Article source for : Waniewski Newsletter:May 2008
*++News From Councilman Tom Waniewski - May 2008++*
May 11, 2008
h3. I-475 & Douglas Road Update
ODOT recently received a "Finding of No Significant Impact" ruling on two huge highway projects, one of which will affect District 5. New lanes will be added on east and west bound 475 by the 75 split as far up as Douglas. Construction will be done in phases. The first phase addresses bridge repairs over the expressway. Beginning next April and running until August '09, the Douglas bridge over 475 will be closed completely. I'll keep you posted. It's another year, yet. The timeliness of this information is that ODOT received a green light from the feds to move forward.
h3. Friendly Purchase
Reportedly, the old Friendly's in the DeVeaux Shopping Center was sold to the owners of El Camino Mexican Restaurant. This picture shows the Friendly building in the foreground and El Camino's in the background.
!http://img.mynewsletterbuilder.com/userdata/district5/images/Friendlys_250x167.jpg!
h3. Close Park Swing Set
The orange fencing around Close Park, across from Blessed Sacrament Parish will soon give way to a new playground. Equipment was generously donated by Flour Construction thus costing taxpayers nothing. The new playground will add to the resurgance of this area thanks in great part to the recently opened Neighborhood Center at Blessed Sacrament.
!http://img.mynewsletterbuilder.com/userdata/district5/images/Close_Park_250x167.jpg!
h3. First Business Meeting a Success
The District's first business meeting had a great turnout. I wanted to offer area businessmen and women the chance to hear how economic development might benefit them. Some good suggestions for a business association were made. Upcoming business meetings will focus on security. If you know of a business in west Toledo that might benefit from this dialogue, please forward my contact information to them.
h3. Renovated Field House Nears Completion
UT's Memorial Field House is on target for an August 2008 completion. This photo shows where the old basketball court used to be. It's being turned into a "Town Center" complete with glass elevator. Built in 1932, the Field House will now have 54 new classrooms. Cost of construction; $185 million. Thanks to Matt Schroeder and Chuck Lenhart for an inside look.
!http://img.mynewsletterbuilder.com/userdata/district5/images/UT_Field_House_167x250.jpg!
h3. Worth Noting
h4. Police Info Line
Keep this phone number handy: 419-245-3340. It's the Toledo Police Information Line. Use it for: parking complaints, noise complaints, explanation of police policy, or to find police department phone numbers.
h4. Street Paving Update
I received an update on street paving for 2008 in my district. There's no pinpointed date, except to say the work will be done this spring and summer. Projects to be completed by August are:
Drummond between Bancroft and Kenwood
Douglas between I-475 and Berdan
Middlesex between Bancroft and Kenwood
Pelham between Middlesex and Drummond
Projects to be completed by September are:
Thoman between Woodmont and Douglas
Wendover between Central and Monroe
Additionally, Letchworth between Kenwood and Latonia will see a complete reconstruction that includes replacing the roadway, curbs, and drive approaches. This area will be widened for snow plows and the center boulevard reduced so as to limit taking down trees.
Finally, Woodley between Central and I-475 will receive preventative maintenance work between June and September.
h4. How Can I Help You?
The pot hole calls have subsided. If your street can use a hole or two filled, drop me a note, and I'll get someone on it right away. Also, if you are interested in starting a Block Watch, please contact my office, and I'll let you know how to get one organized.
h4. Get Into Gardening
OSU Master Gardener Lecture Service
June 18, 2008 -- Stretching your Food Dollars with Edible Landscaping
August 27, 2008 – Harvest and Fall Preparation
December 3, 2008 – Gifts from the Garden
Where: Crosby Conference Center at Toledo Botanical Gardens
Hours: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Fee: $15 per session, or $35 for the complete series.
Please pre-register, as seating is limited.
Contact info: 419.578.6783; mghotline@cfaes.osu.edu
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