 2006. The $3.6 million expansion included the acquisition of an existing building previously occupied by Microsoft Corporation until the end of 2004. According to The RightThing, its move to the new headquarters resulted in it committing to the addition of 114 jobs and retaining of 150 positions over 3 years. Additionally, as a result of the project, Hancock County committed to the improvement of County Road 99.

With exponential industry growth driving triple digit employee expansion annually, according to the company, the building is already at capacity. The RightThing’s development this past year has included the opening of the industry’s first standalone recruitment operations center in Philadelphia last June, which will also serve as The RightThing’s global recruiting headquarters; plans are also in progress for a second center to open in Los Angeles early this year.

Founded in 2003, The RightThing has experienced financial growth at a rate of 250% each year, according to the company. Employee growth has also been strong.

The RightThing is designed to assist organizations in accomplishing their hiring goals and objectives by streamlining hiring processes for large corporations through outsourcing. The company has worked in a range of industries and claims organizations such as Kellogg’s, Merck, Unisys, Cardinal Health, CVS, and US Steel as clients. It is an end-to-end recruitment process outsource provider and, through a customized execution, delivers design, administrative, and consulting services to businesses in such industries as pharmaceutical, financial, consumer, public utility, and transportation.

[4silverrings]

Proposal: Developing a Main Downtown Toledo Gateway from I-75 Highway
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3838/gatewayfinalcv8.jpg
Posted from my blog: www.nextsteptoledo.blogspot.com
(http://www.nextsteptoledo.blogspot.com)


My original goal was provide insight into improvements and renovations that could be done in the Toledo area. This is my first attempt at getting some of my ideas on paper and on screen. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3079/aw3hy3.jpg

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9351/aw4nh3.jpg

Bonjour, this was too good not to share. I haven't posted on ToledoTalk in several years, but I remember the biggest problem I have with Toledo.

It's general pessimism coupled with the audacity to whine about it while sitting on your ass contributing 205 articles and 901 comments.

I would imagine this should be low on the priority list unless it's a headstone and accompanying flowers for the future economic development of the city.

As everything I know about urban development can be traced to the Sim City, we need to rebuild after natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, which are allegories for artificial disasters like mortgage scams ,housing bubbles, unfair trade policies with protectionist nations, etc.

It might be better to address more functional needs then aesthetic wants.

Toledo obviously has individuals that think that solutions to economic problems and increases in business development are mutually exclusive.

I feel your role is different, where as you talk about ideas and current business development. Others prefer to complain about mortgage prices, ask what a house value really is, and want kites to power boats.

While probably buying groceries from Wal Mart and paying rent to a landlord who paid a huge mortgage for the apartment complex.

I don't agree. But then again, I'm not a communist.

Comments about Urban Active Fitness
They seem to prey on the naive, insecure, and people who want to look like someone else.

I would like to check the place out. But I'd probably prefer running or biking in a more peaceful environment than a meat market with handiwipes.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

River East to sell six buildings including landmark to satisfy debt
Article by John Szozda 3/5/2008
Posted on The Press Newspaper website

One of the biggest landlords in East Toledo is getting out of the property management business.

River East Economic Revitalization Corporation is selling some of the most well known buildings in East Toledo including the Weber Block, the 1888 landmark it helped save from the wrecking ball in the late 1980s.

The six buildings have a market value of $1.8 million. They include: The Jobst Building, the E & C Manufacturing Building and the Steger-Showel Building. The Friedman Block, which once housed J.C. Penny’s, recently sold for $225,000, according to Brad Peebles, executive director of River East.

The only building not for sale is the old O’Rourke Buick dealership building at 715 Front Street. River East invested $1.2 million to accommodate a tenant, B.E.C. labs, which at its zenith, employed more than 100. When the company lost a large client and downsized, it fell behind its rent. Today, the building is worth less than the mortgage, Peebles says.

Kent Myers, president of the board, wants River East to get back to its roots—economic development, not property management. That means stabilizing and redeveloping the Starr-Main business corridor, writing business plans for small businesses and facilitating industrial development.

Peebles agrees. He said, “It’s not been the mission of River East to be property managers. We’ve been ineffective…We need private investment, not more public investment.”

Peebles immediate goal is to pare down $1.5 million in debt including more than $50,000 in back taxes. He’s attempting to stay one step ahead of the creditors. Two recent lawsuits have been settled. The Colyer Family Limited Partnership won a judgment of $45,046 and has agreed to a monthly payment plan. And, Volunteer Energy Services, which sued to recoup $66,817 in unpaid gas bills, agreed to settle.

The sale of the buildings is crucial to survival. The federal government has reduced community development block grant money to the City of Toledo, which, in turn, has reduced funding to River East. Peebles said River East received $245,000 seven years ago and just $101,000 this fiscal year. Deeper cuts are expected this June for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

So, how did the lead agency for economic development in East Toledo get in such dire straits?

In the 1990s, River East was the city’s most successful community development organization. So successful that in 1993 its director Don Monroe was named Ernst & Young’s national recipient of its Supporter of Entrepreneurship award. Its accomplishments included:

Redeveloping the Weber Block, which in 2003 housed seven business employing 50;

Creating a small business incubator in partnership with the University of Toledo;

Converting the Andrews Building into a multiple business center;

Developing The Docks restaurant and entertainment complex, which in 2000 employed more than 600 and generated some $1.3 million in payroll and sales taxes;

Acting as the lead agency to complete the first brown-field development in the state which resulted in $4.4 million in investment and the saving of 204 jobs.

But, the economy changed. Jobst left for North Carolina and River East bought the building in hopes of finding a tenant. Then, when E & C Manufacturing ran into financial trouble, River East bought that building and leased it back.

Peebles said River East charged low rents to keep and attract jobs. But, as businesses downsized or went under and couldn’t pay rent, River East was forced to liquidate assets.

Peebles is optimistic the 34-year-old organization will be around to see development of the $250 million Marina District project. He wants to dispel rumors he was brought in to close it down. “I told the board, I would agree to a six-month commitment to get the organization to become a viable entity again…I told the board I wouldn’t jeopardize my career with a floundering organization.”

Peebles is in the seventh month of his six month commitment. He can see the light. He has a pending offer for the Weber Block; a Detroit company purchased E & C Manufacturing and a five-year lease is in place and overhead was reduced when River East left the city-owned Andrews Building and its annual utility bill of more than $65,000.

The potential sale of the Weber Block concerns local historians Ron Mauter, president of the East Toledo Historical Society, and authors Larry Michaels and Jeff Eversman. The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is being sold without any deed restrictions, which means someone could buy it, raze it and put up a drug store.

“It’s the most important property they own as far as the future of East Toledo goes. They have a responsibility to that future,” says Michaels.

If we can get beyond these issues, the opportunities are abundant,” Peebles says. River East is working with a number of other business, civic, and government organizations to redevelop commercial and residential property in East Toledo’s central business district and the Garfield Neighborhood. The group, called Connecting the Pieces, was awarded a $200,000 grant to create a development plan.

Meanwhile, construction on a residential project featuring 160 row houses at the Marina District is expected to start in late 2008 or early 2009. The new city-owned marina and passenger terminal have been built.

[Pilliod Njaim]

I haven't posted on ToledoTalk in several years, but I remember the biggest problem I have with Toledo.

It's general pessimism coupled with the audacity to whine about it while sitting on your ass contributing 205 articles and 901 comments.

Don't judge Toledo by ToledoTalk, since most people on there are not even Toledoans. Many are suburbanites or people who moved to the area who have a vendetta against they city. No single website accurately describes a city, whether it be Toledo or any other place else.

[ToledoProgrammer]

I haven't posted on ToledoTalk in several years, but I remember the biggest problem I have with Toledo.

It's general pessimism coupled with the audacity to whine about it while sitting on your ass contributing 205 articles and 901 comments.

Don't judge Toledo by ToledoTalk, since most people on there are not even Toledoans. Many are suburbanites or people who moved to the area who have a vendetta against they city. No single website accurately describes a city, whether it be Toledo or any other place else.

Very true, unfortunately though, Toledo does seem to have a high number of cynical citizens who are intent on focusing on Toledo's problems in the form of whining, yet not offer up any solution. I see that even in the people I talk with at bar's or social events or friends and family.

[Pilliod Njaim]

Really, ToledoTalk isn't even that bad compared to websites for other cities in Ohio. There at least is a diversity of political beliefs, and there's historymike, who's great.

The general pessimism is the main problem, though, but it's seen everywhere in Ohio.

[Mudhen419]

I dont see why everyone over there talks so much sh1t.. If u dont like Toledo then get out.. Dont like Carty? then VOTE.... I dont see why people blame everything on carty.... The man would die for this city. He' Toledos first strong mayor an I think he's doin a damn good job. I've always thought he was a good guy even when i first met him i was probly 10. The man talked to me like I was registered voter and he knew i was from oregon..... And he actually came through with his word on what we were talkin about. # 1 City in North America.... #1 Mayor.....

That AW trail Gateway proposal is lookin real nice. Hopefully the city will consider it.... im sure the people workin on the triangle building will definatly welcome this idea.... And I also like the Swan Creek plan as long as they clean up the area and get the cars out of the creek I think it will work out great and the ESM will finally have some good business by then.....

[ilovetoledo]

i like carty too. so i agree with everything you just said mudhen419

[ToledoProgrammer]

I dont see why everyone over there talks so much sh1t.. If u dont like Toledo then get out.. Dont like Carty? then VOTE.... I dont see why people blame everything on carty.... The man would die for this city. He' Toledos first strong mayor an I think he's doin a damn good job. I've always thought he was a good guy even when i first met him i was probly 10. The man talked to me like I was registered voter and he knew i was from oregon..... And he actually came through with his word on what we were talkin about. # 1 City in North America.... #1 Mayor.....

That AW trail Gateway proposal is lookin real nice. Hopefully the city will consider it.... im sure the people workin on the triangle building will definatly welcome this idea.... And I also like the Swan Creek plan as long as they clean up the area and get the cars out of the creek I think it will work out great and the ESM will finally have some good business by then.....

My only suggestion to everyone here is to focus on the positive development that will help move Toledo into the right direction. Have a strip of store's being built down the road, and its' not reported in the Blade? Report it here.

However, its' OK to be critical too. Swampbubbles is filled with the same poster's posting the same damn rants and they essentially make most discussions meaningless. But the truth is, Carty and the Toledo City Council aren't the most efficient and effective with our tax dollars. Toledo is NOT the most business-friendly. Unfortunately there is too much drama within Toledo's government to steer away some businesses, as a sign of instability in Toledo. Most of Toledo's politicians are also beholden to the all-powerful unions. It is not very business friendly when Carty threatens World War III with Columbia Gas when they decided to TEMPORARILY move out of their current building due to contamination.

Its' OK to question government and be critical of our leaders and still not be negative. I am a proud West Toledo homeowner (also graduated from St. John's Jesuit -- I believe someone else on here goes there), and I work and play downtown, and I am always enthusiastically promoting Toledo. The city has great potential, but its' politicians do need to do more.

Business friendly is relatively low or non-existent personal and corporate income tax. Business friendly is low or non-existent sales taxes.

Here is an article I've posted several times on SwampBubbles, and I think our politicians need to take note of it, and then take note of cities around the country. Unfortunately the State of Ohio also needs to be a player, as they are too a major reason for the lack of development.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120450306595906431.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

Bottom line is, don't worry about the daily blogger's who are intent on trashing Toledo at any cost and for petty reason's. Bring your development news here....or....I'd say what development efforts would YOU like to see here. Positive discussion about how to take this city and region forward is what we need. Its' fine to be critical, in fact, its' good, but we need to follow up with efforts to get things changed or offer solutions.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Troy Township may get water, sewer
By JAN LARSON Sentinel County Editor
Posted on BG Sentinel-Tribune website

Plans are being made to sink $7 million in the ground to get water and sewer services to empty acreage in Troy Township. The hope is that once those utilities are extended, economic development will follow.

“I see this as the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle,” said Tom Blaha, executive director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission.

The puzzle can be found in Troy Township at the 1,000-acre Dominion peaking power site — also known as the “Eastwood Commerce Center” — where water and sewer are the only pieces missing.

The Northwestern Water and Sewer District received an approximately $2.6 million grant through the Ohio Department of Development’s Job Ready Sites program to extend utilities to spur manufacturing development.

The goal of the state grant program is to provide funds to prepare acreage like that in Troy Township for companies looking for large building sites. The grant awarded for the township project is reflected in the ODD’s 2006-07 approved projects list. The Troy Township site is listed as the “Eastwood Commerce Center.”
“Ohio has never really had many sites in its inventory,” explained Jerry Greiner, executive director of the Northwestern Water and Sewer District. Consequently, the state has missed opportunities to get companies such as large auto manufacturing plants which locate in other states that have sites ready with infrastructure.

The Troy Township site, located near U.S. 20 and Ohio 420, qualified for the Job Ready Sites funds because it has 1,000 acres, with nearly half already zoned industrial. It already has access to rail, major roadways, natural gas and electric utilities.

“The only thing really missing is the water and sewer,” Blaha said, calling the site one of the “premier” industrial locations in the Midwest. “There are very few places in this area where you can find this big of a site with one owner.”
And that can be key when a buyer is looking for a quick land acquisition.
However, a couple pieces still missing from the plan include a lack of commitments from Bowling Green for water, and Toledo for sewer treatment.
“Bowling Green has asked for a contract for purchase of water,” Greiner said, noting the city is considering expanding its water program. “They realize we can be a partner.” But nothing is certain.

“Until we add capacity (at the treatment plant), we can’t provide anything more,” BG’s Director of Utilities Kevin Maynard said this morning. “We are doing a water distribution study and considering expansion. Their (the district’s) projected needs are being considered to help us evaluate where we want to go. We can’t make any commitments at this point.”

The puzzle also comes with other strings, since the state grant must be used by the end of 2009 or the money will be lost.

The district’s plan calls for water to be extended through Perrysburg Township to Troy Township via a 16-inch line.

Perrysburg Township officials have expressed reservations about extending utilities through its unzoned areas. If utilities are available, township officials say, all sorts of developments could pop up with no control by the township.
However, the city of Perrysburg sees the utility project as having the potential to protect the city’s southern development area into the future. It would give the city the ability to provide utility service without having to pay a surcharge to the city of Toledo, which currently provides Perrysburg its water under contract. Perrysburg currently distributes the water to city and surrounding customers.

The city of Perrysburg has set aside $2 million in this year’s budget to cover its portion of the water and sewer district’s proposed utility line project.
The water and sewer district has hired Poggemeyer Design Group to begin surveying and design work for a 10-mile waterline could follow Five Point Road from Ohio 25 to the Ohio 20/420 intersection.

The sewer plans call for service to be extended from the district’s system at Lemoyne Road from its point of connection at Ohio 163.

The balance of the $7 million system costs will be paid via tap fees from users along the route, according to Greiner. No assessments will be done along the route, so only those who tap will pay a tap fee, which is still an unknown amount.

“Until we get commitments from anyone, we hate to go to the residents with numbers,” Greiner said.

Besides serving this site, the sewer may also accommodate the needs of Stony Ridge and Lemoyne, two unincorporated communities in Troy Township which have been ordered to install sewers.

The waterline will also be available to serve an estimated 240 residences, three or four manufactured home parks, and the Otterbein-Portage Valley facility, Greiner said.

Design should be completed in early summer and public bidding will occur during this summer with construction under way during the winter of 2008-2009, Greiner said. A water tower would have to be constructed on the site.
“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” he said.

[nickw311]

Does anyone know what is going on with the retail strip that is being built on Dorr St. right across from campus? I haven't seen any work on it in a while, and just last week I noticed that a window was broken.

On a more positive note, the mixed commercial/residential building on Secor seems to be making a lot of progress.

[ToledoProgrammer]

Does anyone know what is going on with the retail strip that is being built on Dorr St. right across from campus? I haven't seen any work on it in a while, and just last week I noticed that a window was broken.

On a more positive note, the mixed commercial/residential building on Secor seems to be making a lot of progress.

Secor and Central is starting to really clean up. What needs to follow is Cricket West to be re-developed (sort of looks like a dump) and more green space and businesses need to be occupying the spacious, empty parking lots of Sear's and Elder Beerman.

[Pilliod Njaim]

I dont see why everyone over there talks so much sh1t.. If u dont like Toledo then get out.. Dont like Carty? then VOTE.... I dont see why people blame everything on carty.

I'm all for criticizing politicians and government when it's done in a constructive manner. As long as the criticism comes with facts and real-world examples to back up the rants, there's certainly a place for it. The problem is that many people on ToledoTalk do not do this. There are too many blind rants.

BTW, I'm a huge fan of Carty, particularly in his latter years. I was very upset back in the 90's with his approval of destroying a block of commercial buildings in the Old South End, but he's learned from his mistakes and now supports urban preservation in Toledo's historic districts. I've known Carty personally, and the man's love for Toledo is unwavering. He really does care about the city, but sometimes his temper can get the best of him (and land him in negative national news stories). No politician is perfect...

