Dear Editor:
I want to express my gratitude to Councilman Adam Martinez, citizen and South Toledo resident Bill Hoag, retired Plan Commission Director Tom Gibbons and his staff, and former city employee Toni Thomas for shining a light on the dark shadows hanging over the rezoning of 110 acres of valuable land in South Toledo.
Each of the above, using a combination of integrity and common sense, have publicly rejected a request, for the second time, to rezone 110 acres of agricultural land in South Toledo into a contaminated wetland, thereby making the land “useless for any other development.” (The Blade, June 22, 2025). This site is a short distance from a charter school with a sizable number of school children, a residential neighborhood with a significant Afro-American population, and the University of Toledo Medical Center.
There are unanswered questions, obvious conflicts of interest and a clear disrespect for the City of Toledo’s Zoning and Planning officials who have rejected this requested zone change twice. And where has Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz been the last four years while all this has been taking place? Nowhere to be found. However, the Mayor took the time to accept $14,250 from the Stansley family, the owners of Rocky Ridge, LLC, the company conspiring to abuse this agricultural land and abuse the quality of life of families living close by. The only Councilman standing bravely against this sad and scurrilous project is Adam Martinez, for which he will be treated like an outcast by some Councilmen. Adam, the citizens of Toledo respect your courage.
Former Toledo Public Utilities Director Ed Moore left the City in 2024 and immediately went to work for Rocky Ridge, LLC, using knowledge he had gained working for the City to help his private sector employer (Rocky Ridge, LLC) make millions of dollars off this valuable 110 acres. By doing so, Mr. Moore has violated both the state of Ohio and City of Toledo ethical codes.
Toledo is hurting for jobs and housing These 110 acres are a perfect area for both. When this Adams Township land was added to the City of Toledo, many projected significant additional wealth to city coffers. The proper development of this valuable piece of real estate can launch a renaissance in South Toledo and protect the quality of life for those living in this neighborhood.
Carty Finkbeiner
Former three-term mayor
City of Toledo