Toledo Zoning & Planning Committee Meeting – August 19, 2026

The Zoning & Planning Committee of the Toledo City Council met on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers. The committee considered six development cases, a text amendment, and received updates on ongoing studies and moratoriums. Public comments at the end of the agenda raised concerns about administrative transparency and small business support. Several items were recommended to full council for approval, with key dates for future hearings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Andrew Zapata (food truck operator): After being told there was no ban on food trucks downtown, he presented evidence of a de facto ban (meter bagging, police displacement). He criticized the administration for denying a policy change and urged council to exercise its oversight powers, hold hearings, and legislate rather than defer to the mayor’s office. He stated he had found his voice and would continue to advocate for small business owners and residents who feel ignored.
• Matthew Primo: Expressed support for Mr. Zapata and raised concerns about reclassification of commercial properties due to zoning changes and the financial disparity in small business funds, citing ordinances that transferred $115,000 from the general fund to a dormant small business development fund.
• Becky (no affiliation stated): Said she is not a food truck owner but is tired of not having a voice and urged council to recognize they work for the people.

Discussion Items

• Case 1 – Special Use Permit (SUP) for Community Recreation at 355 Dearborn Avenue (Helping Hands): The applicant requested a waiver for front-yard parking in a residential district. Councilmember Gaddis expressed strong support, noting a community meeting addressed neighbor concerns. The committee recommended approval; the case will go to full council on September 8, 2026.
• Case 2 – SUP for Used Auto Sales at 5057 Lewis Avenue: Applicant Dawid Roman Maya and engineer Tim O’Brien described converting a dilapidated building into an indoor/outdoor car lot with repair space. President Williams asked about an existing unkempt car lot across the street and praised the renderings. The applicant accepted 43 conditions, including a prohibition on test drives on side streets. The district councilmember supported approval. Recommended to full council on September 8, 2026.
• Case 3 – Zone Change from IL Limited Industrial to CN Neighborhood Commercial at 3959 Lagrange Street: Louis Babona and planning staff explained the site was accidentally rezoned in the 2004 code update, and the change would bring it into compliance. President Williams asked if fees had been waived (similar to prior cases); staff agreed to refund if charged. Councilwoman Morris recommended approval. Recommended to full council on September 8, 2026.
• Case 4 – PUD Amendment for New Library at 3027 West Alexis Road (Star Diner improvements): Stephanie Peters (library representative) requested an amendment to add parking lot improvements, plantings, dumpster enclosures, and sidewalk extension. The plan commission recommended approval with 20 conditions and two waivers (frontage green belt along Alexis Road and dumpster screening requirements). President Williams confirmed Councilman Milton’s support. Recommended to full council on September 8, 2026, including the waivers.
• Case 5 – SUP for Scrap and Salvage at 4103 Lagrange Street: Applicant Troy Bartman requested a 30-day deferral to continue working with Councilwoman Morris. Councilman Comives complimented the cleanup at the site. The committee granted the deferral unanimously. New hearing expected in September 2026.
• Case 6 – Text Amendment on Community Recreation Definitions (Case M-4-26): Planner Alex presented a text amendment to split the broad “community recreation active” use into three categories: community centers, active recreation (parks, fields), and personal improvement services (tutoring, martial arts). Community centers would be allowed by right in commercial districts but still require a SUP in residential districts. Councilmember Gaddis noted the need, citing similar past cases. No vote taken; the matter will be considered on September 30, 2026.
• Item 7 – Review of Outstanding Studies: The zoning code rewrite is underway with a consultant; a draft engagement plan is expected by end of week, with a completion target of March 2028. Additional studies underway: industrial study, Reynolds Corner study, mural approval process, adult business study, complete streets guide, and a study to simplify thresholds for industrial site plan review (expected next agenda).
• Item 8 – Review of Upcoming Moratorium Expiration Dates: A consultant is handling local landmark designations; the first three (Broadway, Good Shepherd, Sacred Heart/Harvard) are on the next agenda, with about 20 total sites to be completed before the moratorium ends at year-end. Staff will take over afterward.

Key Outcomes

• Cases 1–4 were recommended to full city council for approval at the September 8, 2026 meeting, each with associated conditions and waivers as noted.
• Case 5 (4103 Lagrange) was deferred for 30 days.
• The text amendment (Case 6) was discussed and will go to a vote on September 30, 2026.
• The committee acknowledged the public comments and received them without further discussion or action.