Highland Heights Neighborhood Association

Meeting Date Change

2011-08-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

Highland Heights Neighborhood Association meetings have changed from the third Tuesday to the fourth Tuesday of the month. Upcoming meetings will be Sept. 27, Oct. 25, and Nov. 22, 2011.

Wow!

2011-08-14T13:30:00.001-07:00

I was just away for 24 days, but my how the garden has grown! Many thanks to all who have helped.

The Triangle Garden in July

2011-07-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

What a big difference one can see since we started this year. Our volunteers, most of whom live close to the garden, have kept the garden from scorching in our hot, dry weather, and the mulch will help, too. Thank you to all who have contributed time, water, and effort.

Triangle Garden

2011-06-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

This year, we've added perennials to the garden and a lovely butterfly bush, donated by master gardener, Christine. In the two photos of the garden, you can see how it has progressed. The city can't mow as often, so if the garden is going to be visible from the street, we'll need some volunteers to mow. We're also planting tall flowers. Carol Scheiber and Sarah Abts, pictured here, and Linda Scheiber and Linda Pomeroy have planted the gardens this year.

Thanks to our other consulting master gardener, Michelle, and to the many people who have and will be watering and weeding this summer. The master gardeners gave us a plan which we don't have the means to fully realize yet, but we've made a start and will be moving plants as we see how they do.

Park Clean-up

2011-04-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

On April 16, two groups of volunteers joined five HHNA members to pick up trash and spread mulch on the playground and around small trees. Randy Nissen led his class from Toledo Early College H.S. in a search for trash with Sarah Abts. Don Mullen and Linda Pomeroy worked alongside more of Randy's class on the playground to spread a thick layer of mulch, and Cooper and Jackie Suter/Barchick directed a troop of Girl Scouts from Gesu in mulching young and newly planted trees in the park. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and we did not get rained on much, nor blown away.

Household Toxic Waste Collection

2011-03-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Lucas County has ended their household toxic waste collection program. This makes organizing a collection as part of our April park clean up more difficult. For toxic items that cannot be returned to a retail store or dried up like paint, it still might make sense to have a collection. For example, I have a flawed small container of foam crack filler that does not dispense, so I can't just use it up. It is less than a pound, and the toxic waste dump charges a dollar a pound with a 40 pound minimum. Pooling things like that so that we had a load worth more than $40 would make sense. Anyone interested? Email this site or sarahabts@hotmail.com

Fall colors

2010-12-15T08:43:00.001-08:00

Cooler temperatures lead to less foot traffic at the park, but fall colors in the trees reward walkers.

New trees

2010-12-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

It is hard to remember how warm it was last week when the city planted about 20 trees. The trees found their way to Highland Park when the city found that tree wells elsewhere had been filled with concrete. Thank you, Dennis Garvin, Commissioner of Parks and Forestry Division, for thinking of our park. Last month four of us walked through the park with Denny and among other issues, mentioned that some of the trees planted last year have been damaged or killed.

HHNA to discuss park and more in August

2010-07-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

On August 17, 6:30 p.m. at Toledo Heights Branch Library, the Highland Heights Neighborhood Association will discuss playground upkeep, pool removal, and mowing at Highland Park--as well as other neighborhood concerns. The approximately 1 hour meeting is open to the public . For more information, call 419-259-5207. (There is no July meeting.)

On August 4, 2-4 p.m., HHNA will help the Toledo Heights Branch Library celebrate its 75th anniversary. HHNA will host a table with information about our activities. Table volunteers are needed; please call Pauline at 419-259-5220.

Photos: A neighborhood family enjoys one of the new trees planted last year at Highland Park.

Two HHNA volunteers prepare the soil for planting at South and Airport. HHNA maintains three community flower gardens; the others are at Woodsdale and South and at the Highland Park sign.

HHNA bid farewell recently to Mary Chwialkowski, former manager of the Toledo Heights Branch Library. She is pictured here with HHNA member Don Mullen at the Highland Park Earth Day 2009.