Most of Toledo's politicians are also beholden to the all-powerful unions.

This really is true. Toledo is one of the last union-controlled cities in the nation. Most of the other industrial cities in the Northeast and Great Lakes have seen such a huge decline in union population that the unions lost power in government. This hasn't really happened in Toledo. Almost everyone belongs to a union or has a close family member in a union, even some of the wealthier people. It extends well beyond the industrial jobs too. My mom works for St. Vincent's Hospital, and she's actually in the UAW! Toledo is really old-school in this regard, but it's not surprising since the city was absolutely pivotal in the formation of the union and workers' rights movements in America. The legacy of union and workers' rights movements in Toledo is matched only by Detroit.

Unfortunately the State of Ohio also needs to be a player, as they are too a major reason for the lack of development.

This is a huge problem, and currently, way too much money and economic development is being funneled to Columbus. It's not even "Three C's versus everyone else" anymore. It's basically Columbus versus everyone else...

With all this said I do have a criticism of the Toledo Gateway proposal:

2) The Nebraska Ave bridge suspended over this interchange will be removed with a turnaround built west of I-75 and Nebraska Ave will be demolished to S. Erie St on the east side of I-75.

I suspect that's a critical bridge for local traffic and I think removing it will do even more damage to the neighborhoods around it. The original highway construction already dead-ended many streets in the area, and another one will probably put the final nail in the coffin. The are four or five streets near the I-75/US 24 interchange that were dead-ended by the highway construction. The only other streets nearby that cross the highway are Collingwood and Indiana Ave, and they're maybe 2/3 mile apart (that's a large distance and not good for pedestrians). Nebraska Avenue is the only street left that allows for local traffic flow in the immediate area. Then again, I'm not sure how many buildings are really left in that area. Perhaps most the damage has probably already been done or it was an urban renewal area. I think on the west side of Nebraska, it's hideous apartment projects for maybe a good quarter mile, in which case I say tear those f--kers down.

I really love the idea of the park and water fountain. That would make a very positive impression entering the warehouse district and downtown Toledo.

4) One or two warehouses near the I-75 interchange, depending on the radius of the entrance and exit ramps.

I don't support demolitions unless they're ugly buildings or totally beyond repair. Truthfully, I think this plan might be possible with no demolitions, except for some ugly apartment projects.

[Mudhen419]

Anyone played the new mlb 2k8? My boy got it the other day for the 360 and guess what minor league park is featured in the game?? FIFTH THIRD FIELD!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very suprized but happy that its on the game.... Looks pretty good too almost to a T lol...HOpefully they have it on the PSP version too

[Bonjourtoledo]

Does anyone know what is going on with the retail strip that is being built on Dorr St. right across from campus? I haven't seen any work on it in a while, and just last week I noticed that a window was broken.

On a more positive note, the mixed commercial/residential building on Secor seems to be making a lot of progress.

The project across the campus on Dorr Street started last fall and I would assume if there hasn't been any activity recently, it's due to this FREAKING snowy season. :lol:

The Secor Road project, is this the one by Arby's? Sorry I haven't been in this area since fall to keep up with these ongoing development projects.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Secor and Central is starting to really clean up. What needs to follow is Cricket West to be re-developed (sort of looks like a dump) and more green space and businesses need to be occupying the spacious, empty parking lots of Sear's and Elder Beerman.

I agree, but I'd rather see the Showcase Cinema on Secor to be razed and developed into a new retail center (since the "For Sale" sign is finally up) and the former Food Town Plus needs to be occupied.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Anyone played the new mlb 2k8? My boy got it the other day for the 360 and guess what minor league park is featured in the game?? FIFTH THIRD FIELD!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very suprized but happy that its on the game.... Looks pretty good too almost to a T lol...HOpefully they have it on the PSP version too

If you could get a e-digital shot of it and post it in this thread, that would be great!

[Bonjourtoledo]

Two federal grants for UT solar research
Posted on WNWO NBC 24 website
Friday, March 07, 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) today announced another pair of federal awards totaling more than $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for solar energy research involving the University of Toledo and local businesses.

“We continue to seek out ways to create partnerships to develop the alternative energy sector of the economy and grow jobs in Northwest Ohio,” said Kaptur, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Local cost sharing contributions will bring the total value of the two projects to $4.5 million, Kaptur said.

In one project, UT researchers will team with Toledo-area industrial partners Calyxo USA and Pilkington to improve the efficiency of current thin-film photovoltaic modules. A key resource in this $2.1 million project will be the testing facilities at UT’s new, state-funded Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization.

The other project, valued at $2.3 million, involves technology development at Xunlight Corp., a new Toledo-based company that manufactures solar cells.

[Paddington]

One would hope the mayor loves the city, though it's scary if that's the only qualification it takes to become mayor in Toledo.

Objectively, Finkbeiner's tenure has been terrible. Forget the gaffes. Forget the assaults. Forget the bad publicity. He's presided over the loss of tens of thousands of residents and tens of thousands of jobs. Toledo's lost Fortune 500 companies and shopping malls during his tenure. You can blame the "evil suburbs" or GWB or Hitler or whoever, but ultimately the buck stops with Finkbeiner.

[ilovetoledo]

How can you put all that blame on one man? seriously he would literally have to drive them out of town. I'm sorry but he did not cause all of that to happen. Its called gas prices and this suckie economy. People dont have enough money to shop because they are losing their jobs because the jobs are moving to Mexico. Thats not finkbeiner's fault. We may have lost Dana but they are slowly getting back on their feet again. It just takes time. GRANTED he could've offered more free taxes to those who may be leaving town AKA (DOWNTOWN) but really i dont think that would've saved a whole lot. During his time in office he has made plans to get the Southwyck plan back in order, Has got the Marina District going, the new area downtown, and more... Out of all the bad things that have happened sometimes we have to look to the good. If we view ourselves as bad and a huge loss of jobs etc. than thats how the rest of the world is going to view us. A positive attitude is always a good thing to have.

[Pilliod Njaim]

Objectively, Finkbeiner's tenure has been terrible. Forget the gaffes. Forget the assaults. Forget the bad publicity. He's presided over the loss of tens of thousands of residents and tens of thousands of jobs. Toledo's lost Fortune 500 companies and shopping malls during his tenure. You can blame the "evil suburbs" or GWB or Hitler or whoever, but ultimately the buck stops with Finkbeiner.

You can blame suburban sprawl, plain and simple, and the people who support it. The same exact thing has played out everywhere in Ohio, including Columbus, which has lost nearly 150,000 people from its old city limits since 1950.

We may have lost Dana but they are slowly getting back on their feet again.

I think he was referring to OI, which really wasn't that big of a deal. They had already moved out over 75% of their office workers before "officially" moving the headquarters to Perrysburg. At least they stayed in the metropolitan area though. Sadly, you can't say the same thing about some other Fortune companies formerly in Ohio like Mead, etc.

[cjfjapan]

What's the status of city-county consolidation for Toledo-Lucas County? At least half of Lucas County is urban; is there any precedent in Ohio for this kind of merger? It seems to have worked well for Indianapolis, Nashville, Jacksonville and Lexington (and now, Louisville?) - how about for Toledo? Do the local governance laws here preclude combination of government entities?

With consolidation, Toledo's population would jump to about 450,000 - stemming the steep hemmorage of people, and putting T-town in the same league as Cleveland, New Orleans and Sacramento. T-town would also have one of the highest city pop:metro pop ratios. Thoughts?

[Mudhen419]

Yup.. Its cartys fault we got the GM expansion and why jeep is still in Toledo..... Fifth Third Field.... fifth third bank in the OI.... The skate park at Highand Park i asked for when i was little?? Carty did that too... So let me ask ya Paddington or wutever........ Who would have done a better job with Toledo?I think we're doin damn good compared to what we were before cartys first term started

[ToledoProgrammer]

Yup.. Its cartys fault we got the GM expansion and why jeep is still in Toledo..... Fifth Third Field.... fifth third bank in the OI.... The skate park at Highand Park i asked for when i was little?? Carty did that too... So let me ask ya Paddington or wutever........ Who would have done a better job with Toledo?I think we're doin damn good compared to what we were before cartys first term started

Paddington is certainly far off in saying that all of our ill's occurred because of Carty. For the record, OI was in the process of moving out of Toledo on Jack Ford's watch.

Certainly, Toledo really hasn't progressed incredibly with Carty, either. Taxes need to be lower, government interference needs to stop, and both Carty and Toledo council need to show some more maturity, as the constant bickering and back rooms deals don't cut it with citizen's and small businesses here.

Anyways, back on topic to economic development, anyone hear anything about the building on the corner of Ontario and Monroe (*I think*)? It was for sale and I just saw the SOLD sign tonight while driving around.

[Bonjourtoledo]

One would hope the mayor loves the city, though it's scary if that's the only qualification it takes to become mayor in Toledo.

Objectively, Finkbeiner's tenure has been terrible. Forget the gaffes. Forget the assaults. Forget the bad publicity. He's presided over the loss of tens of thousands of residents and tens of thousands of jobs. Toledo's lost Fortune 500 companies and shopping malls during his tenure. You can blame the "evil suburbs" or GWB or Hitler or whoever, but ultimately the buck stops with Finkbeiner.

How can you be "objective" when you back it up with ignorant and baseless statements?

Loss of tens of thousands of residents and tens of thousands of jobs have been happening since the late 70s and it's happening across the Great Lakes region. If you pay attention to this thread, this region has been investing billions of dollars in alternative energy and diversifying its economy away from the automotive industries in the last ten years.

Toledo's loss of a Fortune 500 company was Owens-Illinois decision to build their headquarters on the land they've owned for the past 40 years versus renewing a premiere lease at the One Seagate Towner. Owens-Illinois have been struggling for years and it made sense to cut back the leasing expenditure, so it was strictly a business move not a Carty nor J'Fo move.

So I suggest you stop hijacking in this thread with your ignorant comments and if you can't be constructive about it, then don't let the door hit you on your way out.

[Bonjourtoledo]

What's the status of city-county consolidation for Toledo-Lucas County? At least half of Lucas County is urban; is there any precedent in Ohio for this kind of merger? It seems to have worked well for Indianapolis, Nashville, Jacksonville and Lexington (and now, Louisville?) - how about for Toledo? Do the local governance laws here preclude combination of government entities?

With consolidation, Toledo's population would jump to about 450,000 - stemming the steep hemmorage of people, and putting T-town in the same league as Cleveland, New Orleans and Sacramento. T-town would also have one of the highest city pop:metro pop ratios. Thoughts?

There has been a lot of discussions in city-county consolidation during the J'Fo's tenure, and right now Ben Konop is the only elected official in this region to be "discussing" regionalism.

I think Toledo-Lucas County should merge by giving suburbs and townships a voice and representation in the government so they do not lose their identity. It makes much sense for consolidation in order to reduce the redundancy and duplications of services which would lower taxes across the board.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Anyways, back on topic to economic development, anyone hear anything about the building on the corner of Ontario and Monroe (*I think*)? It was for sale and I just saw the SOLD sign tonight while driving around.

I mentioned this in previous (about a month ago) post about the sale of the property on Monroe/Ontario where the former Arbuckle Building used to stand. The property was bought by Rumpf Development and there has been no announcement of any sort. Stay tune......

[ToledoProgrammer]

I mentioned this in previous (about a month ago) post about the sale of the property on Monroe/Ontario where the former Arbuckle Building used to stand. The property was bought by Rumpf Development and there has been no announcement of any sort. Stay tune......

No No, not the lot across the street. I'm talking about the building on the same side as the Blarney and Toledo Free Press. I remember the post in regards to the lot that was sold to Rumpf Development, but this is a building I've been lobbying my employer to look in purchasing. I'll look today again on my way to work, but I believe its' the next building over from the Toledo Free Press building (it has a small parking lot that separates the two) and is on the corner of Ontario and Monore.

[Bonjourtoledo]

No No, not the lot across the street. I'm talking about the building on the same side as the Blarney and Toledo Free Press. I remember the post in regards to the lot that was sold to Rumpf Development, but this is a building I've been lobbying my employer to look in purchasing. I'll look today again on my way to work, but I believe its' the next building over from the Toledo Free Press building (it has a small parking lot that separates the two) and is on the corner of Ontario and Monore.


Oooooooooh another sale???? I did some research via Lucas County Auditor's real estate report. There is a transaction at 619 Monroe Street which is located at the corner of Monroe & Erie Streets, the previous owner sold it to Hannon's Block LLC on 3/4/2008 for $144,500. This building is on the same block as The Blarney's, Toledo Free Press, Gilbert, and a small deli/cheese store. I suppose this is what you are talking about?

You should look at the building at 610 Monroe Street that is for sale which was last bought in year 2000 for $110K. It shares the same block with AT&T offices and this building has beautiful windows and great storefront feel to it.

[ToledoProgrammer]

Oooooooooh another sale???? I did some research via Lucas County Auditor's real estate report. There is a transaction at 619 Monroe Street which is located at the corner of Monroe & Erie Streets, the previous owner sold it to Hannon's Block LLC on 3/4/2008 for $144,500. This building is on the same block as The Blarney's, Toledo Free Press, Gilbert, and a small deli/cheese store. I suppose this is what you are talking about?

You should look at the building at 610 Monroe Street that is for sale which was last bought in year 2000 for $110K. It shares the same block with AT&T offices and this building has beautiful windows and great storefront feel to it.

Yep. The Monore & Erie St. had to have been the one, and its' a recent sale so that definitely had to have been it. I'll certainly take a look at the one near the AT&T offices (not that I have a say in it). I'd like to stay as close to the core as possible, but I think right now the prime candidate is a building on Monore and Collingwood, or maybe a block from Collingwood heading toward Summit. Its' an empty building on the right hand side if your driving from the Museum to Summit St. I think the prime reason for that is it comes with parking.

[rustbeltrevival]

I wanted to copy a story from the Toledo Business Journal to this thread, but I can't find it on their website. Anyways, Cleveland-Sandusky-Toledo-Detroit line is being further considered for a high speed rail line. Even before this story I had hear word of this, I think from this thread. I wrote Marcy Kaptur about obtaining further information, but I haven't heard back yet. Will post whatever response I receive. This would be great for the region.

My co-worker is constantly talking about what a brilliant idea a high speed rail line to Ann Arbor would be, and I can't agree more. The cost of living in Ann Arbor is pretty high, and many people who have to live 20 minutes drive away would prefer to live in a city. If we had a high speed line from Toledo to AA, people could commute there and back in 30 minutes or so. I think this would be a fantastic development proposal for this city. If I had the capital and know-how I would spearhead the project myself!

Carty has definitely done some really good things, and I don't altogether dislike him as a mayor, but IMO Toledo has been cursed with mere mediocre leadership at the top position. Although it could definitely be worse, we really need a solidly good mayor, not even a fantastic mayor, just a mayor who has the vision to push us over the post-industrial hump we're still trying to overcome. I think we're going to have some great candidates next time around. However, it is completely ridiculous to blame one man for a regional problem that has been ongoing for the past 40 years. We do need more agrressive tax incentives, and we desparately need uni-gov. Even Fort Wayne has uni-gov now!

I also wanted to thank 4silverrings for that submission, it looks great! Despite what that fool on ToledoTalk thinks, aesthetics DO matter, and Sim City is not reality!

[rustbeltrevival]

My girlfriend suggested that that building might be the future home of the new Arnie's Downtown, but that's just a theory.

[4silverrings]

I wanted to copy a story from the Toledo Business Journal to this thread, but I can't find it on their website. Anyways, Cleveland-Sandusky-Toledo-Detroit line is being further considered for a high speed rail line. Even before this story I had hear word of this, I think from this thread. I wrote Marcy Kaptur about obtaining further information, but I haven't heard back yet. Will post whatever response I receive. This would be great for the region.

My co-worker is constantly talking about what a brilliant idea a high speed rail line to Ann Arbor would be, and I can't agree more. The cost of living in Ann Arbor is pretty high, and many people who have to live 20 minutes drive away would prefer to live in a city. If we had a high speed line from Toledo to AA, people could commute there and back in 30 minutes or so. I think this would be a fantastic development proposal for this city. If I had the capital and know-how I would spearhead the project myself!

Carty has definitely done some really good things, and I don't altogether dislike him as a mayor, but IMO Toledo has been cursed with mere mediocre leadership at the top position. Although it could definitely be worse, we really need a solidly good mayor, not even a fantastic mayor, just a mayor who has the vision to push us over the post-industrial hump we're still trying to overcome. I think we're going to have some great candidates next time around. However, it is completely ridiculous to blame one man for a regional problem that has been ongoing for the past 40 years. We do need more agrressive tax incentives, and we desparately need uni-gov. Even Fort Wayne has uni-gov now!

I also wanted to thank 4silverrings for that submission, it looks great! Despite what that fool on ToledoTalk thinks, aesthetics DO matter, and Sim City is not reality!

