Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Neighborhood Stabilization Program, gardens and more







At our meeting on November 17, HHNA discussed gardens, the Earth Fair to be held in April, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Mike Badik of the City of Toledo presented information about NSP, including four properties on streets across from Highland Park that are in the process of being purchased. NSP has not yet rehabbed any homes in our area, even though it is one of the designated "tipping point" neighborhoods. Throughout the city some 85 properties are under consideration for purchase and rehab, a portion of which are in the HHNA area. The NSP is a complex public-private partnership for helping stabilize neighborhoods seen as on the edge of "tipping" into deterioration. For more information about purchasing a rehabbed home (at 20% off the purchase price), see the city website: http://toledo.oh.gov/Portals/0/DREAM2OWNFLYER2REVFINALpdf.pdf
To read about the overall NSP program, see http://toledo.oh.gov/ and scroll down the home page to the section on NSP.
Pictured above are neighborhood residents discussing neighborhood issues with Councilman Mike Craig and Mike Badik.
--Carol Scheiber, Member, HHNA







Sunday, October 25, 2009

Mayoral & Council Candidates Pledge Action on Community Concerns






During the October 20 Candidates Night held at Burroughs School in South Toledo, mayoral candidates Mike Bell and Keith Wilkowski both pledged to act positively for the Highland Heights neighborhood, agreeing to almost all the requests made by neighborhood residents. The forum, also attended by 12 candidates running for six Toledo City Council at-large positions, was co-sponsored by Highland Heights Neighborhood Association (HHNA) and Burroughs Neighborhood Organization (BNO). Following are the questions the two groups posed to the mayoral and council candidates and the responses from the candidates.
HHNA Question 1 Will you pledge to demolish at least five houses/buildings a year in the areas in South Toledo that our groups represent and to vigorously enforce city code during your term in office?
YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Joe McNamara, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Rob Ludeman, Terry Shankland, Kevin Milliken, George Sarantou, Constantine Stamos.
NO: (No one.)

HHNA Question 2 Will you pledge to provide funding through capital improvement revenues to either: a) repair and upgrade Highland Park pools or b) convert them into green space beginning in 2010?
YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Joe McNamara, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Rob Ludeman, Terry Shankland, Kevin Milliken, Constantine Stamos.
NO: George Sarantou.

HHNA Question 3 Will you pledge an increase in police patrols and presence in our neighborhoods, working in cooperation with our area anti-crime groups, such as BNO and HHNA?
YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Joe McNamara, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Rob Ludeman, Terry Shankland, Kevin Milliken, George Sarantou, Constantine Stamos.
NO: (No one.)

BNO Question 4 Will you pledge to annually trim, cut, and/or remove stumps, repair or replace city sidewalks and maintain alleys?
YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Joe McNamara, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Adam Martinez, Kevin Milliken, George Sarantou, Constantine Stamos.
NO: Terry Shankland, Rob Ludeman, Polly Taylor-Gerken

BNO Question 5 Will you commit to allocate a minimum of $350,000 annually in capital improvement funds in BNO and HHNA neighborhoods to resurface a minimum of 1 mile of street?
YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Rob Ludeman, Kevin Milliken, George Sarantou.
NO: Constantine Stamos, Joe McNamara, Terry Shankland.

BNO Question 6 Will you pledge to hold the owner of the 19.5 acre parcel located at 310 and 400 South Westwood Avenue accountable to clean it up, perhaps allocate environmental funds to assist in the clean up, and work with the University of Toledo, city of Toledo, and neighborhood organizations to complete a feasibility study to prepare the site for shovel-ready development including commercial, green and/or other related uses by end of 2010?
YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Joe McNamara, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Rob Ludeman, Kevin Milliken, George Sarantou.
NO: Terry Shankland, Constantine Stamos.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Candidates Night in South Toledo, Oct. 20

Highland Heights Neighborhood Association and the Burroughs Neighborhood Organization are co-sponsoring a Candidates Night on October 20, 7 p.m., at Burroughs School, 2404 South Ave. The evening will feature both Toledo mayoral candidates, as well as candidates running for city council. Refreshments will be served.
This event is free and open to the public. Neighborhood residents who would like to help out can contact the organizers by email at highland43609@gmail.com or by calling Don at: 419-382-6500.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

City gives update on our Dirty Dozen List







Following is Bob Mossing’s update as of September 11, 2009 on the list of 13 problem properties that we're calling our "Dirty Dozen." Mr. Mossing is the code enforcement officer for the city of Toledo.

