Toledo Zoning & Planning Committee Meeting – May 20, 2026

The City of Toledo Zoning & Planning Committee met on May 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The committee heard seven active zoning and planning items, deferred four items to a future meeting, and reviewed ongoing studies. A fraud warning was issued regarding phishing emails. Most items were recommended for approval to full city council, while two items were sent without recommendation due to public opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case #6 – Water Towers (1910 Northover Rd.): Resident Laura Crawford spoke against the project, citing concerns about location in a residential neighborhood (eyesore, contamination, vandalism, property values, noise), and questioned why construction began before final approval. She presented a petition and asked the council to consider an alternative site. Councilmember Driscoll acknowledged constituent opposition.

• Case #7 – Standalone Solar Field (627 Lotus Ave.): Multiple residents testified:

  • Penny Noyes (neighbor) opposed, arguing panels would block river views, harm migratory birds due to glare and disorientation, and disrupt wildlife. She listed bird species observed.
  • Sue Terrell (Friends of the Maumee River) requested referral to committee until a community benefit agreement is signed, citing lack of transparency and the 2017 master plan’s designation of the site as future greenspace.
  • Steve Seaton (Broadway Corridor Coalition) supported the project, calling it a win-win that does not preclude future park development and provides needed revenue for the Old South End.
  • Tonda Kazicki opposed, questioning environmental review, the lack of a binding revenue contract, and urging preservation of riverfront. She also raised concerns about transparency and the grant’s origin.
  • Timothy Fields (BSN Community) supported, highlighting long-term sustainability and reinvestment in the community.
  • Kathleen Brushnahan Durr supported the concept but opposed the location, requesting more dialogue and a pause.

Discussion Items

• Fraud Warning: Director Catrell alerted applicants about fraudulent emails requesting additional fees; advised not to click links and to call the city.

• Case #1 – Gas Station Expansion (4486 Monroe St., SUP25-0048): Applicant requested removal of condition 14 (sign compliance) but councilmember Melden declined, citing the sign code system. He recommended approval as recommended by Plan Commission (19 conditions, 2 waivers). No public comment. Motion passed; item to full council June 9.

• Case #2 – Zone Change to RD6 (4927 N. Summit St., Z25-0028): Applicant Calvin Mulligan requested change from CR to RD6 for residential use. No public comment. District member recommended approval. Sent to full council June 9.

• Case #3 – School (3300 Glendale Ave., SUP26-0010): Originally deferred, but councilmember Hobbs requested it be heard. Applicant had no objections at Plan Commission. District member recommended approval. Sent to full council June 9.

• Case #4 – Scrap & Salvage Facility (5400 N. Detroit Ave., SUP26-0006): Applicant agreed to 27 conditions and 1 waiver. Condition 18 updated regarding curb cuts. No public comment. District member recommended approval, asking the operator to be a good neighbor. Sent to full council June 9.

• Case #5 – Community Recreation (617 City Park Ave., SUP26-0014): Joe Fosna described a revitalization project at Savage Park including new splash pad, parking, pathways, shelter, and playground. No public comment. Council President Williams recommended approval. Sent to full council June 9.

• Case #6 – Water Towers (1910 Northover Rd., SUP26-0002): Applicant presented for two elevated tanks. Councilmember Martinez highlighted OEPA requirements and improved water pressure. Councilmember Driscoll, citing constituent opposition, sent the item to full council without recommendation. Public testimony was heard.

• Case #7 – Standalone Solar Field (627 Lotus Ave., SUP26-0003): Applicant Carl Wagner (Historic South Initiative) described a 15‑acre solar array funded by a $1.5M HUD grant. Revenue (estimated $100,000/year for 25 years) would fund neighborhood improvements. Plan Commission voted 5‑0 for approval. After public testimony, councilmember Gaddis moved to send to full council without recommendation due to neighbor concerns. Motion passed.

• Case #12 – Zone Change to CO (2108 Collingwood Blvd., Z26-0005): Christine Palmer (Collingwood Presbyterian Church) requested change to CO to allow an exterior sign for their adaptive‑reuse building. Supported by Old West End Historic Commission. No public comment. Council President Williams recommended approval. Sent to full council June 9.

• Items 13 & 14 – Studies and Moratorium: Director Catrell reported selection of a consultant for the zoning code rewrite and noted the historic preservation moratorium (about five months away). Several zoning code text amendments are expected soon.

Key Outcomes

• Deferred to June 17, 2026: Cases #8 (gasoline sales SUP), #9 (PUD removal), #10 (zone change), and #11 (landscaping study) were deferred per applicant requests or staff need.
• Sent to Full City Council (June 9, 2026) with Recommendation: Cases #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #12.
• Sent to Full City Council (June 9, 2026) Without Recommendation: Cases #6 and #7.
• Fraud Warning: Director Catrell alerted the public; no action needed.