D. Michael Collins promised his administration would strengthen the city’s focus on local development and investment, and in a very short time he has made that a clear priority.
In addition to the major announcement that ProMedica will move its administrative offices Downtown and make a historic investment in the heart of Toledo, and the Toledo administrative cooperation that led to furniture producer Allermuir U.S. purchasing a 37-acre site in Maumee, there was a quick and collaborative effort with Toledo City Council this week.
Toledo City Council voted unanimously to purchase the 11-floor Clarion on Reynolds Road in the hopes of attracting new businesses to the former Southwyck Mall area.
Collins officials told WSPD that there is interest in a nearby K-mart but the business would only move into the area if the hotel was demolished.
That demolition is expected to cost the city around $800,000; that is an investment in growth.
There is no deal made yet but the fast movement and all-in vote by council demonstrates a so-far smooth and efficient development engine.
There is no question the presence of Matt Sapara is already paying off and it is exciting to see such a firecracker string of successes.
The message to the business community is clear: Toledo is seeking fast growth with as smooth a development process as possible.
That does not mean every deal is going through on the backs of unicorns jumping over rainbows, but it is extremely encouraging to see the initial successes Collins’ administration is facilitating.
If some of that effort and success can be shared with the city’s established development on the international stage, Collins will be on the way to silencing doubters and bringing a fresh and vital attitude to Toledo — just as he promised on the campaign trail.
