Port committee wants old Jeep site for $95,000

A Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority committee has recommended the agency buy the 111-acre former Jeep assembly plant site along Jeep Parkway for a price not to exceed $95,000.

If approved by the port authority's board of directors, the purchase would put the agency in charge of cleaning up pollutants on the site and otherwise preparing it for redevelopment, said John Szuch, chairman of the agency's finance committee, which recommended the purchase after a closed-door discussion Friday morning.

The former factory site, vacated by then-DaimlerChrysler after it moved all of its functions to its expanded Toledo North Assembly Plant site on Stickney Avenue, comprises 16 adjoining parcels now owned by RJM I, LLC, according to Lucas County land records.

One of the port authority's first steps will be a detailed assessment of the site, port President Paul Toth said.

Seniors soon will get free admission to the Toledo Zoo and special events every Tuesday.

"Senior Discovery Days" will take place in September and October for those 60 and older. Seniors also get free parking in the Anthony Wayne Trail lot, coffee and a minimuffin in the Zoo's North Star Trading Post, and health screenings from MedCorp. Flu shots will be offered by Kroger for $25 and may be covered by insurance.

Activities will be held each Tuesday, including guided tours of the zoo's Works Progress Administration-era buildings, live music, and bingo. Spots on specific tours may be reserved by calling 419-385-5721, ext. 2110.

A Senior Safari will be Sept. 21 and will include health screenings, exercise, safety tips, and exploration of the zoo. Tickets for lunch that day can be purchased in advance from the Area Office on Aging at 419-382-0624.

Representatives of Fifth Third Bank and the city of Toledo will hold an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Toledo-Lucas County Main Library to discuss and answer questions about the city's Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The program, offered by the department of neighborhoods, offers homes for sale with down payment assistance.

The properties are foreclosed houses rehabilitated to be energy-efficient and free of lead hazards.

Anyone wishing to attend should call Brooke Zientek at 419-259-7817.

Oregon and Sylvania Township police will stage sobriety checkpoints in their communities today and arrest impaired drivers.

Specific locations and times have not been announced.