Urge Toledo City Council to Demolish Abandoned Buildings

The Issue

Over time, abandoned buildings have become a significant issue in Toledo, and action is needed on this problem. Such structures bring down property values, are hubs for criminal activity, and pose serious safety risks, particularly to children who may play around these unsafe premises. According to the Lucas County Land Bank organization, hundreds of vacant structures are demolished each year, but thousands still remain, painting a bleak picture of our city's landscapes.

By urging the Toledo City Council to ramp up efforts at pulling down these derelict buildings, we're advocating for a safer, cleaner, and more attractive Toledo. Let's join hands to ensure our city is more than a blot on a map; let's make it a place where families can thrive, free of the fear that comes with living next to an abandoned, potentially dangerous site.

Take a stand for your city, for your neighbors, and for the future of Toledo. Sign the petition to demand more action on tearing down abandoned homes and buildings.

109

The Issue

Over time, abandoned buildings have become a significant issue in Toledo, and action is needed on this problem. Such structures bring down property values, are hubs for criminal activity, and pose serious safety risks, particularly to children who may play around these unsafe premises. According to the Lucas County Land Bank organization, hundreds of vacant structures are demolished each year, but thousands still remain, painting a bleak picture of our city's landscapes.

By urging the Toledo City Council to ramp up efforts at pulling down these derelict buildings, we're advocating for a safer, cleaner, and more attractive Toledo. Let's join hands to ensure our city is more than a blot on a map; let's make it a place where families can thrive, free of the fear that comes with living next to an abandoned, potentially dangerous site.

Take a stand for your city, for your neighbors, and for the future of Toledo. Sign the petition to demand more action on tearing down abandoned homes and buildings.

The Decision Makers

Toledo City Council
3 Members
1 Responded
Cerssandra McPherson
Toledo City Council - At Large
Hello, I want to ensure residents that this is an issue the City Council and I take seriously and have been working to address. We have been following a multi-year demolition plan that is already underway. We created a list of identified properties scheduled for removal in last year (2024), this year (2025), and for 2026. This work takes both time and resources, and we’re committed to carrying it out responsibly and transparently, making sure your tax dollars are put to good use. But removing buildings is just one part of the equation. We must also think about what comes next—and in many neighborhoods, rising construction costs make it challenging to build new homes that are financially viable. For example, the cost to build may exceed $250,000, while the resale value may be significantly less. This imbalance makes it difficult to redevelop some areas without a broader, long-term strategy. As part of our ongoing efforts, we’re moving forward on three major multi-unit housing developments at: 1) Detroit Ave & Grand 2) Bern & Glendale 3) Division & Nebraska In addition, the 5-Year Plan to guide housing and redevelopment work in Toledo was released this week. We’re committed to gathering community input to ensure it reflects the real needs and concerns of our residents. We’ll also be hosting community meetings to gather feedback and continue shaping the future of our neighborhoods together. You can find more information at the links below: �️ 5-Year Plan Website: https://toledo.oh.gov/departments/housing-community-development/5-year-consolidated-plan � Thursday, April 24 Public Hearing: https://toledo.oh.gov/events/2025-2029-five-year-consolidated-plan-public-hearing-3 � Thursday, May 1: https://toledo.oh.gov/events/2025-2029-five-year-consolidated-plan-public-hearing-2 Additional Toledo Events Calendar: https://toledo.oh.gov/events Thank you for your continued care for our community. I look forward to the work ahead. Sincerely, Councilmember Cerssandra McPherson Toledo City Council
John Hobbs
Toledo City Council - District 1
Theresa Gadus
Toledo City Council - District 3

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates