I-Team learns City of Toledo trying to buy homes - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

I-Team: City of Toledo trying to buy homes

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13abc.com Shaun Hegarty - email
TOLEDO, Ohio -

The city of Toledo is looking to buy out some East Toledo homeowners and some of them say they're not going without a fight.  It's all part of an effort to make sure everyone has clean drinking water.  But will the cost be some people looking for a new place to live? 

27 home owners along Collins Park Avenue didn't feel a lot of love the day after Valentine's Day when the city drafted a letter.

13abc has obtained a copy of the letter that says in part, the city would like "… the opportunity to discuss the possible acquisition and future development of your property… to help effectuate the necessary public facility expansion and improvements."

"When I first got the letter, I didn't believe it.  I didn't know what it was all about," said Collins Park avenue resident Phil Perry.  "My answer is absolutely not.  I bought this place to retire here. It's quiet.  It's nice and dark and there's no crime."

"Currently it's a willing seller, willing buyer situation and we're just asking them if they're interested in selling their property to the city of Toledo," said Dave Leffler, a commissioner with the Public Utilities department says federally mandated plant improvements are necessary and that means some new facilities.

The city already owns some lots on Collins Park avenue and buying more would allow for additional expansion space. 

"They always say for the many not for the few, but put yourself in our position.  How is that right though?" said Perry. 

The Collins Park golf course sits right next to Collins Park avenue and the homes that received the letter.  13abc asked if the city owned golf course could be part of the project and we were told it's a possibility.

"In the future as Toledo grows and more water is needed for the region.  Collins Park [golf course] is owned by the city and it would be logical to expand further over onto that property as well," said Leffler.

So the big question now: How far could this fight go?  13abc asked if this could get to an imminent domain situation.

"I would not rule out imminent domain down the road.  Currently we're not there and currently it is a willing buyer, willing seller situation," said Leffler. 

A couple of home owners have called the city, but city representatives would like to hear from all of them.

The Toledo city council has this item on its agenda next week, to discuss going forward with this project and we'll let you know how they vote on it. 

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