Mayor promises to veto permit for south Toledo store

9/21/2007

Mayor Carty Finkbeiner said yesterday he intends to veto City Council's approval of a special-use permit for a South Toledo convenience store.

Council approved the permit on Tuesday by a 9-2 vote, with one councilman absent. Nine votes are needed to override the mayor's veto.

Mr. Finkbeiner said he wants to defer to the residents of the neighborhood around the location, 4338 South Detroit Ave.

Many of the residents have said they fear such a store would detract from safety and property values.

The mayor said keeping middle-class property owners in the city is a top priority. "Those men and women have the right to control the environment in which they live," Mr. Finkbeiner said.

Linda Mansour, attorney for the applicant, Nabil Shannak, said she hopes council sticks to its position, which she said was a "sign of commitment to upholding the city's regulations."

Council President Michael Ashford said council will take another look at the ordinance if Mayor Finkbeiner issues his veto.

He said he will ask Law Director John Madigan for advice on the legal consequences of council denying the permit.

Residents have vowed to collect signatures to put a referendum on the March 4, 2008, presidential primary ballot aimed at prohibiting liquor sales in the precinct, 16/b.