City takes action on problem properties

2010-02-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

Photos: Highland Heights residents listen to Bob Mossing, manager of code enforcement for the City of Toledo, report on our Dirty Dozen list of nuisance properties.

Bob Mossing, manager of code enforcement for the City of Toledo, attended our meeting February 16 and provided an update on our Dirty Dozen list of problem properties. Mr. Mossing personally inspected every property on our list, and reported on each one during our meeting. He also brought detailed information about city action on 38 nuisance properties in our area. We commend Mr. Mossing for his responsiveness to our concerns about deteriorated properties and look forward to continued progress.

In addition to Mr. Mossing's report, we also expressed to Councilman Michael Collins, who attended the meeting, our the need for increased police patrols, the need to end continued stagnation of the Highland Park pools, and the need for street resurfacing in our areas, particularly South Avenue between Detroit and Airport.

Mr. Collins indicated that he would check the condition of South Avenue and see whether it can be slated for resurfacing, as the city will be increasing street repairs in the coming year. He noted that police staffing is low, thanks to city belt-tightening, and increased patrols seem unlikely. He is unsure what the fate of the Highland Park pools is but has noted that we do not want to see them stay empty and abandoned. Options include repairing and opening the pools (privately or publicly) or turning them into green space.

One of the attendees asked Mr. Collins about getting handicapped-accessible curbs on her street, and he said he would follow up to be sure this happened.

UPDATE ON DIRTY DOZEN LIST

1425 South Ave. has been demolished. This property was at the top of our nuisance list, and we are pleased to say that it is gone.

1515 Wayne Street is in court.

723 Lodge is on the demolition list.

117 Ralph St. is in court.

501 S. Detroit; city has issued orders to repair and will add to demolition list in March if repairs are not made.

1120 South Ave. is on the demolition list.

171 Dale St.; city has issued orders to repair and will add to demolition list in March if repairs are not made.

1660 Wayne St. is on the demolition list.

535 Carlton; city has issued orders to repair and will add to demolition list in March if repairs are not made.

556 Carlton; city needs to reinspect

2424 Airport Hwy.; city has issued orders to repair and will add to demolition list in March if repairs are not made.

1642 Wayne St.; city has issued orders to repair.

1601, 1587 and 1585 Airline Ave. city has issued orders to repair.

--Reported by Carol Scheiber, Member Highland Heights Neighborhood Association.

Address concerns with city officials Feb. 16

2010-02-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

All are welcome to attend our next meeting, Tuesday, February 16, 6:30pm at Toledo Heights Library. Bob Mossing of the city will be there to update us on our "Dirty Dozen" list of problem properties. City Councilman Michael D. Collins will be there to discuss the concerns raised during our candidate's night: Highland Park pools, street paving, police presence, and more.

--posted by Carol Scheiber, Member

Neighborhood Stabilization Program, gardens and more

2009-11-17T19:09:00.001-08:00

At our meeting on November 17, HHNA discussed gardens, the Earth Fair to be held in April, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Mike Badik of the City of Toledo presented information about NSP, including four properties on streets across from Highland Park that are in the process of being purchased. NSP has not yet rehabbed any homes in our area, even though it is one of the designated "tipping point" neighborhoods. Throughout the city some 85 properties are under consideration for purchase and rehab, a portion of which are in the HHNA area. The NSP is a complex public-private partnership for helping stabilize neighborhoods seen as on the edge of "tipping" into deterioration. For more information about purchasing a rehabbed home (at 20% off the purchase price), see the city website: http://toledo.oh.gov/Portals/0/DREAM2OWNFLYER2REVFINALpdf.pdf

To read about the overall NSP program, see http://toledo.oh.gov/ and scroll down the home page to the section on NSP.

Pictured above are neighborhood residents discussing neighborhood issues with Councilman Mike Craig and Mike Badik.

