Concern over the physical condition of some downtown Toledo buildings and vacant store fronts has prompted what may result in a series of special city council – Toledo Economic Development discussions. The first was held on Monday, June 10.

Revitalizing the downtown area and how to do it quickly emerged as the focus.

Toledo banker John Kavalier, president of the economic development group, and members Bill Skow, Donna Princehouse and Dale Yuska joined council members Brian Sokol, Joe Boll and Darvin Graham and Tama County Economic Development Director Katherine Ollendieck in identifying some of the perceived issues in a 4 p.m. session at the Reinig-Toledo Civic Center. Council members Duane Pansegrau and Sokol also serve in the development organization. Mayor John Lloyd and Council member Steve Vesely later arrived

Kavalier said the group had put forth a number of efforts to stimulate interest in downtown projects which have not found success.

One building of particular concern is at 113 West High Street which is listed in Tama County Assessor priority records as owned by Richard Wedmore. he is reported to live out-of-state and has not responded to city efforts to take any action on the property

Public works Director Kendall Jordan, who also serves as city zoning administrator, said much of the two-story building has collapsed with a portion of the first floor falling into the basement. He cautioned the condition may be affecting adjacent buildings.

Council member Joe Boll said a measure to allow apartments on the first floor of downtown buildings had been before the council three to four years ago but had not been acted upon.

Ollendieck, the county economic development director, urged a certain measure of storefronts be maintained if ground floor apartments were allowed.

She said she would explore state funding including Department of Natural Resources assistance for asbestos removal if further action is taken on the West High Street building.

There was some discussion of Iowa Main Street programs and the success Dysart has had in its downtown area.

Ollendieck cautioned the Toledo downtown area is relatively large occupying a number of blocks. She suggested concentrating on one specific area at a time and said a trend is for green space with small parks added in the downtown areas.

She also said a catalyst for the downtown area improvements should be the restored Wieting Theatre Opera House.