Toledo City Plan Commission Meeting - September 10, 2026

The Toledo City Plan Commission held a formal meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers at One Government Center. The meeting addressed multiple zone changes, a text amendment, and three local landmark designation requests. Several cases were deferred or withdrawn, and landmark designations for two Catholic churches generated significant public comment and debate.

Consent Calendar (Procedural Actions)

• Z26-0015 – Zone change at 2517 Fulton Street: The applicant requested and was granted a 60-day deferral to the November agenda, carried unanimously.
• V-325-26 – Alley vacation north of Western Avenue: Withdrawn by the applicant.
• SUP26-0019 – Special use permit for a daycare center at 662 Phillips Avenue: Postponed for 30 days.

Discussion Items & Public Comments

Z26-0016 – Zone Change for Toledo Zoo Parking Lot (866 Bartley Place)

• Staff recommended approval, citing compatibility with existing land uses and nearby zoning. The applicant (Nathan Decker, 2700 Broadway) stated the change would bring a newly developed parking lot into the zoo's institutional campus master plan. One neighbor had general questions but no objection; a neighborhood meeting also drew no objections. The commission unanimously approved the zone change.

M-5-26 – Text Amendment for Industrial Site Plan Review Threshold

• The Plan Commission acted as applicant. Staff proposed exempting industrial site expansions disturbing less than 2,500 square feet from minor site plan review, replacing it with a certificate of zoning compliance. The amendment includes a clause allowing the planning director to require review when appropriate. No public correspondence was received, and the commission unanimously approved. The case goes to City Council on October 21, 2026.

M-15-26 – Local Landmark Designation: Viking Lodge (1623–1627 Broadway)

• The applicant (Julie Apt, 8 North St. Clair) requested designation for the building, built in 1916 and formerly a lodge. The owner (Mosaic Ministries) seeks historic tax credits for redevelopment into an early childhood education center and food pantry. One public speaker (John Doty) supported the designation in memory of his wife. No other correspondence was received. The commission unanimously approved, sending the case to City Council on October 21.

M-16-26 – Local Landmark Designation: Sacred Heart Catholic Church (509 Oswald Street)

• This case was initiated by City Council. Staff (Bill Harbert) presented the historic and architectural significance (German Gothic Romanesque, limestone construction, built ~1900). The Diocese of Toledo, owner of the property, opposed the designation. Attorney Tom Antonini read a statement arguing the church had not been consulted, that the process interfered with religious property decisions under canon law and the First Amendment, and that the diocese would pursue legal remedies if the designation proceeded. The diocese stated Sacred Heart was in poor condition (basement issues) and that they had not requested this action. Public testimony was heavily in favor of preservation: 18 letters of support, 3 in opposition, and a 14-page petition with ~100 signatures were received. Speakers included residents, a community organizer (Gary Linhart of One Voice for East Toledo), and a former parishioner (CJ Estelle, via letter) who described efforts to purchase the church and secure redevelopment funding. A licensed contractor and longtime parishioners challenged the diocese's repair estimates, claiming they were inflated. The commission debated the balance between private property rights and public preservation interest. A motion to approve passed 3-1 (Mominay, Whittington, Grossweiler in favor; Ricoff opposed). The case goes to City Council on October 21.

M-17-26 – Local Landmark Designation: Good Shepherd Catholic Church (500 Clark Street)

• Similar to Sacred Heart, this case was initiated by City Council. Staff described the building as a combination of Byzantine and Romanesque styles, with unique doming, and noted it appeared in fair condition. The Diocese opposed, arguing the designation was premature and that they had not been consulted. No current demolition plans were stated, but the diocese said the designation would not help their ongoing efforts to find a use. Public testimony supported designation, emphasizing the church's iconic dome and its role as a gateway to East Toledo. A motion to approve passed 3-1 (same split as Sacred Heart). The case goes to City Council on October 21.

Key Outcomes

• Z26-0016: Approved; forwarded to City Council Planning & Zoning Committee on October 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
• M-5-26: Approved; similarly forwarded to City Council on October 21.
• M-15-26: Approved; forwarded to City Council on October 21.
• M-16-26: Approved (3-1); forwarded to City Council on October 21.
• M-17-26: Approved (3-1); forwarded to City Council on October 21.
• Z26-0015, V-325-26, SUP26-0019: Deferred or withdrawn as noted above.
• Director’s Report: Richard Arnold briefed the commission on a City Council settlement (City of Toledo v. Singletary, $62,500) related to a denied group home, criticizing the secrecy and linking it to an unacted-upon text amendment from 2019. The commission also learned that a zoning code consultant will visit in the third week of October, with a special commission hearing tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 21 (date to be confirmed).