--Carol Scheiber, Member, HHNA

Mayoral & Council Candidates Pledge Action on Community Concerns

2009-10-25T12:02:00.001-07:00

During the October 20 Candidates Night held at Burroughs School in South Toledo, mayoral candidates Mike Bell and Keith Wilkowski both pledged to act positively for the Highland Heights neighborhood, agreeing to almost all the requests made by neighborhood residents. The forum, also attended by 12 candidates running for six Toledo City Council at-large positions, was co-sponsored by Highland Heights Neighborhood Association (HHNA) and Burroughs Neighborhood Organization (BNO). Following are the questions the two groups posed to the mayoral and council candidates and the responses from the candidates.

HHNA Question 1 Will you pledge to demolish at least five houses/buildings a year in the areas in South Toledo that our groups represent and to vigorously enforce city code during your term in office?

YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Joe McNamara, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Rob Ludeman, Terry Shankland, Kevin Milliken, George Sarantou, Constantine Stamos.

NO: (No one.)

HHNA Question 2 Will you pledge to provide funding through capital improvement revenues to either: a) repair and upgrade Highland Park pools or b) convert them into green space beginning in 2010?

NO: George Sarantou.

HHNA Question 3 Will you pledge an increase in police patrols and presence in our neighborhoods, working in cooperation with our area anti-crime groups, such as BNO and HHNA?

NO: (No one.)

BNO Question 4 Will you pledge to annually trim, cut, and/or remove stumps, repair or replace city sidewalks and maintain alleys?

YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Joe McNamara, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Adam Martinez, Kevin Milliken, George Sarantou, Constantine Stamos.

NO: Terry Shankland, Rob Ludeman, Polly Taylor-Gerken

BNO Question 5 Will you commit to allocate a minimum of $350,000 annually in capital improvement funds in BNO and HHNA neighborhoods to resurface a minimum of 1 mile of street?

YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Rob Ludeman, Kevin Milliken, George Sarantou.

NO: Constantine Stamos, Joe McNamara, Terry Shankland.

BNO Question 6 Will you pledge to hold the owner of the 19.5 acre parcel located at 310 and 400 South Westwood Avenue accountable to clean it up, perhaps allocate environmental funds to assist in the clean up, and work with the University of Toledo, city of Toledo, and neighborhood organizations to complete a feasibility study to prepare the site for shovel-ready development including commercial, green and/or other related uses by end of 2010?

YES: Wilkowski, Bell, Steve Steele, Joe McNamara, Terry Biel, Phil Copeland, William "Willis" Terry, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Rob Ludeman, Kevin Milliken, George Sarantou.

NO: Terry Shankland, Constantine Stamos.

Candidates Night in South Toledo, Oct. 20

2009-10-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Highland Heights Neighborhood Association and the Burroughs Neighborhood Organization are co-sponsoring a Candidates Night on October 20, 7 p.m., at Burroughs School, 2404 South Ave. The evening will feature both Toledo mayoral candidates, as well as candidates running for city council. Refreshments will be served.
This event is free and open to the public. Neighborhood residents who would like to help out can contact the organizers by email at highland43609@gmail.com or by calling Don at: 419-382-6500.

City gives update on our Dirty Dozen List

2009-09-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Following is Bob Mossing’s update as of September 11, 2009 on the list of 13 problem properties that we're calling our "Dirty Dozen." Mr. Mossing is the code enforcement officer for the city of Toledo.

--Carol Scheiber, Highland Heights Neighborhood Assn.

See updated report on properties. Please let me know if you have additional concerns. 1425 South will be down this year.

1425 South Demo list and board up requested on 7/27/09-still not boarded will make another request.

9/10/09-----REINSPECTED AND NO CHANGE---WILL SEND JODY AND E-MAIL TO BOARD UP THE PROPERTY.
1515 Wayne Property is secure and clean. I am working will the owner to make the repairs. Gave the owner more time to make some type of progress.

