I restarted this thread because The Blade (http://www.toledoblade.com/) stated that they want all of their content deleted from this site, which frankly was quite a lot in that thread. I moved the thread out of sight, if one of the local staffers can clean it out it can be restored.

General reminder: please do not copy full articles from outside news sources into the forums. Best way to go is to copy the title and a small extract and link to the full article. Thanks for working with us.

Here is a link to the previous thread:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=240455

Then you need to go over every development thread on this board I'm afraid. Everyone has posted and discussed news articles.

Well that sucks! We've given the Toledo Blade and other outlets full credit of the articles, photos and writers who brought these development news to the general public. I am assuming with the latest action that if we post links to their site it would increase their website hits, so much for all those great posts in the past few years since it was discussed in a public arena.

I moved the thread out of sight, if one of the local staffers can clean it out it can be restored.

Is there anyone willing to do this? Honestly, I'd be willing to if it means saving our thread. We've had a lot of productive discussions and I'd hate to lose that just because of a few whole newspaper articles. We can pare down the newspaper articles and post links, and keep everything else the same.

I think you both make good points... under normal circumstances I would be completely opposed to building demolition, and that building did have the potential to be re-developed. However, the reasons I'm okay with it in this particular case are the same reasons one could advocate for its redevelopment: its in the old West End and right by the museum. I live around the block from there, a few doors down from the Old West End commons, and poeple pour their heart into keeping that up. If the OWE association has a plan for the property, that's great. However, if they don't, this gives the museum some space to do something with, or, hopefully, gives a private commercial developer some space to build on. I want a coffee shop (besides the glass pavilion's, which isn't too shabby but could be way better, I mean a real neighborhood coffee shop with a kitchen/bakery and all that), or a restaurant, or a video store, or dammit something in the OWE, and I can't really blame the developers on this one, because there is simply little to no commercial zoning in the OWE (the exception being the corner of Delaware and Collingwood, which has maybe the best soul food place in town). I say re-zone this commercial and build something that will benefit the neighborhood. Ideally, a small grocery would be awesome!!

My point is, I don't see this property sitting vacant and creating a gap, unless it does so as a park. There actually has been a decent amount of redevelopment around this corridor in the past five or so years. There is a new Bank, a newer Rite Aid, a new middle school, the redevelopment of the old St. Martin's into Englewood Peace Academy.. and the commercial properties on monroe/bancroft are pretty much occupied, as far as I can tell.

I do lament the loss of a near 100 year old building... However, I can't imagine Carty would be so concerned about demolition unless he was trying to take credit for pushing through someone else's idea, so maybe something is already in the works...?

But to clarify, I do think it's bullsh*t that the City slaps the owner with a citation for this, then demolishes it and foots them with the bill. It should be compensating the owner for the taking through eminent domain!! The City's intentions are probably good, and most people are probably in favor of this sort of demolition (as noted, this gets the taxpayers off the hook), and if the building is an actual real nuisance this should most definitely be the way its handled. But I know for a fact that the City abuses the building code for fundraising purposes, as does anyone who owns vacant property. But in this they aren't different from any other city, suburb, town, etc., in the rest of the world... Doesn't make it right.

I moved the thread out of sight, if one of the local staffers can clean it out it can be restored.

Is there anyone willing to do this? Honestly, I'd be willing to if it means saving our thread. We've had a lot of productive discussions and I'd hate to lose that just because of a few whole newspaper articles. We can pare down the newspaper articles and post links, and keep everything else the same.

I agree with paring down the articles and posting links to keep the original thread active, especially since the Toledo thread has the most posts in the Midwest forum.

^I know, and we had many GREAT discussions regarding urban development in Toledo. There has to be a way to at least get all of that back. I'm still waiting for a reply from an administrator.

We had one of the best development threads of any place I've seen.

Take solace my Toledo commrades. The best threads are jam packed with local slueth photogs. Much of the old thread is old news. People don't go back 25 pages to read posts from 2006. You can still reference Blade articles by posting the headline and byline only and then the article link.(At least that is the way Chicago threads do it). Meanwhile get out on the street and take real time photos and post those with your name credited. I look forward to an even better Toledo thread. :)

Man, there has been this media blitz this week on the water deal with the property North of the Airport. It seems like everyone is placing the blame square on Carty for not getting this deal done, and as of right now they have me convinced. From what I can tell, his ball-dropping is a product of his trying to follow the Toledo water compact regulations, which necessitate the establishment of a Joint Economic Development Zone before new water lines are installed. This seems all well and good, but Carty seems to be taking his sweet time working one out with Swanton and Monclova (I read in the Free Press that there is absolutely no time table set for working out a JEDZ). In addition, the Free Press reported that Carty won't sign the paperwork for the water until McMahon reveals his developer.

My question: is Carty that F-ing crazy, or does the City have a legitimate reason for taking their time?? I mean, we will truly miss the boat if we don't jump on this opportunity as soon as possible. The media spin on the situation is making my head want to explode. So this is my question, I guess, is this just spin, or are there legitimate behind the scenes negotiations under way? And is there anyone with any sort of inside knowledge on what Carty is actually thinking? Is he just holding out for the glory, with the intention of signing in the next month or so, is is there a chance he will actually drop the ball on this project?

Well that sucks! We've given the Toledo Blade and other outlets full credit of the articles, photos and writers who brought these development news to the general public. I am assuming with the latest action that if we post links to their site it would increase their website hits, so much for all those great posts in the past few years since it was discussed in a public arena.

You've definitely provided most of the info that I've seen on the previous thread. I went there for new readings. I'm sure it'll be back there soon. Still sad though.

I'm working on cleaning up the entire 1900 posts with anything that reflects the Toledo Blade articles and pictures. I've done about the first 800 posts thus far and hopefully I can get the rest done by end of this week. This will bring this Toledo thread back into main forum (hopefully).

So keep discussing/posting away while I work on this.

Thanks so for patience.

Thanks bonjour.... You are the main reason this forum thrives like it does....

This weeks metro had a few interesting articles.... The First was about the port authority buying the old chevron land to enlarge our seaport... When complete Toledo will have the largest seaport on the great lakes. The other articlewas about the small town of Curtice Ohiowhich is half Lucas county half Ottawa wanting to suceed from Ottawa and have all the territory of curtice in Lucas county..... I guess Curtice got snubbed out of some money that they could have really used and it went to a restuarant in Port Clinton and they feel like there getting the short end of the stick living in western ottawa county so that is the reason for them wanting to leave Ottawa.


Also..... the Flickr link Pilliod posted about a week or so ago with the arena pics has been updated..... Looks like they go out n take a pic or 2 a week so keep your eyes open on that.....

Since we startin out fresh heres the links to a few of my dudes myspaces if u was wantin to hear some of that Toledo sound..... myspace.com/officialalaz myspace.com/officialdeuce myspace.com/sixxdigit u can find countless other Toledo music acts from those sites.....

Any new pictures of the arena?

^^The two that were here before were outstanding!

sorry, not working. I'll put them up this weekend

Thanks, I'm in Chicago for the summer and will not be able to track the progress.

Theres a good pic of the arena on the blades front page today (friday). The announcement is wednesday with the final plans 10 am seagate center.... If i can get up that early I'll be there.....

Also today the Marina District had its first passenger ferry leave for Put in Bay..... Jet Express is looking to do more trips from toledo to PIB in the future.... Hope the weather didnt scare anyone away from takin the trip.......

^That's awesome. I'll be taking the Jet Express to PIB this summer when I get home from college.

I took a long walk around Toledo this afternoon, starting in International Park in East Toledo

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2677.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2676.jpg

Remnants of Portside

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2679.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2680.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2681.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2683.jpg

Up Madison Avenue

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2686.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2687.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2689.jpg

Fifth Third Field through the new county arena

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2692.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2696.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2693.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2695.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2698.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2703.jpg

Main Library

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2704.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2705.jpg

Toledo Sign Company
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2706.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2707.jpg

New Uptown House (?)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2708.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2711.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2709.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2712.jpg

From the Anthony Wayne Hi-Level Bridge over the beautiful Maumee River

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2719.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2723.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2728.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2730.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2733.jpg

Glass City Skyway (I-280)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2735.jpg

Lucky Catch
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2736.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2737.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2738.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2741.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2742.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2744.jpg

Toledo's Alamo Square?
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/CIMG2745.jpg

Great pics cjf i especially like the one centered on the warehouse district...... AND I WANT THAT BIJOU SIGN!!!!!!!!!!

ALSO........ In this weeks metro press there was a few interesting articles..... One was about the Miami St development (Near Pilkington) Theres finally a name for this project, RIVERVIEW Toledo...... RIVERVIEWTOLEDO.COM is the site.... The guy who was tryin to do the SKYWAY CENTER at the marina district is now trying to do a Riverview Center at this location..... He's trying to make it more of a Toledo Historical museum and trying to tie it in with the new bridge.

The other article is about REERC (River East Econ Rivatilization Co) Hiring Bob McCloskey as they try to double there membership from last year.... Not sure what all this is but hopefully it works out... I know McCloskey is a dirt bag or was atleast but hopefully his little stint in the pen cleaned him up...... He always seemed like he tried to do the right thing.... But back when he was around not much was happening in Toledo like it is now......

And if anyone goes out to take a look at the Pilkington property be careful from the 75 south onramp till the rossford limits..... Lots of orange barrels lane restrictions and it seems like everytime I go to one of my games out in rossford theres an accident right where the 75 s onramp is when your turning from miami to the side street to get on.

I definitely echo that on the great shots! Looks like it was a beautiful day.

Wheres everyone at? This thread didnt die did it??

The final drawings for the new Arena have been released..... Head to Lucascountyarena.com and go to About the arena and download the powerpoint presentation...... nbc24 has some pics on there website as well.

Oregon Ohio....... the Wheeling street widening project is inching closer the city has purchased half the houses it needs to increase wheeling at 280 to 6 lanes.......

Any news on Savage Hall?

We're all scared of the Blade!
I'm working on mapping some photos of the Miami and Erie Canal in Lucas County, and came across these plans for an expressway from 1950:

http://66.213.36.5/images/image/archive/series1/c8d/c8d9e9cb.jpg

http://66.213.36.5/images/image/archive/series1/c8d/c8d9ef0b.jpg

http://66.213.36.5/images/image/archive/series1/c8d/c8d9e4fb.jpg

Strange reverse image
http://66.213.36.5/images/image/archive/series1/c8d/c8d9fadb.jpg

At Ottawa River
http://66.213.36.5/images/image/archive/series1/c8d/c8d9f46b.jpg

I-475 and I-75?
http://66.213.36.5/images/image/archive/series1/c8d/c8da083b.jpg

Again with the reverse imagehttp://66.213.36.5/images/image/archive/series1/c8d/c8da0d2b.jpg

Boy, those were some pipe dreams!

LOL, "Waste Pits". That's some good civil engineering right there.

The final drawings for the new Arena have been released..... Head to Lucascountyarena.com and go to About the arena and download the powerpoint presentation...... nbc24 has some pics on there website as well.

I checked out the NBC24 link, and damn, I'm pretty impressed. This is going to be one of the best urban arenas in America, bar none. The integration into the streetscape is superb and I really like the plans for statues and sculptures outside. The entrance and public gathering place off Madison in front of the historic Keybank building looks great (it will be situated on what was once Superior Street). This looks like it will be a huge success for Toledo.

Toledo will have two of the best-designed, most functionally urban sports venues in America when this is done.

Oregon Ohio....... the Wheeling street widening project is inching closer the city has purchased half the houses it needs to increase wheeling at 280 to 6 lanes.......

What exactly are they tearing down? I was not aware of this project.

ALSO........ In this weeks metro press there was a few interesting articles..... One was about the Miami St development (Near Pilkington) Theres finally a name for this project, RIVERVIEW Toledo...... RIVERVIEWTOLEDO.COM is the site

I checked out that site online, and I must say it's pretty prime. I see no reason for it being vacant like it is now. Maybe put a marina in there too.

The Wheeling project there just gonna tear some houses down to add some lanes..... Wheeling is really a bottle neck at 280..... people have been bitchin about it ever since 280 was built.... sometimes at night u have to wait 5 mins to cross 280 @ 3 am!!!! it'll be green the other way an no cars will be anywhere in site.....

I think we need to fill up our new marina before we try puttin in another...... Rossfords Marina isnt even half full yet..... the one in the marina district has about 5 boats in it

^it will start filling up once the first phase of housing is done. I expect a lot of people who will live in the Marina District will be heavily using the river and/or lake.

The Wheeling project there just gonna tear some houses down to add some lanes

What kind of housing? Age? Design? Quality?

Where's BonJour? Haven't seen anything lately.

The houses arent anything special probly built in the 50's or 60's.... mostly one story homes in decent shape....the section of wheeling between 280 and navarre is better for commercial businesses anyway. And I hope your right about the Marina Pilliod.... From what Im hearin Put in Bays marinas arent doin to good.....

Oh yea.... There was an article in the blade about the Pythian Castle (sp?) in Toledo getting 750,000 to be redeveloped.... It might be 750,000 to redo the whole block im not sure...

And I hope your right about the Marina Pilliod.... From what Im hearin Put in Bays marinas arent doin to good.....

Actually, there is an obvious reason for that: gas prices. Business was down last year too. Maybe more people will switch to sailing (fun as hell) since the gas prices are high.

The houses arent anything special probly built in the 50's or 60's.... mostly one story homes in decent shape

One stories from the 50's and 60's is probably nothing to cry over. Is this technically in Toledo city limits or Oregon limits?

Oh yea.... There was an article in the blade about the Pythian Castle (sp?) in Toledo getting 750,000 to be redeveloped.... It might be 750,000 to redo the whole block im not sure...

It's for the entire block. Either way, it's great news. The Pythian is a gem. Here's the Blade link:

Article published Thursday, June 5, 2008

Lucas County gets state grant to rebuild block in downtown

By ALEX M. PARKER
BLADE STAFF WRITER

Lucas County has received a $750,000 grant from the state of Ohio to rehab a block in downtown Toledo, which includes the century-old Pythian Castle and the Greyhound Bus Terminal.

The grant - which will be given to the county even though application was made by the Lucas County Improvement Corp. - will be used for land acquisition along the 800 block of Jefferson Avenue between Ontario and Michigan streets.

County officials wouldn't comment on specifics of the project, but said they hope to turn the land over to private developers to rebuild the block with a 10,000-square-foot office building. The project is expected to revitalize the long-vacant Pythian Castle...

CONTINUED on BLADE SITE

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080605/NEWS33/806050384/-1/NEWS

I dunno from what i learned from my experience at workin on PIB boaters hate sailors and sailors hate boaters...

and the wheeling project is all in Oregon..... Its just Wheeling from St Rt 2 (navarre ave) south to Pickle Rd.

Is the blade gonna throw a fit because you used there material?

I dunno from what i learned from my experience at workin on PIB boaters hate sailors and sailors hate boaters...

I never understood that, but I too have noticed that in the Toledo area.

Is the blade gonna throw a fit because you used there material?

Just posting the intro and then linking to the whole article should be fine. That gives them web traffic.

Here's what Jan said earlier in this thread:

General reminder: please do not copy full articles from outside news sources into the forums. Best way to go is to copy the title and a small extract and link to the full article.

dp

That's great news on the Pythian Castle, I have always wondered about that building.

BTW, here is a link to NBC24

http://www.nbc24.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=143438

As far as the 10,000 ft2 that the Blade reported - are they talking about a developer constructing a new 10,000 ft2 building? If so, about how big is that? Also, why - there is a lot of vacant commercial property already in the downtown area.

10,000 square feet is very small, probably just a two or three story commercial building. I'm not sure if there's any new construction. I'd love to see some infill, particularly at the old Arbuckle site across the street.

Pythian is much bigger than 10,000 square. It might be 100,000 square feet.

I have modified all the posts few weeks back to satisfy the demands of Toledo Blade and the administrators of skyscraper city site and yet they have not responded to me or return the 1900 posts back into the main forum. I am quite disappointed and discouraged by the latest actions. I will post when it's warranted from time to time.

I'm working on cleaning up the entire 1900 posts with anything that reflects the Toledo Blade articles and pictures. I've done about the first 800 posts thus far and hopefully I can get the rest done by end of this week. This will bring this Toledo thread back into main forum (hopefully).

So keep discussing/posting away while I work on this.

Thanks so for patience.

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

And I hope your right about the Marina Pilliod.... From what Im hearin Put in Bays marinas arent doin to good.....

Actually, there is an obvious reason for that: gas prices. Business was down last year too. Maybe more people will switch to sailing (fun as hell) since the gas prices are high.

The houses arent anything special probly built in the 50's or 60's.... mostly one story homes in decent shape

One stories from the 50's and 60's is probably nothing to cry over. Is this technically in Toledo city limits or Oregon limits?

Oh yea.... There was an article in the blade about the Pythian Castle (sp?) in Toledo getting 750,000 to be redeveloped.... It might be 750,000 to redo the whole block im not sure...

It's for the entire block. Either way, it's great news. The Pythian is a gem. Here's the Blade link:

Article published Thursday, June 5, 2008

Lucas County gets state grant to rebuild block in downtown

By ALEX M. PARKER
BLADE STAFF WRITER

Lucas County has received a $750,000 grant from the state of Ohio to rehab a block in downtown Toledo, which includes the century-old Pythian Castle and the Greyhound Bus Terminal.

The grant - which will be given to the county even though application was made by the Lucas County Improvement Corp. - will be used for land acquisition along the 800 block of Jefferson Avenue between Ontario and Michigan streets.

County officials wouldn't comment on specifics of the project, but said they hope to turn the land over to private developers to rebuild the block with a 10,000-square-foot office building. The project is expected to revitalize the long-vacant Pythian Castle...

CONTINUED on BLADE SITE

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080605/NEWS33/806050384/-1/NEWS

The Pythian Castle structure has five (5) floors which is much more than 10,000 square feet.

10,000 square feet is very small, probably just a two or three story commercial building. I'm not sure if there's any new construction. I'd love to see some infill, particularly at the old Arbuckle site across the street.

Pythian is much bigger than 10,000 square. It might be 100,000 square feet.

Hello there. I am being extremely cautious nowadays because I wouldn't want a certain local paper to put a hit on me.

Where's BonJour? Haven't seen anything lately.

Unfortunately, the old Arbuckle site will be "infilled" with a stylish, enclosed fencing/cobblestone parking lot for the Glass Centre building on the corner of Jefferson & Erie.

10,000 square feet is very small, probably just a two or three story commercial building. I'm not sure if there's any new construction. I'd love to see some infill, particularly at the old Arbuckle site across the street.

Pythian is much bigger than 10,000 square. It might be 100,000 square feet.

