Toledo City Council is set to vote on an ordinance that would provide a one‑time $5,000 grant to eligible privately owned businesses on Arlington Avenue between South Detroit Avenue and Spencer Street. Councilmembers Theresa Gadus and Adam Martinez introduced the measure on Tuesday, calling it the “Arlington Business Access Relief Grant.” If approved, the first round of grants could be distributed as early as Dec. 15, 2026.
Why the grant is needed
Construction to repair a broken sewer line that caused a sinkhole on Arlington Avenue in October 2024 has forced prolonged road work that is not expected to finish until 2028. Business owners say the disruption has made it difficult for customers to reach their locations, leading to a sharp decline in sales.
Local retailer Skipper testified that his store has documented a $30,000 loss since the project began and a 17% drop in sales throughout the construction period. He added, “There’s just so many parts. There’s so many expenses. There’s property taxes, sales taxes, and unemployment taxes, taxes on top of taxes, on side of taxes. And then just the inventory costs. There’s always something breaking down that needs fixed.”
Grant eligibility criteria
The ordinance outlines specific requirements for businesses seeking the grant:
- Privately owned and registered in Ohio
- Permanent, customer‑facing storefront
- In continuous operation since Jan. 1, 2026
- Maintain regular business hours
- Be in good standing with all relevant government entities
These criteria are intended to target established local enterprises that have been directly impacted by the construction disruption.
Council members’ perspective
Gadus emphasized the grant’s role in supporting families and the community: “When a crisis strikes a corridor, it doesn’t disrupt traffic. It disrupts the livelihoods of families and the daily routines that hold a community together.” She added, “This is our opportunity to show business owners of Arlington Avenue that Toledo values the people who keep Toledo going.”
Councilman Mac Driscoll noted that the city should plan for similar budget allocations in the future, so council members are not forced to adjust the budget on an ad‑hoc basis.
Next steps
The council is scheduled to vote on the ordinance on Tuesday, Nov. 17. If the measure passes, the city will work with the mayor’s office to earmark the necessary funds and establish an application process for eligible businesses.
Local business leaders and residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming council meeting to voice support or concerns. The grant program reflects Toledo’s broader commitment to preserving the economic health of its neighborhoods while essential infrastructure repairs are underway.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