9/10/09-----REINSPECTED AND FILING CHARGES ON THE OWNER--NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE
723 Lodge The property is going thru foreclosure and I left a message for Ruth Seth (Lucas Co Auditor) to see if the house would be up for Sheriff sale soon. Waiting for response.

9/10/09------REINSPECTED AND NO CHANGE---RUTH SETH LEFT A MESSAGE STATING THE PROPERTY IS NOW FORFEITED LAND AND WILL BEING GOING THRU ANOTHER SALE----PER LORI THE HOUSE IS ON THE DEMO LIST, HOWEVER IT DOES NOT QUALIFY AS DEMO MATERIAL.

117 Ralph The property was part of a bankruptcy, however the owner quick claimed the property back to the lender and the lender did not want it back so the lender is trying to resolve this situation (legally) and they will be maintaining the property until the process is complete.

9/10/09 --------THE PROPERTY WAS TRANSFERRED BACK TO THE PRIOR OWNER AND I WILL BE ISSUING NEW ORDERS TO HIM----THE BANK DID COMPLY WITH MY REQUEST TO CLEAN AND SECURE THE PROPERTY.
501 S. Detroit The grass was cut. No other violations
9/10/09---------NO VIOLATIONS AT TIME OF INSPECTION.

1120 South The owners are in court and the property is currently on the demo list
9/10/09--------NO CHANGE---PROPERTY STILL ON THE DEMO LIST----
171 Dale 8/10/09 issued a nol.
9/10/09--------OWNERS COMPLIED WITH THE NOL.
1660 Wayne Filing an affidavit.
9/10/09---------HAVE NOT RECEIVED COURT DATE YET.
535 Carlton 8/10/09 nol and requested a board up
9/10/09 ---------THE PROPERTY IS SECURED.

556 Carlton 8/10/09 grass was cut, but issued 30 day na order on the property
9/10/09---------THE 30 DAY ORDER HAS NOT EXPIRED
2424 Airport 8/1/09 the grass was cut and the property is boarded to keep people out
9/10/09---------THE 30 DAY ORDER HAS NOT EXPIRED
1642 Wayne 8/10/09 nol issued
9/10/09 ISSUING ANOTHER NOL AND REQUESTING BOARD UP
1601 Airline 8/10/09 30 day order was issued on the house
9/10/09-----THE 30 DAY ORDER HAS NOT EXPIRED
1587 Airline 8/10/09 vacant lot-the grass was cut-no violations at time of inspection
9/10/09 NO VIOLATIONS AT TIME OF INSPECTION
1585 Airline 8/10/09 30 day order was issued on the garage
9/10/09-----THE 30 DAY ORDER HAS NOT EXPIRED, HOWEVER THE OWNER REQUESTED MORE TIME TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDERS
Commitments / reports from Bob Mossing,
City of Toledo, Manager of Code Enforcement

What happened to the fish!?

2009-08-27T10:29:00.001-07:00

No one who takes a walk next to Swan Creek in Highland Park can miss the stink: dead and rotting fish line the shores of the creek. The news media has highlighted this environmental disaster, and we await a conclusion from Fish and Wildlife as to the reason. We live next to the creek, and the health of our waters affects our health, too. We hope for prompt answers and action and will update this blog as the story unfolds.
--Carol Scheiber, HHNA member

City promises action on "Dirty Dozen" list

2009-08-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Bob Mossing of the City of Toledo attended our August 13 meeting to give an update on each of the 13 problem properties our organziation has targeted. A detailed list of Mr. Mossing's response to each property will be posted at a later date. To summarize: the city departments that act on nuisance properties are now alerted to these properties. Some will see immediate action by the city in terms of inspections, notices to property owners, etc. We expect that due process for property owners will NOT result in undue delay for the action we are pressing for: cleanup, weed and garbage removal, etc.