Thanks RustBeltRevival! I sent the proposal and drawings to the mayors office, doubt I will get a response.

That was actually my first attempt in that type of proposal/design. I hope to have the time to work on more ideas and improvements. I do feel that some design/aesthetics/ergonomics can in fact help with some deficiencies in views and law.

My background is actually in mechanical engineering, industrial design, architecture, entrepreneurship, business plans, and building materials (family owns a certain building material supply company in NW Ohio). A good combination, I think.

Unfortunately certain Toledo companies don't feel keeping people such as myself in Toledo is a high priority, forcing me to take an engineering position with a Fortune 500 company in the Cleveland area.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Follow-up story regarding to the former Delafoil building on Route 25 in Perrysburg.

New Solar Plant in Perrysburg
Will Locate in Former Delafoil Plant
Posted on WSPD Newsradio 1370AM website 2-10-2008

There's a new solar panel factory on the way in Perrysburg... Newstalk 1370 WSPD's Kevin Milliken has details. The Ohio EPA confirms a company known as the Willard and Kelsey Solar Group has filed a permit application to install a scrubber and other equipment at the old Delafoil plant along Route 25. The plant was recently sold for seven million dollars. No word on when the factory would open or how many people it would employ, but it would be Northwest Ohio's fourth solar company: joining First Solar, Xunlight, and Calyxo USA.


Perrysburg Delafoil plant sold
By CHRIS MILLER Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted on BG Sentinel-Tribune website 2-29-2008

PERRYSBURG — Something is brewing at the old Delafoil manufacturing facility along Ohio 25, and it could be good news for Perrysburg and the region.
According to recent real estate transfers reported by the Wood County Real Estate Division, the Delafoil facility, a commercial property, has been sold for $7 million to Spring Grove Trading Company, LLC.

The real estate transfer was reported in the House & Home Section of Thursday’s Sentinel-Tribune.

According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, the agent for Spring Grove Trading Company is Michael Cicak. He’s a Perrysburg Township resident and past president of Solar Cells, forerunner of the now-notable First Solar company which produces photovoltaic solar modules at its township plant in Cedar Business Park.

A phone message seeking comment on the recent Delafoil purchase was left at Cicak’s home this morning, but had not been returned by press time late this morning.

Perrysburg city officials acknowledge there is interest in the Delafoil facility, a sprawling 250,000 square-foot manufacturing and warehouse site located on the east side of Route 25, across from the new Harbor Town Place commercial development and about a mile south of Levis Commons. The address of the Delafoil facility is 1775 Progress Drive.

City officials are not commenting on the exact nature of the expected new business.

Will it be a new solar module manufacturing facility, further solidifying Wood County’s status as an emerging hotbed of alternative energy production and usage here in Ohio?

No one is saying publicly just yet.
Rick Thielen, the city’s planning, zoning and economic development administrator, earlier this month said he’s hopeful some “good news will break yet this year.”

Perrysburg Administrator John Alexander, contacted this morning, confirmed the city has been in contact with “representatives of the new owners” of the Delafoil facility.

“We’re not in a position to discuss the nature of those communications,” Alexander said. “But we believe the general outline, with their business plan, will be beneficial to the region.”

He said the city is “aware of the sale of the building and we’re very pleased it appears it will once again be occupied. We always recognized it as a versatile structure that could be used for manufacturing and warehousing.”

Delafoil was a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of television components that opened its $46 million Perrysburg facility in 1996. The company produced components used in TV picture tubes, including magnetic shields. It was the largest single industrial investment in Perrysburg at the time.

At its peak it employed about 250 workers. But the company fell on hard times when its main customer, LG Phillips, closed its TV production plant in Ottawa and moved to Mexico.

Delafoil attempted restructuring itself, closing its Pennsylvania facility and consolidating operations here in Perrysburg in 2003. The company cut its workforce, received numerous tax breaks, and attempted marketing its magnetic shielding for automotive and construction applications. Delafoil closed for good in 2005.

Another company, Proline, began using part of the facility under a lease arrangement in late 2005, but closed the following summer. Proline provided bulk food packaging for Campbell Soup and H.J. Heinz.

[Bonjourtoledo]

My girlfriend suggested that that building might be the future home of the new Arnie's Downtown, but that's just a theory.

Very interesting...I'm hoping to take some photos of this development project sometime this weekend.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Perrysburg tennis center planned
By CHRIS MILLER Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted on BG Sentinel-Tribune Website 3-12-2008

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PBTennisCenter3-12-2008.jpg

PERRYSBURG — Start working on that smash and backhand.
A massive new indoor-outdoor tennis facility is coming to Wood County, featuring 16-courts with both hard and clay surfaces, a pro-shop, and year-around action including sanctioned tournaments.

Perrysburg Tennis Center will be located on the east side of Ohio 25, just across the road from Harbor Town Place and about a mile south of Levis Commons. It’ll be situated next to the existing putt-putt golf course — Perry Falls Miniature Golf.

Owners Bob and Sue Fastnacht and Mark and Julie Weider expect construction on the 65,500-square-foot tennis facility to begin in May with opening tentatively scheduled for sometime in September.
“We’re hoping for September because that will allow us to put together a fall-winter program for folks who want to play all winter season long,” said Mark Weider.

Weider said they hope to attract tennis enthusiasts, or aspiring players, from not only Perrysburg but the region.

There will be eight indoor courts and another eight courts outdoor. The center will also include a nearly 4,000 square-foot clubhouse with a mezzanine on top of it for spectators.

Indoor ceiling height will be 38 feet, which meets the standards set by the United States Tennis Association for tournament play.
Weider said the new center will host USTA tournaments.

“We hope to draw folks from all over the Midwest for tournaments,” he said.
This new tennis center will be a “green facility,” according to Weider.
The massive structure itself will feature metal framing covered with fabric that will allow natural sunlight to filter in and light the facility during the day.
“It’s new to this area but it’s been a popular design on the East Coast,” Weider explained.

“It will really be an energy efficient building,” he said, with other “green” features including energy efficient fluorescent lighting for night play.
Four of the 16 courts will feature green clay surfaces which are less jolting on the body, particularly the knees. The other hard surface courts will utilize a “cush-court” paint that also lessens impact.

“That will be very new to this area,” Weider remarked.
Tennis lessons will be offered for all skill levels and ages, and a large pro shop will carry a variety of rackets, balls, shoes and apparel.

Weider said membership information will be available before the center opens later this year. The Sentinel-Tribune will also update readers when the new center launches its Internet Web site. Weider said the Web site will include membership information.

[Bonjourtoledo]

County unveils proposal for new justice center
By JOHN GRABER STAFF WRITER
Posted on Findlay Courier website 3-12-2008

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/FindlayJusticeCenter3-12-2008.jpg

It may not be the cheapest or the easiest option, but the Hancock County Commissioners are dedicated to keeping county government offices in downtown Findlay — as long as the political will is there from city leaders.

That's why the commissioners met with Findlay City Council on Tuesday night to unveil a proposal for a new $20 million justice center building.

The idea met with general approval from council members.

"This is definitely a step in the right direction in terms of building coalitions" between the city and county, Councilman-At-Large John Urbanski said.

Councilman-At-Large Jim Slough said, "I think this is what we should be doing ... It certainly makes me feel a lot better knowing there is a plan in place. It is a feasible plan."

Proposed justice center

The proposal calls for construction of a 90,000-square-foot justice center just north of the county jail that would house the common pleas court, and the prosecutor's and public defender's offices. To avoid flooding problems, the building would not have a basement.

The building would be connected to the jail for security reasons, and might also include Findlay Municipal Court in order to free up space on the second floor of city hall, allowing the police department to expand.

Putting the municipal court in the new building would also greatly increase that court's security.

The new justice center would free up space in the county courthouse for non-justice-related administrative offices like the board of elections and the county commissioners.

The plan also calls for the destruction of the three county-owned buildings in the 300 block of South Main Street, as well as the prosecutor's office at 222 Broadway.

The space on Main Street would be used to enhance Dorney Plaza in order to create an area for downtown events like arts fairs, as well as add some parking.

Library expansion?

The space on Broadway where the prosecutor's office now sits could be used to expand the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, or be converted into a parking lot.

Library Board President Ed Railing, who was at Tuesday's meeting, said he would have to take the idea to the rest of his board but added that he liked the idea.

"This is what we should be doing in terms of the city and county," he said after the meeting.

Parking area

The plan would require approval by Findlay City Schools because it calls for using a portion of Central Middle School's parking lot for public parking. A parking garage might be built there, too.

Superintendent Dean Wittwer, who was at the meeting, praised the plan.

The school district is working with state officials on the idea of going from three middle schools to two, which means the district might remove the students from Central and keep the historic building for uses like office space, Wittwer said.

Jail expansion

Another variable in the county's plan, which city officials would need to sign off on, is a proposed expansion of the county jail.

The idea has been to build that facility, which would house inmates serving time for misdemeanor offenses, to the north of the jail on county-owned property. But the plan unveiled Tuesday calls for building the expansion west of the county jail on property owned by the city.

Councilman Slough was confident the city could accommodate the commissioners when it comes to that property. But City Auditor Robert Cole Sprague wanted to know if the commissioners were thinking of buying the site, or if they wanted it donated to them.

"I don't know," Commissioner Ed Ingold said.

Common Pleas Court Judge Joseph Niemeyer said the jail addition would be used mainly for housing misdemeanor violators, "which is typically a function of municipal court."

The new justice center alone is expected to cost somewhere around $20 million. That figure does not include the jail addition.

The commissioners would have to add a half-percent sales tax to pay for the justice center project, Ingold told The Courier earlier.

County 140 option

Moving all the county government offices to Hancock County 140 would be cheaper and easier because construction could begin on land already owned by the county.

However, that would mean an exodus from downtown.

"To take county offices, to take the commissioners and the prosecutor and et cetera away, I think would be a devastating blow to downtown Findlay and something we would not desire," said Jerry Murray, a local architect hired by the county to look at the county's space needs.

County offices already out on Hancock County 140 would stay there under Tuesday's plan.

"If we can get a consensus in the next four to six months to go forward (with the plan), it's probably going to take six to eight months to design, and another year, year and a half to build," Ingold said.

Earlier plans

City and county officials had done a study about creating a downtown "civic district" in 1964. However, both sides came to loggerheads and the only thing accomplished between the mid-1960s and mid-80s was the construction of the county jail.

The commissioners purchased the three buildings on South Main Street in the 1990s with the plan to build a new county administrative office, but the county fell on hard times and the money that was going to be used for the new building was redirected to operations.

The commissioners engaged Murray to look at the county's space needs last year.

That effort was intensified when many county offices were heavily damaged in the August flood, which pushed many county employees into various temporary locations.

Bill Recker, a former county commissioner, raised concerns Tuesday that the plan does not allow for more expansion of the county jail.

"In 20 years from now you're going to need more expansion and 20 years from that you are going to need more expansion," Recker said.

Judge Niemeyer said about half of the beds in the current 96-bed jail are currently used for felons, so adding a misdemeanor facility would free up considerable space in the jail and extend its life.

Having enough parking spaces seemed to concern several people at Tuesday's meeting.

"I like the plan, but I'm very concerned about parking, especially for the municipal building," 1st Ward Councilman Mike Slough said. "I see a lot of green space, which is nice, but I think in order to service our community, we need more than ample parking."

After Tuesday's meeting, Ingold was cautiously optimistic about the reception the plan got.

"The devil's all in the details, but conceptually we got a positive reaction, at least from the members (of City Council) who were here," he said.

[Bonjourtoledo]

A good friend of mine has let me know about this House Bill 480 that is floating around to "cast a stone" against Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority, the bill was originally H.R. 208, S.B. 88 which allows any communities to "opt" out of any public transit. But State Senator Randy Gardner felt too much heat and opposition from statewide public transit and now he's revealing a new bill that specifies TARTA only which is downright discrimination. The Republican Party in this state is out to kill transit authorities. I urge you to contact your local legislatures and tell them "NO for H.R. Bill 480" because we "urban-city" lovers know it's imperative to have regional transit in Ohioan communities to provide the mobility options besides a private vehicle.

Here is the direct link to the H.R. Bill 480 http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=127_HB_480

Here is the letter of opposition to the H.R. Bill 480 from TARTA:

Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority Opposes
House Bill 480

Position Statement
The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) opposes Ohio House Bill 480. This bill, introduced February 14, 2008, gives cities and townships that are current members of TARTA the right to withdraw unilaterally from the Authority.

House Bill 480 differs from a similar bill, House Bill 208 introduced in 2007, in two significant ways. First, along with granting permission to withdraw from a Regional Transit Authority (RTA), HB 480 also includes an unmanageable and unrealistic provision letting jurisdictions join and then withdraw after a three-year trial (opt-in clause). Second, the proposed legislation is discriminatory, since parameters contained in the proposal limit it only to TARTA.

In TARTAs’ opinion, enactment of HB 480 will threaten its existence. TARTA currently provides residents efficient and effective public transit options they have come to depend on and use. To deny current and potential users transit services will disrupt their lives and, in many instances, will make it difficult for them to maintain their standard of living.

TARTA favors continuing current regulations that require all members of an RTA to agree to the withdrawal of a current member from the RTA.

Reasons for TARTA Opposition
TARTA opposes Ohio House Bill 480 because the unilateral withdrawal of a member from TARTA will impact riders directly throughout the entire TARTA service area.

The withdrawal means residents within that area will no longer have transit services available to them. Further, riders from other areas will not be able to use public transit to access the withdrawn area. Such a withdrawal can create unnecessary transportation challenges across the state, instead of making it easier for residents to rely on public transportation.

The unilateral withdrawal of a member from an RTA will impact directly those who depend on public transit the most. The withdrawal will make it difficult, if not impossible, to move from place to place freely for those without personal transportation, without finances or who do not know how to drive. Also, it will make it difficult, if not impossible, for the mobility challenged to move freely from place to place.

The unilateral withdrawal of a member from an RTA and the resulting lack of public transportation could deny some residents living within the withdrawn area the ability to pursue employment, medical assistance, education, family visits and social and cultural opportunities. This goes against the very purpose upon which RTAs were founded – to ensure public transportation options are available to those who need them the most.

The unilateral withdrawal of a member from an RTA will have a direct, negative impact on the overall operation of the RTA to which it belonged. The withdrawal will require the RTA to adjust routes and budgets, both of which can cause inefficiencies and render previous scheduling ineffective. Making the necessary changes also will cause additional hardships within the organization with everything from union contracts to marketing efforts.

The unilateral withdrawal of a member from an RTA is unfair to other RTA member communities. The remaining members will have to take on additional responsibilities as a result of the withdrawal. Contracts and financial arrangements entered into in good faith by the various communities in the RTA may no longer be valid because of the withdrawal. Yet, the reasons underlying these contracts and financial arrangements will continue and solutions must be sought.

The unilateral withdrawal of a member from an RTA will increase the financial burden on the remaining communities, possibly creating instability. The fixed-cost burden and increasing energy costs will have to be spread over a smaller base, requiring those communities remaining to pay an increased portion of these costs. Such cost increases, eventually, will be passed on to the remaining riders, who often rely on public transportation as the most cost-effective transportation option.

The unilateral withdrawal of a member from an RTA will negatively impact the retention of existing businesses and industries within and outside of the RTA’s area by denying employees and potential clients/customers the ability to get to and from that business or industry. Further, the area’s ability to attract new business and industry will be hampered severely by the same inability on the part of employees and clients/customers.

The opt-in language, positioned as being pro-transit, is in reality unrealistic and unmanageable. HB 480 includes language which allows communities to enter the transit authority for a three-year trial period. Unfortunately, given the purchasing period of additional vehicles is 6-18 months along with the time necessary to attract and train employees, three years is not adequate time to begin all services and adequately demonstrate the value of public transit.

The bill clearly discriminates against TARTA. As written, HB 480 contains population and tax limitations that cover only one RTA in Ohio, TARTA. This is discrimination in its most blatant form. If HB 480 passes, the only RTA that will be required by law to both permit unilateral withdrawal of a member as well as the opting in of a nonmember in the geographic jurisdiction is TARTA. None of the state’s other RTAs will be so burdened or discriminated against.

Action
TARTA urges all member jurisdictions and patrons to contact their state legislators, especially their state representatives, and register their corporate and personal opposition to Ohio HB 480. Please feel free to use the portions of this TARTA statement that most clearly reflect your current situation. To contact your state legislator, go to http://www.legislature.state.oh.us.

www.tarta.com


Here is a non-profit group called Mobility Alliance of Northwest Ohio that promotes mobility options in the region and here is their concern paper to the H.R. Bill 480:

The Mobility Alliance Opposes - House Bill 480.
(Toledo, Ohio, March 12, 2008)

Concern:
The Mobility Alliance opposes Ohio House Bill 480. The bill, if passed, gives political entities / suburbs that are members of TARTA the right to withdraw unilaterally from this Regional Transit Authority (RTA). This action, if taken, will ultimately undermine local transportation options for individuals with disabilities, first-time workers, senior citizens, and others who depend on public transportation in their daily lives.

