Free parking would give downtown a boost

TO THE EDITOR,
I am intrigued by your June 3 and June 10 articles regarding major market attractions for Toledo. There is a point I would like to make. A vibrant Downtown would be wonderful. Outsiders looking at a city evaluate the downtown.

What is missing in Downtown Toledo is retail. The June 10 illustration by Don Lee showing wished-for Downtown stores with the Skyway Bridge in the background was cool.
I believe there are two things, if done ASAP, that would give the Downtown a great, quick economic boost.

First, free nonevent parking. You should start a campaign to get the Port Authority to allow free nonevent parking at its parking sites (garages, lots and meters). People need to be able to window shop for free. Window shopping leads to purchasing.

Second, Toledo city government needs to get a developer to renovate the building facades on Superior and Huron streets between Monroe to either Madison or Adams streets to attract retail businesses. For events, I would suggest getting TARTA more involved. Have several pickup places around the metro area for events at $1 to $2 rates
round trip.

Don’t stop there. Have several pickup places around the metro area that go directly to Downtown at a $1 rate round trip.

Anything to feed Downtown.

JOHN BOES, Toledo

No place to go when unhappy with utility company

TO THE EDITOR,
I just read Michael Miller’s June 17 article regarding a customer service issue at a store he visited recently.

What struck me as odd was that because he spent his money at a local retail outlet, he of course may change where he spends his money at his discretion. Such is not the case when one deals with large utilities like Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Let me tell a story that still has not been resolved. For the past three weeks, every homeowner in the relatively new subdivision of GrayStone Woods has had their gas cut off because Columbia Gas decided that their readings indicated anything over zero percent level of detectable methane gas outside of the house and in the ground was unacceptable and must be cut off for safety reasons.

Below are just a few reasons why this ranks as the dumbest decision one company can make.
1. In the private sector your customers are your lifeblood; like Miller you can go elsewhere, but try that with any of the utility companies. Th is is why this country now has so much backlash against powerful unions. For example, you almost never can get rid of teachers just like you cannot get these conglomerates to reason.

2. Many of us have been using our propane tanks since our gas has been cut off . Th at makes sense, right? Cut off the gas and force us to use propane. As far as I know, none of us has imploded or has a burning bush that I am aware of. My house reading was higher next to my propane tank; never would have guessed that one.

3. Our only communication was from ourselves and the builder. Columbia Gas never told us or left even a note on our door, they just turned off the entire subdivision at their discretion. I once had a store get hit by a hurricane and we did everything including buying generators to get the store back open to service customers. These top guys with the big egos cannot make a decision or shoulder the responsibility to resume service because they have a zero-tolerance policy? Come on; you get readings next to a compost pile, right?

4. On June 12, we finally received word aft er three weeks of no communication to the homeowners. We got a flier in the mailbox (it is illegal to send mail using the post office system without attaching a postage stamp and mailing it). Included were the readings and a letter as to why they did that they did.

5. When service stinks at retail outlets we either complain or we just do not return. What I did was to send in my last bill with a $50 weekly fi ne for not having gas service, since companies in the private sector would off er a gift certifi cate to return to their business. We are now up to $150. With my $30 gas bill, they now owe me $120.

6. You try daily cleaning up with water boiled from your microwave or cooking day after day in a microwave. Pretty soon Stouffer’s frozen dinners start to creep up on you and the cooked chickens at Kroger start to look good. I long for a hot shower and a home-cooked meal.

I realize Syria, the presidential election and world peace take precedence over our small comfort issues. However, Miller may switch retail outlets; I and the entire subdivision cannot.

JOHN W. INSCO, Toledo

Joe Wicks Way: To rename or not to rename

TO THE EDITOR,
The time has come to break my silence on the topic of renaming the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Erie Street after my brother, Joe Wicks.

A multitude of thanks to the advocates of the renaming, for their focus was aimed at Joe Wicks’ achievements in and for the community. Largely due to the efforts of Joe and his marvelous employees, Downtown Toledo not only stayed alive, but it was also made a safer place for both gay and straight alike to traverse the sidewalks and parking lots near Joe’s establishments.

To the opposition, who havemainly placed their aims and focuses on a building’s exterior and a person’s sexual orientation, I  must convey to them that blowing out someone else’s candle does not make yours burn any brighter.

Being thankful to live in a community where I too may express my views,I remain a devoted sister to Joe Wicks and his many accomplishments.

PEG LIZARDY, Toledo