Message from Mayor Kapszukiewicz |
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Cities across America have an amazing opportunity to invest in themselves in a way not seen since the New Deal.
Toledo will be receiving more than $188 million in COVID-19 relief funding from the American Rescue Plan, and we have outlined a preliminary plan on how our city could spend that money. We will prioritize things like job-creation, capital projects, redevelopment, youth programming, housing, and budget stabilization.
Our plan includes the following:
- $53 million for budget stabilization to eliminate transfers from the capital improvement budget, maintain $25 million in our rainy-day fund through 2026, and reduce future debt costs.
- $30 million for youth, recreation, and parks, which could include accessible equipment, educational opportunities, arts funding, community center improvements, and a summer youth jobs program. This allows us to invest in our future by investing in our children.
- $15 million for employee health and wellbeing by investing in our workforce and services, and our customer service department, Engage Toledo.
- $30 million for programs to reduce gun violence, provide work force development, fight food insecurity, and develop a youth mentorship initiative.
- $30 million for neighborhood investments such as commercial and residential demolition, small business support, and a city-wide development authority.
- $30 million for green and healthy housing and preservation initiatives such as lead-law compliance, historic preservation, energy efficiency, and environmental projects.
We may never have a chance like this again to make long term, generational improvements to our city. That is why the work that we will do over the next several months with Toledo City Council and other community leaders is so important.
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I was thrilled this week to get my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. When Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine lowered the age limit to people younger than 50, I jumped at the chance and signed up immediately.
I again encourage everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine to make sure you can be there for your family. I got my COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday so I can be there for my loved ones.
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Finally, I want to highlight the groundbreaking of Secor Senior Lofts, affordable senior housing, which we celebrated this week.
That project is a wonderful use for the property near Monroe and Secor, which will provide badly-needed affordable senior housing for our community. It is the correct use for that land, and it will fit seamlessly into the neighborhood. Leasing information can be found at mvahpartners.com.
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The Toledo Department of Economic Development has been hard at work helping three small businesses open their doors in Downtown Toledo. The department assisted these businesses through the permit process and with their financing needs. Below is more information about these new businesses.
Click here for more information on how the city can help your businesses.
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Grindhrs Co. Coffee & Community provides entertainment, hospitality, and coffee in a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. They offer a variety of classic coffee and espresso drinks with a creative twist. The modern chic decor is the perfect back drop for writing that paper you have been putting off, your next zoom meeting, or a selfie with your BFF sipping on a “Yass queen iced latte.” Come out and be seen at Grindhrs Co.
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When Doug Dymarkowski, Paul Dymarkowski, and Danny Dymarkowski were deciding what to do with the vacant first floor space in the building that they own at 20 North St. Clair St. they immediately thought the best use for the space would be a bar or restaurant, especially since the building is located in Hensville. The Dymarkowskis, and partners Tom Wright, Greg Zilba, and Geoff Scott, developed a bar-restaurant concept. The concept has resulted in their new venture, Firefly. It is an upscale bar and restaurant that serves international street food. Firefly has a full-service bar and restaurant. It also has a walk-up window that serves food and alcoholic beverages from its DORA window. Firefly opened for business on Feb. 27, 2021. It is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Hannon's Block is proudly located in downtown Toledo. It is about crafting an experience and providing a service for the great people of this city to enjoy.
They strive every day to create a product that is fresh, free of chemicals, and additives, and quality driven.
"We are appreciative for the great small businesses in this town and the hardworking members of the service industry," said Michael Stancati. "Through our partnerships with family-owned companies like Vasko, IBC properties, Mariucci & Associates, Jamieson’s Audio Video, and Sofos Foods, and with the supportive members of Toledo city offices, we have achieved our goals and will continue to do our part in contributing to the dining scene here in Toledo."
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