Letters to the Editor

New homes will rejuvenate Toledo

9/15/2013
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.
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