New businesses open at Levis Commons
Posted on WTVG ABC 13 website
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 | 12:17 PM

Restaurants, Hilton Garden Inn, personal services and more...
We now know more about some new stores coming to Levis Commons in Perrysburg.

The Dillin Corporation made the big reveal late this morning, breaking down which new local and national stores we could soon see opening their doors at the entertainment annex. A new hair salon, a Pilates facility, a New Orleans-style restaurant, an Irish pub and a comedy club will soon be calling Levis Commons home.

In addition, a new Hilton Garden Inn is a few weeks from opening. The hotel has already secured a conference in August of 2009.

Jack Sculfort, the chief operating officer of Dillin Corporation, says Levis Commons is fulfilling the dream of developer Larry Dillin. The addition of these new businesses means Levis Commons is almost halfway to its goal of a million square feet of retail space.

SONIC set to move into NW Ohio
Posted on WUPW FOX 36 website
Tuesday, 03 Jun 2008, 11:55 PM EDT

The Oklahoma-based SONIC Drive-In chain is set to call Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan home. The first SONIC will open in August in Rossford, Ohio. Other locations will include Toledo, Findlay, Lima and Adrian, Mich.

We've all seen the commercials, and now we will soon sample its varied menu.

The Oklahoma-based SONIC Drive-In chain will soon expand into Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan over the next seven years.

The first drive-in is slated to open in August on U.S. 20 in Rossford says local restaurateur Kevin Lent. It will be located in front of the Meijer superstore.

Lent confirms to FOX Toledo News that he will open 16 SONIC Drive-ins. Other locations will include Toledo, Findlay, Lima, and Adrian, Mich.

The first of 15 SONIC Drive-Ins opened in May in Southgate, Mich., in Metro Detroit. myFOXDetroit.com reports that other SONIC Drive-Ins are planned to open throughout Wayne County.

SONIC first opened in 1953.

Crime lab move on hold - for now
Written by By JAN LARSON Sentinel County Editor
Tuesday, 10 June 2008

Plans to move the state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation lab seem to have gone by the wayside along with former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann - at least long enough for local officials to gather evidence opposing the change.

The cost of moving the crime lab from East Wooster Street in Bowling Green to Toledo did not make the state's capital budget, according to State Rep. Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green.

That means the move won't happen, at least not this year.
And that may give local officials enough time to make their case against the move, something promised to them by Dann.

Earlier this year, Dann stated he would like the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to move its regional lab from Bowling Green to the University of Toledo's Health Science Campus.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.sent-trib.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3186&Itemid=81

Buy bricks! Buy bricks!

See link:http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080610/NEWS16/165410239/-1/NEWS

Let's hope the deadbeats pay up!

See link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/NEWS16/806090341/-1/NEWS

I recommend to any of you make a day out of this, it is quite fun.

See direct link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/NEWS16/806090344/-1/NEWS

Entities like public transit, rails, and intermodal developments are extremely important for this region.

See direct link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/NEWS11/806090331/-1/NEWS

Unfortunately, the old Arbuckle site will be "infilled" with a stylish, enclosed fencing/cobblestone parking lot for the Glass Centre building on the corner of Jefferson & Erie.

Dammit, that's what I was worried would happen. That was a great block with the Arbuckle and it sucks they're leaving the hole.

The vast majority of people who owe the city of Toledo money for razing nuisance buildings, cutting grass and weeds, or clearing away debris never pay up.

Over the past two years, the city has collected just $35,000 out of $4.1 million billed to current and former property owners.
Most recently, the city knocked down a massive, 35-unit, brick building at 2640 Monroe St. after more than four years of court battles with owner Omar Sadin.

Toledo is not getting JACK. Using eminent domain and "public nuisance" to demolish other people's buildings is winning no friends. Most building owners just don't have the money to pay the city for demolitions they did not approve. Toledo is going to go into debt with all these demolitions, no doubt about it. No one is going to pay them back.

The vast majority of people who owe the city of Toledo money for razing nuisance buildings, cutting grass and weeds, or clearing away debris never pay up.

Over the past two years, the city has collected just $35,000 out of $4.1 million billed to current and former property owners.
Most recently, the city knocked down a massive, 35-unit, brick building at 2640 Monroe St. after more than four years of court battles with owner Omar Sadin.

Toledo is not getting JACK. Using eminent domain and "public nuisance" to demolish other people's buildings is winning no friends. Most building owners just don't have the money to pay the city for demolitions they did not approve. Toledo is going to go into debt with all these demolitions, no doubt about it. No one is going to pay them back.

Do you think they would eventually pay for themselves with new development over time?

Do you think they would eventually pay for themselves with new development over time?

Well, that's what the city hopes, and they use that as their justification, but I have my doubts. Some of the demolitions have been of gorgeous, historic buildings that were not a public safety hazard (just neglected). Those are exactly the kind of buildings people look to gentrify. They can be bought for basement bargain prices. There are people buying up rundown properties all over Vistula not to fix up today, but to save for tomorrow. Vistula properties have lots of architectural value and cannot be duplicated today. They basically all date from the 1800's. That urban fabric must be preserved. The historic core of Toledo has lots of high-quality, ornate construction. Sure, some of it is abandoned, but unless the buildings are literally falling into the street, there's no need to tear them down. They are the types of properties urban gentrifiers look to fix up. When the economy recovers in Toledo, people will fix up more of them. There are plenty of people who would rather renovate an historic building than tear it down to build something new and ugly. And let's face it, many demolitions have resulted in surface lots- no economic potential there.

Tearing down a bunch of abandoned buildings does not promote economic development. It promotes more demolitions. People see these giant holes in the urban streetscape and think the city is dead. If the buildings are there (even if neglected), people can at least see some potential.

Now on the other hand, tearing down a lower quality, uninspired house from the 1940's or 1950's is not as big of a deal. They do not have much renovation potential or architectural beauty. Those types of properties can easily be rebuilt today. In fact, this is being seen in some neighborhoods. Toledo has actually added total housing since 2000.

I asked because I've seen it in a number of older industrial cities. In Mobile years ago they couldn't build because of good old boys holding property for unreasonable prices. Finally the city involved themselves and forced property sales and demolition because they saw potential money-making development in the future.

I was hoping the future looked bright for downtown Toledo in the same manner. I've lived there twice and it holds a special place in my heart because my dad and sister still live there.

Billboard firm to rehab site near downtown as headquarters
By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

For years, the peeling building with the rotting doors has been an eyesore at an important entry point to downtown Toledo.

See the rest of the story here: http://http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/BUSINESS03/806120353

House OKs $14.9B passenger-rail bill
Kaptur not aboard as vote left station
By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER

A $14.9 billion passenger-rail authorization bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday designates a Cleveland-Toledo-Chicago corridor among 10 across the country as eligible for capital grants for facilities or train equipment to support new or improved intercity trains.

See the rest of the story here: http://http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/NEWS24/806120381/-1/NEWS

In Mobile years ago

Mobile is not a good example to compare to Toledo. Toledo has far older and better quality building stock than Mobile. Simply put, there's more worth saving in Toledo. Toledo was a major city way before Mobile was (actually, Mobile still isn't a major city). Toledo had 240,000 people in 1920. Mobile had 60,000. We're talking magnitudes different size when comparing the urban cores.

I've had the good fortune to live in both cities for a number of years. I think you should visit. It's closer than you think in terms of the feel of downtown and the redevelopment of it. I definitely know a little bit of history on both cities. Thanks for the quick lesson though.

It does seem you don't care for Mobile? Just curious as to why the way you approached it like that. Don't care really. Just curious.

^sprawled, suburban as hell, and very small core. It also has a very weird skyline with the one tower and nothing else of value.

Mud Hens fly high in souvenir sales
No. 2 among minor-league teams
By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

Folks as far as Japan want their Toledo Mud Hens stuff.

And the popularity of T-shirts, caps, and other items bearing the quirky name helped propel the team's merchandise to No. 2 overall among 160 minor-league squads last year.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080613/BUSINESS06/806130348/-1/BUSINESS

Study finds 'green' job potential in Ohio high
By TED FACKLER BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

More than a half-million Ohio workers hold jobs that could benefit "green industries," a good sign for potential investors, said a new study.

The largest number of jobs, 212,000, would aid solar power technologies, according to the report by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080613/BUSINESS06/806130339/-1/BUSINESS

Continental Airlines to cancel flights at Toledo Express
BLADE STAFF


Toledo Express Airport’s passenger business will take another hit in September from the airline industry’s on-going contraction when Continental Airlines cancels its feeder service between Toledo and Cleveland.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/BUSINESS06/924295893/-1/BUSINESS

IMHO, TPS Board has no business being in the economic development process which they are elected to serve the community's children and their education. I find it appalling that some of the board members feel they should have a say and decide to hijack the project. Kudos to Larry Dillin and the City of Toledo to by-pass them and move the project along.


New Marina District plan garners council support, TPS ire
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

A slim majority of Toledo councilmen yesterday appeared eager to throw their support behind the latest financing strategy for the $20 million public portion of the riverfront Marina District planned for the city's east side.

"I would vote for the devil in cloven hooves if it would bring jobs to Toledo," Councilman Betty Shultz said.

While the city administration lauded its accomplishment, Toledo Public Schools leaders were disconcerted yesterday morning to learn a new plan was drafted without their input.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080614/NEWS16/806140365/-1/NEWS

RGP announces three Rocket Ventures Ignite! grants for Toledo firms
By Duane Ramsey
Senior Business Writer
news@toledofreepress.com

Rocket Ventures, a program of the Regional Growth Partnership, has awarded Ignite! grants to three Toledo-based firms. These grants are given to help the companies develop and use technology to create new products or improve processes that have an impact on jobs and revenues in Northwest Ohio.

The latest grants were awarded to ADS Biotechnology, LTD, TechTol Imaging, LLC and DoX Systems LLC.

ADS Biotechnology was established in 2007 by three University of Toledo professors who created a blood-volume replacement product through a patented process developed in research at UT.

The new process maintains blood pressure without leaking into the capillaries in critical-care scenarios to provide positive outcomes for patients whose injuries otherwise would be fatal.

TechTol Imaging invented a new process to acquire and display rotational 3-D digital images for the Internet.

The process and the company are still in early stages, so the grant will help the inventors prove their theory and stand on the forefront of changing the culture and expectations for Internet imaging.

DoX Systems is an electronic medical records company that has created a suite of products and services that allows physicians in private practice to enhance their offices' productivity. The company's source code is compatible with virtually every operating system through a Plug and Play design that could position it to be the primary system for its target market.

Craig Ortega, Ignite! program manager for Rocket Ventures, will work with each company to ensure that they achieve strategic goals and meet specific milestones using the grant money they received.

Rocket Ventures, a division of RGP, is a pre-seed, early-stage venture fund for technology-based companies operating within the state of Ohio.

The fund consists of $15 million in state funding and

$7.5 million in private sector investment.

^sprawled, suburban as hell, and very small core. It also has a very weird skyline with the one tower and nothing else of value.

I guess that didn't answer my question.

I guess that didn't answer my question.

Don't worry, he rarely has much good to say about any city other than Toledo and Athens, O.

hey atleast he's supportin Toledo and right now theres a lot of people talkin our city down... so he's alright in my book

So with the rising costs of gas, the poor economy, and other things happening in the world... I am deciding that I will be riding my bicycle or walking to work 3 out of 5 days of the week. Any word on if there are any additional plans for bike paths or bike lanes on or around sylvania/monroe/douglas/secor area?

Arena419.com finally updated.... Theres some pretty good shots of the new arena on the site. I also found a segment from 13abc.com about the riverview development on Miami street. Google: Riverview site read for development 6/11/08......

Anyone with an update on Savage Hall? I cant seem to find anything and I'm never out that way so anything would be great.....

I was talking to my dad today about the Pythian Castle. He said he has been inside it before and you can pretty much see up 4 storys..... the floors have been taken out i guess? I hope this isnt another steam plant project. I know the money is going to refurbish the whole street but the castle seems like a lot of work.

So with the rising costs of gas, the poor economy, and other things happening in the world... I am deciding that I will be riding my bicycle or walking to work 3 out of 5 days of the week. Any word on if there are any additional plans for bike paths or bike lanes on or around sylvania/monroe/douglas/secor area?

There may very well be, but I can't think of any right off the bat. However, I was at the Ohio 21st Century Transportation meeting last week (these are occuring state-wide). There was an individual who spoke during the public comments portion: he said that he bikes everywhere, and he wanted to dispel one major bike myth, which was that bike lanes are safer than taking the normal street. Apparently stats show that the street is safer. Personally, I would still prefer to take bike lanes if they were available! But he swore that stat was accurate.

I'm with you 100%. I live in the OWE and work downtown, and I ride down in part because it's quick and convenient (and good exercise), but also because I'd prefer to save even the tiniest drop of gas. Now, I'm not insane like my dad, who lives in Toledo but has biked to his job in Archbold several times in the past month or so, but I suppose insanity is the end-result of this energy crisis.

Improvement chains slug it out in Toledo
Experts say metro area nearly saturated with stores
By LARRY P. VELLEQUETTE BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

WHEN LARGE STORMS ripped across the region last week, deluging the area with rain, toppling trees, and knocking out power, residents headed to home improvement warehouses to clean up and dry out.

The rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/BUSINESS10/806150339/-1/BUSINESS

Maumee firm builds prototype of electric vehicle
New Ohio law makes it street-legal
By LARRY P. VELLEQUETTE BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

Craig Winn has been around the automotive industry long enough to realize that transportation revolutions aren't necessarily sparked in the boardrooms of giant automakers.

The rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080616/BUSINESS02/806160335/-1/BUSINESS

Developer has ideas for Toledo river site
He wants restaurant, residences, maybe a history museum
By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER

A large, empty plot of cleaned-up riverfront property near I-75 could soon be in the hands of a self-described "visionary developer."

"A visionary developer by nature has to look beyond the facts as they stand right now," said Michael Drew Shaw, a former local radio and television broadcaster. "Not that you can ignore the facts, but you can't listen to the economics of the day and move anything forward."

The rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080616/NEWS16/897809530/-1/NEWS

Toledo Zoo in flurry of building, updates
$94M in work for future means fences today
By GABE NELSON BLADE STAFF WRITER

With a nearly $94 million series of renovation and construction projects under way at the Toledo Zoo, visitors will encounter more fences and detours than usual this summer.

Thanks to an influx of money from a levy approved by voters two years ago, the zoo has begun several major projects, as well as hundreds of smaller repairs and improvements.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080616/NEWS38/806160330/-1/NEWS

Perrysburg landmark faces uncertain future
By CARL RYAN BLADE STAFF WRITER

What one group thinks of as a financial albatross is a building that another group believes is worth saving.

The Perrysburg schools Board of Education has solicited demolition bids for portions of the district's Commodore Building, which is the oldest structure in the school district, dating to 1894. The bids for the building at Louisiana and Indiana avenues will be opened Friday.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080616/NEWS04/806160332/-1/NEWS

It doesn't sound like this man has much of a track record with successful development...does he even have any capital?

Developer has ideas for Toledo river site
He wants restaurant, residences, maybe a history museum
By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER

A large, empty plot of cleaned-up riverfront property near I-75 could soon be in the hands of a self-described "visionary developer."

"A visionary developer by nature has to look beyond the facts as they stand right now," said Michael Drew Shaw, a former local radio and television broadcaster. "Not that you can ignore the facts, but you can't listen to the economics of the day and move anything forward."

The rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080616/NEWS16/897809530/-1/NEWS

Bonjour...

Do you still have those pictures you had on here of River West Townhomes?! I am looking at maybe buying one... Would like to see more pictures than whats on the website.

I think it was you that posted them a while back...

Cheers!

Bonjour...

Do you still have those pictures you had on here of River West Townhomes?! I am looking at maybe buying one... Would like to see more pictures than whats on the website.

I think it was you that posted them a while back...

Cheers!

Here you go! :) Direct link to the site: http://www.riverwesttownhomes.com/

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RiverWest4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RiverWest.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RiverWest2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RiverWest3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RiverWest4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RWestSkyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NorthStClairSkyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/springskyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HiLevelSkyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/FarmerMarketSkyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/patio2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/patio4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/urbanplant.jpg

Perrysburg landmark may yield green space
By CARL RYAN BLADE STAFF WRITER

Central Perrysburg will be getting a new park if the board of education follows through with its decision to tear down the western sections of the Commodore Building and use the cleared area for a green space called Commodore Square.

You can view the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/NEWS18/806170385/-1/NEWS

Toledo sells Monclova Township land
Posted on Toledo Blade website
Article published Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Toledo's Department of Development yesterday announced that it sold two properties in Monclova Township for a total of more than $1.8 million, according to a spokesman for Mayor Carty Finkbeiner.

You can view the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/NEWS16/806170392/-1/NEWS

How are the prices for those above?

How are the prices for those above?

I assuming you asking about the Riverwest, the prices starts about $190,000-250,000 depending on the square footage. There are six brand new units that are unsold and 2 for sale that is already to go with current owners.

Great video on the progress of Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown: http://www.myfoxtoledo.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=6810430&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Due to the housing market, there is a slight delay and modification to the Steam Plant project: http://nbc24.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=149370

http://www.wtol.com/global/story.asp?s=8527339

Consultants back loan for ex-Maumee Stamping
By TED FACKLER BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

Plans to turn the closed Ford Motor Co. Maumee Stamping Plant into a new venture have been bolstered by state-hired consultants who recommend an Ohio loan for the financing.

That could mean Maumee Authority Stamping Inc. could reopen the factory at 920 Illinois Ave. by next month with 250 workers who will be part owners of the business.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080619/BUSINESS02/806190353/-1/BUSINESS

STREAMING THROUGH TURNSTILES
Bass Pro Shops: Newest retailer in Rossford is reelin' 'em in
By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

Sandy Meinzer emerged from the newly opened Bass Pro Shop in Rossford yesterday after bagging her prey.

The Waterville resident was toting collapsible chairs that she and her husband, Bill, will use while watching their grandchildren’s sporting events.

“It was great,” she said of the fishing, camping, and hunting heaven that lays claim to the crown of “No. 1 outdoor retailer in America.”

You can see rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080619/BUSINESS10/102297828/-1/BUSINESS

Plan seeks to optimize traffic flow to terminal
North Baltimore to get 70 more trucks daily
By JENNIFER FEEHANBLADE STAFF WRITER

BOWLING GREEN - He doesn't know how much or how soon, but Wood County Engineer Ray Huber is certain the CSX Transportation rail terminal planned just west of North Baltimore is going to have a big impact on village traffic.

"In anticipation of 70 trucks a day to start - that's what they're anticipating - I can see what's going to happen to that community in short order," Mr. Huber told Wood County commissioners yesterday.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/NEWS11/806200370/-1/NEWS

Condos dropped from steam plant development plan
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

Developer David Ball yesterday said he and his partner, Jimmy Jackson, have scaled back their residential redevelopment plans for Toledo Edison's former steam plant downtown along the Maumee River.