One conclusion that is safe to make is that HHNA must and will continue to press for action, because without raising our voices together, we will not see changes in our neighborhood. We now have had one face-to-face meeting with the city official who oversees nuisance property complaints. We will continue to push until we see these properties cared for in the way any neighbor would.

--Carol Scheiber, HHNA member

Meeting August 13--City to discuss Nuisance Properties with HHNA

2009-07-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

The Highland Heights Neighborhood Association will meet on August 13, 6:30pm at the Toledo Heights branch library. The public is welcome. On the agenda are: action on the "Dirty Dozen" nuisance properties, update on the community gardens, and an update from the Crimebusters (subcommittee working to stop crime).

The city has stated its intention to send an official to our meeting to respond to our concerns about our Dirty Dozen list. For more information, call Mary at Toledo Heights branch library: 419-259-5220.

Ensuring safety, planting gardens

2009-05-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

AGAINST CRIME
Citizens from the Highland Heights area met at Toledo Heights library May 14 to sign up for various anti-crime task forces. The overriding sentiment at the meeting was that law-abiding citizens (the vast majority) will stand up to thugs, thieves and others who would lower the quality of life. For more on how to get involved, contact Crimebuster Coordinators Marsha Heidt at 419-389-1995 or Jimmy Lewis, 419-410-7526.

GARDEN BLITZ
On May 13, Jason Gorr, Linda and Carol Scheiber and Ellen Rodriguez expanded and planted the garden at South and Airport Hwy. They also planted the garden at Woodsdale and South. The experience gave all new respect for the Irishmen who dug the Erie Canal, as breaking sod is not for the faint of heart. A few days later Jason, Ellen , Cooper Suter and others dug more sod and planted a rain garden in Highland Park. Water and weed volunteers are still being sought. If you can help, email highland43609@gmail.com.
A hearty thank you to the following plant donors: Ohlman Greenhouse, Ohlman Greenhouse, Toledo Botanical Gardens, Sun Moon,Naturally Native Nursery, and Garden Nursery.

Fight back against crime in South Toledo

2009-05-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

South Toledoans have the opportunity to take action against crime in their area by attending the Highland Hts. Neighborhood Assn. (HHNA) meeting on Thursday, May 14, 6:30pm at the Toledo Hts. Branch library on Shasta Dr.

Neighbors are fed up with gang graffiti, shootings, and other crime in South Toledo. Resident Marcia Heidt got so disgusted, she invited the whole neighborhood over to her house April 30. Dozens of people stood in the rain to work out the beginnings of a citizen response.

At the May 14 meeting, HHNA plans to have sign up sheets for those willing to help. This will not be a forum for discussing our crime experiences; rather we will be focusing on taking personal responsibility for different anti-crime actions. At this time, chairpersons and volunteers are needed for:

Phone tree

Walking patrols

Anti-graffiti helpers (work with those who've been hit by graffiti to see it is removed)

Police communications

Any police living in South Toledo are encouraged to come and provide their professional perspective.

For more information, contact Mary at the Toledo Hts Library: 419-259-5220.

In the photos-- Bottom: Councilman Mike Craig responds to concerns about crime. Middle and top: Citizens showed up at Marcia Heidt's house to say "Enough!" to crime.

--Posted by Carol Scheiber

Anti-crime meeting tonight

2009-04-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

All in the Highland Hts. Neighborhood are invited to a meeting tonight, April 30 at 7pm at 741 Ogden Ave. to discuss ways to fight back against crime and graffiti in the area. Come and bring a neighbor. --posted by Carol Scheiber

More Earth Fair photos

2009-04-27T07:49:00.001-07:00

See our blog (below) about the success of the Earth Fair held at Highland Park on April 25

Earth Fair organizer Jason Gorr and an official with the city Environmental Services division take time for a smile.

EarthEcycle collected dozens of kinds of electronics to recycle.

In addition, some Earth Fair visitors admire a tree that will soon bring shade to those who visit the Highland Park playground.

