Council balks at $6 million Promenade Park project

Toledo City Council backed away Monday from a plan to revitalize downtown’s Promenade Park, even as businessmen and tourism officials lobbied in favor of the $6 million project.

Councilmen targeted their concerns at the Bell administration’s funding strategy for the project, which relies heavily on the use of a $2.2 million state loan. The money would be repaid with revenue from gas taxes and license fees, which some councilman fear could reduce funding for infrastructure needs such as pothole repairs.

The plan comes in the midst of a heightened emphasis on austerity as the city enters budget negotiations for 2012 and seeks to close a looming $5-7 million projected budget deficit for this year.

“The plan is wonderful, but there’s needs and wants,” Councilman D. Michael Collins said during a committee hearing on the issue. “We as a city, are we in a position to increase our liability by another $2.2 million? ...I don’t think we can move on this at this time. There are too many unknowns.”

Council members decided to keep the project in committee, putting its status in limbo.

The Bell administration hopes to use the $2.2 million to double the size of Promenade Park by filling in a street that now divides the current park and an unused lot. The idea is to construct a series of terraces and outdoor meeting spaces leading from North Summit Street to the waterfront. Administration officials then hope to obtain grants and private funding for further improvements including lighting, a park walkway, a water feature and a new stage.

Robin Whitney, commissioner of Engineering Services, said the revitalized park would enhance the downtown waterfront and entice more people into Toledo’s business district. The park would be used as a venue for hosting affordable outdoor events and entertainment, offering a low-cost alternative to the big-name acts featured at the Huntington Arena, she said. While the City wouldn’t necessarily see a direct return on its investment, the improved park would attract more visitors and therefore business to downtown, she said.

“The goal really isn’t to create any direct financial benefit (for the city),” Ms. Whitney said. “But there are so many spin-off benefits.”

Several business people testifying before the city Monday agreed. Steve Miller, who handles bookings for Huntington Arena and SeaGate Convention Centre, compared the park project to a similar endeavor in Grand Rapids, Mich.

“The park is another opportunity to bring more people downtown,” he said. “It’s another opportunity for us to develop the downtown economy, bring in more people, more restaurants and more tax dollars.”

Cathy Miller, director of Tourism for Destination Toledo, Inc., said the revitalized park would improve the experience for tourists visiting Toledo, as well as business groups in town for meetings and conventions. Visitors to the soon-to-be-opened Hollywood Casino could also be drawn downtown by the park, she said.

Councilman Joe McNamara, who works as a lawyer downtown, praised the concept of the park but echoed concerns about its timing. He recommended the funding proposal be held in committee.

“I recognize how important it is to have a sense of place,” said Mr. McNamara. “But I think (the plan) is being proposed at the worst possible time.”

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