Meanwhile, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner demanded the pair get the project started. He told them to "step up now," or turn the site back over to the city or another developer.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/NEWS16/806200349/-1/NEWS

This is an interesting story: http://toledofreepress.com/?id=8107

City Considers New Tenants for COSI Building
COSI Return May Be Limited
Posted on WSPD 1370AM Newsradio website 6-19-2008

Toledo City Council is considering whether to pay utilities on COSI's former building, but Mayor Carty Finkbeiner admits there's no guarantee the science museum will return, even if voters approve a levy this fall. The mayor says COSI may become a stand alone entity or partner with the zoo, Metroparks or U-T. He says two business proposals are on the table to fill the former COSI building downtown -- one is a possible jazz museum and theater.

Not really Toledo News, but - Hopefully this trend will continue in Toledo and help revitalize downtown and the condo market.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/06/16/suburb.city/index.html

SSOE expands
Posted on Toledo Free Press website 6-20-2008

Architecture and engineering firm SSOE Inc. announced that during the course of four months, it will expand six of its offices, adding enough space for more than 110 new employees.

This is SSOE's third consecutive year of 25 percent or more revenue growth and projections show 20 percent growth for 2008. To accommodate the growth, SSOE has hired more than 200 people in the last year and has plans for hiring more than 100 more in the next year, requiring the expansion of offices across the company.

In Toledo, additional functions have been relocated to the company's corporate office at 811 Madison Ave., one block away from the original Toledo office. The vacated spaces in 1001 Madison Ave. were quickly filled and current renovations will add even more additional seating for project staff. SSOE currently employs more than 550 employees in its Downtown Toledo offices. The Cincinnati office is also undergoing renovations to double its seating capacity.

SSOE has also expanded its offices in Midland, Mich., and Phoenix. The Arizona office is undergoing its second expansion.

SSOE has also expanded its Shanghai, China, location in direct response to being awarded large projects with Fortune 100 and 500 companies from the US who are building capacity to serve the growing Chinese consumer market.

Local developer has vision for Miami Street riverfront project
By Duane Ramsey
Senior Business Writer
news@toledofreepress.com

A local developer is no longer just talking.

Michael Drew Shaw, known for his work on radio in Toledo, is acting on his vision for an $85 million commercial development on a 37-acre site.

The proposed project, along the Maumee River on Miami Street at Interstate 75 in Toledo, would feature the Riverview Center, a commercial building with office, retail and restaurants. The project could include a marina, some residential units and possibly the Toledo History Museum.

Shaw is a partner in Riverview Toledo LLC, a group that includes an architectural firm and real estate development company. The partnership is in the process of exercising an option to purchase the property from River Road Redevelopment Corp., he said.

“We have an opportunity to do something special for the community,” Shaw said. “This project is critical as the site is so high-profile on the Maumee River at I-75. We have a responsibility to make sure what we build there is the right thing for that site.”

The riverfront property was previously owned by Libbey Owens Ford (LOF), which operated the glass plant on adjacent land in Rossford. Shaw said LOF had planned to develop the site before being acquired by The Pilkington Group in 1986. Pilkington decided to sell the property to a developer rather than develop it, he said.

River Road Redevelopment purchased the property from Pilkington in 2006 and hired an engineering firm for the environmental remediation of the land. The firm used $4 million in grants from the state of Ohio and City of Toledo to clean up the property and update the infrastructure.

Brad White of River Road Redevelopment confirmed it is in the process of selling the 37-acre site to Riverview Toledo LLC. The firm also owns property east of I-75.

A private, certified, licensed professional has issued a letter of no further action on remediation of the site for submission to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

White said it expects to file the report with the Ohio EPA soon and it usually takes up to 90 days for a response. That process is required since funds were used from a Clean Ohio Revitalization Grant.

Once River Road Redevelopment receives the official documentation from the Ohio EPA, it expects to close on the purchase of the property, Shaw said. He credited River Road Redevelopment for getting the site ready for development.

“If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be involved in this site,” he said.

The infrastructure work is 99 percent complete and the site would be ready for construction upon the purchase of the property, according to Shaw.

His partnership plans to build a 69,000 square-foot commercial River View Center. The four-story building would include about 21,600 square feet of leased space on each of the first three floors with the mechanical equipment and a deck on the rooftop level.

The father and son team of Bob and George Bob Sitzenstock of Sitzenstock Associates Inc. in Maumee developed the design.

“When designing for waterfront properties, we believe the emphasis should be on the water so we included lots of windows, patios, garden plots and outdoor spaces with exposure to the river,” George Sitzenstock said.

Jeff Glavan of Glavan Feher Architects Inc. in Columbus is a partner in Riverview Toledo LLC. His firm is preparing the master plan for the site.

Glavan is familiar with Toledo and the Maumee River as he and his firm prepared the original master plan for the Marina District project on the river in East Toledo. Shaw was also involved in the proposed marina development.

Shaw said he worked for four years with the City of Toledo and three developers to obtain land to build a Skyway Visitors Center on four different sites near the Veterans' Glass City Skyway Bridge over the Maumee.

“The circumstances just weren't right for the project. My role was to create a high-profile location for the visitors' center and we needed an option for land to build it,” Shaw said. “We got caught in the political and structural wrestle over the [marina] project.”

The Skyway Visitors Center would welcome visitors to Toledo before they crossed the bridge coming on I-280 from the south. The developers looked at several designs from three to 15 floors for such a center.

“I didn't abandon my dream for the Skyway Visitors Center. I still want to be involved in a visitors' center if one is included in the Marina District,” Shaw said.

“The I-75 site is much more easily accessible at the Miami Street exit for our project,” Shaw said, comparing it to the Marina District development on Front Street.

But he admitted it would not be an appropriate site for the visitors' center, so they are considering plans to include the Toledo History Museum in the riverfront project.

Shaw said the company is in early discussions with the Toledo History Museum LLC regarding its location there.

“We think the site is ideal to pay tribute to the city's history with the Toledo History Museum,” he said.

Club seats go on sale on June 23rd at the new downtown arena!!!!!!!!!!

See story at this link: http://www.wtol.com/global/story.asp?s=8530494

Official Toledo Walleye link: http://www.toledowalleye.com/

Official Toledo Downtown arena link: http://lucascountyarena.com/

I assuming you asking about the Riverwest, the prices starts about $190,000-250,000 depending on the square footage. There are six brand new units that are unsold and 2 for sale that is already to go with current owners.

Would you say that they're comparable to Bartley Lofts?

Would you say that they're comparable to Bartley Lofts?

There arent many good lofts left in Bartley. I viewed one a few months ago, priced at 185K. It had a killer view of 5/3 Field and High Level Bridge, but it was pretty small compared to the Riverwest homes. There were others for sale in Bartley for less, but the views weren't much at all. I think I'd rather have a place at Riverwest - the rooftop dex look great...

Would you say that they're comparable to Bartley Lofts?

Comparable in prices, yes, but some of the loft at Bartley is quite expensive (going toward $500,000 where the highest at RiverWest is $270,000). Bartley may be loft with indoor parking garage but it feels like an luxurious apartment with communal rooftop deck/pool. With RiverWest is like a densed-single family home with own garage/driveway with private rooftop deck and front door that goes outside. Both are pluses in terms of amentities but it's different depending on your personal preference.

There arent many good lofts left in Bartley. I viewed one a few months ago, priced at 185K. It had a killer view of 5/3 Field and High Level Bridge, but it was pretty small compared to the Riverview homes. There were others for sale in Bartley for less, but the views weren't much at all. I think I'd rather have a place at Riverview - the rooftop dex look great...

Not to be nitpicky, it's "RiverWest" not Riverview unless you are referring to Riverview Apartments that is located next to Levis Square/Promenade Park in between Summit & St. Clair Streets.

The riverview condos have a ton more sq. ft. and priced around the same as Bartley... the rooftop terrace is worth the price alone hehe. My partner and I are considering buying a condo downtown and renting our house out... *shrug* we shall see :)

Thanks for posting the pictures btw! :)

Pizza chain to refurbish building next to ball park
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

A Michigan pizza restaurant chain yesterday ended more than seven years of frustration over a single downtown Toledo building.

Pizza Papalis Chicago Pizza announced plans to turn the vacant building at 519 Monroe St. near Huron street, next to Fifth Third Field, into its first restaurant outside of Michigan.

For the rest of the story click on the link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080621/NEWS16/806210375

Perrysburg Commodore sections to cost less
$152,000 bid delights board
By CARL RYAN BLADE STAFF WRITER

Perrysburg schools officials were delighted to learn yesterday that their plan to tear down part of the Commodore Building will cost significantly less than they thought.

Ed Burdue and Co. of Sandusky submitted the lowest of the four bids received for demolishing the three western sections of the building.

To read the rest of this story it's at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080621/NEWS18/806210384

The Toledo Blues Festival is back for 3-days showcasing the blues music. It's been four years since the last time Blues was in town, the popular event will return to downtown Toledo at Promenade Park July 18 through July 20.

The three-day event will be held in Festival Park, next to the former Portside Marketplace.

The feature on the second evening will be Shirley King, who is the daughter of blues guitar great B.B. King. :banana:

Southwyck News
Posted on WTVG ABC 13 website 6-21-2008

When Southwyck mall closes at the end of this month many memories will die. But there is a push to save at least one fond piece of memorabilia. The carousel, at center court, is unforgettable for thousands of people, long after most business tenants have left the building.

So, as Developer Larry Dillin moves ahead with his plans to re-vitalize the mall, he has included the carousel in his outdoor designs for the new open-air Southwyck. The current owners of the mall naturally own the carousel. Dillin is working with them to determine what happens next.

More on Pizza Papalis:

http://www.myfoxtoledo.com/myfox/pages/Business;jsessionid=93FA3D38446DC6DD0EB0F66F016EC3FD?pageId=4.1

The riverview condos have a ton more sq. ft. and priced around the same as Bartley... the rooftop terrace is worth the price alone hehe. My partner and I are considering buying a condo downtown and renting our house out... *shrug* we shall see :)

Thanks for posting the pictures btw! :)

No problem :); our condo unit square footage is 1800 which includes garage and rooftop deck and it's ample for both of us.

Some of the other RiverWest units are anywhere from 1680 to 2160 sq. feet.

Not to be nitpicky, it's "RiverWest" not Riverview unless you are referring to Riverview Apartments that is located next to Levis Square/Promenade Park in between Summit & St. Clair Streets.

Thanks - I was too lazy to refer to the earlier post to see what the correct name was. :)

Comparable in prices, yes, but some of the loft at Bartley is quite expensive (going toward $500,000 where the highest at RiverWest is $270,000). Bartley may be loft with indoor parking garage but it feels like an luxurious apartment with communal rooftop deck/pool. With RiverWest is like a densed-single family home with own garage/driveway with private rooftop deck and front door that goes outside. Both are pluses in terms of amentities but it's different depending on your personal preference.

I looked at a few in February 07 when the building was half full. But I've since moved. I would have loved the view though.

I looked at a few in February 07 when the building was half full. But I've since moved. I would have loved the view though.

Bartley was ready for its first residents during the summer of 2006. We looked at the model unit which heavy construction was going on end of 2005 and the view was to die for. We have pets so it was important to have a downtown home with good open, green space nearby.

Quote:
Originally Posted by toledo25 View Post
The riverview condos have a ton more sq. ft. and priced around the same as Bartley... the rooftop terrace is worth the price alone hehe. My partner and I are considering buying a condo downtown and renting our house out... *shrug* we shall see

Thanks for posting the pictures btw!
No problem ; our condo unit square footage is 1800 which includes garage and rooftop deck and it's ample for both of us.

Some of the other RiverWest units are anywhere from 1680 to 2160 sq. feet.




What all comes in the unit? Appliances? What are utilities like? Condo Fees? etc..etc... if you don't mind sharing : )

Quote:
Originally Posted by toledo25 View Post
The riverview condos have a ton more sq. ft. and priced around the same as Bartley... the rooftop terrace is worth the price alone hehe. My partner and I are considering buying a condo downtown and renting our house out... *shrug* we shall see

Thanks for posting the pictures btw!
No problem ; our condo unit square footage is 1800 which includes garage and rooftop deck and it's ample for both of us.

Some of the other RiverWest units are anywhere from 1680 to 2160 sq. feet.




What all comes in the unit? Appliances? What are utilities like? Condo Fees? etc..etc... if you don't mind sharing : )

If you buy a condo unit that a current owner is selling, it already has everything I'm pretty sure (i.e. appliances).

If you buy a condo that hasn't been sold, it's pretty bare which the developers allow you to pick everything from crown molding, light fixtures, carpet, tiles, bathroom misc., paint, island in the kitchen, ceiling fans, counter-tops, cupboards, appliances, etc, etc, etc of your choice which we did because we designed it the way we like it. Those costs are added and included in the condo price (they have "standards" and "upgrades"). Some of the upgrades are waived to be able to attract a homeowner which is pretty much in the negotiations. The developers (they are a realty company as well) are willing to help you sell your home in order for you move into the RiverWest which they did a great job for us.

Condo fees monthly I believe is $100-120 which includes snow removal/salting from your front door to elsewhere, lawn/landscaping care, pets poop removal, retaining an attorney to represent homeowners, and taking care of anything exterior-wise of the condo(s) which I think are the major ones.

The utilities we pay such as water/garbage (quarterly) about $100 average, electric (monthly depending on season) $50 average, and gas $40 average. Our entire kitchen is electric while water heater is gas, and our A/C, heater is an industrial-like unit which is awesome.

Some of the owners have installed hot tubs on their rooftop deck which is pretty cool. Also the property of each condo unit has a 15-year tax abatement which waives majority of the property taxes but you still pay land tax which is minimal.

Here is the direct link which has more specific information: http://www.riverwesttownhomes.com/

Interesting article which is going to be a four-part series as I try to keep an open mind as we've known there has been articles in the past that has been extremely distorted and the actual reality of progress has been shortchanged.

FIRST IN A FOUR-PART SERIES
Loss of firms, jobs vexes central Toledo business districts
Toledo is not alone in coping with downtown woes
By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

When glass-maker Owens-Illinois Inc. decamped for the suburbs two years ago, it set off a negative chain reaction in downtown Toledo’s office and retail sectors.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080622/NEWS16/822362260/-1/NEWS

ODOT, property owners clash over U.S. 24 construction project
Disputes involve land acquisition, consequences of road construction
By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER

Eugene Ward was in for a bit of a surprise when Ohio Department of Transportation land surveyors visited his property to lay out a new cul-de-sac on Box Road to be built as part of the new U.S. 24 across southern Lucas County.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080622/NEWS11/806220344/-1/NEWS

A little history about Toledo downtown which is always interesting for me to read because sometimes we can learn from the past as we head into the future.

Downtown Toledo teemed with activity into the '70s
By HOMER BRICKEY BLADE SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER

Just a generation or so ago, in the 1970s, Toledo's downtown was beyond its peak. But there were still plenty of signs of life: Crowds of workers and shoppers, large corporate headquarters, eight locally owned financial institutions, busy hotels, a vibrant night life, and restaurants galore.

See the rest of story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080622/NEWS16/806220343/-1/NEWS

Ohio plunges in ranking for science and technology
State goes from 24th to 36th; governor's office challenges findings
By TOM TROY and ALEX M. PARKER BLADE STAFF WRITERS

In the quest to build a knowledge-based economy, other states are leaving Ohio in the basement, a study by the respected Milken Institute says.

Ohio took a dive in the report - from 24th in the nation in 2004 to 36th - in large part because the Milken Institute decided that auto manufacturing is not high-tech.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080622/NEWS34/806220370/-1/NEWS

Veterans’ Glass City Skyway is a welcome change to our skyline
By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER

Was it only 52 weeks ago that the Veterans’ Glass City Skyway opened to traffic?

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080622/NEWS11/167815375/-1/NEWS

A little history about Toledo downtown which is always interesting for me to read because sometimes we can learn from the past as we head into the future.

Downtown Toledo teemed with activity into the '70s
By HOMER BRICKEY BLADE SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER

Just a generation or so ago, in the 1970s, Toledo's downtown was beyond its peak. But there were still plenty of signs of life: Crowds of workers and shoppers, large corporate headquarters, eight locally owned financial institutions, busy hotels, a vibrant night life, and restaurants galore.

See the rest of story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080622/NEWS16/806220343/-1/NEWS

Bonjour,

That article brings back the good old days that I didn't even have a part of. I live outside of Cleveland now and never really knew what a real city was until I moved here.

Cleveland people are actually proud of their city (even if it struggles mightily in economic terms as well). They are proud of their downtown, their sports teams, their lake.

I normally drive away from the city to head to work, but I had to go towards downtown a few weeks ago and actually got caught in traffic. Strangely, I liked it.

There was a street concert put on by one of the radio programs just this weekend on a Friday afternoon. I commented that it should have been a Saturday thing, when I was corrected as someone mentioned that on Friday the concert would catch all the people that worked downtown. That wasn't something familiar to me.

But sometimes I feel the only way that a city like Toledo will rebound is if gas goes to $10.00 a gallon and it forces people to live and work in the same vicinity. However, I could only imagine what energy costs like that would to do the businesses.

4silverrings, thanks for the post and I agree it will take $10.00 a gallon or some gigantic meteorite-size economic boost to hit our region for downtown to fully rebound and beyond.

Difficulties in Dayton feel familiar to Toledo
Vacancies top Ohio’s largest cities
By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

DAYTON — When Mitch Bennett and a partner revealed plans to open a floral shop in downtown Dayton, friends “asked us if we lost our minds,” he recalled.
And it looked as if the naysayers might be right when, shortly after Mitchell’s Floral Gallery opened on the ground floor of an office tower at 110 North Main St. last year, another downtown employer announced plans to pull up stakes.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/NEWS16/889432916/-1/NEWS

This series of Blade articles is incredible, and it's quick to point out a very sobering fact, every large downtown in Ohio except Akron has lost workers since 2000. Columbus and Cincinnati can't gloss this over with their far-flung exurban sprawl.