--Carol Scheiber, Highland Heights Neighborhood Assn.


See updated report on properties. Please let me know if you have additional concerns. 1425 South will be down this year.



1425 South Demo list and board up requested on 7/27/09-still not boarded will make another request.

9/10/09-----REINSPECTED AND NO CHANGE---WILL SEND JODY AND E-MAIL TO BOARD UP THE PROPERTY.
1515 Wayne Property is secure and clean. I am working will the owner to make the repairs. Gave the owner more time to make some type of progress.

9/10/09-----REINSPECTED AND FILING CHARGES ON THE OWNER--NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE
723 Lodge The property is going thru foreclosure and I left a message for Ruth Seth (Lucas Co Auditor) to see if the house would be up for Sheriff sale soon. Waiting for response.

9/10/09------REINSPECTED AND NO CHANGE---RUTH SETH LEFT A MESSAGE STATING THE PROPERTY IS NOW FORFEITED LAND AND WILL BEING GOING THRU ANOTHER SALE----PER LORI THE HOUSE IS ON THE DEMO LIST, HOWEVER IT DOES NOT QUALIFY AS DEMO MATERIAL.

117 Ralph The property was part of a bankruptcy, however the owner quick claimed the property back to the lender and the lender did not want it back so the lender is trying to resolve this situation (legally) and they will be maintaining the property until the process is complete.

9/10/09 --------THE PROPERTY WAS TRANSFERRED BACK TO THE PRIOR OWNER AND I WILL BE ISSUING NEW ORDERS TO HIM----THE BANK DID COMPLY WITH MY REQUEST TO CLEAN AND SECURE THE PROPERTY.
501 S. Detroit The grass was cut. No other violations
9/10/09---------NO VIOLATIONS AT TIME OF INSPECTION.


1120 South The owners are in court and the property is currently on the demo list
9/10/09--------NO CHANGE---PROPERTY STILL ON THE DEMO LIST----
171 Dale 8/10/09 issued a nol.
9/10/09--------OWNERS COMPLIED WITH THE NOL.
1660 Wayne Filing an affidavit.
9/10/09---------HAVE NOT RECEIVED COURT DATE YET.
535 Carlton 8/10/09 nol and requested a board up
9/10/09 ---------THE PROPERTY IS SECURED.

556 Carlton 8/10/09 grass was cut, but issued 30 day na order on the property
9/10/09---------THE 30 DAY ORDER HAS NOT EXPIRED
2424 Airport 8/1/09 the grass was cut and the property is boarded to keep people out
9/10/09---------THE 30 DAY ORDER HAS NOT EXPIRED
1642 Wayne 8/10/09 nol issued
9/10/09 ISSUING ANOTHER NOL AND REQUESTING BOARD UP
1601 Airline 8/10/09 30 day order was issued on the house
9/10/09-----THE 30 DAY ORDER HAS NOT EXPIRED
1587 Airline 8/10/09 vacant lot-the grass was cut-no violations at time of inspection
9/10/09 NO VIOLATIONS AT TIME OF INSPECTION
1585 Airline 8/10/09 30 day order was issued on the garage
9/10/09-----THE 30 DAY ORDER HAS NOT EXPIRED, HOWEVER THE OWNER REQUESTED MORE TIME TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDERS
Commitments / reports from Bob Mossing,
City of Toledo, Manager of Code Enforcement

Thursday, August 27, 2009

What happened to the fish!?

