Panel OKs shift of Zenobia to school

5/17/2007

A divided Toledo City Council committee narrowly approved recommending a permit to convert the former Zenobia Shrine building to a charter school, sending the matter to the full council.

Mayor Carty Finkbeiner criticized the committee's action, saying the former Shriner banquet hall, 1517 Madison Ave., is the wrong place for a school.

The zoning and planning committee voted 4-3 in favor of the recommendation, which also was recommended by the Toledo Plan Commission.

Also forwarded to the full council, but without a recommendation was a request to rezone 1000 Monroe St. for a different charter school.

Mr. Finkbeiner said the proposed school takes a prime piece of real estate off the property tax rolls and could conflict with the budding entertainment district in that area.

The shrine, an anchor in Toledo's Uptown district since 1949, is moving to Perrysburg Township. The Magnet School of Math, Science, and Technology has announced plans to move into the building.

The other charter school would be the Maritime Academy of Toledo.