Our downtowns are still hurting, though we have seen increased population at the core. Still, much more needs to happen in Ohio. The high gas prices may be the final piece in the puzzle that pushes Ohioans to more logical, urban living.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT
City of Cleveland battles poverty, exodus
Like Toledo, city struggles to map revival

CLEVELAND — Even as chain stores like Ann Taylor are abandoning downtown’s Tower City Center mall, A.J. Ballard has no difficulty selling $35 T-shirts to young shoppers eager to mimic the urban look favored by professional athletes and pop music stars.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/NEWS16/780038039

DOWN BUT NOT OUT
City of Cleveland battles poverty, exodus
Like Toledo, city struggles to map revival

CLEVELAND — Even as chain stores like Ann Taylor are abandoning downtown’s Tower City Center mall, A.J. Ballard has no difficulty selling $35 T-shirts to young shoppers eager to mimic the urban look favored by professional athletes and pop music stars.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/NEWS16/780038039

Restoration in Akron draws mixed reviews
Empty offices fewest of big Ohio cities
Toledo Blade website 6/24/08 by Gary Pakulski

AKRON - When problems arise in Akron's city center, members of municipal government's Downtown Operations Group rarely butt out.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/BUSINESS06/806240302

Downtown Toledo hotel nears link with Crowne Plaza chain
By JON CHAVEZ BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

If an inspection team that arrives tomorrow likes what it sees, the downtown inn that has called itself the Toledo Riverfront Hotel for the last year will become a Crowne Plaza Hotel for the second time in its 23-year history.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/BUSINESS05/806240384

City Considers Residential Lots For Land That Once Housed Maumee Fire Station
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
Posted 6/23/2008

It is likely that the vacant land at William and Gibbs streets, the site of the former Maumee fire station, will become residential lots; however, the city’s buildings and lands committee is still mulling over details.

In a meeting June 12, the committee, which consists of council members Michael Coyle, Richard Carr and Tim Pauken, discussed options for the land and agreed that making the property available for single-family homes is the best option for the city.

“There is a critical need for single-family dwellings in this community,” said Coyle, who chairs the committee.

The property is zoned R-2, single-family residential. It would be divided into five lots sized 55 by 132 feet; however, the corner lot would be larger due to setback requirements for that space.

“Getting five families in there is something we want to do,” Coyle said.
The committee agreed that in order to sell lots, the potential buyer must have a builder in place to build within a specified period of time.
In addition, it was suggested that the lots could not be split or combined.
“We’re looking for commitment,” Carr said. “We want to encourage housing. We don’t want to just sell lots.”

Any structure built on the property would have to be approved by the architectural review committee.
The price of each lot has yet to be determined.

Bruce Wholf, building zoning inspector, also attended the meeting.
The buildings and lands committee will meet again with Wholf and city law director Sheilah McAdams before any recommendation is sent to council.

Good for the lease to be broken, it's time to restore Portside to its roots and make it a regional draw with a shopping destination of premiere stores and restaurants that has not been in this region (i.e. Trader Joe's, Urban Outfitters, Jamba Juice, Potbelly's, Cheesecake Factory, Crate & Barrell, Apple Store, and Eddie Bauer Home Store).

MUSEUM COULD LOSE EXHIBITS
COSI Toledo on the brink of breaking lease
Council is poised to help
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

COSI Toledo is on the brink of defaulting on its lease agreement and will lose its exhibits, but Toledo City Council is poised to buy the shuttered science museum more time.

Voters will likely be asked in November to help fund the downtown museum's revival, or instead say no for a third time.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/NEWS16/806240380/-1/NEWS

Good for the lease to be broken, it's time to restore Portside to its roots and make it a regional draw with a shopping destination of premiere stores and restaurants that has not been in this region (i.e. Trader Joe's, Urban Outfitters, Jamba Juice, Potbelly's, Cheesecake Factory, Crate & Barrell, Apple Store, and Eddie Bauer Home Store).

MUSEUM COULD LOSE EXHIBITS
COSI Toledo on the brink of breaking lease
Council is poised to help
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

COSI Toledo is on the brink of defaulting on its lease agreement and will lose its exhibits, but Toledo City Council is poised to buy the shuttered science museum more time.

Voters will likely be asked in November to help fund the downtown museum's revival, or instead say no for a third time.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/NEWS16/806240380/-1/NEWS

Toledo Public Schools floats new plan to revamp Scott High
Leaving state plan gives more options
By MEGHAN GILBERT BLADE STAFF WRITER

It's clear the community wants to see the historic Scott High School renovated rather than knocked down and replaced.

Not so clear is how to go about that.

A new option on the table would mean taking Scott out of the district's Building for Success program, for which the state of Ohio pays the bulk of the cost.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/NEWS04/806240339/-1/NEWS

Has anyone been around the UT Campus lately? There was a strip mall, allegedly with apartments on the upper floors going up on Dorr St., and a mixed use building on Secor. Any new news or pictures of that?

Also, there was an update on the Arena419 page about a week ago with ground level pictures. Looks like its coming along quite well:
http://www.arena419.com/?p=36

Good for the lease to be broken, it's time to restore Portside to its roots and make it a regional draw with a shopping destination of premiere stores and restaurants that has not been in this region (i.e. Trader Joe's, Urban Outfitters, Jamba Juice, Potbelly's, Cheesecake Factory, Crate & Barrell, Apple Store, and Eddie Bauer Home Store).

As much as I would love to see all of those retailers in Portside, don't hold your breath. I cannot think of another area where these stores have anchored a redevelopment. They are much more likely to go to Franklin Park than downtown, at least and downtown starts to look a lot more like Franklin Park than it does today...These stores don't even locate in vibrant Midwest downtowns like Ann Arbor...

As much as I would love to see all of those retailers in Portside, don't hold your breath. I cannot think of another area where these stores have anchored a redevelopment. They are much more likely to go to Franklin Park than downtown, at least and downtown starts to look a lot more like Franklin Park than it does today...These stores don't even locate in vibrant Midwest downtowns like Ann Arbor...

Crocker Park in Westlake. 20 mins from downtown Cleveland. 1 minute from me. Much like a smaller Easton or similar Levis Commons.

Not downtown, however.

Crocker Park is certainly not redevelopment, it's suburban sprawl.

Crocker Park in Westlake. 20 mins from downtown Cleveland. 1 minute from me. Much like a smaller Easton or similar Levis Commons.

Not downtown, however.

Crocker Park was not redevelopment - it was a new development. I could see the stores mentioned locating at Levis, Fallen Timbers or Franklin, either where things are established or there is a "newness" to the place - but not in a part of town that has trouble drawing people already - like Downtown. Trust me, I wish it weren't the case.

Memorial Field House construction continues
By Matt Lockwood Jun 25, 2008
Posted on UT News website

All three floors of the Memorial Field House, including classrooms and a new elevator shaft, have begun taking shape.
With renovations to the Memorial Field House progressing nicely, the departments of English and Foreign Languages are speaking the same language these days. Faculty members in both departments say they can’t wait to move into their new digs, which will be completed this fall and open for classes beginning after the first of the year.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://utnews.utoledo.edu/publish/Features_5/Memorial_Field_House_construction_continues_English_Foreign_Languages_eager_to_move_in.shtml

Has anyone been around the UT Campus lately? There was a strip mall, allegedly with apartments on the upper floors going up on Dorr St., and a mixed use building on Secor. Any new news or pictures of that?

Someone needs to dust off their camera and give us some shots on this development projects around UT Main Campus. :)

Huntington Insurance settles into BG
Written by Sentinel Staff Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Huntington Insurance has completed its move to Bowling Green, locating 75 employees in the remodeled former Sky Financial headquarters at 221 S. Church St.

The operation had been headquartered at Maumee's Arrowhead Park, where about 25 employees remain to serve the Toledo area, according to Jerry Batt, president.

Huntington Insurance, a subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares Inc., has five regions that report to Batt. The Northwest Ohio Region is directed by Rod Wood, executive vice president.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://www.sent-trib.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3597&Itemid=95

DOWN BUT NOT OUT
Capital's core looking for life after office hours; fringe areas vital, but Columbus' center frays
By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

COLUMBUS — As 26-year-old Wes Meermans enjoyed a beer after work at a watering hole in downtown’s Historic North Market District, he ruminated on the city he adopted as home four years ago.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/BUSINESS06/806250443/-1/BUSINESS

Start is only weeks away for plant that would add 50 jobs near Delta
By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

DELTA -A British firm is preparing to start construction on a $160 million plant near Delta that will create 50 jobs and boost recycling of waste from the steel-making process.

"It's a very good project," said Lisa Arend, economic development director for Fulton County. "It's 50 good-paying jobs. It's great that someone is making that size of investment in Ohio in this kind of economy."

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/BUSINESS06/806250407/-1/BUSINESS

Once a lemon, Youngstown's working on a better lemonade
By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN - Karen Arranz spends her days turning lemons into lemonade.

The lemonade cart she tends on West Federal Street in downtown Youngstown is surrounded by vacant storefronts, obsolete office towers, and roadway construction.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/BUSINESS06/806250336/-1/BUSINESS

BUSINESS TRAVEL REPORT
Toledo Express Airport 1 of 150 airports said vulnerable
By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER

Toledo Express Airport is among 150 airports nationwide that a travel-advocacy organization considers endangered by an "oil-fueled catastrophe" in the airline industry, according to a report to be issued today.

But the value of that report is debatable. Its findings did not take into account major cuts that have already been announced for that airport.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/NEWS11/806250329/-1/NEWS

Toledo says Marina District bonds won't alter debt limit
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

Toledo's debt limit will not change even if council approves general obligation bonds needed to help finance the $20 million public portion of the riverfront Marina District planned for the city's east side, the Finkbeiner administration said yesterday.

Fran Song, Toledo's debt management officer, said the general obligation bonds included in the financing structure would be paid off through assessments on Marina District property and not affect the city's ability to borrow.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/NEWS16/806250439/-1/NEWS

Keep Scott in state program, Toledo Public Schools urged
Posted on Toledo Blade website 6-25-2008

Scott High School renovation advocates told the Toledo School Board and district administrators yesterday the school deserves to be in the building program and renovated.

About a dozen people gathered outside the administration building with large signs that read, "Renovate our beloved Scott High School" and "S.O.S. - Save Our Scott."

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/NEWS04/806250404/-1/NEWS

$100M loan authorized for Toledo arena
Posted on Toledo Blade website 6-25-2008

Lucas County commissioners yesterday authorized the county to borrow up to $100 million to pay for construction of the downtown arena project.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/NEWS33/806250413/-1/NEWS

Perrysburg Township ends quest to recoup loan to Rossford
By GABE NELSON BLADE STAFF WRITER

After nine years and multiple failed lawsuits, Perrysburg Township has ended its quest to make the city of Rossford repay a $5 million loan for an arena and amphitheater complex that never materialized.

On Friday, the Ohio Supreme Court refused to hear the township's appeal of a decision issued by the 6th District Court of Appeals in January. The Supreme Court's one-sentence decision, signed by Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, stalled the township's final remaining lawsuit against Rossford and the Rossford Arena Amphitheater Authority.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/NEWS18/806250409/-1/NEWS

Westfield Franklin Park announces new stores in Toledo
BLADE STAFF Article published Thursday, June 26, 2008

Westfield Franklin Park today confirmed what has been a poorly kept secret: The major Toledo mall will fill a 49,000-square foot addition now under construction with shoe retailer DSW Warehouse, apparel store Old Navy, an Ulta cosmetics salon, and most likely a restaurant.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/BUSINESS10/660206161

Private funds next step for former Ford stamping site in Maumee
Project's leader says he's in talks with 3
By LARRY P. VELLEQUETTE BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

Plans are proceeding with state and local funding for reopening a former Ford Motor Co. stamping plant in Maumee, but the man leading the effort is now trying to find a private investor required for the project to proceed.

The situation is not viewed as a potentially big glitch by Keith Obey, who last month said that to keep his customers, he needed to finalize the purchase of the Maumee facility with state money by mid-June.

"Right now, we're talking with three separate [potential investors] to determine what will be the best deal for employees and for the customers," Mr. Obey said yesterday.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/BUSINESS03/806260329

Erie Street Market draws encore as concert venue
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

A local concert promoter has been given the green light to once again hold concerts and other events at the Erie Street Market, marking the first time in almost a decade that the city-owned venue will have public shows, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner said yesterday.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/NEWS16/806260349/-1/NEWS

Toledo Express loses 1 Chicago round-trip flight
By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER

Toledo Express Airport will lose one of its four daily round trips to Chicago when American Airlines cuts domestic service next month, but it won't lose all service the way several other cities will.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/NEWS11/806260365/-1/NEWS

Northwood business district plan to be mulled
By MEREDITH BYERS BLADE STAFF WRITER

The final two meetings for the public to learn more about Northwood's proposed central business district zoning change. are July 14 and August 11.

Both will be at 6 p.m. at Northwood City Hall.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/NEIGHBORS02/806250348/-1/NEIGHBORS

Erie Street Market draws encore as concert venue
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

A local concert promoter has been given the green light to once again hold concerts and other events at the Erie Street Market, marking the first time in almost a decade that the city-owned venue will have public shows, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner said yesterday.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/NEWS16/806260349/-1/NEWS

This makes complete sense. It's amazing that is hasn't been for a decade.

^yeah, certainly good for concerts. The auditorium holds something like 3,000 people.

Northwood business district plan to be mulled
By MEREDITH BYERS BLADE STAFF WRITER

The final two meetings for the public to learn more about Northwood's proposed central business district zoning change. are July 14 and August 11.

Both will be at 6 p.m. at Northwood City Hall.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/NEIGHBORS02/806250348/-1/NEIGHBORS

I'm most intrigued by this article. Despite growing up in the Toledo area, I have never once been to Northwood. I gather it's one of the smaller suburbs, but I have no clue to its structure or age. Do they not have any downtown to speak of? Is this new downtown an extension of an old one, or are the literally starting from nothing? Will it be urban?

I'm most intrigued by this article. Despite growing up in the Toledo area, I have never once been to Northwood. I gather it's one of the smaller suburbs, but I have no clue to its structure or age. Do they not have any downtown to speak of? Is this new downtown an extension of an old one, or are the literally starting from nothing? Will it be urban?

Very good questions about Northwood. "I can't believe it until I see it" which first comes to my mind if a downtown-like development would ever happen.

Woodville Mall and Great Eastern Shopping Center has been around since the 1950s so unless Northwood removes both of these centers, a downtown cannot happen.

East Toledo area looks to capitalize on riverfront plans
Dillin proposal would merge new with old on Front Street
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

Front Street in East Toledo has long been regarded as the dusty and cracked access road to factories, truck depots, and dirty coal docks.

The faded asphalt stretch running north-south parallel to the Maumee River cuts along some of the cheapest residential real estate in the city — even with the waterfront just a stone’s throw away.

For the rest of the story is at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/NEWS16/554089112

Marci Williams certainly have such good things to say about the Toledo region. (sense my sarcasm?!?)

Many residents who leave Lucas County head south, west
Former Toledoans cite jobs, weather as factors for move
By ALEX M. PARKER BLADE STAFF WRITER

Toledo and Lucas County have lost more than 13,000 people since 2000, with nearby suburbs reaping some of the exodus, but most looked beyond Ohio for sunnier, warmer, and more job-plentiful states in which to settle.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/NEWS16/207801288

Good riddance.

Curtain closes on long-troubled south-Toledo mall
By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER

The countdown reaches zero today for Southwyck Shopping Center, nearly 36 years after the South Toledo mall opened and became a leading regional shopping venue.

Following management’s orders, the mall’s final holdout businesses — all four of them last week — will have closed shop for good by 6 p.m., effectively leaving Southwyck a retail ghost town of darkened store windows, empty corridors, idle water fountains, and pulled-down metal gates.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/NEWS16/400795138

Certainly the company didn't give it time or a chance for it to excel after their move from Holland. Perhaps the gas prices is the culprit.

Chain ends $2 movies at its Maumee theaters
BLADE STAFF

Just eight weeks after relocating its $2-admission movie program to its Maumee 18 Cinema de Lux in Maumee from the now-defunct Super Cinemas complex in Holland, National Amusements Inc. has quietly ended it.

On June 20, the company stopped devoting certain theaters in the complex on Conant Street to its Reel Deal promotion. It offered low-priced admission to films well into their second theatrical run.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080628/BUSINESS07/806280391/-1/BUSINESS

Westfield Franklin Park formally announces stores for addition

In its first major change since Westfield Franklin Park opened a large expansion in 2005, the Toledo mall yesterday announced three new stores for a separate building addition to open by Nov. 1.

Named were shoe retailer DSW Warehouse, clothing store Old Navy, and an Ulta cosmetic salon. The stores in the 49,000-square-foot addition were identified by The Blade more than a year ago from the mall's site plan and from commercial experts.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080627/BUSINESS10/806270372/-1/BUSINESS

SEVEN-WEEK LAYOFF
Over 2,200 workers to be laid off at Toledo Jeep; dismal sales of Liberty, Nitro blamed for move
By LARRY P. VELLEQUETTE BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

More than 2,200 workers at the Toledo Jeep Assembly complex will be laid off for nearly two months because of dismal sales of the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro, United Auto Workers officials said yesterday.

The seven-week layoff will immediately follow a one-week model changeover shutdown that was to begin July 4. It will last through at least Aug. 25. Second-shift workers at the plant may be sidelined as early as Monday, said Dan Henneman, UAW Local 12 leader at Toledo Jeep.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080627/BUSINESS02/806270347/-1/BUSINESS

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PizzaPapalis2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PizzaPapalis.jpg

The official logo is up and their entrance pavilion has been overhauled while the rest of the $6+ million redevelopment is still underway inside the hotel:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/CrownePlaza6-2008.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OttawaTavern2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OttawaTavern.jpg

Westfield Franklin Park formally announces stores for addition

In its first major change since Westfield Franklin Park opened a large expansion in 2005, the Toledo mall yesterday announced three new stores for a separate building addition to open by Nov. 1.

Named were shoe retailer DSW Warehouse, clothing store Old Navy, and an Ulta cosmetic salon. The stores in the 49,000-square-foot addition were identified by The Blade more than a year ago from the mall's site plan and from commercial experts.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080627/BUSINESS10/806270372/-1/BUSINESS

My 23 year old sister will absolutely love this! Thanks for sharing it all.

East Toledo area looks to capitalize on riverfront plans
Dillin proposal would merge new with old on Front Street
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

Front Street in East Toledo has long been regarded as the dusty and cracked access road to factories, truck depots, and dirty coal docks.

The faded asphalt stretch running north-south parallel to the Maumee River cuts along some of the cheapest residential real estate in the city — even with the waterfront just a stone’s throw away.

For the rest of the story is at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/NEWS16/554089112

For some reason, I really wonder if this is such a good idea in the current real estate climate. People are leaving Toledo - not just the city, but the metro area. Is there truly demand for two thousand upscale downtown residences? Even bigger cities, with more vibrant downtowns like Indianapolis would have a hard time absorbing those numbers. This project, and the Swan Creek plan both seem a little heady. Thoughts?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PizzaPapalis2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PizzaPapalis.jpg

Looks awesome. I'm pumped to see this.