--Carol Schuck Scheiber

Earth Fair brings South Toledo together for environmentalism

2009-04-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the hard work of many people, most notably organizer Jason Gorr, Earth Fair, held at Highland Park Saturday, April 25, was a big success.

Blessed with warm sunny weather, several environmental and neighborhood groups hosted booths, including Highland Heights Neighborhood Association (HHNA). A steady stream of visitors brought electronics and paint for recycling and mercury thermometers for exchanging. Small groups toured the dam remediation project near the park footbridge. This dam project has created a healthier fish habitat in Swan Creek.

Several city officials and workers attended this positive event. Mayoral candidate Keith Wilkowski shook hands and talked to attendees.

In a lasting tribute to the positive energy of the day, the city planted seven new fruit and shade trees along the footpath and near the playground. HHNA has long advocated for shade trees near the playground; hats off to all who made this happen!

Stay abreast of environmental efforts in Toledo by visiting http://www.blogger.com/www.thinkgreenfirst.net. Kudos to all citizens, activists and city workers who contributed to the success of this day!

Photo: Top: Toledo Heights Librarian Mary Chwialkowski, Don Mullen and Linda Pomeroy--all active with HHNA--took part in Earth Day. The Toledo Heights Branch Library also hosted a table.

--Story and photos by Carol Schuck Scheiber

Celebrate Earth Day at Highland Park April 25

2009-04-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

All are invited to an Earth Fair at Highland Park, corner of Woodsdale and South Ave,Saturday, April 25, noon to 3pm. This public event will feature organizational displays, collection of used paint in good condition, tree planting, mercury thermometer exchange (bring your old mercury thermometer, get a new, non-mercury one free), and walking tours of the dam remediation project in the park.

Environmentalist Jason Gorr of the Highland Park neighborhood has worked with a number of people and groups in the area to organize this celebration of environmental action and our very own Highland Park.

For more information, contact Jason at thinkgreenfirst.net or 419-509-9263.

--Carol Scheiber

Vacant homes on your street? Tell us!

2009-02-21T05:55:00.000-08:00

Following up on our first post, "Millions coming to South Toledo," we members of Highland Hts. Neighborhood Assn. encourage residents in the Burroughs School area and in the Highland Park area to post comments on this blog with the addresses of vacant or foreclosed homes. Or call Mary C. at the Toledo Heights Branch Library: 419-259-5220. Suggestions can be considered by our organization when we propose possible places for the city to invest. Learn more about the Neighborhood Stabilization Program by reading our brief posting about it (below) or by reading the more detailed description published by the Blade at: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090205/NEWS16/902050299. --Carol Scheiber, member

Millions of dollars coming to South Toledo

2009-02-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed writing that headline! At our meeting on Feb. 12, 2009, Mike Badik, Toledo Housing Commissioner, explained how the Neighborhood Stabilization Program will affect Toledo and our neighborhood in particular.

Without going into a lot of detail (and there is a lot of detail in this federal program), Toledo is receiving $12.2 million to invest in housing in "tipping point" neighborhoods. The Highland Heights and Burroughs School areas are considered tipping points--stable, middle-class/working class areas in threat of serious deterioration. These South Toledo areas are second on the list of the four most critical areas for investment.

Monies will be used primarily to purchase and rehab vacant homes in concert with private developers. These will then be sold to applicants who must meet several criteria that will ensure that they will be responsible homeowners. The idea behind all of this money and effort is to strategically focus effort on a block that can be saved from deterioration by the addition of a stable homeowner in a solid home. The thinking is that this stable, well-kept home will then inspire and encourage more of the same, thereby preventing the neighborhood from "tipping" into slum.

HHNA will begin gathering the addresses of vacant homes that might be purchased via this program. If you have a suggestion, post it here on this blog, or email it to highland43609@gmail.com. --Written by Carol Scheiber, Member