Background
The Mobility Alliance is a grass roots organization composed of citizens, public officials and business people formed to promote mobility options in Northwest Ohio.

House Bill 480 was introduced at the request of a Toledo suburb City Council and now several other suburb communities are joining the campaign without being aware of all the implications. These bills would allow the suburb communities to withdraw unilaterally from the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority, or TARTA. This would be detrimental to these communities and its members for a number of reasons.

While the bill’s major sponsors have characterized this bill as a “voters’ rights issue,” the members of the Mobility Alliance fear this proposal may result in our members losing the ability to move about freely within the communities in pursuit of employment, medical assistance, education, family visits and social opportunities.

The bill’s enactment will threaten available public transportation to individuals in Northwest Ohio who rely on this service, without providing a plan to fill the gap. TARTA has been assembled with great skill and care over the years and currently provides effective public transit options. We need assistance to improve, not eliminate.

The members of the Mobility Alliance and others living within TARTA’s service area have come to rely on these transit services. Many of our members already are mobility challenged. Any withdrawal from TARTA will make it difficult, if not impossible, to get to or from communities for those with homes, employment, physicians or family members outside of Toledo proper.

To deny our members transit services now will disrupt lives and, in many instances, will make it difficult for our members to maintain their standard of living.

Further, such a withdrawal will increase the financial burden on the communities that remain with TARTA, possibly creating instability within existing TARTA routes and service. The communities that remain will have to pay an increased portion of the fixed costs. Eventually, this can lead to fare increases that will be passed on to the remaining riders. It also would lead to service cuts which would eliminate access to necessary jobs and services in our region. And even more, it could lead to other communities deciding a segment of their population is not to justify the cost of public transportation.

The Mobility Alliance favors continuing current regulations which require all members of an RTA to agree to the withdrawal of a current member from the RTA. Maintaining the current regulations will preserve the delicate balance that currently exists and will continue to allow Alliance members equal ability to move freely about our communities.

Please work with us to develop a better financial support system for public transportation before eliminating any current services.

www.MobilityAlliance-nwo.org

The mission and purpose of the Mobility Alliance of Northwest Ohio is to support public transportation and raise the awareness of its importance. The Mobility Alliance of Northwest Ohio shall be formed in three categories; Education, Access and Environment. The Mobility Alliance of Northwest Ohio works with transportation and transit users, taxpayers, business community, stakeholders, and media outlets to bring about a positive understanding of the mobility options and the commitment to provide the best possible service to the community.

[ilovetoledo]

WTVG -- Economic indicators have gone from bad to worse in recent weeks, and many say we are close to or in a recession.
Economic indicators have gone from bad to worse in recent weeks, and many say we are close to or in a recession.
We're in the middle of the worst job market the nation has seen in 5 years, and like the rest of the country, people are watching their spending here in Toledo.
It's not all bad news. At least one restaurant is serving up changes to keep the customers coming in. The Cousino's exectuive chef says business is holding steady, but because of the slowing economy the Navy Bistro has cooked up some changes on the menu.
The local housing market has taken a hit in recent months with declining home values and an increasing number of foreclosures, but the commercial real estate market is holding its own. The real estate investment sales have slowed a bit, but the office space industrial and retail divisions are doing well.
Jeremy Miller of CB Richard Ellis says, "We've brought in a lot of new retailers Bass, Burlington, Costco. Positive things going on in retail."
Despite the growing concern about the economy, we have yet to officially hear the word recession.
Dr. Gary Moore, a UT professor of finance, says, "Frankly, the word recession scares people. We probably are in a recession."
Dr. Moore says the stock market is another indicator we're in a recession, and he doesn't expect us to emerge from the so-called recession anytime soon because of continuing mortgage and energy problems.

[b1gh0u5e]

Sorry to disagree with you Bonjour(which seems to be a major problem for you), but I think a community has a right to back out of Tarta if they see fit to do so. With the exception of Mudhen games, I could not tell you the last time I've seen a Tarta bus even 25-50% full.

[ilovetoledo]

TOLEDO -- If you've been in the Westgate area lately, you've probably seen a lot of changes. New stores, new restaurants.., they're all moving in, and even more are on the way.

News 11's Jennifer Boresz has the latest details.

It took a year and a half to persuade corporate to bring California-based "Del Taco" to Toledo. Mike Francis, the GM of Del Taco Toledo tells News 11, "It took them seven different trips, several miles in a car looking, for them to finally pick this first location."

He also says the company hand-picked this location, on Secor Road, to protect it's image. "They definitely don't want a store to fail. They saw everything that's going on with Costco, and they're developing right next door, which we're real excited about. We think that this will be a great mix."

Toledo Councilman Tom Waniewski says it's a welcome addition to an already successful district. "My understanding is that Costco's doing well. Their membership is very high."

By next fall a new Fresh Market, requested by area residents, should be opening a few doors down. They asked for a little higher end supermarket, so Fresh Market will have some specialty foods in there. It's obviously the first of it's kind in northwest Ohio, so that has some appeal."

The area is a blend of new business and long-time favorites. Arnie's just reopened.

Waniewski says they're not building from scratch, simply improving... keeping long-time residents happy and bringing new ones into the community."

Posted by LS

[Bonjourtoledo]

Outdoor spaces planned to attract crowds
Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website 3-13-2008

Site plans for the new downtown sports arena show a lot of public space you can use outside, even if you don't attend events inside. There are 20,000 square feet of outside public space that will line two streets and hopefully attract a crowd.

Toledo's $85 million downtown arena will draw a big crowd with its sports and concerts inside. And also with its unique public spaces outside.

Renderings show several public spaces surrounding the building, which include a patio beer garden and even a spiralling piano key sculpture honoring jazz great Art Tatum.

Commissioner Ben Konop says it's a very unique downtown architectural setting. "They really have used every inch of the property we have to make sure it's all utilized. There's really no wasted space in this project."

Here's the dilemma though. It's great to have a downtown arena with all that public space, but they are going to need a reason to stay downtown. It's easy to spot the 'for lease' signs around the site. Several businesses recently closed.

But Toledo wants to take advantage of an emerging downtown asset. Jennifer Johnson and Anthony Jones are part of the city's team building off the potential of the new arena.

Incentives like income tax and improvement rebates play a part in recruting businesses, as do façade and enterprise zone grants. And with new businesses moving into the old Durty Bird spot and the old Brenda's Body Shop location, it's starting to work.

Commissioner Konop believes an attractive outdoor public space helps. "Downtown's taken some blows over the years and I think this is the best hope for reinvigorating it."

A crowd of 6,000 to 10,000 people, 150 nights a year at the arena, will help attract people downtown. The city and several other groups are working on a marketing plan designed specifically for this downtown location.

Meanwhile, some concrete moldings have popped up at the new arena site. The weather's been cold so no concrete has been poured yet. But the pilings will eventually be the support beams for the arena. Once they are poured, vertical construction will begin by mid-April.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Mudhen419]

Anyone know if the Cherry St Bridge is gonna be done on time?

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Downtown development on the rise despite economy
Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website 3-14-2008

13abc's Bill Hormann took a tour of downtown Toledo and found several new businesses in the planning stages.

At St. Clair and Washington, the building that formerly housed the Durty Bird pub has been bought and will soon become Legends Sports Grille. Next to that is a building that will be a residence for artists and also be home to an art gallery.

About a half block away, next to Fricker's, a steak house is in the planning stages, we have learned.

And at Huron and Monroe, a developer has paid about $200,000 for the former Brenda's Body Shop. After $2 million in renovations, Pizza Papalis Taverna will open there.

Real estate counselor Jerry Jones says that this sort of action creates a buzz and could be a catalyst for other development downtown. The hope is that these entertainment-oriented establishments will spur other use of downtown, such as offices and residences.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Southwyck Mall Declared Blight
Mayor Says It Will Help Redevelopment
Posted on WSPD Newsradio 1370AM website 3-14-2008

The Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission is designates the Southwyck Mall a blighted area. While Mayor Carty Finkbeiner says the move is geared at securing state and federal funding to redevelop the mall, he hopes eminent domain can be avoided to gain control of the property. Developer Larry Dillin tells WSPD talks are ongoing to buy the mall from its three owners.

[ilovetoledo]

Thank you god. Toledo is taking a turn for the better. Finnally.! Toledo Pride!

[Mudhen419]

Downtown Arena

Found somethin from last nights (Fri 3/14) news ........ http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=6018414

This has a video and a slide show with 4 pics.... Im sure everyone will like what they see

[rustbeltrevival]

I attended the forum at UT Law School yesterday on using the law to spur and navigate economic development. Many excellent speakers attended, and most of them were not from this region. All the speakers made it clear that we are the position we are in, both the positives and negatives, because of the way we choose to govern the region and the way we pursue opportunities, not because of some inevitablity. Dan Johnson, who I believe has some of the best ideas on economic development (he writes a great guest column for the Free Press and, as most of you probably know, has been the biggest driving force behind UT's economic development refocus), was one of the few non-lawyers to speak. He made it clear that every mid-sized North American city that has been successful in this new economy has done three things well:

1. Regional government;
2. Global focus;
3. Commercialization of univeristy research.

He believes that we've done a great job with number 3, but a terrible job with numbers 1 and 2. I think that number 2 is definitely coming along as our leaders start to realize this. What I'm worried about is number 1, because our municipal borders are so ingrained in those living in the region is seems a tough obstacle to overcome. Though people living in the suburbs would benefit tremendously from the overall increase in growth, I think that they will not see how they will benefit. Johnson emphasized what all of us on this forum, and indeed many, many people in this community already know, which is how ridiculous and backwards it is to fail to realize that our competition isn't within our city and it suburbs, but our city and every other city in the world. Corporations are turned off by what they perceive as petty regional squablings. Johnson has hope that we can start to move toward this form of government very soon, so I have hope as well, but it seems to be the toughest challenge of these three for our city and region. We have talked about regional government on this thread before, any more thoughts on how this could practicably be achieved?

Great to hear of the new downtown developments, I knew that it was going to continue to progress!

[ToledoProgrammer]

I attended the forum at UT Law School yesterday on using the law to spur and navigate economic development. Many excellent speakers attended, and most of them were not from this region. All the speakers made it clear that we are the position we are in, both the positives and negatives, because of the way we choose to govern the region and the way we pursue opportunities, not because of some inevitablity. Dan Johnson, who I believe has some of the best ideas on economic development (he writes a great guest column for the Free Press and, as most of you probably know, has been the biggest driving force behind UT's economic development refocus), was one of the few non-lawyers to speak. He made it clear that every mid-sized North American city that has been successful in this new economy has done three things well:

1. Regional government;
2. Global focus;
3. Commercialization of univeristy research.

He believes that we've done a great job with number 3, but a terrible job with numbers 1 and 2. I think that number 2 is definitely coming along as our leaders start to realize this. What I'm worried about is number 1, because our municipal borders are so ingrained in those living in the region is seems a tough obstacle to overcome. Though people living in the suburbs would benefit tremendously from the overall increase in growth, I think that they will not see how they will benefit. Johnson emphasized what all of us on this forum, and indeed many, many people in this community already know, which is how ridiculous and backwards it is to fail to realize that our competition isn't within our city and it suburbs, but our city and every other city in the world. Corporations are turned off by what they perceive as petty regional squablings. Johnson has hope that we can start to move toward this form of government very soon, so I have hope as well, but it seems to be the toughest challenge of these three for our city and region. We have talked about regional government on this thread before, any more thoughts on how this could practicably be achieved?

Great to hear of the new downtown developments, I knew that it was going to continue to progress!

We need to start electing NEW politicians in Toledo and Lucas County. A lot of Toledo's politicians are recycled from other positions, but people such as Tom Waniewski, my councilman, give me hope we're moving into that direction. The point that corporations look over this region because of petty regional squabbling couldn't be any more true. We need to move toward a more regional government, with more transparency and efficiency in our government.

As for the developments downtown, this is absolutely great. I expect things to really start coming in mid next year, closer to when the arena will be finished. Downtown development is really going to be heading into the right direction now that we will have two venues that allow for downtown to be an all-year round destination, and with continued growth in downtown area lofts and apartments, things are going to take off.

[Bonjourtoledo]

^^

rustbeltrevival, Thanks for the posting of the economic development and Dan Johnson is a great guy. He is truly a leader when it comes to regionalism and we need him to guide this area for it, and I liked him when he was president at UT.

I agree with you ToledoProgrammer, but not all elected officials need to be replaced which some of them are keepers such as Joe McNamara, Tina Wozniak Skeldon, Ben Konop, Mark Sobzcak, George Sarantou, Tom Waniewski, and Lindsay Webb. I wish Ellen Grachek stayed on and that Keith Wilkowski was elected as mayor back in 2005.

As far as Lucas County suburban mayor and trustees, they need to get rid of Derek Merrin of Waterville, Marge Brown of Oregon, Marilyn Yoder of Springfield Township and the double trouble ladies (not Ms. Contrada) of Sylvania Township. Talk about radical politicans as they defy regionalism concept and truly make the militia look like Boys Scout members.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[rustbeltrevival]

I wish Ellen Grachek stayed on and that Keith Wilkowski was elected as mayor back in 2005.


Keith was one of the presenters, he filled in at the last minute for a cancellation. He has some great ideas, and I think that he would take a global, business friendly approach to the city. I'm 99% sure he's going to run again this time around, and get into the race in a timely fashion this time. We would do well to elect him, as it seems he really has a big picture focus (of course, the competition has yet to be determined!). If we lok at Carty (without the distractions), he has much more of a poject by project focus, and while we certainly need people like that in government, at this point our city desparately needs a big picture guy. And he quotes Jane Jacobs relentlessly, which is pretty awesome for anyone who is a fan of her work.

[Bonjourtoledo]

I wish Ellen Grachek stayed on and that Keith Wilkowski was elected as mayor back in 2005.


Keith was one of the presenters, he filled in at the last minute for a cancellation. He has some great ideas, and I think that he would take a global, business friendly approach to the city. I'm 99% sure he's going to run again this time around, and get into the race in a timely fashion this time. We would do well to elect him, as it seems he really has a big picture focus (of course, the competition has yet to be determined!). If we lok at Carty (without the distractions), he has much more of a poject by project focus, and while we certainly need people like that in government, at this point our city desparately needs a big picture guy. And he quotes Jane Jacobs relentlessly, which is pretty awesome for anyone who is a fan of her work.


I am a HUGE fan of Jane Jacobs. I hold a book called "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Ms. Jacobs dear to my heart.

[Paddington]

In most cities to get elected, you have to prove yourself to the public and then to get reelected you have to do a good job. There's accountability. In Toledo's corrupt union based politics, you have to prove yourself to the union bosses and then to get reelected you have to bribe/payoff the friends and family of the union bosses. The electorate is unionized and corruptly controlled by their union boss masters, so they vote for whoever they tell them to vote for, even a 'tard like Finkbeiner.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Paddington]

Having the cruddy old drawbridge next to the new I-280 masterpiece really ruins the look.

[Pilliod Njaim]

^The old bridge will be used for local auto, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. It is much needed and will allow Northriver residents to cross into East Toledo with a lot more ease than getting on an interstate highway. They can even walk across the river if they want, something not possible on interstate bridges. I'm quite happy Toledo is keeping the old bridge, because the only other pedestrian-friendly bridges crossing the Maumee River are the MLK Jr. and Anthony Wayne Bridges. They're both a good distance from the Craig Bridge (MLK Jr. is downtown, Anthony Wayne is in the Warehouse District).

[Mudhen419]

I like the Craig bridge right next to the VGCS bridge..... Its cool when you drive by and the draw bridge is up.... your pretty much eye level with the top of the spans...... Dont be mad that you dont have a bridge as nice as ours......

Oh yea... I wrote to the Mudhens about a week ago telling them how cool it is that fifth third field is in the new 2k8 and asking them to post something about it on the site maybe some pics..... Well it didnt take long...... I dont know how to post pics here so Bonjour maybe you can post them for me?? Just head to Mudhens.com and the article is close to the bottom....theres 4 pics.......

[Bonjourtoledo]

I like the Craig bridge right next to the VGCS bridge..... Its cool when you drive by and the draw bridge is up.... your pretty much eye level with the top of the spans...... Dont be mad that you dont have a bridge as nice as ours......

Oh yea... I wrote to the Mudhens about a week ago telling them how cool it is that fifth third field is in the new 2k8 and asking them to post something about it on the site maybe some pics..... Well it didnt take long...... I dont know how to post pics here so Bonjour maybe you can post them for me?? Just head to Mudhens.com and the article is close to the bottom....theres 4 pics.......

Here ya go (it's quite nifty)...................

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/toledomudhens_batter.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/toledomudhens_pitcher.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/toledomudhens_stadium1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/toledomudhens_stadium2.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Having the cruddy old drawbridge next to the new I-280 masterpiece really ruins the look.