For some reason, I really wonder if this is such a good idea in the current real estate climate. People are leaving Toledo - not just the city, but the metro area. Is there truly demand for two thousand upscale downtown residences? Even bigger cities, with more vibrant downtowns like Indianapolis would have a hard time absorbing those numbers. This project, and the Swan Creek plan both seem a little heady. Thoughts?

I think it will work. In actuality, those immediate areas are safe and ripe for development. Despite any negative perception (mainly from suburban folks), the developments make sense. If Toledo fills those areas up, it will reach "critical mass" in the downtown area and spark more redevelopment in adjacent neighborhoods of the urban core (Uptown, Vistula, Old South End, Garfield, Birmingham, River East, etc.). I honestly think it will take something as big as the Marina District and Swan Creek to make it happen. For better or worse, people are far more impressed by big projects than little ones, and these are BIG projects. And big infill is needed in those areas. These will stand out and look great. People won't be able to ignore them. These projects are significant enough that they literally can change the perception of the city. My only suggestion is perhaps to mix in some smaller housing to reduce the price. I would prefer a fair variety of housing options in regards to price and size. The problem with a few of the lofts at Bartley is not the location, not the quality, not the amenities (all are top notch), but simply the price. A similar-sized, albeit less sexy place, can be had nearby in downtown for less money. I think Lasalle and Riverfront have higher occupancy rates, and I bet it's because they are cheaper. Bartley appeals to the upper class (as it should), but that's the hardest market to reach. I think everyone and their mom knew that would take longer to fill up than other downtown area projects. Still, I think Bartley is the sexiest housing in all of metro Toledo, and the best warehouse to housing conversion I've seen anywhere in Ohio. Due to that incredible quality, it's expensive. But if you work downtown or near there, it makes a hell of a lot more sense than living in suburbia. I think a good number of the residents at Bartley work downtown or neighborhoods within a short walk, bike ride, or drive.

As gas prices continue to rise, it's only a matter of time before Americans "wake up" and smell the carbon dioxide. It will be incredibly expensive to live in suburban areas, regardless of the region's growth rates. I actually predict we will see serious decline in suburban nightmares like Springfield, Anthony Wayne, and west Sylvania. Living there will cost more than people can ever imagine. The urban cores will come back one day. They have to.

Marci Williams certainly have such good things to say about the Toledo region. (sense my sarcasm?!?)

Many residents who leave Lucas County head south, west
Former Toledoans cite jobs, weather as factors for move
By ALEX M. PARKER BLADE STAFF WRITER

Toledo and Lucas County have lost more than 13,000 people since 2000, with nearby suburbs reaping some of the exodus, but most looked beyond Ohio for sunnier, warmer, and more job-plentiful states in which to settle.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/NEWS16/207801288

She's was living in Monclova (horribly overpriced trash) and actually said UTILITIES in Phoenix beat utilities in Toledo. No way in hell. Toledo has access to abundant fresh water and large coal reserves. Phoenix has nothing. Even if utilities were somehow cheaper than Toledo, it won't last long. And Toledo has far more amenities and culture than some nightmare like Phoenix. Phoenix has none of that and will be out of water soon. How that city continues to grow is beyond me...

How can their utilities be cheaper if they need constant air conditioning and need to import water from afar? Marci Williams seems crazy. She certainly stood out as the most ridiculous interview. Nothing she said made any sense. Living in Monclova (or any of the Anthony Wayne/Springfield mess) is hardly a measure of TOLEDO. Anthony Wayne is boring as shit and is not a livable place by any stretch of the word. I should know, I've lived with my dad there.

There's no denying the Phoenix job market is stronger and much easier than anything in Ohio, but leaving the state for Phoenix should be based solely on that reason, not some bullcrap about utilities, culture, depression (you'll be depressed when you die of thirst), or "wonderful roads" (Phoenix promotes sprawl at the expense of mass transit and rail). Phoenix is a suburban hole, and it's going to rot back into the desert.

The only real reason to move there is because you get a better job there. I can't think of anything else. Despite having a metro of over 3 million people, they have a smaller downtown than Toledo. That "city" (sprawled suburban mess) is a complete joke.

There's no denying the Phoenix job market is stronger and much easier than anything in Ohio, but leaving the state for Phoenix should be based solely on that reason, not some bullcrap about utilities, culture, depression (you'll be depressed when you die of thirst), or "wonderful roads" (Phoenix promotes sprawl at the expense of mass transit and rail). Phoenix is a suburban hole, and it's going to rot back into the desert.

The only real reason to move there is because you get a better job there. I can't think of anything else. Despite having a metro of over 3 million people, they have a smaller downtown than Toledo. That "city" (sprawled suburban mess) is a complete joke.


Here, here! Well said Pilliod, the Southwestern reverse exodus is pending. Now we just need PA to get off their arses and sign the Great Lakes Compact. They may have forgotten that they border a Great Lake, though (no offense to Erie). But I do think you're wrong about the size of Phoenix's downtown.. I seem to remember Phoenix having two downtowns, one on either side of I-10, and each one looking bigger than Toledo's? Am I wrong? This in no way takes away from Phoenix's status as the most nonsensical, paradoxical city in North America (and maybe the world), right next to the Las Vegas of the past 15-20 years. But apparently the Las Vegas bubble is bursting on account of the great Critical Mass of Sh*t that a Bunch of People Should Have Seen Coming, or CMSBPSHC for short.. I need a catchier acronym, any thoughts?!

For some reason, I really wonder if this is such a good idea in the current real estate climate. People are leaving Toledo - not just the city, but the metro area. Is there truly demand for two thousand upscale downtown residences? Even bigger cities, with more vibrant downtowns like Indianapolis would have a hard time absorbing those numbers. This project, and the Swan Creek plan both seem a little heady. Thoughts?

I think it will work. In actuality, those immediate areas are safe and ripe for development. Despite any negative perception (mainly from suburban folks), the developments make sense. If Toledo fills those areas up, it will reach "critical mass" in the downtown area and spark more redevelopment in adjacent neighborhoods of the urban core (Uptown, Vistula, Old South End, Garfield, Birmingham, River East, etc.). I honestly think it will take something as big as the Marina District and Swan Creek to make it happen. For better or worse, people are far more impressed by big projects than little ones, and these are BIG projects. And big infill is needed in those areas. These will stand out and look great. People won't be able to ignore them. These projects are significant enough that they literally can change the perception of the city. My only suggestion is perhaps to mix in some smaller housing to reduce the price. I would prefer a fair variety of housing options in regards to price and size. The problem with a few of the lofts at Bartley is not the location, not the quality, not the amenities (all are top notch), but simply the price. A similar-sized, albeit less sexy place, can be had nearby in downtown for less money. I think Lasalle and Riverfront have higher occupancy rates, and I bet it's because they are cheaper. Bartley appeals to the upper class (as it should), but that's the hardest market to reach. I think everyone and their mom knew that would take longer to fill up than other downtown area projects. Still, I think Bartley is the sexiest housing in all of metro Toledo, and the best warehouse to housing conversion I've seen anywhere in Ohio. Due to that incredible quality, it's expensive. But if you work downtown or near there, it makes a hell of a lot more sense than living in suburbia. I think a good number of the residents at Bartley work downtown or neighborhoods within a short walk, bike ride, or drive.

As gas prices continue to rise, it's only a matter of time before Americans "wake up" and smell the carbon dioxide. It will be incredibly expensive to live in suburban areas, regardless of the region's growth rates. I actually predict we will see serious decline in suburban nightmares like Springfield, Anthony Wayne, and west Sylvania. Living there will cost more than people can ever imagine. The urban cores will come back one day. They have to.

Well, I hope you're right, but I think you're reasons are too hopeful. Even if gas is $8 a gallon, people living and working in the Toledo metro area will likely have little incentive to move closer to work. The metro area is small enough that someone could live in perrysburg and work in Point Place and still manage. I do think gas prices will cause people who live in the exurbs and surrounding small towns to move into the city, however, if they work here.

But demand for smaller, more expensive homes near downtown seems miniscule, especially when homes across the metro area are some of the most affordable in the country. There has to be price and population pressure for a project like this to go, and i don't see that in Toledo yet. Why would a family of four choose a condo downtown over a home with a yard, not to mention the schools?

Again, it's great to be hopeful, but I'd like to see some demographic and economic data suggesting this project will work. I think that's the challenge Dillin is having right now with the banks.

Story in the Washington Post about Findlay - not necessarily development news; does it say something about the culture of rural Northwest Ohio?

In Flag City USA, False Obama Rumors Are Flying
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/29/AR2008062901871_pf.html)
By Eli Saslow
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, June 30, 2008; A01

FINDLAY, Ohio -- On his corner of College Street, Jim Peterman stares at the four American flags planted in his front lawn and rubs his forehead. Peterman, 74, is a retired worker at Cooper Tire, a father of two, an Air Force veteran and a self-described patriot. He took one trip to Washington in 1989 -- best vacation of his life -- and bought a statue of the Washington Monument that he still displays in a glass case in his living room.

He believes a smart vote is an American's greatest responsibility. Which is why his confusion about Barack Obama continues to eat at him.

On the television in his living room, Peterman has watched enough news and campaign advertisements to hear the truth: Sen. Barack Obama, born in Hawaii, is a Christian family man with a track record of public service. But on the Internet, in his grocery store, at his neighbor's house, at his son's auto shop, Peterman has also absorbed another version of the Democratic candidate's background, one that is entirely false: Barack Obama, born in Africa, is a possibly gay Muslim racist who refuses to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

"It's like you're hearing about two different men with nothing in common," Peterman said. "It makes it impossible to figure out what's true, or what you can believe."

Here in Findlay, a Rust Belt town of 40,000, false rumors about Obama have built enough word-of-mouth credibility to harden into an alternative biography. Born on the Internet, the rumors now meander freely across the flatlands of northwest Ohio -- through bars and baseball fields, retirement homes and restaurants.

Faced with polling that shows about one in 10 Americans thinks Obama is Muslim, the candidate's campaign has launched an aggressive effort to discredit rumors and clarify Obama's past. It created a "Fight the Smears" Web site and a new television ad that reiterates Obama's Christian faith, patriotism and family background. Dozens of volunteers have been sent to Ohio five months in advance of the election so they can spend extra time educating voters.

But on Peterman's block in Findlay, the campaign's efforts may already be too late. A swing voter who entered this election leaning Democratic, Peterson faces a decision that is no longer so simple as a choice between Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain, he said. First, he must pick the version of Obama on which he will stake his vote.

Does he choose to trust a TV commercial in which Obama talks about his "love of country"? Or his neighbor of 40 years, Don LeMaster, a Navy veteran who heard from a friend in Toledo that Obama refuses to wear an American-flag pin?

Does he trust a local newspaper article that details Obama's Christian faith? Or his friend Leroy Pollard, a devoted family man so convinced Obama is a radical Muslim that he threatened to stop talking to his daughter when he heard she might vote for him?

"I'll admit that I probably don't follow all of the election news like maybe I should," Peterman said. "I haven't read his books or studied up more than a little bit. But it's hard to ignore what you hear when everybody you know is saying it. These are good people, smart people, so can they really all be wrong?"
'Funny About Change'

Peterman bought his single-story house here in 1959, a few months after he left the Air Force and married. His wife, Mildred, had grown up in Findlay, and they never considered moving anywhere else. On College Street, the couple found all the hallmarks of America's heartland: a house for $9,000; a neighborhood where their two boys, one handicapped, could play outside after dark; a steady "pencil-pushing" job up the road for Jim at Cooper Tire headquarters.

The neighborhood built up around them. Leroy and Wanda Pollard came in 1962, drawn from southern Ohio by a booming auto industry that offered Leroy plenty of work as a mechanic. Mary Dunson bought the place next door in 1963. Don LeMaster, a police officer, moved in up the street with his wife, Margaret, in 1970.

Every newcomer to the block was white, working-class and Midwestern, and the neighborhood jelled easily. They babysat for one another. They complained to one another about their teenagers. They helped raise one another's grandkids. In all, seven different families have lived on the same block of College Street for at least 35 years.

"We all just found a great place at a great time," Leroy Pollard said.

Peterman hung the American flag on his porch first, in 1960, and the rest of College Street followed his example. By 1980, patriotic displays had grown into an unspoken contest of one-upmanship. Sixty flags planted in one yard on Memorial Day; a living-room window painted red, white and blue; a Buckeye tree decorated with Christmas ornaments celebrating Americana; a gigantic plastic unicorn perched on a front porch and draped in an American flag.

The entire block -- and, soon, the entire town -- shared in unabashed pride and gratefulness for the country that had given them this place. In 1968, a local congressman persuaded the House of Representatives to officially declare Findlay as Flag City, USA.

But with their pride came a nasty undercurrent, one that Obama's candidacy has exacerbated: On College Street, nobody wanted anything to change. As the years passed, Peterman and his neighbors approached one another to share in their skepticism about the unknown. What was the story behind the handful of African Americans who had moved into a town that is 93 percent white? Why were Japanese businessmen coming in to run the local manufacturing plants? Who in the world was this Obama character, running for president with that funny-sounding last name?

"People in Findlay are kind of funny about change," said Republican Mayor Pete Sehnert, a retired police officer who ran for the office on a whim last year. "They always want things the way they were, and any kind of development is always viewed as making things worse, a bad thing."

When people on College Street started hearing rumors about Obama -- who looked different from other politicians and often talked about change -- they easily believed the nasty stories about an outsider.

"I think Obama would be a disaster, and there's a lot of reasons," said Pollard, explaining the rumors he had heard about the candidate from friends he goes camping with. "I understand he's from Africa, and that the first thing he's going to do if he gets into office is bring his family over here, illegally. He's got that racist [pastor] who practically raised him, and then there's the Muslim thing. He's just not presidential material, if you ask me."

Said Don LeMaster: "He's a good speaker, but you've got to dig deeper than that for the truth. Politicians tell you anything. You have look beyond the surface, and then there are some real lies."

Said Jeanette Collins, a 77-year-old who lives across the street: "All I know for sure about Obama is that we're not ready for him."

Only one man on College Street remains open-minded, and recently even Peterman has started to sway. Like most of his neighbors, he dislikes McCain for his stance on the Iraq war and would like to cast his vote for a president who will bring the troops home. But on a recent visit to his son's auto shop, Peterman overheard misinformed customers talking again about a Muslim in the White House.

"I don't know. The whole thing just scares me," Peterman said. "I'm almost starting to feel like the best choice is not voting at all."
The Truth Squad

So far, those who have pushed the truth in Findlay have been rewarded with little that resembles progress. Gerri Kish, a 66-year-old born in Hawaii, read both of Obama's autobiographies. She has close friends, she said, who still refuse to believe her when she swears Obama is Christian. Then she hands them the books, and they refuse to read them. "They just want to believe what they believe," she said. "Nothing gets through to them."

The new advertisement running in Findlay, in which Obama is pictured with his white mother and white grandparents as he talks about developing a "deep and abiding faith in the country I love" while growing up in the Kansas heartland, is dismissed by residents of College Street as the desperate lies of another dishonest Washington politician. And they say that Obama's moves to put distance between himself and the Muslim community, with his campaign declining invitations to visit mosques and Obama volunteers removing two women in head scarves from the camera range at a rally in Detroit earlier this month are just a too-late effort to disguise his true beliefs.

For the past month, two students from the University of Findlay have spent their Tuesday nights walking from door to door in the city to tell voters about Obama. Erik Cramer and Sarah Everly target Democrats and swing voters exclusively, but they've still experienced mixed results. Sometimes, at a front door, they mention their purpose only to have a dozen rumors thrown back at them and the door slammed. "People tell us that we're in the wrong town," Everly said.

Soon, on a Tuesday night, they'll walk down College Street -- past the American flags, past the LeMasters, past the Pollards -- and knock on Jim Peterman's front door. They will ask for two minutes of his time, and Peterman will give it to them. He will listen to their story, weighing facts against fiction. For a few minutes, he might even believe them.

Then he'll close his door and go inside, back to his life. Back to his grocery store, back to his son's auto shop, back to the gossip on College Street. Back to the rumors again.

She's was living in Monclova (horribly overpriced trash) and actually said UTILITIES in Phoenix beat utilities in Toledo. No way in hell. Toledo has access to abundant fresh water and large coal reserves. Phoenix has nothing. Even if utilities were somehow cheaper than Toledo, it won't last long. And Toledo has far more amenities and culture than some nightmare like Phoenix. Phoenix has none of that and will be out of water soon. How that city continues to grow is beyond me...

How can their utilities be cheaper if they need constant air conditioning and need to import water from afar? Marci Williams seems crazy. She certainly stood out as the most ridiculous interview. Nothing she said made any sense. Living in Monclova (or any of the Anthony Wayne/Springfield mess) is hardly a measure of TOLEDO. Anthony Wayne is boring as shit and is not a livable place by any stretch of the word. I should know, I've lived with my dad there.

There's no denying the Phoenix job market is stronger and much easier than anything in Ohio, but leaving the state for Phoenix should be based solely on that reason, not some bullcrap about utilities, culture, depression (you'll be depressed when you die of thirst), or "wonderful roads" (Phoenix promotes sprawl at the expense of mass transit and rail). Phoenix is a suburban hole, and it's going to rot back into the desert.

The only real reason to move there is because you get a better job there. I can't think of anything else. Despite having a metro of over 3 million people, they have a smaller downtown than Toledo. That "city" (sprawled suburban mess) is a complete joke.

