Panel backs northside rail project

1/26/2006

A Toledo City Council committee recommended approval yesterday of a brownfield redevelopment project to convert up to 125 acres of city-owned property in North Toledo to a railroad car distribution facility.

The Ann Arbor Railroad plans to pave 46 acres of former landfill for an intermodal facility to transfer new vehicles from the Jeep Assembly Plant to trains.

The company presented its plans to council's economic development committee yesterday. The full council is expected to vote Tuesday on the proposed lease with Ann Arbor Acquisition Corp.

The railroad, which operates an intermodal facility near the DaimlerChrysler AG facility, would spend about $900,000 to cover the former Manhattan Park and Treasurer Island landfills, company President Jim Erickson said. The total development will cost between $8 million and $10 million.

The property is south of Manhattan Boulevard and east of Counter Street. It does not include Miracle Park, which is east of Counter, Mr. Erickson said.

David Moebius, the city's assistant chief operating officer, said the development agreement would cover only about 50 acres between Manhattan and the Toledo Correctional Facility. He said the legislation allows the city to lease up to 125 acres.

The tentative agreement with the city calls for a 25-year lease with Ann Arbor Acquisition at a cost of $99. Mr. Erickson said the facility would help DaimlerChrysler consolidate its storage of new vehicles before shipment.

The project promises 30 temporary construction jobs and 50 permanent jobs.