It's a matter of your opinion and I respect that since I think it's great to keep the Craig Memorial Bridge as a city arterial. IMHO, the more bridges the better for east and west side of the great Maumee River.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Perrysburg eyes grant for proposed solar plant
By CHRIS MILLER Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted on BG Sentinel-Tribune website 3-19-2008

PERRYSBURG — A proposed new solar module manufacturing plant along Ohio 25 could generate more than $12 million in annual payroll, according to information provided to city council’s economic development committee.
Willard Kelsey Solar Group is expected to move in to an existing manufacturing facility along Route 25 across from Harbor Town Place. It’s the old Delafoil and more recent Proline facility — the “Proline” name is still on the building — and features more than 250,000 square-feet of production and warehouse space.

The Sentinel-Tribune was first to report on the new solar firm on Feb. 29 after the site was sold for $7 million to Spring Grove Trading Company. According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, Spring Grove’s agent is Michael Cicak. He’s a local resident with ties to the solar industry.
Solar panels, or photovoltaic modules as they’re often called in the industry, covert sunlight into usable electric energy.

At a recent meeting of Perrysburg city council’s Economic Development Committee, City Administrator John Alexander told committee members the new company is interested in any economic development incentives the city can offer. Company officials also are in contact with state officials seeking similar incentives.

The committee also learned the company’s business plan, if implemented as described to city officials, would generate $12 million to $13 million in annual payroll.

The city will offer Willard Kelsey Solar Group incentives through its Job Creation Grant Program, which provides rebates of one-third of the company’s annual payroll income taxes for up to five years. The city also will consider waiving any fees associated with installing a traffic light at the intersection of Progress Drive and Route 25 where the facility is located.
City councilman John Kevern, chairman of council’s Economic Development Committee, along with fellow committee members Mike Olmstead and Joe Lawless, agreed the city administration should communicate Perrysburg’s offer to the solar company’s representatives.

The prospect of another alternative energy manufacturer here in Wood County is good news for economic development officials.

Tom Blaha, executive director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission, early this month told the Sentinel-Tribune the commission has been working to attract alternative energy companies to Wood County.
Perrysburg Township already is home to First Solar, one of the world’s fastest growing solar module manufacturing and research firms with its sole North American plant located in Cedar Business Park off Ohio 795.

Closer to home here in the city of Perrysburg there’s another solar company, Calyxo USA, part of a German-owned solar company Q-Cells AG. Calyxo is located along Eckel Junction Road, just a few miles north of the Delafoil plant.
Gov. Ted Strickland last month visited First Solar in Perrysburg Township and has been touting alternative energy as an industry deserving of state support.
“Ohio can become an absolute leader in providing the state of Ohio, the United States of America, and even the world with the type of energy it needs,” Strickland said during his First Solar visit last month. “This company and companies like it are the kind of industry that Ohio desperately needs and we should encourage.”

[Bonjourtoledo]

OOOO.......MMMM........GGGG.........I'm going to faint!!!!!!!!! This is very good and let's hope for the best for it to work out.

Fiberglass Tower could get new life
Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website March 19, 2008

A new project could affect the future of this vacant building.
It was once a signature building along Toledo's skyline yet the Fiberglass Tower has been vacant for years. But tonight, news that could bring that building back to life, news you won't see anywhere else.

The Fiberglass Tower at 200 North Saint Clair is the second-tallest building downtown. A new project could affect the future of this vacant building.
200-North Saint Clair stretches 30 floors into the sky. But a much smaller building about a block away could transform this old building.
Story continues belowAdvertisementThe old Owens Corning headquarters building needs a transformation.

Vacant for 12 years, some thought the Lansing Michigan owners should just tear it down.

"It's not going to get demolished. We're looking at bringing this building back to life." Commissioner Pete Gerken says that new life is inspired by the groundbreaking at the new arena and with the success of Fifth Third Field spinning off new businesses and expansion coming to the Convention Center.

The tower's owners believe now's the time to re-invest, recruit new investors, and try to get help from the state to clean out the old building.
"This is a Brownfield, whether it's flat on the ground or it's going up 32 stories, it's still a Brownfield with the asbestos there," said Pete Gerken.
There's asbestos between every floor and the mechanical system needs an overhaul.

Private investors are interested in remaking the tower. Plans could include some residential condos, office space, small retail on the bottom floor, a restaurant on top, and several floors of hotel space.
Building owners say renovation and investment could reach 50-million dollars or more.

"I believe that the mixed use product that can be brought into downtown Toledo will be the one that will bring success."
"It's a staple in the downtown community."

The project needs Toledo's help. Help with inspections and permits even help finding federal and state grants to pay for all the work that needs to be done.

"We know this project is going to be difficult and very costly and time consuming, but we are committed," says Anthony Jones, a development specialist.

Work crews could start remediation and renovation within 12 to 18 months. Tenants could move in within 2-years.

The owners tell us this building is closer to having a future than ever before.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Chinese company looks at local business park
Posted on Port Clinton News Herald website 3-19-2008

ERIE TOWNSHIP (located west of Port Clinton) — A Chinese company that makes environmentally friendly wallboard and construction materials is considering locating its first U.S. plant at a local business park, officials said.

Green Apple (USA) LLC officials and investors from Hong Kong toured the Lake Erie Business Park on Ohio 2 Wednesday and met with county officials and representatives from the Ohio Department of Development, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s office and the offices of U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich.

“This area has huge potential,” said Derek Ng, Green Apple project manager. “We fell in love with the area immediately.”

Ng said he and other Green Apple officials plan to bring more investors from China to view the site. He said he felt confident the development would be feasible after Ottawa County Improvement Corp. Director Jamie Grant and other state and county officials told them about the services and help they offer local companies.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Another media coverage on this development news:

Maumee Authority Stamping signs purchase agreement
By Kylie Conway
Posted on WNWO NBC 24 website March 19, 2008

Manufacturing jobs are returning to Northwest Ohio. The ink is still drying on the purchase agreement between Maumee Authority Stamping and Ford Motor Company which was signed Wednesday afternoon.

Now, President and CEO Keith Obey is waiting for Ford's John Hancock which is expected Tuesday. Prior to signing, Obey held an informational meeting for potential investors.

More than 150 people showed up at the Maumee Eagles Club Wednesday to fill out applications, get informed and be interviewed. Maumee Authority needs $4.8 million in initial investments which are all coming from workers who will contribute to this employee-owned corporation.

“I believe in it...employee owned stock ownership programs. Everybody is involved with the ownership of the company. It's a limited amount of ownership and there's no wasted time, money or labor,” said potential investor Dominic Lapan.

Many are investing 401k's, pensions or like Lapan, cash buyouts from Ford. Employees have the option of an investment minimum of one share at $16,000 and a maximum of 15 shares for at total investment of $240,000. But in a sinking U.S. manufacturing market are these good investments?

“Part of why I think this might work is that the incentives are in the right direction. The employees are the ones who benefit from successful plant operations,” said University of Toledo Finance Professor Dr. Gary Moore.

Obey says there is security. He says Maumee authority has verbal agreements from 30 to 40 customers...mostly from traditional auto manufacturers like General Motors and Chrysler. But, he plans to shift away from the auto industry.

“In order to normalize our production and our revenue stream we've got to get away from automotive, so we'll be locked in to automotive for a couple of years, but very quickly we'll move away,” said Obey.

Obey says he has verbal agreements from customers for $105 million in sales for 2008, $150 million for 2009, and $200 million by 2010.

He expects to employ 251 team members by the end of 2008, 350-450 by 2009, 500 by 2010 and eventually peak at 700-750.

Workers will get $14-$20/hour and 100% profit sharing which Obey projects to be $20,000 dollars by the end of this year. Maumee Authority is also paying $10,000 a year for each employee’s healthcare.

Obey says Maumee Authority Stamping's first day in operation will fall between April 11th and June 3rd.

Price pact reported for closed Maumee stamping factory
Posted on Toledo Blade website 3-19-2008

A former manager who hopes to revive an idled auto parts plant in Maumee said he and owner Ford Motor Co. have agreed on a price and probably will sign a purchase contract this week.

Keith Obey wants to buy the car maker's former Maumee Stamping plant with money raised from employees under a so-called employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP.

Stefanie Denby, a Ford spokesman, confirmed that negotiations continue with Mr. Obey. But she declined to comment on the status of talks.

Mr. Obey wouldn't disclose the purchase price, but he said each employee would be required to buy a share of stock in the newly formed company for $16,000.

About 600 prospective employees have expressed interest in the arrangement. The firm, called Maumee Stamping Authority, initially would employ 250, with plans to hire another 250 next year and more employees later.

The plant, which formerly made bumpers, body panels, and other parts for Ford, has bid on $195 million in work from car makers and other firms, Mr. Obey said. Initial contracts are likely to be signed in coming days, he added. He declined to disclose customers.

Ford shut the plant last fall as part of its effort to return to profitability. But Mr. Obey said he believes that the factory can be profitable with teamwork and dynamic leadership.

He is to meet today from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Maumee's Eagles Club, 827 Illinois Ave., with people who have already applied to work at the plant. A second meeting is set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the club for other people interested in working at the plant but who have not yet applied.

Even though the firm has an ample employment pool, the goal is to find the 250 most qualified employees, Mr. Obey said. Only those people who are actually hired will be required to buy stock in the venture, he added.

[ilovetoledo]

OMG FIBERGLASS TOWER!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rustbeltrevival]

This is obviously a great sign for the city and region, as well as the university-

National honors given to UT
Tyler Thomas
Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: News

The University of Toledo has recently become recognized for placing in the top 10 in the nation for executing licenses and launching start-up businesses, according to recent data compiled by the Association of University Technology Managers.

President of Innovation Associates Diane Palmintera said the University of Toledo, according to the data compiled by AUTM, came out in the top 10 in both executing new licenses and launching new startups.

"When you compare universities that compare licenses in relation to their research expenditure, the university [of Toledo] was number six," said Diane Palmintera, president of Innovation Associates. "In terms of launching startups, the University of Toledo came in at number seven, when research expenditures are taken into account."

Frank Calzonetti, vice president for research development, said we gain recognition as a leader for our good transfers and commercialization.

"We've done a good job by seeing a third party validate our standing," Calzonetti said. "Universities and businesses can see that the University of Toledo is a good place to come for research,"

In 2005, UT placed similarly in the standings.

"We are moving in the right direction," Calzonetti said. "This provides further evidence that the university is moving forward as a leader."

The process was started in January 2001, when Associate Vice President for Technology Transfer Dan Kory was hired.

"When I restarted the program, our primary goal was to show tremendous efficiency and productivity in working with our faculty in order to translate laboratory research into reality," Kory said.

Kory may have started in 2001, but transforming technology research into tangible results in reality is a lengthy process.

"To see if we should proceed with a patent, which are very expensive, we must decide if we can patent it or not and also if the university can procure its patenting cost back and receive a return on the investment," he said.

Spinoff businesses, businesses that are created by individuals that are dependent on university technology, help to create local business efforts, and reenergize the economy within the capabilities within the institution, Kory said.

"A spinoff from the university is 150 times more likely to go IPO [Initial Public Offering, where the company's stock is available for public purchase], which can lead to higher paying jobs," Kory said.

"It's a great way to learn about technology and translate to the students," he said. "It is a great way to attract certain faculty, and provide an advantage in bringing others into the university. Many of the faculty we hire are from the best schools in the country."

[Pilliod Njaim]

^WOW, I had no idea UT ranked so high in launching start-up businesses. That school has really been turning around the last couple of years.

[Bonjourtoledo]

^^ Great news indeed.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Paddington]

Franklin Park mall feels dead once you venture outside the new wing. The other 3 wings don't have the pedestrian traffic they used too, and of course the center is no longer a gathering place.

[Bonjourtoledo]

UT lands $2.6 million for solar energy research from U.S. Department of Energy
By Matt Lockwood Mar 24, 2008 Posted on UT News website

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced $13.7 million in funding for 11 university-led projects focused on developing advanced solar photovoltaic technology manufacturing processes and products.

The University of Toledo has been selected to receive a total of more than $2.6 million for two of the projects. UT was one of only two universities to be selected for two projects. Other schools receiving funding include the Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Florida.

Universities selected for these projects will leverage fundamental understanding of materials and photovoltaic devices to help industry partners advance manufacturing processes and products. These projects have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of electricity produced by photovoltaics. Each university will work closely with an industry partner to ensure the projects retain a commercialization focus and results are quickly transitioned into market-ready products and manufacturing processes.

On each of the projects, the DOE’s funding will be combined with a minimum university and industry investment of 20 percent of the project’s total.

The University has received $1.44 million to work with Xunlight, a recent graduate of UT’s Clean and Renewable Energy Incubator, to develop a high-speed coating technology to put thin-film silicon on flexible stainless steel foil, therefore reducing the costs of flexible solar modules. Xunlight was founded by Dr. Xunming Deng, UT professor of physics. With the University and industry contribution, the project’s total cost is approximately $1.9 million.

The University also will use $1.16 million in DOE funding on a project in collaboration with industry partners Calyxo USA, formerly Solar Fields, and Pilkington, and with academic partners from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the University of Michigan. The universities will assist the industrial partners in optimizing a high-speed coating process for a cadmium telluride coating on glass. The total project cost is approximately $1.7 million.

Projects were selected in response to DOE’s June 2007 Funding Opportunity Announcement — University Photovoltaic Process and Product Development Support — which seeks to strengthen university involvement in the rapidly growing photovoltaic industry. Funding is subject to appropriations from Congress.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Perrysburg to Offer Solar Plant Incentives
Job Creation Grant Expected
Posted on WSPD 1370AM website 3-24-2008

The city of Perrysburg plans to offer incentives to help a new solar company move into the former Delafoil plant. City administrator John Alexander says Perrysburg splits payroll income taxes with Toledo and will use a part of its share as a job creation grant.

No word on when the Willard Kelsey Solar Group will begin operations, but it would be Northwest Ohio's fourth solar company joining First Solar, Xunlight, and Calyxo U-S-A. The company has told city leaders it will generate an annual payroll of more than $12 million.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here are the direct links to the region's solar industries:

http://www.calyxousa.com/

http://www.xunlight.com/

http://www.firstsolar.com/

There is no link for Willard Kelsey Solar Group as of yet.

[ToledoProgrammer]

Here are the direct links to the region's solar industries:

http://www.calyxousa.com/

http://www.xunlight.com/

http://www.firstsolar.com/

There is no link for Willard Kelsey Solar Group as of yet.

I think you all might like this, in light of all these solar businesses in the Toledo area: http://money.cnn.com/video/#/video/news/2008/03/24/news.acosta.green.cnnmoney

[Bonjourtoledo]

^^ Thanks for posting the link ToledoProgrammer. Nice to see Toledo in the spotlight.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

I've been told that the Cityboyz Fashion Menswear will be relocating their business from the Westgate area to the space (former Fastenal Hardware and Obama Campaign headquarters) next to Downtown Latte on Saint Clair/Lafayette Streets. Here is the direct link to their site: http://www.cityboyzfashions.com/index.html

IMO, I think it's a great location to fit with the area and with other existing businesses (wellness center, coffee shop, retail, commercial, clubs and restaurants) and certainly for the neighborhood. Also there's a store called "Honey I'm Home" and I would think they would make a nifty addition to the neighborhood in the ongoing redeveloped former Toledo Heater building on St. Clair. Here is their direct link: http://www.honeyimhomeonline.com/aboutus.htm

[tk29]

From WTOL.com:

New marine passenger terminal to welcome the Boyer

Posted: March 25, 2008 03:51 PM EDT

TOLEDO -- The wheels are in motion at the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to pump life into the new marine passenger terminal.

Construction on the $3 million facility wrapped up last year in Toledo's Marina District, reports News 11's Rob Wiercinski, who says that new facility may soon have an "old" look.

Activity at the marine passenger terminal involves both short- and long-term planning. The Willis B. Boyer may be moving down river from its current resting spot along International Park to be part of a long-term vision at the Marine Passenger Terminal.

"To create a Toledo Maritime Center, to relay our past, present and future of Toledo's waterfront, which is essentially the foundation of our community," explained Paul Lamarre, the Boyer's executive director and special assistant to the Port Authority president.

While moving the Boyer is still in the development stage, Lamarre says lake ferries docking at the terminal will be taking center stage in the near future.

"We will, without a doubt, be doing some trial runs to potentially service the islands as well as the Detroit community, and that could start happening as early as the late Spring," Lamarre said.

The Port Authority is ready to bring on board Gladieux Enterprises to market and operate the building as a banquet and catering facility. An agreement on that will be presented to the Port board for approval on Thursday.

Posted by KO

[ilovetoledo]

Franklin Park mall feels dead once you venture outside the new wing. The other 3 wings don't have the pedestrian traffic they used too, and of course the center is no longer a gathering place.

wow you really must be kidding

[Pilliod Njaim]

interesting new fitness club in Maumee
http://themirrornewspaper.com/pages/business/art/Urban.jpg

Urban Active, Diabetes Care Center Among Others To Open Soon In Maumee
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER

The Maumee Chamber of Commerce, including nine new members, learned of business changes and heard from new St. Luke’s Hospital president and CEO Daniel Wakeman during the March 11 luncheon.