Once again, your ingnorance leaves me speechless. I currently live in Toledo, but did live in the Phoenix area as well for two years. Have you ever lived in Phoenix? Anywhere out West? Didn't think so.
First off, Phoenix has a major light rail project that goes online in December...so your theory on mass transit is bunk. And there bus system is just as good as any in the country. There is absolutely no comparison that can be made regarding road quality(Toledo is shit-Phoenix is great).
Your points on water are also incorrect. Were you aware that the city of Phoenix actually had to release water this Spring because their reserves were overflowing?
As for utilities, I can vouch that they are in fact cheaper in Phoenix even with air conditioning expenses. Once again, you have no idea what you are talking about.
Also, Toledo's downtown is not anywhere near the size of Phoenix. They are actually continuously building and expanding their downtown. And guess what...people actually live and work there.
Look, I am all for Toledo making a comeback and getting on the right track, but you need wake up and see what is really going on around here. This city is going broke with higher costs and a shrinking tax base. Swan Creek and the Marina district are nice ideas, but they don't solve any real problems: infrastructure decline, new high paying jobs, improved public schools, and breaking the union control of this town

Once again, your ingnorance leaves me speechless. I currently live in Toledo, but did live in the Phoenix area as well for two years. Have you ever lived in Phoenix? Anywhere out West? Didn't think so.
First off, Phoenix has a major light rail project that goes online in December...so your theory on mass transit is bunk. And there bus system is just as good as any in the country. There is absolutely no comparison that can be made regarding road quality(Toledo is shit-Phoenix is great).
Your points on water are also incorrect. Were you aware that the city of Phoenix actually had to release water this Spring because their reserves were overflowing?
As for utilities, I can vouch that they are in fact cheaper in Phoenix even with air conditioning expenses. Once again, you have no idea what you are talking about.
Also, Toledo's downtown is not anywhere near the size of Phoenix. They are actually continuously building and expanding their downtown. And guess what...people actually live and work there.
Look, I am all for Toledo making a comeback and getting on the right track, but you need wake up and see what is really going on around here. This city is going broke with higher costs and a shrinking tax base. Swan Creek and the Marina district are nice ideas, but they don't solve any real problems: infrastructure decline, new high paying jobs, improved public schools, and breaking the union control of this town

As usual, I fall somewhere in the middle of this. I lived in Arizona for several years, though not in Phoenix. I visited the city regularly, and found a lot to be desired, mostly because of my upbringing in the Midwest helped form my image of what a "good city" is. Phoenix has smooth roads, but they are often jammed with traffic. The winters there are just like Spring here -fantastic, but the dead of summer there is like January here - you really can't be out much. The economy in Phoenix has been quite good lately, but housing prices have jumped, and commutes can be very long. Bighouse is right about the water situation - Phoenix and Tucson have more than they know what to do with. LA and Albuquerque will likely have bigger problems than cities in Arizona because of the total claim those cities have on the Salt River, and their large share of liquid gold from the Colorado River Project. I think we are seeing with Phoenix and other cities the ability of people to live in a climate they prefer - and for many people, upper Midwest is not at the top of their lists. Our infrastructure is older, and it's easier and cheaper enough to rebuild than to refurbish, outside of global cities like NY, Boston and Chicago. We need more than local solutions to this - we need more federal investment in the Midwest, away from the South and West. They've taken more of their fair share long enough!

Once again, your ingnorance leaves me speechless. I currently live in Toledo, but did live in the Phoenix area as well for two years. Have you ever lived in Phoenix? Anywhere out West? Didn't think so.

I've spent plenty of time out west. Its sprawl and bad planing is magnitudes more apparent than Toledo.

first off, Phoenix has a major light rail project that goes online in December...so your theory on mass transit is bunk.

First off, if Phoenix was a real city, they'd have heavy rail, not light rail. That speaks volumes that they have no rapid transit system. And there's nothing light rail does that a bus cannot do. Rapid transit/heavy rail is what is really needed. Any metro with 4 million people should have HEAVY RAIL.

It's pretty pathetic that a metro of 4 million people has had the same type of transit as a metro of 650,000 people (market of 820,000 people). Again, it speaks volumes about the pathetic planning in Phoenix. The transportation infrastructure of Phoenix is also a joke compared to Toledo. Toledo has an an international seaport and one of the nation's largest rail rubs. Phoenix has nothing. It fully relies on highways, which means it's completely screwed. There's no infrastructure to speak of. Phoenix doesn't even have Amtrak! It's the largest city in the country without intercity passenger rail. That's pathetic, and Toledo absolutely slaughters it in that regard. Toledo is the rail hub of Ohio, and has multiple trains with daily service to New York City and Chicago.

Your points on water are also incorrect. Were you aware that the city of Phoenix actually had to release water this Spring because their reserves were overflowing?

And do you realize none of that is NATURAL, don't you? They use reserves and import from the Colorado River because there's nowhere near enough water to sustain the population in the area. That's just incredible you'd try arguing they have water. If they had water, they wouldn't import from the Colorado River, which is HUNDREDS of miles away. Good God, man...

It sounds like you know nothing about basic freshmen geography. The Colorado River Plan is known across the nation, and it has destroyed the river.

Also, Toledo's downtown is not anywhere near the size of Phoenix. They are actually continuously building and expanding their downtown. And guess what...people actually live and work there.

Yes it is. Due to sprawl and multiple office districts, Phoenix does not have any single district larger than Toledo's core. Phoenix has multiple, disconnected downtowns. There is no traditional urban core like you see in Toledo, and also nothing remotely comparable to Uptown or the Warehouse District. The city is a complete joke given its size- the biggest joke in all of America outside of Vegas. Toledo's core puts it to shame, because Toledo actually has some urbanity. The Phoenix "downtown" is a low density suburban office park with some high rises.

Phoenix has more total office space than Toledo (which is also a top 50 office market), but it is NOT as consolidated as Toledo, which has a traditional downtown office district with well over one third of all space in the entire metropolitan area. Phoenix spreads all over like herpes, and its office market reflects that.

As for utilities, I can vouch that they are in fact cheaper in Phoenix even with air conditioning expenses. Once again, you have no idea what you are talking about.

There's no way that will last.

LA and Albuquerque will likely have bigger problems than cities in Arizona because of the total claim those cities have on the Salt River, and their large share of liquid gold from the Colorado River Project.

Ah, you do realize Phoenix pulls from the Colorado River too, don't you? That river won't even exist in the future. All the cities that use it are screwed. And the Salt "River", which Phoenix is built on, is pretty much DRY! How the hell are you even arguing Phoenix has water? What a joke...

LA will go to desalination, plain and simple. Phoenix can't do that since it is in the middle of nowhere. It has to import water from far away no matter what, and it gets nowhere near enough rain.

Bighouse is right about the water situation - Phoenix and Tucson have more than they know what to do with.

Ha! See above. The water is not there naturally. Both the Colorado and Salt Rivers are entirely screwed. The water situation in Phoenix is atrocious. They have NOTHING, hence why the import their water from the Colorado.

Story in the Washington Post about Findlay - not necessarily development news; does it say something about the culture of rural Northwest Ohio?

It's Findlay, plain and simple. It's as conservative of an area as the Cincinnati area. Hancock County is the direct opposite of Lucas County. Lucas County doesn't even have a conservative party anymore. Not only are Democrats liberal in Lucas County, so are a lot of the Republicans today (see George Sarantou). The most liberal Republicans in Ohio (basically the only socially liberal Republicans in the state) are found in Lucas County. The Republicans in Toledo would be stoned to death if they moved to Cincinnati and encountered their fire and brimstone approach to Republican politics. On top of that, Lucas County is completely ran by even more liberal Democrats than the norm in Ohio. The Ann Arbor/Michigan political influence is big in Toledo, Detroit, Windsor, and Flint.

By contrast, Hancock County is dominated by traditional Ohio Republicans. They tend to be more conservative and xenophobic, similar to Republicans elsewhere in the inland Midwest. It's no surprise at all they throw out bullshit like the stuff mentioned in the article. There is a huge contrast between the liberal Great Lakes and conservative inland Midwest regions. Findlay may be only 40 miles away from Toledo, but culturally and politically, it might as well be on the other side of the world. No region in the country has as stark a contrast as the Midwest. You see these contrasts when you go from the Great Lakes to the inland region. It's NOT so much a rural thing, it's an inland thing. The inland metropolitan areas are far more conservative than the Great Lakes metropolitan areas.

In Findlay/Hancock County, it's pretty conservative all around, just like most of inland Ohio. Thankfully, hardly anyone lives there. Toledo politics greatly overshadows anything happening in Northwest Ohio due to the city being so much larger than anything else in the region. Plus Toledo gets lots of help from liberal Sandusky too. As usual, Great Lakes counties are liberal, inland Midwest is conservative. Findlay thankfully is just a speck on the map. Similarly, Lima's Allen County is also pretty conservative.

double post..

Sorry to throw gas on the fire, but my parents have a home in Tucson - utilities are much cheaper there & water is more than abundant because it sits over a huge aquifer (no water from the CO R. from what I understand). They really do have more water than they know what to do with there but it probably will run out in the next 100 years unless they implement some sort of conservation or plan to recharge the wells. Some conservation has been implemented - golf courses water with grey water, some of the water gets recharged into the ground, and so on...

I am not intimately familiar with Phoenix, but I know that Tucson's downtown is comparable to Toledo but Phoenix's is much larger (with much more sprawl as well).

That said, Tucson and Phoenix are not the cities for me. I can't stand the heat in the summer, and I like some sort of season variation. I do like the mountains and nature there though, beats Toledo hands down there.

I honestly don't even know why we are arguing about this, these cities are not even comparable, not saying one is better than the other, they are just not comparable. Different infrastructure, different industries, different types of people, different geography... and so on.

Toledo is a great place but it has it's share of problems, starting with the old, blue collar, industrialized protectionist mindset of most of its residents and politicians.

As for the Phoenix light rail - I agree that they should have something better than this already, BUT, hey it's a start! Look at how things were in the 90's during a lot of Phoenix's growth, $1 gas, SUV crazy consumers, booming economy; sadly public transit was not high on anyones list. I am very excited for Phoenix, hopefully it will develop over the years. Usually more dense and urban zones develop around rail transit - should happen in Phoenix too. Next time I am in AZ with my family I'll check it out and report back ;-) Also, there are downsides to heavy rail - much more noisy, requires more infrastructure and investment, and so on.

Sorry to throw gas on the fire, but my parents have a home in Tucson - utilities are much cheaper there & water is more than abundant because it sits over a huge aquifer (no water from the CO R. from what I understand).

Tuscon is similar in size to Toledo, but like Phoenix, it has no urban core to speak of. It's a suburban office park with high rises downtown.

Also, Phoenix mostly relies on the Colorado because it's a much larger city and completely desperate for water. Ditto with LA and Vegas, but at least LA has the option to desalinate in the future.

That said, Tucson and Phoenix are not the cities for me. I can't stand the heat in the summer, and I like some sort of season variation. I do like the mountains and nature there though, beats Toledo hands down there.

It's all basic preference. I prefer rivers, lakes, and dense green vegetation over desert environments.

Sorry to throw gas on the fire, but my parents have a home in Tucson - utilities are much cheaper there & water is more than abundant because it sits over a huge aquifer (no water from the CO R. from what I understand).

Tuscon, like Phoenix, relies mostly on the Colorado River. It's the same situation.

I've been out to Vegas and visited Hoover Dam/Grand Canyon and yes all the cities Pilliod listed and some get there water from The CO river.... Has Anyone seen pics of Lake Meade? Its down a lot from even 10 years ago when i went.

And also I feel what your sayin, Pilliod about preferences on our geography... The maumee river valley and the oak openings region are some of the most beautiful places i have been and they are great for recreational use......

Tuscon is similar in size to Toledo, but like Phoenix, it has no urban core to speak of. It's a suburban office park with high rises downtown.

I think that is the key line. I don't think people are understanding what an urban core is. High rises doesn't equate to an urban core, and the urban core is what gives a city culture and diversity.

Here's a question. Does anyone think Southwyck will be rebuilt as intended within 5 years?

Here's a question. Does anyone think Southwyck will be rebuilt as intended within 5 years?

Mmmmm...no. Southwyck has already been replaced twice in the form of Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers. (South)west Toledo seems saturated with malls and shopping plazas. I can't imagine there is demand for the huge project Dillin is promising.

Mmmmm...no. Southwyck has already been replaced twice in the form of Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers. (South)west Toledo seems saturated with malls and shopping plazas. I can't imagine there is demand for the huge project Dillin is promising.

I would agree if that were the case, but my impression is that the new southwyck is to be more a 1:1:1 mixed use development, with about equally proportioned office, commercial and residential. If it is even less of a true mall than Levis, which isn't really a mall, it should work. If it tries to be fallen timbers, however, it (or fallen timbers) will probably fail. I don't see any reason why it should fail over fallen timbers, though, as it seems more accessible and even by new mall standards I don't think they did a particularly good job with fallen timbers. I will admit to having gone there twice to eat at P.F. Changs, though, and although neither time was it my choice I didn't complain too hard (though I definitely prefer Jing Chuan).

That having been said, I think people's sentimental attachments to the center got in the way of thinking outside the box. It might have made a nice light industrial property, as I believe several people on this thread have commented. But who can blame south toledoans? I'm from Old Orchard, and if they would have torn down Westgate and replaced it with light industrial I would have totally freaked. And I still resent the new Westgate, even with its delicious Chipotle...

Here's a question. Does anyone think Southwyck will be rebuilt as intended within 5 years?

5 years seems like a long time so hopefully the site's owners stop being stubborn and finally relinquish control of the property. They've been holding up progress on the project the whole time.

Mmmmm...no. Southwyck has already been replaced twice in the form of Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers. (South)west Toledo seems saturated with malls and shopping plazas. I can't imagine there is demand for the huge project Dillin is promising.

Demand isn't what's driving/holding up the project. The project's already been green-lighted, it's just a matter of wrestling control of the land from the current owners.

In regards to SW Toledo being saturated, that might seem like the case, but keep in mind that the two new outdoor centers are in outlying areas - like right on the edges of the whole metro area. The Southwyck site has the advantage of being in a developed area with many households already nearby. While the trade areas of all three projects might overlap a bit, they would all directly serve different parts of town, as well as different types of shoppers.

I live less than a mile from Southwyck, about 7 miles from Fallen Timbers and 6 miles from Levis Commons. As long as the new Southwyck gets some decent stores, I'd probably find that much more convenient.

...That having been said, I think people's sentimental attachments to the center got in the way of thinking outside the box...

I'm with you on this rustbelt. Driving around suburban Detroit you see some really nice upscale mixed use developments. The restaurant/shopping district on Haggerty south of I-96 comes to mind. Beautiful landscaping and architecture for the retail establishments that segways right into condos & offices.

Preserving the center court glass dome and kiddie carousel are genuinely heart-felt ideas, but they basically guarantee some of that 1970's era schtick will linger at this nice new development. You don't see any of that crap at Partridge Creek (http://www.shoppartridgecreek.com) - metro Detroit's shiny new outdoor mall.

I say they should go back to the drawing board and stick with an Old English/Boston/London theme... cobblestone streetscapes, period style architecture, retail on the ground floor, offices & townhomes above or elsewhere on the property. It has the potential to be a one-of-a-kind shopping district that draws from the whole region. Just update (no glass domes or carousels) and expand where the original began.

Mmmmm...no. Southwyck has already been replaced twice in the form of Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers. (South)west Toledo seems saturated with malls and shopping plazas. I can't imagine there is demand for the huge project Dillin is promising.

Well, the demographics are there to support Southwyck. There are a lot more people there than at Levis Commons or Fallen Timbers. And despite popular belief, the people around Southwyck are still largely middle class, not to mention it's near a lot of upper class too in the South Side between Toledo Country Club and the zoo, the wealthier subdivisions of Monclova and Springfield, and Maumee. There is plenty of money and population just within a five mile radius.

The suburban ghetto decline of retail in the area and a few bad apartment projects are not indicative of the market reach. Southwyck/Reynolds Road declined because quite frankly, the owners were LAZY AS HELL and refused to update anything. It had a domino effect on all of Reynolds Road, hence why it looks like a suburban ghetto.

A new Southwyck with proper mixed use and an urban, pedestrian-friednly design will not only revitalize Southwyck, but also influence better development along the whole Reynolds corridor. And with the rising gas prices, people will probably start staying closer to home. People in Southwest Toledo will shop at Southwyck, not Fallen Timbers, and not Levis Commons.

Tuscon is similar in size to Toledo, but like Phoenix, it has no urban core to speak of. It's a suburban office park with high rises downtown.

I think that is the key line. I don't think people are understanding what an urban core is. High rises doesn't equate to an urban core, and the urban core is what gives a city culture and diversity.

I pick Tucson over Phoenix any day and any time. I love the surrounding area of the Tucson region with great temperature and beautiful landscape.

Here's a question. Does anyone think Southwyck will be rebuilt as intended within 5 years?


The answer is a simple "yes." Due to its proximity of the I-80/90 turnpike, the vast amount of population around the Southwyck area, and with Larry Dillin very interested in the property, it's kinda a no-brainer that it will rebuilt.

Mmmmm...no. Southwyck has already been replaced twice in the form of Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers. (South)west Toledo seems saturated with malls and shopping plazas. I can't imagine there is demand for the huge project Dillin is promising.

Levis Commons caters to people with "money" and Fallen Timbers caters to people who are lower/mid middle-class. However, if Southwyck were to be standing today, they would win out because of a higher population and current gas prices. There's limited population around Fallen Timbers and it's out of the way from an urban build-up of Toledo to be driving, Levis Commons relies heavily on the restaurants/entertainment to support their retail which they have no anchor stores and offers very little return in terms of shopping.

Demand isn't what's driving/holding up the project. The project's already been green-lighted, it's just a matter of wrestling control of the land from the current owners.

In regards to SW Toledo being saturated, that might seem like the case, but keep in mind that the two new outdoor centers are in outlying areas - like right on the edges of the whole metro area. The Southwyck site has the advantage of being in a developed area with many households already nearby. While the trade areas of all three projects might overlap a bit, they would all directly serve different parts of town, as well as different types of shoppers.

I live less than a mile from Southwyck, about 7 miles from Fallen Timbers and 6 miles from Levis Commons. As long as the new Southwyck gets some decent stores, I'd probably find that much more convenient.

Bingo! Will someone give him or her a gold star please?!

Deal: First Ohio White Tower, take-out only, $1
Diner must make way for YWCA plans
By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER

The first and arguably the last official White Tower restaurant in Ohio has been put up for sale for $1, or less than the price of its famed ButterBURGER.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/NEWS16/290876795/-1/ARCHIVES30

Finkbeiner wants quick Southwyck demolition
Park-and-ride service there halted by TARTA
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

Less than a day after the Southwyck Shopping Center closed its doors for good, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner yesterday said he hoped to see demolition of the complex begin before the end of 2008 so work eventually could begin to redevelop the property.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080701/NEWS16/807010363/-1/ARCHIVES30

Kaptur, others will tour Nova Scotia site that may become link for Toledo freight shipments
Posted on Toledo Blade 7/1/2008

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) will lead a nine-person Toledo delegation to Nova Scotia to tour the site of a proposed deepwater container terminal that could become a link for international freight shipments to and from Toledo.

Aides to Miss Kaptur said the trip, starting today, will be a follow-up to discussions she, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, and representatives of the Melford International Terminal project held in Columbus in April.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080701/NEWS16/807010355/-1/ARCHIVES30

Toledo plans more Acme asbestos removal
$3M grant from state to help pay for work
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

More asbestos at the decommissioned Toledo Edison Acme power plant in East Toledo's planned Marina District development will be removed this week in advance of a partial demolition later this year, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner said yesterday.

That part of the effort to clean up and incorporate the building into the $320 million residential and commercial development along the Maumee River will cost $2.175 million, the mayor said.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/NEWS16/807020393/-1/ARCHIVES30

Council vote lets COSI stay at site few more months
Posted on Toledo Blade website 7-2-2008

Toledo City Council last night bought a few months of breathing room for the closed COSI Toledo science museum - keeping it from defaulting on a lease agreement and possibly losing possession of its exhibits.

