Letters to the Editor

New homes will rejuvenate Toledo

Spectators applaud the announcement of construction of 40 homes at a news conference on Machen Street in Toledo last month. The hard hats were available for those who wanted to tour the construction site.

The announcement of 40 new single-family homes is one of rebirth for Toledo (“Toledo’s Olde Towne to get 40 new homes in 8 months; $10.4M project near Mercy St. Vincent,” Aug. 24).

These homes will help stabilize a neighborhood by creating a modern space with houses that are more energy efficient, less dense, and more desirable. These are the kinds of homes residents demand today, as opposed to a refurbished home that is a century old.

These homes will showcase cutting-edge construction methods, and set a new standard of quality for affordable housing across our community.

They will have significant energy efficiency features, will be built of recycled materials, will stand upon a state-of-the-art foundation system, and will feature a hydronic heating system and a tankless hot water heater. They will be comfortable and affordable.

By investing in new homes, this project invests in the future of Toledo. Investment comes at a cost, but the opportunity for success is too great to pass up.

Tearing down dilapidated buildings and starting fresh will repopulate this central-city neighborhood with families who will be consumers of public and private services for generations to come.

WILLIAM FARNSEL

Executive Director NeighborWorks Toledo RegionSecond Street