Wakeman, who joined St. Luke’s in January, said the relationship between Maumee businesses and the independently owned hospital is one of economic interdependence.

“We need to feed each other to make each other stronger,” he said. “The way to survive a short-term downturn is reaching out to each other.”

Prior to joining St. Luke’s, Wakeman was CEO of Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe, starting a $60 million renovation project with new emergency and surgical facilities. He was also president and chief executive of War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

While frustrated with the health care wars, which he believes cost consumers more money in the end, he pointed out positive changes at St. Luke’s, such as the May opening of The Diabetes Care Center, which will provide diabetes management services, and the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

Maumee city administrator John Jezak also updated the audience about changes in town.

The retail portion of The Boulevard, a development that runs between Ford Street and Arrowhead Drive, is complete. Serenity Nail Salon has moved in and Tomahawk Development is negotiating leases with several other tenants. The Marriott will be opening in May of this year. The boulevard will be paved and open to traffic next month.

Omnicare, a pharmaceutical care provider, is renovating the Opinion Research building on Longbow and will bring 125 new jobs to town.

The Buehrer Group is expanding into the former Woodard Photography building at 316 Conant St. The architecture and engineering firm purchased the building in May and began renovations in December.

Mezzmerize, a 300-seat Mediterranean restaurant, will open in September at Holland Road and Dussel Drive.

Urban Active is finishing up work on a $10 million, 46,000-square-foot fitness center in the former Lincoln-Mercury location on Conant.

The Holiday Plaza, currently home to Value City, which is closing as part of a company restructuring, has no future tenants identified, Jezak said.

Burlington Coat Factory – once thought to be a viable replacement for the Holiday Plaza location – announced plans to move into the Best Buy and Pharm locations at Airport Highway and Reynolds Road in Toledo by August 29.

The lack of a tenant for Holiday Plaza may be a catalyst for redevelopment, Jezak said.

“Because of the absolute indifference of the owners of Holiday Plaza, I think that the market is indicating that the property has become so obsolete that many would-be tenants view it as an unviable location,” Jezak said later in the week.

The next Maumee Chamber of Commerce lunch is at noon on Tuesday, April 8 at Brandywine Country Club.

http://themirrornewspaper.com/pages/business/business.htm

[Pilliod Njaim]

Franklin Park mall feels dead once you venture outside the new wing. The other 3 wings don't have the pedestrian traffic they used too, and of course the center is no longer a gathering place.

wow you really must be kidding

yeah, I agree. Last time I was at Franklin Park, it hardly seemed dead to me. I personally can see that hot mess out at Fallen Timbers dying first. It's a poor attempt at a wannabe Levis Commons that's more suburban, less classy, and has nowhere near the food offerings. Fallen Timbers is the mall that sucks most. Talk about a friggin dissapointment. It looks nothing like the renderings promised. Where's the lake, boardwalk, and chiminea? Where's the housing? Where are the f-ing food venues?

[Mudhen419]

Yea this dude dont know what he's talkin about. I dont even like goin to Franklin beacause theres to many people. Can't even get any help at some stores. Took over 20 mins to get some help upstairs at Dicks..... And I agree with ya pilliod not much out there besides the main strip. But there was an article in the blade the other day sayin that SAFT was doin pretty good and 18 new places are comin in bringing it to over 85 percent full.... Ill be out that way here a lot anyday now. People are startin to catch walleye in the river. Water level just needs to go down a lil......

Anyone check out the lucascountyarena webcam lately? I could be mistakin but are those supports? Am i seeing verticle construction? check out cam 2... We have any engineers or achitechs that roam around in here?

[ToledoProgrammer]

Yea this dude dont know what he's talkin about. I dont even like goin to Franklin beacause theres to many people. Can't even get any help at some stores. Took over 20 mins to get some help upstairs at Dicks..... And I agree with ya pilliod not much out there besides the main strip. But there was an article in the blade the other day sayin that SAFT was doin pretty good and 18 new places are comin in bringing it to over 85 percent full.... Ill be out that way here a lot anyday now. People are startin to catch walleye in the river. Water level just needs to go down a lil......

Anyone check out the lucascountyarena webcam lately? I could be mistakin but are those supports? Am i seeing verticle construction? check out cam 2... We have any engineers or achitechs that roam around in here?

I'm not an architect, but I do believe that is the start of some vertical construction. The Blade reported that vertical construction would begin here shortly. I imagine with the good weather we'll really start to see some construction take place here in the next couple of weeks.

[cjfjapan]

http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/arena/arenawebcam/webcam2.jpg?DateTime=3/27/2008%2010:17:44%20AM

[Bonjourtoledo]

New downtown ribs festival announced
Posted on WTOL CBS 11 website March 27, 2008

With CitiFest now history, what will happen with those downtown Toledo traditions like Taste of the Town and the Rib-off?

Citifest hosted rib-tasting events at Promenade Park after the original Rib-off event moved out to the rec center. Today it was announced a new partnership has been formed to keep that tradition alive in downtown Toledo.

People enjoyed themselves at Ribs on the River most recently held last August. The big draw is to be able to sample ribs from different vendors and be entertained along the riverfront. Now, the American Red Cross is teaming up with Columbia Gas to hold a similar event on August 1-3. It's going to be called Smoke on the Water -- Ribs for the Red Cross. While there was no mention of which vendors or bands will be there, event sponsors are hoping for big crowds and a successful event.

Jodie Tienvieri of the Red Cross tells News 11, "We believe this is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Not only is it going to help us continue the mission of the Red Cross, but it's going to raise needed funds for community members who may be experiencing disaster or emergency."

As far as filling the void left by CitiFest, a spokesman for Mayor Finkbeiner says the city is getting close to lining up some sort of agreement for downtown event planning. Just who that'll include, or if city funds will be involved, is not known at this time.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[southsider]

...I personally can see that hot mess out at Fallen Timbers dying first. It's a poor attempt at a wannabe Levis Commons that's more suburban, less classy, and has nowhere near the food offerings. Fallen Timbers is the mall that sucks most. Talk about a friggin dissapointment. It looks nothing like the renderings promised. Where's the lake, boardwalk, and chiminea? Where's the housing? Where are the f-ing food venues?

"A poor attempt at a wannabe Levis Commons!?!"

The only similiarity between these two projects is that they are both outdoor shopping centers. The mix of attractions at each was designed to be different. Levis Commons started out with more restaurants and shops targeted towards women, and has recently begun adding entertainment options like a comedy club. Fallen Timbers is setup more like a traditional shopping mall with mostly national retailers. The center did not have a slew of restaurants upon opening, but that is already changing. Granite City Brewing Company opened recently, followed soon by Red Robin and a couple QSR/fast-food places like Sbarro and Subway and I'm sure many more will follow as the area develops.

I find it extremely pessimistic to predict the demise of a center that has been open a grand total of 6 months. Also note that it opened on the eve of one of the snowiest winters in local history. Truth is that whole part of the metro area was just farmfields before the mall was built, so how about giving it a chance to thrive instead of bashing it? Similar sized cities to Toledo usually have at least 3 healthy malls, so why do we have to only have Franklin Park & Levis Commons?

Look at a map of the region, and you'll see that Fallen Timbers lies directly on one of the only vast stretches of land near I-475 that's undeveloped. Also keep in mind that US-24, the main route that feeds the center, is set to become a 4 lane divided highway all the way to Ft. Wayne Indiana, with construction starting this year. That entire corridor is poised to become a major transportation gateway in & out of the Toledo region. The area around the mall will surely fill in with more of the restaurants you're looking for in the years to come.

You asked where the housing is? It's called Monclova Township!, only one of the area's fastest growing suburbs in terms of new housing over the last decade. Perhaps they will build some townhome style condos near the mall site eventually, but that was not part of the original design. Again, they are not trying to duplicate Levis Commons.

Lastly, I disagree with your take on the overall aesthetic appeal. Artist renderings are just that... renderings. When does the real thing ever look like a painting? I visited the mall on opening day, took a stroll down Main Street, and was very pleased with the architectural detail and overall aesthetics. The whole center fits in great with the upscale suburban surroundings of Monclova and the historic, natural beauty of the Maumee River area.

[rustbeltrevival]

I think that was the name? I'm referring to the new Moroccan restaurant in the Oliver House. I've gotta say, I wanted to try it, but I didn't expect anything out of it for whatever reason, so I went in expecting a par dining experience at best. Wrong! It's f-ing fantastic. It's in the old Mutz (the new Mutz is on the 2nd Floor, though I didn't get a chance to look at it yet). You choose different combos from a set menu to form a four course meal for a set price of $22, you get this complimentary mint and honey tea, and the atmosphere is decent (not great, but better than I expected). The dishes are pretty creative, too, though I don't know a whole lot about Moroccan food other than couscous.

Anyways, I didn't mean to turn this into a dining review, I initially meant to post on this place being open, but man it was good. It's nice to have something different than the traditional Toledo Lebanese places, though of course they're probably among the best Lebanese places in North American and they're f-ing awesome as well.

[Bonjourtoledo]

"A poor attempt at a wannabe Levis Commons!?!"

The only similiarity between these two projects is that they are both outdoor shopping centers. The mix of attractions at each was designed to be different. Levis Commons started out with more restaurants and shops targeted towards women, and has recently begun adding entertainment options like a comedy club. Fallen Timbers is setup more like a traditional shopping mall with mostly national retailers. The center did not have a slew of restaurants upon opening, but that is already changing. Granite City Brewing Company opened recently, followed soon by Red Robin and a couple QSR/fast-food places like Sbarro and Subway and I'm sure many more will follow as the area develops.

I find it extremely pessimistic to predict the demise of a center that has been open a grand total of 6 months. Also note that it opened on the eve of one of the snowiest winters in local history. Truth is that whole part of the metro area was just farmfields before the mall was built, so how about giving it a chance to thrive instead of bashing it? Similar sized cities to Toledo usually have at least 3 healthy malls, so why do we have to only have Franklin Park & Levis Commons?

Look at a map of the region, and you'll see that Fallen Timbers lies directly on one of the only vast stretches of land near I-475 that's undeveloped. Also keep in mind that US-24, the main route that feeds the center, is set to become a 4 lane divided highway all the way to Ft. Wayne Indiana, with construction starting this year. That entire corridor is poised to become a major transportation gateway in & out of the Toledo region. The area around the mall will surely fill in with more of the restaurants you're looking for in the years to come.

You asked where the housing is? It's called Monclova Township!, only one of the area's fastest growing suburbs in terms of new housing over the last decade. Perhaps they will build some townhome style condos near the mall site eventually, but that was not part of the original design. Again, they are not trying to duplicate Levis Commons.

Lastly, I disagree with your take on the overall aesthetic appeal. Artist renderings are just that... renderings. When does the real thing ever look like a painting? I visited the mall on opening day, took a stroll down Main Street, and was very pleased with the architectural detail and overall aesthetics. The whole center fits in great with the upscale suburban surroundings of Monclova and the historic, natural beauty of the Maumee River area.

Welcome southsider, I see you are a first timer in this forum and thank you for your insights between Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers. I've got to say in terms of why do people get so excited over these "open-air" mall because I think it's nothing more than a glorified shopping center with a different set-up. :lol:

I truly hope there would be another enclosed mall besides Westfield Franklin Park sometime in the near future (renovate North Towne Square, Woodville or Portside Marketplace) because the wet/snowy/cold weather really hampers the purpose of shopping/hanging out at the open-air mall at least 6-8 months out of the year. I firmly believe the Toledo region CAN support at least four-five malls at the most (i.e. Franklin Park (northwest area), Fallen Timbers (southwest area), Levis Commons (south area), Portside (central/east area), Woodville (east area) and North Towne (north area). It's not about the number of people it's how the malls are managed, marketed, and adpated to the consumer's demands of the entire Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan region.

[Pilliod Njaim]

Anyways, I didn't mean to turn this into a dining review, I initially meant to post on this place being open, but man it was good. It's nice to have something different than the traditional Toledo Lebanese places, though of course they're probably among the best Lebanese places in North American and they're f-ing awesome as well.

I'm Lebanese and I can tell you won't find better Lebanese food anywhere else in America than Toledo. You can find some places that are as good (particularly in Detroit), but not better. Toledo completely murders the competition in Ohio and most of America.

[Bonjourtoledo]

I think that was the name? I'm referring to the new Moroccan restaurant in the Oliver House. I've gotta say, I wanted to try it, but I didn't expect anything out of it for whatever reason, so I went in expecting a par dining experience at best. Wrong! It's f-ing fantastic. It's in the old Mutz (the new Mutz is on the 2nd Floor, though I didn't get a chance to look at it yet). You choose different combos from a set menu to form a four course meal for a set price of $22, you get this complimentary mint and honey tea, and the atmosphere is decent (not great, but better than I expected). The dishes are pretty creative, too, though I don't know a whole lot about Moroccan food other than couscous.

Anyways, I didn't mean to turn this into a dining review, I initially meant to post on this place being open, but man it was good. It's nice to have something different than the traditional Toledo Lebanese places, though of course they're probably among the best Lebanese places in North American and they're f-ing awesome as well.


rustbeltrevival, we ate there a few weeks ago and I second your comments about Harissa, it is f***ing awesome, the food and service was wonderful. I certainly plan to be back.

[southsider]

Welcome southsider, I see you are a first timer in this forum and thank you for your insights between Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers. I've got to say in terms of why do people get so excited over these "open-air" mall because I think it's nothing more than a glorified shopping center with a different set-up. :lol:

I truly hope there would be another enclosed mall besides Westfield Franklin Park sometime in the near future (renovate North Towne Square, Woodville or Portside Marketplace) because the wet/snowy/cold weather really hampers the purpose of shopping/hanging out at the open-air mall at least 6-8 months out of the year. I firmly believe the Toledo region CAN support at least four-five malls at the most (i.e. Franklin Park (northwest area), Fallen Timbers (southwest area), Levis Commons (south area), Portside (central/east area), Woodville (east area) and North Towne (north area). It's not about the number of people it's how the malls are managed, marketed, and adpated to the consumer's demands of the entire Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan region.

Thanks! I've been following this board for awhile and finally got around to joining up.

Back around 2000 - maybe earlier - the Fallen Timbers project was envisioned as an upscale two-level, five-anchor, super regional mall complete with indoor skating rink. That plan proved unrealistic after General Growth studied local population and income statistics, subsequently causing trouble in signing more than two large anchors to the project. There was also a lot of local opposition from Maumee residents in regards to such a mammoth project. Evidence of shifting national 'trends' in retail caused the project to be re-envisioned as its current form, an outdoor lifestyle center.

I agree that the metro area could use a second enclosed mall. Look at fair-weather southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas that have numerous enclosed malls. Big retail tends to follow big incomes, so here is where I predict the next Toledo area shopping mall will be built (hopefully enclosed - to balance things out), in around 2015-2020...


http://www.onpointmedia.com/img/new_mall_2020.jpg


When ODOT adds a new interchange at Dorr Street* (*currently under study), possibly sometime in the next 5-12 years, this will accelerate commercial growth westward along Dorr in northern Springfield Township.

A mall in this location would be perfect for serving the affulent surrounding communities of Sylvania, Ottawa Hills, West Toledo and parts of Springfield/Holland. Only 5-6 miles away, it would be the first center to realisticaly compete directly with Westfield Franklin Park, likely holding its own due to highway and neighborhood proximity.

A new or redeveloped mall downtown or on the north side of town is unlikely, largely due to income statistics. Perhaps if Bedford Township gains enough population in the next 10 years, something will happen on the north side. The east side is also unlikely, although I would not completely rule out something in the vicinity of Bass Pro Shops, which is probably going to explode.

[rustbeltrevival]

It's hard to keep malls downtown anywhere these days. Look at Columbus, which is doing very well: City Center is pretty much defunct (of course, Columbus also has a huge sprawl problem to mirror its growth). However, I think something smaller with specialized stores would work, so long as it's something people will go to regardless of how close it is/where it is located, i.e. Trader Joes, for example. As much as I hate to admit it, I think that the only way something like Portside will be successfully redeveloped is with a majority high class retail and restaurant chains (it would be nice to have local stuff, but I don't see it working). It has to be something unique to the area that people can't find closer to home. But I think that if that is the case, Portside (or a different downtown development) has the potential to definitely be successful.

[cjfjapan]

It's hard to keep malls downtown anywhere these days. Look at Columbus, which is doing very well: City Center is pretty much defunct (of course, Columbus also has a huge sprawl problem to mirror its growth). However, I think something smaller with specialized stores would work, so long as it's something people will go to regardless of how close it is/where it is located, i.e. Trader Joes, for example. As much as I hate to admit it, I think that the only way something like Portside will be successfully redeveloped is with a majority high class retail and restaurant chains (it would be nice to have local stuff, but I don't see it working). It has to be something unique to the area that people can't find closer to home. But I think that if that is the case, Portside (or a different downtown development) has the potential to definitely be successful.