Council voted 9-3 in favor of a request from the Finkbeiner administration to approve an amended lease between the city and the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, which contracted with COSI to be located in the city-owned riverfront building.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/NEWS16/807020424/-1/ARCHIVES30

:banana:

Article published Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Businesses also thrive downtown

After reading the feature article in the June 22 edition of The Blade concerning downtown, the only question was "Why?" The rehash of negative, questionable data serves no good purpose. It only makes the job of telling the positive news more difficult. Why was the downtown map featured so parochial and lacking the successful businesses? Why is a negative story first? Why was it written at all?

See the rest of the letter to editor at this link:http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/OPINION03/807020320/-1/ARCHIVES30

Rossford's Bass Pro Shops seeking right lure for success
Some customers only visit exhibits
By LARRY P. VELLEQUETTE BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

Kathy Boswell and Theresa Gedert took turns standing below a giant polar bear - its razor-sharp black claws perched menacingly above their heads - and smiled for a photograph.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080703/BUSINESS10/807030361/-1/ARCHIVES30

Mayor says Toledo count back over 300,000
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner yesterday said the city - with the help of a data analysis firm based in Washington - identified enough people uncounted by the U.S. Census Bureau to boost the population back over the 300,000 mark.

"During the city's preparation for the 2010 census, the staff of the plan commission identified over 1,400 addresses previously not recorded on the U.S. Census Bureau's current address list," Mr. Finkbeiner said. "That undercount could have a significant impact on federal funding."

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/NEWS16/807040359/-1/ARCHIVES30

Toledo’s Xunlight Corp. given $668,103 grant
Article published Friday, July 4, 2008 via Toledo Blade website
Direct link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/BUSINESS03/85276831/-1/ARCHIVES30

Toledo start-up company Xunlight Corp. has received a $668,103 grant from the National Institute of Standards & Technology. The firm is seeking to manufacture thin-film flexible sheets to produce electricity from the sun.

The grant is the second from the institute, which gave Xunlight $3 million in September to pursue its technology. Xunlight, an outgrowth of research done at the University of Toledo, has received $8.6 million in public grants and loans in the last year as it moves toward beginning production of its alternative energy products.

City of Toledo gets federal defender's office
Downtown site means no more traveling from Cleveland
By ERICA BLAKE BLADE STAFF WRITER

For 35 years, the federal defender has had a presence in northern Ohio and assistant federal defenders have both taken on and helped in cases in U.S. District Court in Toledo. But until now they've had to travel from Cleveland to do it.

The Federal Defender's office for the Northern District of Ohio has expanded into Toledo. Currently housing two assistant federal defenders, an investigator, and a branch administrative assistant, the office space at 617 Adams St. will be both the home of the new division as well as a resource for Toledo's legal community.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080705/NEWS16/807050366/-1/ARCHIVES30

U.S. 20 widening at Woodville nears end
ODOT expects work to be done for start of the new school year
By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER

WOODVILLE, Ohio - There's still more than a year's work to go to finish widening U.S. 20 west of Woodville to near Pemberville Road in Troy Township, but construction at the project's Woodville end is entering the homestretch.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080705/NEWS11/807050348/-1/ARCHIVES30

North Toledo group plans subdivision to lift community
32 single-family homes to be built near new Chase School
By KATE GIAMMARISE BLADE STAFF WRITER

For sale: New single-family homes, close to brand-new elementary school, park land, convenient to downtown, transportation, other amenities.

Sound appealing?

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080706/NEWS18/807060339/-1/NEWS

Thank goodness no one was hurt in the fire. Will Hunters Ridge get rebuild or not?

HUNTERS RIDGE
Blaze guts South Toledo apartment buildings
No injuries reported; 200 people displaced
By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER

Nine buildings in a South Toledo apartment complex were destroyed early yesterday by a rapid, three-alarm fire that displaced about 200 people and left ruins smoldering into the afternoon.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080706/NEWS07/579774717/-1/NEWS

NEED FOR REPLACEMENT HOUSING DEEMED CRITICAL
Displaced residents sent to Bowsher; Red Cross seeks potential landlords
By MEREDITH BYERS BLADE STAFF WRITER

While fire officials began their effort to determine what started a fire that destroyed most of a South Toledo apartment complex, relief agencies faced a more urgent task: finding replacement housing for about 200 displaced residents.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080706/NEWS07/807060323/-1/NEWS

Law firm to remain Downtown, moves offices to Four SeaGate
By Duane Ramsey Senior Business Writer news@toledofreepress.com

Spengler Nathanson celebrated the opening of its new offices at Four SeaGate this week with a move that keeps the law firm in Downtown Toledo.

“This move marks a new era in the 60-year history of Spengler Nathanson,” said Tim Greenwood, managing partner of Spengler Nathanson P.LL. “It was a tough decision for us when we got together a year ago about our office needs.”

The law firm decided a move was needed to accommodate its staff levels and changing client base. The decision was made to remain part of the Downtown business district yet provide convenience for clients and easy access to the area's courts.

“First and foremost, we want to serve our clients by offering easy access by bus or car with a Downtown location that provides a professional atmosphere for our clients, as well as a comfortable and invigorating environment for our staff,” Greenwood said.

He noted the convenience of the new location for all its clients was a major factor, but the firm decided to make the move after one of its largest clients, Fifth Third Bank, moved its Toledo operations to One SeaGate last year.

The law firm moved down the street from its previous home at 608 Madison Ave. to offices on the fourth floor of Four SeaGate, opening for business there June 30. The firm occupies almost the same amount of space, but it is better suited for the legal practice, Greenwood said.

The law firm employs 32 attorneys and 27 staff members. Those jobs will remain Downtown.

The company's new home includes five conference rooms with audio-visual capabilities and panoramic views of Downtown Toledo and the Maumee River.

Spengler Nathanson worked with the building's owner, Allegiance Realty Corp., and signed a long-term lease for the renovated office space. No terms of the lease were released. Remodeling of the fourth floor began in December and was finished according to plans.

“The move was made right on schedule and everyone in the firm worked very hard to make that happen,” Greenwood said.

Greenwood recognized Lou Lowe, property manager for Signature Associates, who is responsible for the management of Four Seagate, as having played a key role in the move.

“It would not have happened without Lou's involvement,” Greenwood said.

Spring Valley Architects Inc. of Maumee provided the interior design for the renovated offices at Four SeaGate and Willson Builders of Toledo made the plans into reality for the law firm.

Greenwood also thanked the City of Toledo and Mayor Carty Finkbeiner for their financial support. The law firm received a Downtown Employment Incentive Tax Rebate with a 10-year agreement for $29,250 per year provided it maintains compliance with employment and capital investment levels each year, according to the City of Toledo.

During its 60-year history, Spengler Nathanson has expanded to become a full-service law firm practicing in the areas of family law, labor, litigation, real estate and estate planning. The law firm also has an office in Columbus.

Spengler Nathanson handles a variety of business and employment matters for companies of all sizes, as well as some nonprofit enterprises. Its clients include manufacturers, banks, insurance companies, retailers, physician groups, security firms, architects, engineering firms, hospital groups and construction companies.

Despite expansion and diversification of the law practice, clients can still depend on the personalized attention and professional expertise on which the founding fathers built the firm and it reputation, company officials said.

The firm was founded in 1947 by Otto Spengler, Joe Nathanson, Bert Hebenstreit and Joseph Heyman under the name Spengler Nathanson, Hebenstreit and Heyman. After a passing of the partners and change in associates, the firm officially shortened its name to Spengler Nathanson in 1993.

Upon inception, the firm was a group of former law directors and political activists. Nathanson was a former law director and Hebenstreit previously served as assistant law director. Other partners and associates who were involved in public service include judges David Katz and Jim Jensen, law director Frank Pizza and former state legislator Tim Greenwood.

The dedication to public service continues today with members of the firm contributing leadership roles in various community and legal organizations.

One founding partner, Nathanson, helped to establish the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and provided legal representation for it. The law firm continues to represent the port authority today.

Spengler Nathanson was involved in the purchase of numerous properties for the Toledo Metroparks and the law firm still represents that organization.

OLD WEST END ANCHOR
Battle continues to save Toledo's Scott High
Landmark school opened in 1913
By MEGHAN GILBERT BLADE STAFF WRITER

Scott High School alumni and neighbors are passionate about its renovation.

To them, it's about more than saving the four-story brick structure that has stood along Collingwood Boulevard for nearly a century.

For the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080707/NEWS04/807070339/-1/NEWS

Hospital prepares to relocate
Mercy Tiffin opens new $65.4M facility
By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER

TIFFIN - From its landlocked six-acre site on West Market Street to a wooded, 134-acre campus on the city's southwest side, Mercy Hospital of Tiffin is preparing to move after 95 years in the same location.

See the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080707/NEWS17/807070337/-1/NEWS

Delta Air Lines to end passenger service at Toledo Express Airport
BLADE STAFF

Delta Air Lines announced Tuesday morning that it will discontinue all passenger service to and from Toledo Express Airport on September 1.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080708/NEWS11/374540670/-1/ARCHIVES30

Mayor unveils 3rd Model Block effort
Toledo Blade staff

Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner yesterday announced the city's third 2008 Model Block cleanup effort for a West Toledo neighborhood.

Under the program, city employees clean streets and alleys, trim trees, enforce nuisance laws, and serve criminal warrants.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080708/NEWS16/807080341/-1/ARCHIVES30

Crowne Plaza certifies downtown Toledo hotel
Article published Tuesday, July 8, 2008 via Toledo Blade website

The downtown Toledo Crowne Plaza has been certified by the hotel chain, after operating as the Toledo Riverfront Hotel for a year.

The 14-story, 241-room hotel has the name for the second time in its 23-year history. The hotel on Summit Street along the Maumee River was bought for $7.5 million in 2007 by Paradise Hospitality Inc., a San Diego company.

ONLY THREE CARRIERS TO REMAIN
Delta severs Toledo connections; fuel costs put end to airline's 63-year presence at Express
By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER

Delta Air Lines announced yesterday that it will discontinue all passenger service to and from Toledo Express Airport, leaving the airport with only three airline carriers by this fall and daily flights to just two cities.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/NEWS11/807090443/-1/ARCHIVES30

$38.3M in contracts approved for Toledo arena
Most of 11 projects going to area firms
By ALEX M. PARKER BLADE STAFF WRITER

The Lucas County commissioners approved nearly $40 million in contracts for the downtown arena project, comprising the bulk of the work for the planned hockey arena.

Most of the contracts are going to firms in northwest Ohio, including five in Toledo. The only contract to go out of state didn't go far - only about 100 miles away, to Fort Wayne, Ind.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/NEWS33/807090423/-1/ARCHIVES30

CITY LEADERS BALK AT DATA
Toledo's population dips to an estimated 295,029
Finkbeiner challenges Census Bureau figures
By IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

Toledo was among some of the biggest population losers in the nation, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released today.

But the city's leaders are balking at data that shows again the steady, annual decline of residents since 2000.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080710/NEWS16/807100341/-1/ARCHIVES30

Wood County company, German firm merge
Article published Thursday, July 10, 2008 via Toledo Blade website

BOWLING GREEN — Sun Seed Co. in Washington Township has merged with Vitakraft Pet Products of Germany in an arrangement that could add 25 jobs at the local pet food maker’s facility.

An estimated 24,000 square feet will be added to the Wood County plant as new inventory and machinery are moved in. The plant will now produce Vitakraft products for North American markets and could serve South American and Asian markets in the future.

Knight Academy charter school scheduled to open in West Toledo
Junior high will be affiliated with St. Francis de Sales H.S.
By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER

After a false start, the proposed Knight Academy charter school to be affiliated with St. Francis de Sales High School is back on track to open in September, school officials said yesterday.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080711/NEWS04/807110345/-1/ARCHIVES30

COMMISSIONERS DELIGHTED
Bids to raze Tiffin's Seneca County courthouse come in low
Commissioners happy about substantial savings
By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER

TIFFIN - Bids to level what some consider the most historically significant building in Seneca County and one of the most significant in Ohio came in lower than expected yesterday - to the delight of county commissioners.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080711/NEWS17/807110391/-1/ARCHIVES30

Pull out your wallets folks--time to start investing!

Area tech entrepreneurs get tips on funding
BLADE STAFF

Norman Rapino, an owner of IP Dynamics LLC in Toledo, is looking for capital to expand his company.

Rocket Ventures, the venture capital wing of the Regional Growth Partnership, has more than $22 million in state and private grant funds to aid northwest Ohio businesses.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080711/BUSINESS07/807110349/-1/ARCHIVES30

Local drug firm gains $300,000 investment
Article published Friday, July 11, 2008 via Toledo Blade website

A Regional Growth Partnership venture capital fund announced yesterday it will invest $300,000 in a local pharmaceutical company that is to begin clinical trials in Toledo for a drug to treat Alzheimer’s and other nervous-system diseases.

The Rocket Ventures investment is with Madison, Wis.-based Mithridion Inc., successor to Cognitive Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a firm set up by University of Toledo Profs. Wayne Hoss and William Messer, Jr.

Mithridion took over Cognitive Pharmaceuticals last month with $2.3 million in financing from a Wisconsin venture capital firm. Dr. Hoss said its drug for Alzheimer’s differs from others by treating memory loss, confusion, and other symptoms and also getting at “underlying causes of the disease” and protecting the brain.

Kresge Foundation gives $870,000 for legal center
Article published Friday, July 11, 2008 via Toledo Blade

A grant from the Kresge Foundation is helping Advocates for Basic Legal Equality and Legal Aid of Western Ohio come closer to their fund-raising goal for a new headquarters.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080711/NEWS02/773795122/-1/ARCHIVES30

Governor requests delay in razing of historic Seneca County courthouse
By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER

For the second time, Gov. Ted Strickland has asked Seneca County officials to hold off on demolishing the historic county courthouse in Tiffin.

Mr. Strickland yesterday joined in the search for alternatives to the bulldozer.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080712/NEWS17/807120415/-1/NEWS

Date reset to close Maumee stamping plant deal
Project leader plans to buy facility 'around Aug. 1'
By LARRY P. VELLEQUETTE BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

The man trying to reanimate the presses inside Ford Motor Corp.'s former Maumee Stamping Plant told a group of veterans yesterday that he now intends to buy the plant "around Aug. 1" and begin producing product seven days later.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080712/BUSINESS07/807120374

:banana: Now Szollosi has comes to his senses.

Marina union requirement rescinded
Article published Saturday, July 12, 2008 via Toledo Blade website

Toledo City Councilman Frank Szollosi yesterday said he would withdraw a proposed ordinance requiring only union labor for private development at the riverfront Marina District on the city's east side.

The constraint was criticized by Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and developer Larry Dillin, who said it would have killed the project.

Mr. Szollosi said he is removing the proposed ordinance because of commitments Mr. Dillin made to local union labor. Mr. Dillin last night declined to detail those discussions.

The city and Mr. Dillin have been involved for years in talks to transform the former industrial site bounded by the Maumee River, Front and Main streets, and I-280 into a $320 million private development. There also is a $20 million public investment in a riverfront park and roadways.

Finkbeiner asks senators, Kaptur for census help
Article published Saturday, July 12, 2008 via Toledo Blade website

Mayor Carty Finkbeiner yesterday asked the city's representatives in Washington for help regarding the 2010 census.

In letters to U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), U.S. Sen. George Voinovich (R., Ohio), and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio), Mr. Finkbeiner asked them to ensure that the U.S. Census Bureau counts all residents in the city.

The mayor said the census has traditionally undercounted populations in the nation's urban centers. The Census Bureau's numbers released Thursday officially listed Toledo's 2007 population as 295,029 - down 0.9 percent from the previous year's estimate of 297,806.

The mayor last week announced formation of the "Toledo's 2010 Everyone Counts Committee," which will work to ensure every city resident is counted during the 2010 census.

'Exiderdome' outfitted in Toledo
Unique floating trade exhibition will display Siemens electronics
By ALEX M. PARKER BLADE STAFF WRITER

From the outside, it looks familiar - a 350-foot-long oil barge, with shipping containers stacked on its deck like building blocks.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080712/NEWS16/807120371/-1/NEWS

International freight growing at Toledo Express
As published in Toledo Business Journal - July 1, 2008

In addition to its focus on passenger travel, Toledo Express Airport deals extensively in international cargo importing and exporting. While the airline passenger industry and traffic at Toledo Express are suffering from the impacts of high fuel costs, international air cargo shipments at Toledo Express are growing.

According to Eric Frankl, A.A.E., airports director, Toledo Express, the drastic increase in fuel costs isn’t affecting the cargo industry quite as much as the passenger airline industry, because larger aircrafts – such as a Boeing 747-400F – are being used and the cost of fuel is spread among several customers.

BAX Global, acquired by DB Schenker in 2006, has used Toledo Express as a cargo hub for more than 15 years. Traveling to locations such as Germany, Dubai, and Australia, BAX is one of the reasons the Toledo airport continues to grow.

“We have two flights that go from Toledo to Hahn, Germany and then on to Dubai and then back,” explained Frankl. “I doubt that we would have had [those flights] had Schenker not acquired BAX Global. From that point of view, we think there’s opportunity. We think there’s more opportunity in the future too once we establish ourselves as an international gateway. Obviously, most consumers think about Miami, New York, and Chicago – big airports that are international gateways like that.”

According to Frankl, Toledo Express is aiming to market itself and encourage the perception that Toledo is a much more efficient way to get cargo into the country than many larger cities. For international freight operations such as Schenker and Emirates SkyCargo, another company moving products through Toledo Express, Toledo makes a lot of sense in terms of efficiency and cost.

Though they are ultimately competitors, Schenker and Emirates are sharing a Boeing 747 to move their freight internationally. Frankl explained that the goal of the two companies, and other firms collaborating in the same way, is to be more efficient and cost-effective. He added that the more the public is informed of these collaborations, the greater chance other companies will use Toledo Express in the same way.

The first Boeing 747-400F on a round-trip flight from Dubai to Toledo, via Frankfurt/Hahn Airport landed at Hahn in June 2007. According to Schenker, the airfreight service is designed for customers in the electronics, automotive, mechanical engineering, and garment industries. An Emirates SkyCargo aircraft departs from Dubai International Airport each week, heading for Germany with 110 tons of cargo on board. Six hours later, the cargo for European destinations is received by Schenker employees at Hahn, and the aircraft is loaded with additional shipments for the US market. The cargo aircraft then lands in Toledo eight hours later. There the shipments are fed into the American distribution network. On the return flight, the aircraft arrives in Hahn again in the early morning and in Dubai in the afternoon. The plane carries items such as pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and even clothes on its flight back to Europe from Toledo.

