Structures sprout in growing sectors south of Toledo

2/16/2002

Completion of a new high school, construction of a bridge, and the dedication of a new fire station highlighted development activities last year in communities in southern Lucas and northern Wood counties.

In the Perrysburg school district, the $36.4 million high school opened its doors in September at Roachton and Fort Meigs roads, and in the village of Waterville the fire station at 7001 Waterville-Monclova Rd. was dedicated in May.

When the 2000 census figures were released last year, Waterville's population was listed at 4,828, just short of the 5,000 mark needed for city designation. In the 1990 census, the population was 4,517.

The village of Whitehouse grew about 8 percent over the 10-year period. Population listed in the 2000 census was 2,733, up from 2,528.

Whitehouse council has purchased a 1.75-acre site along Providence Street where a municipal building will be built. Construction could begin in June and be completed by March, 2003.

Whitehouse council recently approved the annexation of 172 acres of land along Bucher Road.&tab; The acreage includes about 76 acres belonging to the Anthony Wayne school district.&tab; School officials have discussed the possibility of locating a new administration building at the site, but no specific plans have been made.

Work continues to progress on the new Whitehouse Library, a project undertaken by volunteers in the community. Residents, including many school children, have been campaigning to get a library in the community for about 10 years.

In Monclova Township, where the population figure jumped 48.8 percent from 4,547 in 1990 to 6,767 in 2000, trustees last year hired Harold Grim, the township's first full-time administrator.

Construction started in September on a substantial addition for the fire department, said Monclova Township Trustee Gary Kuns. The addition, which will serve as an apparatus room, is located between the fire hall and the administration building.

The current fire station will be converted into administrative offices, and then the existing administration building will be used for fire department staff purposes. The total project cost is about $1 million.

In the city of Maumee, progress continued on the Maumee Indoor Theater renovation project. City officials hope that the theater will reopen for business this fall.

The city has been awarded a $400,000 downtown revitalization grant, and a portion of the funding has been earmarked for parking lot improvements near the theater.&tab; Total estimated cost for the Maumee Indoor Theater project is set at about $4 million, according to a feasibility study.

Construction began last year on the Maumee-Perrysburg bridge which will be located just upriver from the current span which carries U.S. 20 over the Maumee River. Completion is scheduled for October, 2003.

In the city of Perrysburg, council last year approved an annexation agreement with Perrysburg Township trustees that officials touted as a “historic” turning point in resolving troubled relations between the two entities.

Perrysburg, which was the fastest growing city in Wood County based on the 2000 census figures, is embracing progressive concepts dealing with urban planning in an effort to manage growth and preserve the city's quality of life, officials said.

City officials would like to develop stronger working relationships with Perrysburg and Middleton Township trustees as well as the Wood County commissioners in 2002, said Mayor Jody Holbrook. “I would like to see if we can do some joint ventures,” he said.

Economic development continues to be a central focus with an emphasis this year on working more closely with city businesses, the mayor said.

A new police station is “on the horizon,” he said, with groundbreaking for the new building likely by the end of summer.

In the Otsego school district, officials have been considering plans for construction of a new middle school/high school and an elementary school building in partnership with the Ohio School Facilities Commission's program.

Maumee city schools have been continuing efforts to develop innovative educational programs. New programs are being introduced and successful programs expanded. The district last year was awarded an Ohio's BEST Practice Award in education.