Toledo launches 'Spring Sweeps'
City agencies to enforce codes, offer aid in targeted neighborhoods
3/20/2012The city of Toledo is joining with localbusinesses and community agencies to improve the maintenance of homes and commercial buildings.
Mayor Mike Bell, together with directors of the city's inspection, neighborhoods, and public service departments, announced Tuesday in West Toledo's Library Village neighborhood the initiative, called "Spring Sweeps."
The effort will target neighborhoods considered tipping points because of high foreclosure rates and building-maintenance issues.
City code enforcers will work to enforce Toledo's property maintenance code while linking homeowners to programs available to help them.
These programs are administered by the city, the Lucas-County Port Authority's Better Buildings initiative, and Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity.
"This is an opportunity to target improvement of some of our city's historically solid neighborhoods that have been adversely impacted by the economic downturn. Now is the time to improve them before they slip into further disrepair," Mayor Bell said in a statement. "We can inform our citizens of the programs available to help them maintain their property to the benefit of the neighborhood and the community at large."
The effort began Tuesday and runs until June 20.
Staff will work in groups, starting in the Library Village neighborhood and moving on to Arlington/Burroughs; Secor Gardens; Oakdale/Ravine Park, and North Toledo/Point Place.
City workers will seek to educate residents about the importance of using licensed contractors and securing proper building and mechanical inspections.
"We're working to take a positive, proactive approach to nuisance abatement and property maintenance," Chris Zervos, director of inspections for the city of Toledo, said in a statement.
"This will not only help maintain the value of individual properties, but also the collective value of the neighborhood. We're appreciative that the Block Watch members, district council representatives, and business community have seen the value in that."