One of the ways in which Toledo Express accommodates cargo carriers is through a 4,500 square foot cold storage facility on the site of the airport. The facility was built a couple years ago with the goal of attracting perishable plants and vegetables that require rapid air shipment. However, the refrigerated building is now used to store pharmaceuticals that require controlled temperatures as they travel from larger US cities and then overseas. Companies with products requiring quick transport and specific temperatures are finding Toledo Express one of the fastest and most consistent ways to move the products internationally, according to Frankl.

BAX Global used the refrigerated warehouse facility for the first time in December to store pharmaceutical products for one of its customers prior to shipping the products to Germany. This test case was designed to ensure the adequacy of the facility and the ability to transport such products efficiently. The facility was calibrated and certified early this year in preparation for accepting larger shipments on a regular basis from BAX/Schenker’s pharmaceutical customers in Indianapolis and New Jersey.

“We think we have a little niche here, and the more that we market and the more we communicate that,” the more the airport can expand, Frankl explained.

In addition to pharmaceuticals, a range of products like machinery and textiles travel through Toledo Express. Once products arrive in Toledo, they are trucked to their final destinations. Then the planes are filled with pharmaceuticals, auto parts, or other products to be exported back overseas. Frankl explained that the process is similar to a connecting hub for passenger flights.

“We would like to think that we’re already an intermodal [hub],” he stated. “The very fact that [products] get flown in and get trucked [means the use of] two modes of transportation.”

“What is unique about Toledo Express is we have four types of aviation: cargo, passenger, military, and commercial,” explained Carla Firestone, director of communications and special events, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “Most airports strive to do that, and it’s something Toledo has already done.”

“The airport itself has a pretty significant economic impact, and most of it’s not related to the passenger air service side,” Frankl stated.

According to Frankl, the only three domestic overnight cargo networks are UPS (Louisville, Kentucky), FedEx (Memphis, Tennessee), and BAX Global (Toledo).

Having one of those three networks in Toledo supports jobs and assists the airport in its $640 million annual economic impact to the community.

Supplier Recruitment wins $160M plant
Fulton County ZincOx site breaks ground
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website July Edition

“One major factor in our selection of this Fulton County site is the close proximity to the North Star Steel mill,” stated Andrew Woollett, chairman of the board, ZincOx Resources plc in an interview with Toledo Business Journal. Woollett traveled to the United States from the company’s headquarters in Great Britain to host the ceremonial groundbreaking for the $160 million facility near Delta, Ohio. The project is planned for completion at the end of 2009.

Woollett explained the importance of locating the new plant across the street from North Star BlueScope Steel LLC. ZincOx uses a rotary hearth furnace to process electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) produced as a waste byproduct at steel mills. North Star BlueScope Steel will be a major supplier of EAFD for the new ZincOx plant.

One of the products produced by ZincOx is pig iron. ZincOx will be a supplier of pig iron to the North Star mill across the street. While ZincOx considered a number of sites for this new plant, proximity to North Star and the Supplier roles they each play offers important benefits, according to Woollett. With the increases in transportation expenses, there are logistical cost benefits to both companies that will result from the close proximity of their operations.

Woollett also discussed additional factors that influenced the site selection decision. The property is close to a rail line owned by RailAmerica, Inc. that provides easy and economical rail access for the new facility. Steel mills around the country will ship EAFD in bulk rail cars to ZincOx for processing. Rail shipments will also leave the plant to deliver finished products to many of the company’s customers.

The British chairman also discussed the environmental benefits of this new operation. Currently, EAFD from steel mills around the country is buried in landfills. It is a hazardous material that can be toxic. The ZincOx technology enables the company to process the EAFD waste byproduct and eliminates its burial in a landfill.

Woollett also discussed the positive environmental aspects of the company’s processing technology. “All of the EAFD is processed and there are no environmental concerns. This will be a clean, environmentally friendly facility. We want to bring visitors to the plant to see the trees, landscaping, and its clean operations,” he stated.

Woollett discussed the importance of ZincOx’s relationship with Envirosafe Services of Ohio, Inc. headquartered in Oregon, Ohio. Envirosafe works with steel mills around the country and buries EAFD in landfills for these customers. Once the Fulton County site is in operation, Envirosafe will deliver EAFD from steel mills for recycling. Woolett advised that Doug Roberts, president, Envirosafe Services of Ohio has been a critical “partner” in providing assistance and support to ZincOx on this project.

ZincOx previously considered sites in Oregon, Ohio and Toledo. A large amount of the material in Envirosafe’s Cell M at its Oregon site is electric arc furnace dust and ZincOx considered location of its new plant in close proximity to this Supplier source. At an early stage in the project, some opposition surfaced in Lucas County.

Woolett explained that another important factor in the company’s site selection process was a welcoming community and a place where it was easy to do business. “Fulton County satisfied all of our wishes for a friendly and welcoming place to do business,” he stated.

Woolett also discussed the importance of the new plant for ZincOx’s future. “The Fulton County plant is one of the biggest zinc recycling projects in the world,” he stated. “It is very important for us to do this project right as it will be our prototype that we will put in other locations around the world. We are currently negotiating agreements in Thailand and China for EAFD that we plan to process in the future.”

ZincOx is planning a number of additional facilities. A plant being planned in Aliaga, Turkey will be identical to the Fulton County plant and is also estimated to cost about $160 million, according to Woollett.

A second plant in the United States is a future possibility. A location in the south may provide advantages as ZincOx assesses options for site selection that will be driven by the Supplier roles for both input material and finished product, according to Woolett.

ZincOx has advanced its technology to be able to recover the waste byproduct from the EAFD. Instead of having this hazardous material buried in a landfill, ZincOx will process the EAFD waste byproduct and recover zinc, iron, and slag for sale to customers.

The recovered zinc is an impure concentrate that must be further processed to upgrade its quality. The company has a zinc processing facility at its Big River plant in Sauget, Illinois where the zinc concentrate is transformed into zinc oxide. This is a fluffy white powder used for a range of technical applications in food, paints, and chemicals.

ZincOx also has a zinc smelter at its Sauget plant. The smelter is currently idle until enough input material can be secured for its regular operation. The Fulton County facility will provide enough zinc material to support about half of the Sauget smelter input requirements.

The Fulton County plant will also produce pig iron that will be sold back to steel mills that supply the EAFD material. The plant will also produce a slag material that will be sold for construction applications

Toledo Express Airport named world's 50th largest cargo airport
By Staff Reports— John P. Krudy
Toledo Free Press website 7-11-2008

Air Cargo World Magazine recently ranked Toledo Express Airport as the 50th largest cargo airport in the world, and the 18th largest in North America. The rankings are compiled from numbers received from Airports Council International, and the airports themselves, according to a news release.

“Not only is our airport able to compete with a lot of larger airports in our own country, we are also competitive in the world,” said Eric Frankl, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority airports director, in a statement. “The evolution of Bax Global with Schenker Logistics and the addition of Emirates Sky Cargo and a neutral air cargo handler, LGSTX, has literally placed Toledo, Ohio on the map for the movement of air freight around the world.”

While air cargo amounts have plummeted across the country, volume at Toledo Express rose 2.4 percent last year.

Somebody or myself need to get our cameras out and start taking pictures of numerous developments around the UT Main Campus particular around the Secor/Bancroft/Douglas/Dorr area:

*The mixed-use commercial/residential building on Secor/College Drive is coming along nicely, I'm curious what businesses will be opening

*The UT-Rockets Plaza on Dorr/Broer looks completed or near to it, what is businesses going there?

*New hotel development at Bancroft/Douglas/University Hills Blvd; which hotel and is there any renderings?

*Savage Hall Redevelopment progress

The Fresh Market at Westgate will be opening very soon which is similar to Whole Foods Market; they've done a lot of exterior retrofitting especially after Westgate have undergone an entire redevelopment a year ago.

Woodward High School on Central/Stickney is currently being demolished to make way for a brand new facility:

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

DeVeaux Middle School is about to be completed on Sylvania west of Douglas Road (we need actual photos):

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

Woodward is so ghetto.

Woodward is so ghetto.

Meaning?

DISAPPEARING ACT
Toledo Express contends with decline of air service
Officials ‘holding on tight’ after latest loss of flights
By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER

As recently as August, 2006, passenger service at Toledo Express Airport was potentially in a growth mode.

To see the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080713/NEWS11/625204866

Woodward High School on Central/Stickney is currently being demolished to make way for a brand new facility:

Man, I'm gonna miss Woodward. That's a great building, and I think they should have saved it. At least the new school comes out to the street and is urban, but it does look very cheap and jail-like (just like almost every other public school built since 1950). The new building will be a far cry from the glory of old Woodward. New schools are hideous. There is absolutely no replacing the historic school buildings. The quality of construction, architecture, and ornamentation cannot be duplicated today. One of Toledo's greatest strengths is its collection of historical school buildings. It's a shame to see any get torn down. Woodward is not as grand as Waite, Scott, or Libbey, but it sure as hell is a beautiful school building.

The only new school building in the TPS program that I think is an improvement over the old is Bowsher, and that's just because Bowsher was hideous due to the time it was built (cheap modern era architecture). It makes perfect sense to tear down schools like Bowsher and Start since they were cheap as hell to begin with and had no architectural value. Woodward, on the other hand, was an incredibly valuable urban school building. I sure hope Libbey is spared from the wrecking ball (I think they already tore down the junior high). Any word on that? I hope they can save more buildings than just Waite and Scott. Another one I certainly want to see spared from the wrecking ball is Jones Junior High on Browdway. It's integral to the urban fabric of the area.

I'm fine with tearing down the ugly modernist school buildings (it does seem those are the bulk that are getting torn down), but I'd love to see the valuable, landmark historic buildings saved (either as schools or other uses). I know the gorgeous Devilbiss High School became a charter school.

Any idea what buildings are being saved and what are being demolished?

Woodward High School on Central/Stickney is currently being demolished to make way for a brand new facility:

Man, I'm gonna miss Woodward. That's a great building, and I think they should have saved it. At least the new school comes out to the street and is urban, but it does look very cheap and jail-like (just like almost every other public school built since 1950). The new building will be a far cry from the glory of old Woodward. New schools are hideous. There is absolutely no replacing the historic school buildings. The quality of construction, architecture, and ornamentation cannot be duplicated today. One of Toledo's greatest strengths is its collection of historical school buildings. It's a shame to see any get torn down. Woodward is not as grand as Waite, Scott, or Libbey, but it sure as hell is a beautiful school building.

The only new school building in the TPS program that I think is an improvement over the old is Bowsher, and that's just because Bowsher was hideous due to the time it was built (cheap modern era architecture). It makes perfect sense to tear down schools like Bowsher and Start since they were cheap as hell to begin with and had no architectural value. Woodward, on the other hand, was an incredibly valuable urban school building. I sure hope Libbey is spared from the wrecking ball (I think they already tore down the junior high). Any word on that? I hope they can save more buildings than just Waite and Scott. Another one I certainly want to see spared from the wrecking ball is Jones Junior High on Browdway. It's integral to the urban fabric of the area.

I'm fine with tearing down the ugly modernist school buildings (it does seem those are the bulk that are getting torn down), but I'd love to see the valuable, landmark historic buildings saved (either as schools or other uses). I know the gorgeous Devilbiss High School became a charter school.

Any idea what buildings are being saved and what are being demolished?

From the entire district standpoint, I believe the following buildings are saved and to be renovated: Waite HS, DeVilbiss HS (Toledo Technology Academy), Libbey HS (maybe), Scott HS (maybe), Harvard ES, Old Orchard ES, and Glendale-Feilbach ES. All the others are to be demolished and to be either replaced or not be replaced.

Slow start for Toledo-Oregon coking factory draws ire
Drawn-out process adds to city-port rift
By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER

On paper, construction of a multimillion-dollar coking works on the Toledo-Oregon border near the Port of Toledo began months ago, to preserve regulatory permits for the project that otherwise would expire.

For the rest of the story at this link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS33/807140327/-1/NEWS

Slow start for Toledo-Oregon coking factory draws ire
Drawn-out process adds to city-port rift
By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER

On paper, construction of a multimillion-dollar coking works on the Toledo-Oregon border near the Port of Toledo began months ago, to preserve regulatory permits for the project that otherwise would expire.

Man, I've looked at the permit for that thing, and honestly I can't decide whether I want it to live or die. I was initially all for it, it's supposed to create some 150 permanent jobs, but the environmental fallout from that thing is pretty heinous, especially the amount of mercury they're allowed to vent. The thing is, it is pretty clean by coke plant standards; that's the nature of the beast with coke plants. But I'm not sure our economic situation means we should trade our health for jobs?

I'm baffled by the what Carty is doing now. Hartung has an outstanding record as Port director, yet Carty seems hell bent on tearing him down. My guess is that a) the allegations are true or somewhat true, and b) Carty is trying to cover his ass when they come out as such. However, why can't the man launch the investigation in style, instead of making this big scream about it? If they're true, they'll come out, and Hartung will apologize and probably have to resign, but people will forgive him and look at his record of public service and the strides the Port continues to make. And if they're false, then he'll still have his reputation intact. And it's just terrible for business, Fink. Hartung just lead a delegation to Nova Scotia to try to get a container shipping deal going, and I'm sure the last thing someone thinking of investing in the Port wants to hear is how the director had an ongoing affair with the entity's lobbyist (could be worse though). I mean, if it's true it'll come out anyways, but shouldn't Carty be doing damage control, not nailing Hartung up for the vultures? Unless this was something that was supposed to be under wraps but the media found out? Anyways, I seriously hope this doesn't have a lasting effect on the great strides the Port is making...

I agree, I'm not willing to compromise my values just for jobs. The amount of mercury the facility will release is unacceptable.

All the others are to be demolished and to be either replaced or not be replaced.

Why are they tearing down schools that are being closed down? Many old school buildings in Toledo have been coverted to other uses like apartments, art houses, or charter schools. These historic landmarks are not going to all be rebuilt, so just leave them empty for someone else to use. TPS sure as hell can't afford demolitions anyway. The project is getting scaled back drastically, and I see no reason to tear down a school that won't be rebuilt on site (unless it's already an ugly modern school like Bowsher or Start). Or hell, why don't they just do a partial teardown and renovate a piece of the existing school? I know the whole point of the rebuild versus renovation thing is because the old schools were designed for twice as many students as they have today.

Building a new school that looks like a trashy suburban school/jail is not going to do jack to save the district. There's nothing uglier than a modern school building. They look like prisons, not places of education. Ohio's whole "destroy everything" campaign is insane. The exact same thing is happening in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus.

All the others are to be demolished and to be either replaced or not be replaced.

Or hell, why don't they just do a partial teardown and renovate a piece of the existing school? I know the whole point of the rebuild versus renovation thing is because the old schools were designed for twice as many students as they have today.

I've heard more and more people calling for a full renovation of the central portion of the school, then waiting to renovate the wings for other purposes. I think this is a fantastic idea. What exactly makes people think that a new (crappy) looking school is going to give a better education than an old historic landmark, assuming it's properly updated? If anything the current architecture of Scott is a positive on the educational environment, but I'm not convinced it really makes a huge difference. Like every other urban school district in the country, TPS wants to give the impression of progress. They really just need to figure out what works with making TPS sronger. My guess is that the root of the problem is a lack of value placed on education by the residents of our communties, when it should be our highest value. It seems like it typically ranks relatively low, at least on a national scale..

But I don't understand how anyone can fail to grasp the value of historic buildings that can never be replaced, and the value those buildings bring to a community. Take the people in Tiffin who want to tear down the courthouse and most likely erect some shit-looking suburban-looking two story monstrosity. Who thinks like this? What would possibly be the point of losing that piece of your history? I don't understand how anyone could support this effort in particular... I like to be able to see all sides of an argument, but I'm failing to grasp even a wiff of logic with respect to efforts like this.

In other news, thank God the Marina District is back on track. Its time to beef up density in the neighborhoods surroundig downtown. Hopefully Swan Creek is next, followed by a revitalized Vistula neighborhood. That will give a five-pronged viable neighborhood set-up around downtown, also including the Old West End and (still reiventing itself) Dorr street corrider. That's whats needed to build-up density dowtown, strong neighborhoods surrounding downtown, and it hasn't looked better in years in that department.

Dorr street corrider

Dorr Street's demolition is a crime. It may have very well been the largest urban retail corridor in Toledo's history, and it was also the hub of the African-American community.

But I don't understand how anyone can fail to grasp the value of historic buildings that can never be replaced, and the value those buildings bring to a community. Take the people in Tiffin who want to tear down the courthouse and most likely erect some shit-looking suburban-looking two story monstrosity. Who thinks like this?

Welcome to Ohio. This state has an incredible fetish for self-destruction. The school demolitions I was talking about are not a Toledo thing, they're an Ohio thing. A very similar thing is playing out in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus. The State Board of Education loves demolitions, and they're ran by suburban interests, not the interests of urban areas. Ohio prefers demolition over renovation, and I don't even think they try to give renovation a fair argument (many times it can be done for less money). They just don't give a damn. They think building a new school that looks like a trashy suburban prison is somehow going to attract the suburbanites back into the city. They couldn't be more wrong. Anyone with half a brain recognizes the historical and landmark quality present in nearly every pre-WW2 school building in Toledo (hence all the fights against demolition, even if the school is closed). The city's collection of urban school buildings is just incredible, one of the best left anywhere in the United States. To see it torn down is a crime against the city, a crime against the kids who will now be attending all ages under one roof, suburban-looking prisons instead of buildings invoking education, and a crime against high quality urban structure.

These historic school buildings CAN be converted to other uses. It has happened in Toledo before.

Dorr street also the hub of Toledos Black Panthers back in the day....just thought id add that lol..... But on the coke plant..... I dont want that crap in my water ways.... people already talk enough shit about the maumee saying its so nasty an polluted...But the truth is the river is pretty clean from what it used to be... And it never was as bad as the cuyahoga ever was.... What people dont realize about the maumee is, is that it always has been muddy/murky. Its the ass end of one of the biggest freshwater sources in the world. AND way back when, the great black swamp was drained partially into the maumee. So yea Im not down with dumping mercury into the place that i eat swim and play......

What people dont realize about the maumee is, is that it always has been muddy/murky. Its the ass end of one of the biggest freshwater sources in the world.

It's mainly a result of agriculture in the inland areas of Northwest Ohio and Indiana. There are certainly good ways to reduce the sediment load.

All that has to be done is installing "buffer strips" of vegetation along the streams, ditches and rivers in the watershed. That will stop most sediment runoff from getting into the river. This will also reduce fertilizer runoff, which is a bad pollutant.

Part of the reason the river is cleaner today than it used to be is because some buffer strips have been grown in the agricultural areas upstream. Ohio needs to push more farmers to do this. If all the rural areas did this, the river would look much cleaner and prettier, dredging costs would go WAY down, and there would be far less pollution and silt in Maumee Bay.