Toledo Plan Commission Meeting – April 9, 2026

The Toledo City Plan Commission held a regularly scheduled public hearing on April 9, 2026, beginning at approximately 2:00 PM. The commission addressed a wide range of agenda items including zone changes, special use permits, and a zoning code amendment. Key topics included a proposed solar field in the Old South End, a 24-hour Speedway gas station on Burnath Parkway, a water tower in a residential area, and a native plant landscaping requirement. The meeting featured extensive public testimony and several roll-call votes.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of the special city hearing of February 25, 2026, unanimously.
• Withdrawal: Case SCP 26009 (Type A daycare at 8116 Seacor Road) was withdrawn by the applicant; no action needed.
• Deferral: Case SCP 260011 (scrap and salvage facility at 4103 LeGrange Street) was deferred 60 days to the June agenda, unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Silver Creek Water Tower (SUP26002): Laura Crawford (5455 South Glastonbury) spoke in opposition, citing concerns about contamination (Legionella, E. coli), risk to children climbing the tower, destruction of wildlife, and stormwater impacts. She presented a petition from residents opposed to the location. The applicant noted the neighborhood meeting was positive overall, with updated landscape plans.
• Solar Field at 627 Lotus Ave (SUP26003 and MRO1-26): Several speakers expressed support: Brent Rombach (executive assistant to County Commissioner Anita Lopez) read a letter of support citing $100,000 annual community benefit funds. Hank Thomas (solar industry professional, 2253 Goddard Road) endorsed the project as the right size and location, noting compatibility with wildlife. Timothy Fields (BSA Community) supported the project for youth workforce development. Abigail Dennis (AmeriCorps staff at Historic South Initiative, 921 Thurston Ave) spoke in favor, emphasizing community reinvestment. Opponents included Kathleen Bresnahan Doer (4254 River Road) who questioned site selection and due diligence; Jody Moss (230 Walbridge Ave) citing fishing and wildlife; Gary Braun (6614 Colburn St) noted alternative sites like the zoo parking lot; Sue Terrell (1844 Lindbrook) argued the site is designated green space in the master plan and showed a lotus pod as a symbol of the area's natural value; Tonda Kazicki (3929 South Detroit Ave) requested more time for consideration and raised concerns about contamination. The applicant (Joe Cordella, Historic South Initiative) updated on a successful neighborhood meeting and a petition of 25 signers in support.
• Speedway Gas Station on Burnath Parkway (Z250038, SUP25049, PUD26005): Dozens of residents spoke in opposition. Eric Chase (1208 Hidden Ridge) opposed 24-hour operation, calling it disruptive to a bedroom community. Mike Phillips (5545 Bentwood) worried about transients, traffic, and property values. Don Papenfoos (5544 Bentwood) cited crime statistics and noted three existing Speedways within two miles. Lisa Heinrich (5435 Bentwood) was vehemently opposed, stating the new rendering would not match existing Speedway conditions. Gloria Walker (5749 Fire Thorn) feared for personal safety and neighborhood peace. Lisa Cunningham (5529 Bentwood) listed 12 gas stations within 3.3 miles and questioned the need for another. Teresa Vaselka (1155 Burnath Parkway) warned of cut-through traffic. One speaker suggested Airport and Reynolds as a better location. The developer (Rob Horton, Speedway) argued that 24-hour operation is essential for feasibility, and the five million dollar investment would revitalize a blighted site.
• Charter School at 3300 Glendale (SUP26010): One anonymous phone call opposed the school due to fear of increased crime.

