Toledo City Council recently approved a one-year moratorium on issuing demolition permits for buildings of historical community importance while the plan commission conducts a study on the matter.
The moratorium was sparked by Councilman Theresa Gadus, who is opposed to plans to demolish the Sacred Heart Church, located on Oswald Street in East Toledo, in her district.
“There are so many pockets of the city that have these historical gems,” said Ms. Gadus. “The moratorium gives a pause to demolition permits for buildings of historical community importance. It allows us to have a comprehensive study to evaluate the potential for preservation and alternative uses. As we move forward, I really feel it’s important for us to preserve the past, and the moratorium will help get us there.”
Buildings of historical importance are defined as privately owned structures that have been in existence for at least 75 years and whose purpose, among others, is that they were used as regular gathering places for individuals for a common goal, according to the legislation. Buildings of historical importance include community and/or cultural centers, places of worship, or other structures that regularly gather together 20 or more individuals for a common purpose.
The structures may have significant cultural and/or architectural assets that contribute to the character and identity of the city.
They may also play a vital role in shaping the fabric of their respective neighborhoods. Demolition of these buildings can have profound and lasting effects on the surrounding communities, including:
• Loss of community identity. The structures often serve as focal points within their neighborhoods, symbolizing shared values, traditions, and community cohesion. Their demolition can erode the sense of identity and belonging among residents;
• The potential for urban blight. Vacant lots resulting from demolished buildings can become magnets for illegal dumping, vandalism, and other forms of urban blight, which can deteriorate the quality of life in the neighborhood and deter potential investment and development.
After the meeting, Ms. Gadus emphasized the importance of preserving historic structures because of their impact on a neighborhood’s identity.
“It’s really important we remember our past as we move forward. When we start taking down structures that mean a lot to a community, we are getting rid of our identities — our fingerprints — in that neighborhood,” she said.
She said the plan commission’s study will assess a structure's architectural, historical, and cultural significance, analyze its current condition, and consider the feasibility of preservation rehabilitation.
“I know that’s a lot, but it’s what we need to make sure that, as we’re moving forward as a city, we’re also holding onto the important parts of our past,” she said.
Councilman Mac Driscoll, one of the sponsors of the legislation, agrees.
“When we knock down a historically significant structure, the fabric of that neighborhood is changed forever. When we lost a building, we will never reclaim that same level of attention to detail that some of those historical properties have,” Mr. Driscoll said. “We have to be sure our decisions about demolitions are conscientious and are well sourced in the community. It may be the case that a plan materializes to save a historical structure, and we can keep them in our portfolio in Toledo.”
Toledo spokesman Amy Voigt explained in an email the buildings that the moratorium will impact.
“We collectively considered the age of buildings in the city and, after some discussion, determined that buildings 75 years and older should be subject to the moratorium. This moratorium aims to, in the short run, stop the demolition of older structures with historical significance while not being so overly broad as to interfere with the property rights of owners of buildings that aren’t as old.”
First Published July 24, 2024, 9:25 p.m.
