Mayor rejects street-fix funding

Mayor Mike Bell says the Promenade Park makeover would be an investment in the city’s future. THE BLADE Enlarge | Photo Reprints

In an unusual wielding of executive power, Toledo Mayor Mike Bell on Friday vetoed City Council-approved legislation to funnel $750,000 into residential street repair and reintroduced a proposal to put that same amount toward revamping downtown’s Promenade Park.

The veto is the mayor’s first since taking office nearly two years ago and, according to long-serving officials, the only line-item veto issued by any Toledo mayor since a “strong mayor” form of government took effect in the early 1990s.

The move overrides a 7-4 decision by council earlier this week to stall the proposed improvements to Promenade Park put forward in the city’s 2011 capital-improvements plan and allocate the designated funds toward street repairs instead.

Mr. Bell, who voiced strong opposition to the change when it was proposed Tuesday, said Friday the Promenade Park makeover would amount to an investment in Toledo’s future, attracting visitors and investors to the downtown area. The city already has set aside $2.5 million for residential street work this year, and $750,000 more for those efforts would have only limited impact, the mayor said.

“It seemed the approach being used by some councilmen was shortsighted because in the long run we have to be able to make money to do the long-term repairs they want on the roads,” he argued. “If you have a very strong downtown area, you increase the economic dollars going into the funds that help pay for the roads.”

The administration’s plans for the waterfront park would expand its size by linking it with the old federal building site and removing trees to provide a clear view of the Maumee River from Summit Street. City planners hope ultimately to build a series of terraces, a stage, and a water feature for the park, although the $750,000 would cover only the first part of the plan.

Local businesses are supportive of the plan, which would add momentum to other investments starting to take shape in the city, the mayor said. He pointed to recently announced developer interest in the downtown Spitzer and Nicholas buildings, as well as the Park Inn hotel and dismissed any notion that he is trying to please the Chinese-owned firm Dashing Pacific, which has purchased the Docks restaurant complex and part of the Marina District from the city.

But the mayor’s decision rankled several councilmen who said they have been flooded with calls and emails from residents demanding more money be spent on streets.

They accused the mayor of ignoring the will of most people in the city.

“I urge citizens to call or email City Council and the mayor as to whether the park or the streets should be the priority,” said Councilman George Sarantou, who proposed the amendment.

“They want the streets fixed. That’s what we’re hearing.”

Councilman Tom Waniewski said the mayor’s decision sends the wrong message to people living in the city.

“Our image is not based on what a downtown looks like,” Mr. Waniewski chided. “Our image is how do we treat the residents who pay for these services, and paved roads is a lot bigger priority than Promenade Park.”

That was certainly the opinion of Charlotte Parks, a 62-year-old central city resident who said she finds the condition of many neighborhood streets distressing and is frustrated that the city has allowed them to deteriorate. Potholes and cracks cause damage to people’s cars and prevent snow from being adequately removed in the winter, she said. She argued that prioritizing downtown over other areas is unfair to people who live and work in the city.

“It makes no sense to throw all that money in downtown and all you’ve gotta do is walk three blocks out of downtown and it’s a hot mess,” Ms. Parks said. “There are some streets that are so messy and bumpy that people’s cars get torn up. … Why do we the taxpayers have to suffer because nobody had the forethought to do something about it?”

But Councilman Rob Ludeman agreed with the mayor’s position and called putting the money into Promenade Park a “no brainer.” He said the park improvements could happen right away but more street repairs would have to wait until after the winter months.

“How much work can be done on street repair this year? Basically none,” Mr. Ludeman said. “My feeling is Promenade Park has been needing upgrades for a long time. Downtown is making a resilient comeback, and work can be done on that throughout the winter.”

He also pointed to assertions by Deputy Mayor Steve Herwat this week that the city could invest as much as $6 million in residential street repairs next year. However, Mr. Bell cautioned Friday that actual repairs will depend on the city’s 2012 finances and priorities.

Council is likely to vote on whether to override the mayor’s veto early next month. It will take nine votes to overturn the veto. The Promenade Park legislation must receive seven votes from council to move ahead.

Contact Claudia Boyd-Barrett cbarrett@theblade.com or 419-724-6272