Webb Challenges Administration to Save Ottawa River Dredging Project
In November, Councilwoman Lindsay Webb learned that the City's Administration proposed year-end budget close outs that included taking the $1.35 million already designated for the dredging of the Ottawa River. It has taken 10 years to accrue these funds for this specific Capital Improvement Project (CIP), and it is Webb's stance that these CIP funds will greatly enhance the economic quality of life in Point Place. To dredge the Ottawa River from the Fred C. Young Bridge to the shipping channel will cost approximately $5 million, but it will have a $5 million economic impact on the community during the first boating season, according to an Ohio State study.
"I appreciate maintaining the natural environment but I believe that maintaining a viable environment for people in this community is more important. Dredging the Ottawa River has been a priority for 10 years, and we should move forward with this as soon as possible. We should not give up the funds in order to make up for this year's deficit," Webb said.
In the last five weeks, Webb has worked diligently, communicating with local and state officials from both Ohio and Michigan, elected federal officials, local business representatives, local yacht club members and state agency representatives. She has talked with representatives of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of (USACE), Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG), Ottawa River Kleanup Association (ORKA) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur's office, among others, in an effort to revisit the project and bring these various stakeholders back to the table to negotiate.
In 2005, MDEQ raised objections to the project plan as proposed by USACE, in part because the plan called for the open lake placement of the dredged material.
Recently, Councilwoman Webb secured a significant commitment from the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority regarding the handling of this waste material. Warren McCrimmon, Seaport Director, has committed the use of the Port Authority's Combined Disposal Facility. Although this does not address all of the concerns raised by MDEQ, the Councilwoman believes that it represents a substantial change that requires a new analysis of the project. Webb has called for a summit of the stakeholders on the Ottawa River Navigation Dredging Project early in 2009.
At the Toledo City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 16th, it was clear that the vote was not going to maintain the $1.35 million the City had accumulated over the 10 years to help pay for the $5 million dredging project. Councilwoman Webb offered a compromise amendment to maintain $458,000 (half the funds). Only Webb and Councilman Tom Waniewski voted in favor of her amendment. At that point, Councilman Joe McNamara offered an amendment to keep $100,000 of the dredging funds in place, allowing the other $1.25 million to be used to balance the City's budget.
"I appreciate the community and agency support I received to move the dredging project forward, and am not pleased with Council's vote. As long as I have breath in my body, I will continue to fight for this project," Webb said.
Lawrence Family to Sell New Chet's
In May 2008, Richard Lawrence was shot by a robber who had come into his New Chet's Restaurant pretending to ask for help. Mr. Lawrence, the good-hearted owner of the Manhattan Boulevard popular eatery since 1971, was shot three times while trying to assist the young man.
The Lawrence family has now apparently decided to sell New Chet's. This saddens Lindsay. "New Chet's is one of the greatest diners I've ever known," she said in her July newsletter.
City Changes Refuse & Recycling Schedule
Starting January 1, the new plan, called "LEAP FORWARD," will determine when a resident's trash and recycling is collected. For example: Ms. Smith typically has her garbage collected on Monday. Due to a holiday, her collection that week will be on Tuesday. Ms. Smith's new garbage pick up date will then stay on Tuesday until the next observed holiday, when her collection date moves to Wednesday, etc. For more information, go to http://www.ci.toledo.oh.us/ and search for leap forward.
The Lewis House Serves Its Neighbors
Councilwoman Webb is pleased to let the community know about The Lewis House, a neighborhood ministry in District 6 that serves its neighbors. George and Sarah Williams met when they were leaders in their church's youth group. They found power in The Bible's message to "love your neighbor as yourself," and have put that message into action. Three years ago, they bought a house on Lewis, just north of Sylvania Avenue, and have turned it into their home and an outreach center. "Our goals and intentions are to improve people's standard of living - emotionally, spiritually, financially and educationally," Mr. Williams said. Some of their long-term residents are volunteers within the neighborhood and they welcome other neighbors who can also reach out to help fulfill their goals. Neighbors have a chance to share food, a strong sense of community and information about resources such as the Cherry Street Mission, 12-step programs and churches.
Panera contributes baked goods, which the volunteers distribute to 30-40 homes in the neighborhood on a regular basis. Of course this type of ministry has many needs including money, food, hygiene products and craft items for children. They are also looking for more housing to expand their ministry in this neighborhood.
Adults and children serve and are served at The Lewis House, and dinner and fellowship are provided for 50-60 people every Friday evening. The Williams regularly invite people to join them on their front porch to talk and to pray.
Lindsay applauds the efforts of George and Sarah Williams, and the residents and volunteers at The Lewis House, and suggests that you may wish to volunteer or contribute to:
The Lewis House
4130 Lewis Avenue
419-215-1100
thelewishouse@hotmail.com
Johnny Ginger at Ohio Theatre at 3114 Lagrange
Johnny Ginger, native Toledoan, will be at The Ohio Theatre on Saturday, January 10th at 8:00 p.m. with his two-hour show. His sons will begin the evening with a Beatles medley. Johnny, who performed with Soupy Sales, is a comic, impressionist and singer. He is a Scott High Hall-of-Famer and a Birmingham Hall-of-Famer. In 1993, he received an Emmy award for his many years in show business. Call 419-241-6785 to reserve the best seats ($15 / $10) in the house to see this legend of a performer live on stage.
Flood Victim Praises Webb's Assistance
Jill Badger was a recent college graduate and new home owner in 2006 when her home on Crawford Avenue was damaged in a series of floods. She received some reassuring information from the City regarding a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to repair her cracked foundation walls and some improvements were made. However, after several months and additional flooding, the damages became worse. As time went by and the structural problems were not totally solved, the City told Ms. Badger that a FEMA grant would allow the City to purchase her home.
She heard that the Councilwoman for District 6, Lindsay Webb, responds to her constituents and called her in hopes of moving this process forward. "She always answered her cell phone and responded to emails within an hour. She copied me on emails to other City offices about my problems, and kept me up-to-date on what was going on. I'm grateful to her for helping me finalize the sale of my house," said Ms. Badger, whose home was purchased by the City in October 2008. "It took a long time, but I'm grateful for Lindsay's help." Ms. Badger's home was one of six houses, those most critically damaged because of the storms that occurred mid-summer of 2006, that were purchased through FEMA funds.
Lindsay Rings In the New Year at the Lighthouse in Honor of U.S. Troops
The Point Place community is sponsoring its Annual Flag Raising Celebration on New Year's Eve by raising the United States flag in honor of the men and women who are serving overseas. The event begins at 11:45 p.m. at the lighthouse at North Summit and 108th Streets. The Councilwoman and her family will be there to honor the troops and suggest that you, too, might enjoy this patriotic way to ring in the New Year.
