North Toledo residents voice concerns about potholes, streets
3/11/2014North Toledo residents had an opportunity to share concerns about potholes and other street problems at a Community Street Forum today at Regina Coeli Catholic Church.
It was the first of six such meetings, one in each city council district, to be held this month so residents can meet with representatives of the city Division of Engineering Services.
The first session was held in District Six, represented by City Councilman Lindsay Webb. About 30 people were given a list of the major street repair projects planned for this year, including construction of new roundabouts at the junction of Detroit and Berdan avenues, Manhattan Boulevard, and Cherry Street; road and utility work on Suder Avenue, and resurfacing on Alexis Road.
David Dysard, an engineering services administrator, said Toledo has more than 1,100 miles of streets and his department has to compete with other budgetary priorities, like police and fire services, to get money for street repairs.
“We don't have the condition of the system anywhere near where we want it to be, but given the funding that we have available, we do the best we can to keep the roads in the city in as stable a shape as we can, “ he said.
Many residents at the meeting described streets nearly impossible to navigate because of potholes. Mr. Dysard said crews try to get out immediately and do the best temporary repairs they can to keep things rideable, so drivers don't lose tires or other parts off cars.
“As soon as the weather breaks, we can do more durable kind of repairs," he said.
The dates and times of the other scheduled meetings are:
Today -- District 3 East Toledo Family Center, 1020 Varland Avenue
March 18 -- District 2 Heatherdowns Library, 3265 Glanzman Road
March 20-- District 5 Christ Presbyterian Church, 4225 W. Sylvania Ave.
March 25 -- District 4 Kent Library, 3101 Collingwood Boulevard
March 27 --- District 1 Grace Church, 3700 Dorr Street
All start at 6 p.m. and are scheduled to run for two hours.
For more information about the forums or the street planning process contact the Division of Engineering Services at 419-936-2275.
Contact Marlene Harris-Taylor at: mtaylor@theblade.com or 419-724-6091.