Glass City Jungle

The following is information included in the March newsletter for District 5 sent out via e-mail by Councilman Tom Waniewski:

Secor Road Paving Update – Informational Meeting
The long-anticipated repaving of Secor Rd. is moving along. I’ve informed readers to my newsletter that portions of Secor will be repaved. In 2010, crews will begin working on a section from Alexis to the Michigan line. Additionally, a stretch from Monroe to Laskey was initially planned last year but will begin this year. Construction includes installing new water lines. The process starts this month and will run until October. Within that time period the intersection of Sylvania and Secor will be closed on two, unspecified weekends. If you’d like to hear more details, or if you have questions about the construction process (particularly if you’re a business along Secor), please come to an informational “open house” style meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 4256 Secor, March 3rd.

Come anytime between those times to talk with city officials.

And please note, I’ve been informed that Secor repaving will commence in 2012 for the crater-like section from Central to Portsmouth.

Flood Zone Map
The city’s Building Inspection Division (BID) is reminding residents to acquire flood insurance IF your home is now in the federal government’s newly designated floodplain area. I’ve held several meetings on this subject in the past. According to the BID, many properties will come out of flood zones due to improvements made to ditches, streams, and sewers. Some properties will go into flood zones, however. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents to check the new maps and contact their mortgage insurance company for coverage updates by May of this year.

Synagogue Sale
Many of you have emailed me regarding the new “sold” sign on the synagogue on Kenwood. This piece of property has had quite a bit of history in the last year. It was sold February 19th to Central Academy of Toledo for $1.2 million. Upon further research, the schools are operated by Global Educational Excellence out of Michigan. Through its mission, “GEE has worked with communities throughout Southeastern Michigan and Northern Ohio to provide a strong educational program specifically developed to meet the needs of the English as a Second Language student.” Further the organization says they have been recognized nationally for their academic curricula.

Since there has been no “activity” from the initial Special Use Permit that started with the Knight Academy, the new owners will have to reapply for an SUP through the city.

A Pro Snow Job
I know I’m at risk for printing this, because somewhere among the many residents and businesses who receive this newsletter there will likely be someone who had a bad experience with the recent snow. However, I have to commend Ed Moore and his city crews for the great job they did in keeping our streets plowed. Within the 88 square miles of Toledo, there are a lot of roadways. Great job! We’re in March. Spring is just around the corner.

Did You Know…

* There is approximately $3 million worth of delinquent utility bills owed to the city for water/sewer services?

* District 5, which I represent and which encompases an area bounded by the Michigan line on the north, Douglas on the east, Bancroft on the south, and the Sylvania line on the west, has 12 convenience stores and 23 gas stations that also have convenience store items. It is the lowest number of gas station/convenience stores in Toledo. District 6 (north Toledo and Point Place) has the most gas station/convenience stores.

National Consumer Week
Next week is National Consumer Week. I am very interested in consumer protection laws. There will be a free, informative presentation on how to protect yourself as a consumer, Monday March 8th from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Aldersgate Church on Douglas at Sylvania. Speakers will be included from the Ohio Attorney General’s office, and the IRS.

Westfield Mall Security
I’ve been meeting with officials from Westfield Franklin Park Mall, and Toledo Police Command Officers on a regular basis. A recent incident of thuggery is something that mall security has faced head on, and is working to prevent further incidents. The planning and hard work to keep the mall a safe place for shoppers is something the mall takes seriously.

But what continues to bother me (and maybe it’s just because I’m getting older) is the lack of responsibility shown by parent(s) to keep a leash on their kids. The mall is not a place to baby sit indolent teenagers. If you’re not buying anything, don’t come to the mall. If you’ve made your purchases, grab a sandwich in the food court and GO HOME.

I have received many calls and emails from income-earning constituents who will take their dollars elsewhere if the thuggery doesn’t stop. In my opinion, even the appearance of thuggery should be met at the door and sent packing. Once again, the actions of a few are destroying it for the majority.

If you want to subscribe to Councilman Waniewski’s District 5 Newsletter, click here. He can also be contacted at:

419-245-1050 or tom.waniewski@toledo.oh.gov