No one who takes a walk next to Swan Creek in Highland Park can miss the stink: dead and rotting fish line the shores of the creek. The news media has highlighted this environmental disaster, and we await a conclusion from Fish and Wildlife as to the reason. We live next to the creek, and the health of our waters affects our health, too. We hope for prompt answers and action and will update this blog as the story unfolds.
--Carol Scheiber, HHNA member

City promises action on "Dirty Dozen" list

Bob Mossing of the City of Toledo attended our August 13 meeting to give an update on each of the 13 problem properties our organziation has targeted. A detailed list of Mr. Mossing's response to each property will be posted at a later date. To summarize: the city departments that act on nuisance properties are now alerted to these properties. Some will see immediate action by the city in terms of inspections, notices to property owners, etc. We expect that due process for property owners will NOT result in undue delay for the action we are pressing for: cleanup, weed and garbage removal, etc.

One conclusion that is safe to make is that HHNA must and will continue to press for action, because without raising our voices together, we will not see changes in our neighborhood. We now have had one face-to-face meeting with the city official who oversees nuisance property complaints. We will continue to push until we see these properties cared for in the way any neighbor would.

--Carol Scheiber, HHNA member

Friday, July 31, 2009

Meeting August 13--City to discuss Nuisance Properties with HHNA

The Highland Heights Neighborhood Association will meet on August 13, 6:30pm at the Toledo Heights branch library. The public is welcome. On the agenda are: action on the "Dirty Dozen" nuisance properties, update on the community gardens, and an update from the Crimebusters (subcommittee working to stop crime).



The city has stated its intention to send an official to our meeting to respond to our concerns about our Dirty Dozen list. For more information, call Mary at Toledo Heights branch library: 419-259-5220.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Ensuring safety, planting gardens


AGAINST CRIME
Citizens from the Highland Heights area met at Toledo Heights library May 14 to sign up for various anti-crime task forces. The overriding sentiment at the meeting was that law-abiding citizens (the vast majority) will stand up to thugs, thieves and others who would lower the quality of life. For more on how to get involved, contact Crimebuster Coordinators Marsha Heidt at 419-389-1995 or Jimmy Lewis, 419-410-7526.

GARDEN BLITZ
On May 13, Jason Gorr, Linda and Carol Scheiber and Ellen Rodriguez expanded and planted the garden at South and Airport Hwy. They also planted the garden at Woodsdale and South. The experience gave all new respect for the Irishmen who dug the Erie Canal, as breaking sod is not for the faint of heart. A few days later Jason, Ellen , Cooper Suter and others dug more sod and planted a rain garden in Highland Park. Water and weed volunteers are still being sought. If you can help, email highland43609@gmail.com.
A hearty thank you to the following plant donors: Ohlman Greenhouse, Ohlman Greenhouse, Toledo Botanical Gardens, Sun Moon,Naturally Native Nursery, and Garden Nursery.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Fight back against crime in South Toledo







South Toledoans have the opportunity to take action against crime in their area by attending the Highland Hts. Neighborhood Assn. (HHNA) meeting on Thursday, May 14, 6:30pm at the Toledo Hts. Branch library on Shasta Dr.

Neighbors are fed up with gang graffiti, shootings, and other crime in South Toledo. Resident Marcia Heidt got so disgusted, she invited the whole neighborhood over to her house April 30. Dozens of people stood in the rain to work out the beginnings of a citizen response.

At the May 14 meeting, HHNA plans to have sign up sheets for those willing to help. This will not be a forum for discussing our crime experiences; rather we will be focusing on taking personal responsibility for different anti-crime actions. At this time, chairpersons and volunteers are needed for:

Phone tree
Walking patrols
Anti-graffiti helpers (work with those who've been hit by graffiti to see it is removed)
Police communications

Any police living in South Toledo are encouraged to come and provide their professional perspective.

For more information, contact Mary at the Toledo Hts Library: 419-259-5220.
In the photos-- Bottom: Councilman Mike Craig responds to concerns about crime. Middle and top: Citizens showed up at Marcia Heidt's house to say "Enough!" to crime.
--Posted by Carol Scheiber






Thursday, April 30, 2009

Anti-crime meeting tonight

All in the Highland Hts. Neighborhood are invited to a meeting tonight, April 30 at 7pm at 741 Ogden Ave. to discuss ways to fight back against crime and graffiti in the area. Come and bring a neighbor. --posted by Carol Scheiber

Monday, April 27, 2009

More Earth Fair photos





See our blog (below) about the success of the Earth Fair held at Highland Park on April 25



Earth Fair organizer Jason Gorr and an official with the city Environmental Services division take time for a smile.