Discussion Items

• Zone Change for Church Sign (Z26005): Christine Palmer (Collingwood Presbyterian Church, 2108 Collingwood Blvd) requested rezoning from RM36 to CO to allow a larger sign. The church has lost its monument signs in accidents; the change would help the 130-year-old congregation attract community activities. The sign would still need Historic District Commission approval. Approved unanimously.
• Zone Change to Duplex (Z25028): Calvin Mulligan (313 Riversides Ride) requested rezoning from CR to RD6 to match the current residential duplex use at 4927 Summit St. Approved unanimously.
• Silver Creek Water Tower (SUP26002): Andy McClure (City of Toledo, 420 Madison) presented the proposed 1.5 million gallon water tower at 1910 North Over Road. The project was deferred from March to allow a neighborhood meeting. Staff recommended approval with 30 conditions. The applicant agreed to remove a barbed wire fence option. Approved unanimously after public comment; will go to City Council on May 20, 2026.
• HV Savage Park Revitalization (SUP260014): Joe Fosna (Toledo Parks, 2201 Ottawa Dr) described demolition of the elevated pool, replacement with a shelter house and new splash pad. Harvey Savage Jr. (2163 Green Valley Dr), a descendant of the park's namesake, spoke in support. Approved unanimously.
• Solar Field at 627 Lotus Ave (SUP26003 and MRO1-26): The applicant (Joe Cordella and Carl Wagner of Historic South Initiative) presented the 1.5 megawatt, 4.5-acre solar array on a 15-acre city-owned parcel. The project is funded by a federal HUD grant, with an estimated $100,000/year community benefit fund for the Old South End. The applicant also addressed a 40-foot easement shift to accommodate adjacent property rights. Staff recommended approval with 25 conditions and a waiver for gravel access roads (TMC 1107.1906). After public testimony, the commission approved both SUP 26003 and MRO1-26 by unanimous voice votes. The special use permit will go to City Council on May 20, 2026. The waiver for gravel surface was added to the approval by separate vote.
• Burnath Parkway Gas Station Development (Z250038, SUP25049, PUD26005): Attorney Gene Abercrabie (Semarrow Henry, 7255 Crosslee Court) represented developer RCP Development for a Speedway gas station and convenience store at 1322 Burnath Parkway (former TGI Fridays). The site is 2.44 acres, currently vacant and vandalized. Staff recommended approval for the zone change (RM12 to CN) and the special use permit, but with a condition limiting hours to 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM (Condition #28). The developer insisted on 24-hour operation as essential to the business model. After public opposition, the commission first approved waivers: eliminating the 35-foot front yard setback (50 ft allowed) and allowing a curb cut on Tiburon Lane for the adjacent condominium complex. Then a motion to remove Condition #28 (24-hour operation) passed 3-2 (Mominy no, Winnington yes, Ray Cop no, Paul yes, Grossweiler yes). The zone change (Z250038) was approved unanimously. The special use permit (SUP25049), as amended (24-hour operation), was then voted on by roll call; it failed 3-2 (Mominy no, Winnington yes, Ray Cop no, Paul yes, Grossweiler yes). Thus the SUP will go to City Council with a recommendation for disapproval. The removal from the planned unit development (PUD26005) was approved unanimously. The commission also added a condition requiring a sidewalk along the access drive to Tiburon.
• Charter School (SUP26010): Paulette Hare (Oakmont Education, 481 N Cleveland Massillon Rd, Akron) presented a dropout recovery high school for ages 15-21 at 3300 Glendale Ave. The school will offer diplomas and career-tech certifications. Staff recommended approval with 13 conditions. Approved unanimously.
• Scrap and Salvage at 5400 N Detroit (SCP26006): Sarah Henchcliffe and Dennis Stropko represented the existing scrap operation. They sought a special use permit for the specialty secondary processing facility, which has operated since 2008. Staff recommended approval with 27 conditions, including a waiver to allow trucking within 100 ft of Detroit Ave. The main concern was Condition #18 regarding removal of unused driveways on the southern portion of the property. The commission accepted amended language that a revised site plan be submitted and reviewed by traffic management and the plan director. Approved unanimously pending that amendment.
• Native Plant Landscaping Standards (M1125): Dana (planning staff) presented a text amendment to Toledo Municipal Code Section 1108.0400 to require use of native plants, referencing USDA plant database and encouraging species diversification. The amendment also adopts an updated street tree list from the Urban Forestry Commission. Approved unanimously and will go to City Council.

Key Outcomes

• SUP26002 (Silver Creek Water Tower): Approved unanimously; City Council hearing May 20, 2026.
• SUP260014 (HV Savage Park): Approved unanimously; City Council hearing May 20, 2026.
• SUP26003 (Solar Field) and MRO1-26: Approved unanimously with waiver for gravel surface; SUP will go to City Council May 20, 2026.
• Z250028 (Burnath Parkway Zone Change): Approved unanimously.
• SUP25049 (Speedway Gas Station): Denied, 3-2. The 24-hour operation condition was removed by a 3-2 vote, but the special use permit itself failed. Goes to City Council with a recommendation for disapproval.
• PUD26005 (Removal from PUD): Approved unanimously.
• SUP26010 (Charter School): Approved unanimously.
• SCP26006 (Scrap and Salvage): Approved as amended; condition revised to allow future review of driveways.
• M1125 (Native Plant Standards): Approved unanimously.
• Director's Report: Update on zoning code rewrite; four consultants shortlisted, interviews within two weeks. Also noted that a previous case (Sheets gas station from Monroe) resulted in a 2-2 tie and will be re-noticed and reheard per code requirements.