Article published February 17, 2009 East Toledo residents, mayor oppose conversion of store
Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, left, and City Councilman
Mike Craig, center, hear complaints from residents
including Linda Verkennes who oppose a special-use permit
for a store on Seaman Street.
(
THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY
)
Residents of an East Toledo neighborhood, fearing an increase in crime and litter, were joined Monday by Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and their district councilman to oppose a corner business converting from a general retail store into a convenience store.
Flanked by about 20 residents, Mayor Finkbeiner said the owner of 2346 Seaman St., Said Saleh of Dearborn, Mich., should be denied a special-use permit.
"The owner of this building is seeking to open this business despite making no attempts to meet with the residents or address any of their concerns," Mr. Finkbeiner said. "The residents of this area are justifiably concerned that if allowed to open, Mr. Saleh would seek to add a liquor licence. Were that to happen, crime could increase and home values could decline."
Mr. Saleh, who could not be reached for comment Monday, is asking to add two coolers into the business so he can sell prepackaged sandwiches and perishable items for the WIC program.
East Toledoans oppose the store
Installation of the coolers would change the business's status from a general retail store to a convenience store.
The Toledo City Plan Commission recommended Toledo City Council approve the request if the owner meets 22 conditions, including landscaping, replacing some sidewalks and curbs, and operating between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Councilman Mike Craig said the plan commission might have reacted differently if the opposition had attended their meeting.
However, Mr. Saleh's request was accompanied with a list of 140 Ravine Park neighbors who said they were in favor of the store selling food.
Linda Verkennes, who lives on Van Buren near the store, said it could become a hangout for criminals and promote traffic and litter.
"It's very important to our neighborhood that we remain the quiet and peaceful neighborhood that we have always been," Ms. Verkennes said. "I think that harmony will come to an abrupt end if a convenience store is opened at this location."
The request will go before council's zoning and planning committee next month and then the full council for a vote. Permanent Link
Copyright 2010 The Blade. By using this service, you accept the terms of our privacy statement and our visitor agreement. Please read them. The Toledo Blade Company, 541 N. Superior St., Toledo, OH 43660, (419) 724-6000 To contact a specificdepartment or an individual person, click here. The Toledo Times ®
Search
advertisement
