LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Councilman backs keeping police post

7/12/2012

In response to your July 5 editorial "Crime deterrent": The city's current financial picture is a top priority. That is why I suggested a number of alternatives for the Toledo Police Department's Northwest District Station.

One was to find a smaller space in that area to lease, because a number of commercial spaces are available. Renting such a structure for police functions such as keeping the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol unit, an accident reporting station, or similar services would have provided the neighborhood with the additional sense of security its residents are seeking and would have been cost-effective.

While the purchase price of the Northwest station and grounds was $456,000, an additional $737,000 was invested to convert the building to a police district station.

A majority of Toledo City Council members listened to residents' concerns and voted no on the sale of the Northwest station. I hope Mayor Mike Bell and his administration continue to work with the residents.

If the Northwest station is to remain shuttered, I hope the city administration finds a common-ground alternative.

George Sarantou

Toledo City Council Sulgrave Drive