EarthEcycle collected dozens of kinds of electronics to recycle.

In addition, some Earth Fair visitors admire a tree that will soon bring shade to those who visit the Highland Park playground.


--Carol Schuck Scheiber













Earth Fair brings South Toledo together for environmentalism




Thanks to the hard work of many people, most notably organizer Jason Gorr, Earth Fair, held at Highland Park Saturday, April 25, was a big success.

Blessed with warm sunny weather, several environmental and neighborhood groups hosted booths, including Highland Heights Neighborhood Association (HHNA). A steady stream of visitors brought electronics and paint for recycling and mercury thermometers for exchanging. Small groups toured the dam remediation project near the park footbridge. This dam project has created a healthier fish habitat in Swan Creek.

Several city officials and workers attended this positive event. Mayoral candidate Keith Wilkowski shook hands and talked to attendees.

In a lasting tribute to the positive energy of the day, the city planted seven new fruit and shade trees along the footpath and near the playground. HHNA has long advocated for shade trees near the playground; hats off to all who made this happen!

Stay abreast of environmental efforts in Toledo by visiting http://www.blogger.com/www.thinkgreenfirst.net. Kudos to all citizens, activists and city workers who contributed to the success of this day!

Photo: Top: Toledo Heights Librarian Mary Chwialkowski, Don Mullen and Linda Pomeroy--all active with HHNA--took part in Earth Day. The Toledo Heights Branch Library also hosted a table.
--Story and photos by Carol Schuck Scheiber



Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Celebrate Earth Day at Highland Park April 25


All are invited to an Earth Fair at Highland Park, corner of Woodsdale and South Ave,Saturday, April 25, noon to 3pm. This public event will feature organizational displays, collection of used paint in good condition, tree planting, mercury thermometer exchange (bring your old mercury thermometer, get a new, non-mercury one free), and walking tours of the dam remediation project in the park.

Environmentalist Jason Gorr of the Highland Park neighborhood has worked with a number of people and groups in the area to organize this celebration of environmental action and our very own Highland Park.

For more information, contact Jason at thinkgreenfirst.net or 419-509-9263.

--Carol Scheiber

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Vacant homes on your street? Tell us!


Following up on our first post, "Millions coming to South Toledo," we members of Highland Hts. Neighborhood Assn. encourage residents in the Burroughs School area and in the Highland Park area to post comments on this blog with the addresses of vacant or foreclosed homes. Or call Mary C. at the Toledo Heights Branch Library: 419-259-5220. Suggestions can be considered by our organization when we propose possible places for the city to invest. Learn more about the Neighborhood Stabilization Program by reading our brief posting about it (below) or by reading the more detailed description published by the Blade at: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090205/NEWS16/902050299. --Carol Scheiber, member

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Millions of dollars coming to South Toledo


I enjoyed writing that headline! At our meeting on Feb. 12, 2009, Mike Badik, Toledo Housing Commissioner, explained how the Neighborhood Stabilization Program will affect Toledo and our neighborhood in particular.
Without going into a lot of detail (and there is a lot of detail in this federal program), Toledo is receiving $12.2 million to invest in housing in "tipping point" neighborhoods. The Highland Heights and Burroughs School areas are considered tipping points--stable, middle-class/working class areas in threat of serious deterioration. These South Toledo areas are second on the list of the four most critical areas for investment.
Monies will be used primarily to purchase and rehab vacant homes in concert with private developers. These will then be sold to applicants who must meet several criteria that will ensure that they will be responsible homeowners. The idea behind all of this money and effort is to strategically focus effort on a block that can be saved from deterioration by the addition of a stable homeowner in a solid home. The thinking is that this stable, well-kept home will then inspire and encourage more of the same, thereby preventing the neighborhood from "tipping" into slum.
HHNA will begin gathering the addresses of vacant homes that might be purchased via this program. If you have a suggestion, post it here on this blog, or email it to highland43609@gmail.com. --Written by Carol Scheiber, Member