For downtown commercial to work on a large scale, such as a mall, it has to draw customers from outside the neighborhood. City-wide attractions are good, but most malls have the same old stuff. To be successful, Portside would have to have a steady stream of in- and out-of-town shoppers - mostly from the convention center, 5/3 Field, and the new arena. Portside is too far from those to be successful, however. Indianapolis is the best example of a successful downtown mall- and it is directly connected to the convention center and its hotels.

[Pilliod Njaim]

You asked where the housing is? It's called Monclova Township!, only one of the area's fastest growing suburbs in terms of new housing over the last decade. Perhaps they will build some townhome style condos near the mall site eventually, but that was not part of the original design. Again, they are not trying to duplicate Levis Commons.

That's their problem. Levis Commons is arguably the best-designed "lifestyle center" in Ohio. Dillin Corp. at least attempted some mixed use, though of course it's still largely suburban at its core.

Moclova is a suburban nightmare. All its growth is completely at the expense of Maumee and Toledo. Don't confuse growth with sprawl. This mall should have never happened. Southwyck should have been redevloped (and it is slated for redevelopment by Dillin Corp. who also made Levis Commons). When Southwyck reopens, it could very easily kill Fallen Timbers. There's no way two malls that close together will both survive. Southwyck has a much higher population around it, and it is more centrally located in the market. It probably was in Fallen Timbers' best interest to downsize like they did because they've known all along about the plans for Southwyck.

It's hard to keep malls downtown anywhere these days. Look at Columbus, which is doing very well: City Center is pretty much defunct (of course, Columbus also has a huge sprawl problem to mirror its growth).

This is Ohio. People are so suburban-minded, I can't see any downtown mall doing well in the near future (outside of mass transit-oriented Cleveland). That's probably too much too fast. Basic retail needs have to be taken care of first.

Lastly, I disagree with your take on the overall aesthetic appeal. Artist renderings are just that... renderings. When does the real thing ever look like a painting?

Ah, Fifth Third Field, The Glass Pavillion at TMOA, the Glass City Skyway, etc., etc.

Fallen Timbers cheaped out and downsized, no doubt about it. They probably did it just based off of ecomomic decline all over Ohio and Michigan. Like I said before, it was in their best interest. This is one of those rare cases of retail coming before population. There currently is not enough population in the area to support Fallen Timbers. General Growth properties is basically trying to promote sprawl, and with oil prices going to the ceiling in the near future, it's a risky bet. Suburban developments like this won't be doing well in ten years unless they have a large population very close to the mall. The silver lining in the rising oil prices is that it will force Americans to change their suburban, car dependent lifestyles. It's either that or die.

For the metro Toledo region, Fallen Timbers failing is good for the local economy. It's much better for locally-owned properties like Levis Commons to be doing well than for Chicago-owned properties like Fallen Timbers to be doing well. You want to keep profits in your region if you want your region to have any future.

[ilovetoledo]

I really dont get what you guys are talking about. We have another mall in our region which is great. OBVIOUSLY Fallen Timbers is doing well and they said so themselves after being pounded by the snowiest winter they still said they are doing well. As much as we all love Toledo and want to see it do will with Franklin Park and Southwyck, When people come to Toledo they dont say ohh Fallen Timbers in Maumee or Levis Commons in Perrysburg. They dont see it that way. They see it as Toledo. So face it we have three Great malls in our region and we need to learn to support it and face the facts that Fallen Timbers is going to do well and so will Franklin Park. Both are at opposite ends of the town. And honestly Southwyck needs to be redeveloped into resturaunts with houses on top. Some retail but not over the top. Maybe a really pretty foutain in the middle or a nice sculputure to attract people like they have all over the city. Southwyck does not need to be the next fallen timbers. We need to actually take a look at what we have and say is it worth it? Southwyck needs to be resturaunts with a boulvard with fancy lighting, lots of foliage make it look pretty so people actually want to come there. Along with resturaunts throw some bars in there. Bars actually attract more people than you think. As for downtown. Portside needs to be Resturaunts with some retail like maybe a swamp shop/walleye shop... Portside is never going to be a main attraction for downtown retail buisness. sorry. its the truth

[Bonjourtoledo]

Past:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SteamPlant1960s.jpg

Today:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/downtown2.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Past:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoEdison1960s.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoEdison21960s.jpg

Today:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoEdisonTower.jpg

[zazo]

Why the name of Toledo? old spanish city?

[Bonjourtoledo]

Past:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OhioBuilding.jpg

Today:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OhioBldg.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Why the name of Toledo? old spanish city?

Credit to Wikipedia:
History
The area was first settled by European Americans in 1794, after the Battle of Fallen Timbers, with the founding of Fort Industry. However, with the War of 1812, many settlers fled the area. Resettling around 1817 a Cincinnati syndicate purchased a 974-acre (3.9 km²) tract at the mouth of Swan Creek and named it Port Lawrence. The syndicate failed 3 years later, and the settlement joined with a river settlement to the north called Vistula. The inhabitants of this joined settlement chose the name Toledo, "but the reason for this choice is buried in a welter of legends. One recounts that Washington Irving, who was traveling in Spain at the time, suggested the name to his brother, a local resident; this explanation ignores the fact that Irving returned to the United States in 1832. Others award the honor to Two Stickney, son of the major who quaintly numbered his sons and named his daughters after States. The most popular version attributes the naming to Willard J. Daniels, a merchant, who reputedly suggested Toledo because it 'is easy to pronounce, is pleasant in sound, and there is no other city of that name on the American continent'."

From the Federal Writers' Project - The Ohio Guide - 1940

On January 15, 1936, the first building to be completely covered in glass was constructed in Toledo. It was a building for the Owens-Illinois Glass Company and marked a milestone in architectural design representative of the International style of architecture, which was at that time becoming increasingly popular in the US.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Past:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OneSeagate21970s.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OneSeagate31970s.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OneSeagate1970s.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/O-Itower.jpg

Today:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OneSeagate.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OneSeagateTower.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Past:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NationalCity1930s.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NationalCity1900s.jpg

Today:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SuperiorStSkyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StClairStreetSkyline.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Past:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HuntingtonBank1900s.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HuntingtonBank21900s.jpg

Today:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SkyBankBuilding7-3-2007.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Past:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UrbanRenewalCherry1950s.jpg

Today:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SuperiorStreetSkyline.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Past:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HolidayInn21960s.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HolidayInn1960s.jpg

Today:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SummitStreetSkyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Radisson.jpg

[Pilliod Njaim]

Southwyck does not need to be the next fallen timbers.

I sure as hell hope it's not, because Fallen Timbers is as suburban, wasteful, and tacky as it gets. Southwyck needs to be denser and urban, and Dillin is the guy that can do it. If you've seen his recent Marina District renderings, you'd notice he is going to build in a true urban fashion. Southwyck should follow suit.

And the argument, "support all the malls" is bogus. No one does that. People go to their favorite mall, plain and simple. When Southwyck reopens, that will be far too much competition in the Southwest metro area. One mall will die no matter what. The market is already over-saturated in that area. Southwyck is planned to be be a much better development than Fallen Timbers, and Dillin has a better track record than General Growth Properties of Chicago. That's good for the region. You want your local developers to be better than developers from elsewhere. Southwyck will probably be 100 times better than Fallen Timbers, which is arguably the worst "shopping towne" in the state of Ohio. Nothing at that mall is owned by people from the Toledo area. All that money, save for some minimal income taxes and property taxes, is going to people outside the region. That's not the case with Levis Commons and that won't be the case with Southwyck, since a local man, Larry Dillin is at the helm.

[ddp]

Fallen Timbers on the southeast side of the soon-to-be new 24, Whitehouse Square on the northwest side...

http://www.whitehousesquare.com/

(The most recent April 2008 issue of Business Advantage Development News -- free at places like Panera -- has back section feature article on the new development as well.)

Here's hoping that the development is dense, appropriately historic (on all levels - and yes, I'm all for architectural approval boards that demand certain paint colors and sizes and styles of signs, certain amounts of foliage, comfortable lot sizes, et. al.), walkable, no-chain-anythings (i.e. one-of-a-kind family-owned restaurants), and can attract solid business that will settle in for the long haul and become a part of the community.

I like that the developer will not be allowing duplicate businesses. Not so sure about the plat design though - looks awfully commonplace and rather cookie-cutter. What ever happen to odd lot sizes and meandering roads, with center island berms, etc.?! Just because the land is flat doesn't mean the development needs to be laid out using 90-degree angles. If you can look down your street and see 100 houses, that's not good for the long-term aesthetic, privacy, and overall appeal of your development.

[Pilliod Njaim]

^interesting website, and thanks for posting. I was not aware of that development in Whitehouse, and I'm shocked something progressive is happening there (Anthony Wayne is arguably the most conservative/suburban part of the Toledo region). The writing on the website was dead-on and pretty clever. I especially liked this quote:

"What you will see is something akin to placing the energetic population of Greenwich Village and Silicon Valley with art oriented communities like Athens and Ann Arbor into wondrous pedestrian oriented urban fabric that are filled with tourists and retirees." http://www.whitehousesquare.com/developers.htm

Go OU!!! You really can't beat Athens. It's Ohio's healthiest downtown and one of the state's most functionally urban places. I love living here.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Something tells me this is another a la' Levis Commons and/or Fallen Timbers-like development but without the chains. First and foremost, you need to have population to support this type of development and I can see a smaller scale than what the website indicates. But who knows, I could be very wrong about this.

Fallen Timbers on the southeast side of the soon-to-be new 24, Whitehouse Square on the northwest side...

http://www.whitehousesquare.com/

(The most recent April 2008 issue of Business Advantage Development News -- free at places like Panera -- has back section feature article on the new development as well.)

Here's hoping that the development is dense, appropriately historic (on all levels - and yes, I'm all for architectural approval boards that demand certain paint colors and sizes and styles of signs, certain amounts of foliage, comfortable lot sizes, et. al.), walkable, no-chain-anythings (i.e. one-of-a-kind family-owned restaurants), and can attract solid business that will settle in for the long haul and become a part of the community.

I like that the developer will not be allowing duplicate businesses. Not so sure about the plat design though - looks awfully commonplace and rather cookie-cutter. What ever happen to odd lot sizes and meandering roads, with center island berms, etc.?! Just because the land is flat doesn't mean the development needs to be laid out using 90-degree angles. If you can look down your street and see 100 houses, that's not good for the long-term aesthetic, privacy, and overall appeal of your development.

[Bonjourtoledo]

See direct link to the redevelopment project: http://www.villageatsouthwyck.com/

Southwyck does not need to be the next fallen timbers.

I sure as hell hope it's not, because Fallen Timbers is as suburban, wasteful, and tacky as it gets. Southwyck needs to be denser and urban, and Dillin is the guy that can do it. If you've seen his recent Marina District renderings, you'd notice he is going to build in a true urban fashion. Southwyck should follow suit.

And the argument, "support all the malls" is bogus. No one does that. People go to their favorite mall, plain and simple. When Southwyck reopens, that will be far too much competition in the Southwest metro area. One mall will die no matter what. The market is already over-saturated in that area. Southwyck is planned to be be a much better development than Fallen Timbers, and Dillin has a better track record than General Growth Properties of Chicago. That's good for the region. You want your local developers to be better than developers from elsewhere. Southwyck will probably be 100 times better than Fallen Timbers, which is arguably the worst "shopping towne" in the state of Ohio. Nothing at that mall is owned by people from the Toledo area. All that money, save for some minimal income taxes and property taxes, is going to people outside the region. That's not the case with Levis Commons and that won't be the case with Southwyck, since a local man, Larry Dillin is at the helm.

[BGFalcon]

Fallen Timbers on the southeast side of the soon-to-be new 24, Whitehouse Square on the northwest side...

http://www.whitehousesquare.com/

(The most recent April 2008 issue of Business Advantage Development News -- free at places like Panera -- has back section feature article on the new development as well.)

Here's hoping that the development is dense, appropriately historic (on all levels - and yes, I'm all for architectural approval boards that demand certain paint colors and sizes and styles of signs, certain amounts of foliage, comfortable lot sizes, et. al.), walkable, no-chain-anythings (i.e. one-of-a-kind family-owned restaurants), and can attract solid business that will settle in for the long haul and become a part of the community.

I like that the developer will not be allowing duplicate businesses. Not so sure about the plat design though - looks awfully commonplace and rather cookie-cutter. What ever happen to odd lot sizes and meandering roads, with center island berms, etc.?! Just because the land is flat doesn't mean the development needs to be laid out using 90-degree angles. If you can look down your street and see 100 houses, that's not good for the long-term aesthetic, privacy, and overall appeal of your development.

If I am thinking of the same thing, they started this several years ago with a little strip mall type building in the front on State Route 64 and the road going back into the development. Last time I drove by that was still all that was there.

[Bonjourtoledo]

LATEST NEWS
Local group buys Maumee plant from Ford
By Duane Ramsey Senior Business Writer

Maumee Authority Stamping has signed a purchase agreement with Ford Motor Company to purchase Ford's former stamping plant and all equipment in Maumee.

Ford ceased production at the plant in October.

Keith Obey, president of Maumee Authority Stamping, said he could not divulge details of the sale due to a confidentiality agreement with Ford.

The new private, employee-owned company plans to begin production in early to mid-May with 250 employees, Obey said.

“Production will begin as soon as we can train the employees in manufacturing and safety,” he said.

The plant will produce stamped products for General Motors, Chrysler, Magna, Freightliner and other automotive and non-automotive companies in the appliance, heavy truck and recreational vehicle industries.

Obey said the company interviewed 1,200 people for potential jobs at the plant, which resulted in the identification of 450 capable applicants. The plant plans to hire 250 of those applicants during the next four to six weeks with about 60 percent of the new hires being former Ford employees at the stamping facility.

Maumee Authority Stamping received funding support for the purchase from the State of Ohio, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, National City Bank and company employees.

“All profits from this operation will stay right here with our employees,” Obey said.

Obey retired from Ford in 2001 after working 27 years for the automaker. He came to Maumee from Detroit and worked six years at the Maumee Stamping Plant.

[Pilliod Njaim]

See direct link to the redevelopment project: http://www.villageatsouthwyck.com/

Bonjour, the website seems outdated. I remember seeing those same renderings about two years ago before Dillin changed his development style. Are there any places to see more recent renderings? Does the city of Toledo have any websites with plans for land use?

[b1gh0u5e]

Pilliod Njaim: You have no idea what you are talking about. Southwyck will never ever be a successful mall. There is too much riff-raff around that location that simply put, keeps anyone with any kind of REAL income from wanting to shop there. This project, if it ever happens, will be right up there with Portside as far as monumental Toledo failures. Like you pointed out, Fallen Timbers was developed by an out-of-town group...why do you think they picked that location to invest their own money????? Because it makes sense economically.
I too went to OU and am quite aware of the insulated, liberal environment you are currently exposed to...don't confuse it for real world experience.

[Pilliod Njaim]

I too went to OU and am quite aware of the insulated, liberal environment you are currently exposed to...don't confuse it for real world experience.

No, Toledo (as liberal as Athens) is real-world experience, because of the diversity and varying income levels. Toledo also just has a lot of plain grit and soul, similar to the other Great Lakes cities. Athens is the oldest college town in the Midwest, and one of the best college towns in the country. College towns by definition can't be "real world." They're the academic world.

No one in their right mind would argue Athens is the "real world," but it's a world many people are jealous of, including the students at other schools in the state. A wealthy, alcoholic, drug-addled place with pretty much nothing but 20-somethings is only a small segment of the larger society. Athens is the American dream to many young people.

Southwyck will never ever be a successful mall. There is too much riff-raff around that location

Riff-raff?!! Yeah, go to Cleveland, Dayton, Cincinnati, old Columbus, or old Toledo and get back to me. It's still a safe area (even by insulated suburban standards), though of course it's seen some "suburban ghetto" decline...largely because the old mall died.

Like you pointed out, Fallen Timbers was developed by an out-of-town group

And get this, they spent far less money than they had previously intended. Even they didn't have much faith in the mall, or else they wouldn't have downsized it so drastically. Of course, Fallen Timbers failing would just be a drop in their bucket. General Growth Properties is one of the largest mall developers in the country. Their commitment to any one market is minimal at best.

Dillin Corp. (Levis Commons, Phase 1 Marina District) is a different animal since it's a local company heavily invested in the Toledo market.

Southwyck can be successful if done right. There's plenty of income around there. Most of South Toledo is middle class or higher (hell, the southeastern part near the river is wealthy as hell), Maumee is mostly middle class, Southwest Toledo is largely working and middle class, Springfield is middle to upper class. And don't forget Southwyck is still close to the wealthy Anthony Wayne, Perrysburg, and Sylvania areas. People will drive to the mall if they like it, and it will attract people from well outside of metro Toledo. The Toledo market is much larger than the official metropolitan area. People from all over Northwest Ohio and the southern counties of Michigan come to Toledo to shop.

Dillin has proven he can market to varying income levels, and he'll probably do the same with Southwyck.

[ilovetoledo]

Southwyck was at one time Toledo premiere mall. Why dont you think that they can do it again. That area has more of an income than you think and more population than fallen timbers area probably more equivalent to the population around Franklin Park, with all the same advantages. The turnpike is right there. Trust me if Dillin thought it wouldnt work then he wouldnt be busting his ass to get it done. Thanks.

[ilovetoledo]

Above someone said something about being the person to pick out the lighting and style of the mall. (the colors the tennants...etc.) What is the offical name of the person that does that? An enviromental desiginer?

[ToledoProgrammer]

And if you don't mind me asking...what kind of real world experience do you bring to the table? I suppose your against any major urban center as well.....because no urban center experience is complete without "riff raff" in the area....

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[b1gh0u5e]

And if you don't mind me asking...what kind of real world experience do you bring to the table? I suppose your against any major urban center as well.....because no urban center experience is complete without "riff raff" in the area....


I actually work in the real estate business. I've worked in Toledo, Detroit, Cleveland, and Columbus areas ever since I left OU back in 1996. I even spent a couple of years doing the same work in Phoenix. I work with both commercial and residential properties...and have worked on a couple of neighborhood development projects.

Look, I don't pretend to know all of the answers and was just trying to suggest that another poster do the same. Southwyck mall has basically been available for anyone in the world to develop for about 10-15 years and NOBODY has done it. Why do you think that is? All of a sudden the city says that they'll help pay the bill and a developer steps up, who I would imagine will get his out of this project whether it succeeds or not. I guess my point is that the private sector should determine these types of projects for long-term success, not forced by an inept city gov't.

Example: We have a declining tax base in Toledo. How do we address this problem? All new residential development within the city is tax abated for 15 years. How on Earth does that solve the original program?

Example: We have a dying automotive industry based economy in Northwest Ohio. How do we address this problem? We give the automakers land, tax breaks, financial assistance--->they open a new plant, start to lay people off over time, and eventually close their doors. Once again, how does that solve the original problem?

I would just like to see real solutions for real problems. It would be refreshing to see some leadership from someone who cares about the good of the city rather than their next re-election.

[BGFalcon]

Look, I don't pretend to know all of the answers and was just trying to suggest that another poster do the same. Southwyck mall has basically been available for anyone in the world to develop for about 10-15 years and NOBODY has done it. Why do you think that is? All of a sudden the city says that they'll help pay the bill and a developer steps up, who I would imagine will get his out of this project whether it succeeds or not. I guess my point is that the private sector should determine these types of projects for long-term success, not forced by an inept city gov't.

I could we wrong, but I seem to remember one of the key reasons for no new development at Southwyck was the owners, including Dillards. They could veto any new anchor and did. And the other owner made no updates whatsoever over many years.

[ToledoProgrammer]

I actually work in the real estate business. I've worked in Toledo, Detroit, Cleveland, and Columbus areas ever since I left OU back in 1996. I even spent a couple of years doing the same work in Phoenix. I work with both commercial and residential properties...and have worked on a couple of neighborhood development projects.

Look, I don't pretend to know all of the answers and was just trying to suggest that another poster do the same. Southwyck mall has basically been available for anyone in the world to develop for about 10-15 years and NOBODY has done it. Why do you think that is? All of a sudden the city says that they'll help pay the bill and a developer steps up, who I would imagine will get his out of this project whether it succeeds or not. I guess my point is that the private sector should determine these types of projects for long-term success, not forced by an inept city gov't.

Example: We have a declining tax base in Toledo. How do we address this problem? All new residential development within the city is tax abated for 15 years. How on Earth does that solve the original program?

Example: We have a dying automotive industry based economy in Northwest Ohio. How do we address this problem? We give the automakers land, tax breaks, financial assistance--->they open a new plant, start to lay people off over time, and eventually close their doors. Once again, how does that solve the original problem?

I would just like to see real solutions for real problems. It would be refreshing to see some leadership from someone who cares about the good of the city rather than their next re-election.

Oh, I absolutely agree with you in regards to city intervention and with city leadership, with the exception of a few notable councilmen that I really like.

However, Just as the post above me has said, it has been developed because the owners were using the building as a tax write off. Even if Larry Dillin were to take on this project on his own, he'd still run into the mess he's in now because of the stalling and the hoops that the mall partners have made him jump through.

[ToledoProgrammer]

REPEAT

[Bonjourtoledo]

However, Just as the post above me has said, it hasn't been developed because the owners were using the building as a tax write off. Even if Larry Dillin were to take on this project on his own, he'd still run into the mess he's in now because of the stalling and the hoops that the mall partners have made him jump through.

OK! Let's end this subject in regards to Southwyck unless it is new information for further development and its progress. This pissing contest and political mumbo-jumbo is getting a bit old, this thread is to gear toward constructive dialogue about ongoing and proposed developments and/or redevelopments.

Most of you should be aware of the Southwyck project as it's been updated via information of this thread since summer of 2005; Southwyck for the longest time until late 2006 was always and I MEAN ALWAYS used as a tax write-off not a business opportunity to create economy and retail scene of the Toledo region for over two decades. Now with Dillin Corporation, City of Toledo, and existing owners are making efforts to redevelop the entire mall property, we should be extremely thankful that it is happening because it could've been sitting in an idle-mode. All planning/redevelopment project takes time and efforts which takes several years minimum to really fulfill it's completion.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Two (2) development projects (in separate article-see below) taking place at Rossford's Crossroads of Amercia:

Drive-in restaurant, Sonic, coming to Crossroads
Posted on Rossford Record Journal website 4-1-2008

Plans for the only current drive-in restaurant in northwest Ohio were presented to the Rossford Planning Commission at a March 12 meeting.
Kevin Lent of Fresh Dirt LLC of Toledo, explained that he is interested in developing a Sonic restaurant on a one-acre parcel in front of the Meijer store on U.S. Route 20.

Mr. Lent noted that Sonic has six drive-in restaurants in the state, but this will be the first in northwest Ohio where diners are served in their cars by wait staff on roller skates.

Mr. Lent is asking the planning commission to approve a special use permit for the drive-through service. The area is zoned planned commercial PC, which requires a permit for a drive-through.

Along with the drive-in service and drive-through lane, he said there will be tables on a patio for diners to eat outdoors.


House, barn to make way for business
Posted on Rossford Record Journal website 4-1-2008

The home and barn located in front of the Giant Eagle-Target-Home Depot complex on U.S. Route 20 soon will be demolished as the site is converted to a commercial use.

At a March 12 meeting, the Rossford Planning Commission approved a revised preliminary plan for a Murray's auto parts store, which was presented by George Oravecz, consulting engineer.

The Kachmarik property at 9650 Fremont Pike lies just west of the driveway that enters the shopping complex from Route 20.

Ramco-Gershenson owns the shopping complex directly behind the property and on both sides of it. The residential property was not sold to Ramco at the time of original development in 2001.

[Pilliod Njaim]

I could we wrong, but I seem to remember one of the key reasons for no new development at Southwyck was the owners, including Dillards.

yep. Basically, Dillards should take a lot of the blame.

Example: We have a dying automotive industry based economy in Northwest Ohio. How do we address this problem?

It extends well beyond the automotive industry. Just look at American Standard in Tiffin. Anyways, how do we solve it? Check out the solar industry segment CNN Money made about Toledo: http://money.cnn.com/video/#/video/news/2008/03/24/news.acosta.green.cnnmoney

It's a big step in the right direction and can replace old manufacturing jobs with new manufacturing jobs. Now in terms of brain drain, which plagues the entire state of Ohio, I have no clue what can be done. People my age just want to get out of the state, including myself. My reason is justified though. I have bad asthma and am allergic to the medication I need. My asthma is largely cold-induced, so Ohio winters have been horrible for me.

[Pilliod Njaim]

Mr. Lent noted that Sonic has six drive-in restaurants in the state, but this will be the first in northwest Ohio where diners are served in their cars by wait staff on roller skates.

Sonic is not very good. We have them down south, and I'm not impressed. The only thing I like about them is their coney dogs, but Toledo coneys murder them at every level. Hell, Toledo practically birthed the drive-thru coney dog shop. I'll take a Rudy's or Ideal coney over Sonic any day of the week. And if you want a real coney, you can't beat Packo's or Oringinal Coney Island.

Coney dogs are one trashy American food that Toledo has perfected. They're delicious and amongst the best in the nation.

[Mudhen419]

Rudys is nasty i think lol...... but Packos is definatly a delicacy. Can't wait to see Sonic around here. Never had it before but I heard its alright. Im just a sucker for a good sundae and I'd like to see somethin different around here.... We've been seeing the commercials for a while now in Toledo but I think the closest one is in Fort Wayne?

Went to the Tribe opener in Cleveland... Had a pretty good time saw a real good contest and did the usual bar hoppin afterwards tried a few new places and hit up east 4th.. I was pretty impressed. I think somethin like that would fit in well in Toledo once we get some year round entertainment down there. Are there any streets in Toledo near the stadium/arena that could be like an east 4th? The block was closed for traffic but I read somewhere its open during the offseason (baseball) Also if ever in Cleveland hit up the Winking Lizard... Its always jumpin and they have some good food

[ToledoProgrammer]

Anybody have plans to go to to the home opener tomorrow for the Mud Hens?

[nickw311]

I plan on going this weekend some time. Unfortunately I will not be able to make it Thursday night. It looks like the weather will be nice on Sat. and Sun.

[Mudhen419]

Im probly gonna go..... Might just watch from Monroe St so i can smoke though it depends on the crowd....

[ilovetoledo]

I was downtown today and it was PACKED and BUSY for once. People were sweeping and painting and bars are getting ready for the crowd. Street cleaners, road crews, people replacing lights that had been out. This is what our Downtown has become. Am i impressed? Yeah. This is what it should be. Toledo. It made me proud for once in a while to be a citizen of here. So come on fans lets get to the Hens and support downtown buisnesses!

[ToledoProgrammer]

I was downtown today and it was PACKED and BUSY for once. People were sweeping and painting and bars are getting ready for the crowd. Street cleaners, road crews, people replacing lights that had been out. This is what our Downtown has become. Am i impressed? Yeah. This is what it should be. Toledo. It made me proud for once in a while to be a citizen of here. So come on fans lets get to the Hens and support downtown buisnesses!

Imagine that now being year round possibly with the new arena next year. Things are shaping up. We're all stopping work early tomorrow to start tailgating at 1pm.

[ilovetoledo]

The Blarney has a huge tent expected for customers. Thats were i'll be

[Bonjourtoledo]

As the opening day begins today for a ball game and a great season ahead...GO HENS!!!!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Mud.png

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

I wish we had one for the downtown neighborhoods.

[Mudhen419]

How bout them Hens?? Went down to the field even tho it was sold out... Watched from under the Monroe video board outside the stadium.... To bad we didnt walk down superior cause if we would have Dane Sardinhas homerun ball would be sittin on my mantle... Took it out just as we were walkin up..... But anyways.... The seats werent filled but there was people everywhere...... Id have to say there was about 20,000 people in the neighborhood of 5th 3rd field.... Good way to kick the season off to with a win.

Anyone read what Lee Fisher had to say in yesterdays pages of opinion?

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

How bout them Hens?? Went down to the field even tho it was sold out... Watched from under the Monroe video board outside the stadium.... To bad we didnt walk down superior cause if we would have Dane Sardinhas homerun ball would be sittin on my mantle... Took it out just as we were walkin up..... But anyways.... The seats werent filled but there was people everywhere...... Id have to say there was about 20,000 people in the neighborhood of 5th 3rd field.... Good way to kick the season off to with a win.

Anyone read what Lee Fisher had to say in yesterdays pages of opinion?

At the same time the national Weak Signals convention is in town, since Mud Hens won opening game something tells me it's going to be another good season.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[ToledoProgrammer]

At the same time the national Weak Signals convention is in town, since Mud Hens won opening game something tells me it's going to be another good season.

I think with Larry Parrish back in the hot seat, and with a pretty good line up, the Hens have a chance to go all the way again this year.

There were some empty seats, but at the same time, there were A LOT of people up in the concourse (trying to find beer I should mention, since the concessions kept running out), a lot of people in the back, and THEN a lot of people just outside watching. The official number was 12,750 sold tickets. Not to mention, tailgating was busy getting going at 3 pm at both the Blarney, Frickers, and at my employers (in the art gallery on St. Clair). It was certainly a successful night.....and I think it'll continue that way at least more towards May and June when its' not so damn cold out.

Now I just look forward to that same success at the new arena.

[southsider]

Pilliod Njaim: You have no idea what you are talking about. Southwyck will never ever be a successful mall. There is too much riff-raff around that location that simply put, keeps anyone with any kind of REAL income from wanting to shop there. This project, if it ever happens, will be right up there with Portside as far as monumental Toledo failures. Like you pointed out, Fallen Timbers was developed by an out-of-town group...why do you think they picked that location to invest their own money????? Because it makes sense economically.
I too went to OU and am quite aware of the insulated, liberal environment you are currently exposed to...don't confuse it for real world experience.

I'm with b1gh0u5e. I live right by Southwyck - could walk there I wanted to - and while anxious to finally see the redevelopment of the Reynolds Road corridor, I am very skeptical that the end result - at least in its currently proposed form - will be as good as what is already in place on the west side of Maumee.

I'm all for local devlopers and believe that a redeveloped Southwyck will be great for the area. Reynolds Road was a hot spot for development 35 years ago, but hasn't changed much since. The commercial strip between the Turnpike and Brownstone Blvd feels old and dingy and a major new development like the Village at Southwyck would definitely give it a jump start.

While the area does have a dense population base, much of that is market rate apartments with low-to-middle income residents, housing some of the riff-raff that b1gh0u5e alluded to. Southwyck has more nearby residents, but Fallen Timbers has more disposable income.

Fallen Timbers has other advantages, the first of which is available land. There are hundreds of acres adjacent to the mall property that will eventually turn into new restaurants, stores and offices. Once Southwyck is razed, there will be land for similar commercial, but since the surrounding area is already fully developed, that limits future growth opportunities. Personally, I would like to see at least a dozen more outdated buildings along Reynolds razed and re-developed. The entire strip needs a major face lift.

Beyond that, Fallen Timbers has direct highway access, lying near the crossroads of two major highways. Highway access is something that gave Spring Meadows a leg up over Southwyck in the late 80's/early 90's. People traveling from outer parts of the region like the convenience. Reynolds Road has the Turnpike, but how many people in metro Toledo actually use that to get around?

I think a redeveloped Southwyck has the potential to be a very nice neighborhood shopping center. The mixed use developement is good and Mr. Dillin should try to incorporate some entertainment options... bars, restaurants, a nightclub or two. I think the days of big retail at Southwyck have passed. Maybe a Sears would work as an anchor. Hopefully Wal-Mart and Target will not be included and cheapen up the project.

[southsider]

Drive-in restaurant, Sonic, coming to Crossroads
Posted on Rossford Record Journal website 4-1-2008

Plans for the only current drive-in restaurant in northwest Ohio were presented to the Rossford Planning Commission at a March 12 meeting.
Kevin Lent of Fresh Dirt LLC of Toledo, explained that he is interested in developing a Sonic restaurant on a one-acre parcel in front of the Meijer store on U.S. Route 20.

Mr. Lent noted that Sonic has six drive-in restaurants in the state, but this will be the first in northwest Ohio where diners are served in their cars by wait staff on roller skates.

Mr. Lent is asking the planning commission to approve a special use permit for the drive-through service. The area is zoned planned commercial PC, which requires a permit for a drive-through.

Along with the drive-in service and drive-through lane, he said there will be tables on a patio for diners to eat outdoors.


That's fantastic news! :banana: I lived about two blocks away from a Sonic in down south for about 5 years. Best banana cream pie shakes and chili-cheese tater tots on the planet. They've been torturing NWO residents with their commercials on cable for years. This gives me one more reason to stay here instead of heading back south.

[Paddington]

The bigger question is how much retail does SW Toledo need? They have the huge strip mall complex at Spring Meadows, and two brand new malls at Fallen Timbers and Levis Commons. It's way too late for Southwyck to redeem itself.

[ilovetoledo]

WTOL Editorial

Downtown Toledo is a whole lot cleaner than it used to be. Much of the credit goes to the Downtown Toledo Improvement District. This organization is mostly funded by the downtown property owners. A couple of years ago they decided to make the downtown streets cleaner and safer. Without any help or interference from the city, the clean and safe program was developed. And it has been very successful.

More than 71 tons of litter and debris have been picked up and removed. They have also cut out weeds, maintained the landscaping, pressure washed sidewalks, and kept the trash cans in good shape. They give directions to visitors, discourage panhandlers and keep rowdy kids and skateboarders from taking over.

You gotta admire people who choose action and results over whining and waiting. The next time you're downtown, notice how clean the sidewalks are. It didn't happen by magic, but the results are magical. Well done guys.