File #: 173-24    Version: Name:
Type: Ordinance Status: Second Reading
File created: 4/1/2024 In control: City Council
On agenda: 4/24/2024 Final action: 4/24/2024
Title: Supporting the Glass City River Wall solar lighting project commitment to the Toledo Lights Out Campaign.
Sponsors: Theresa Gadus, Nick Komives, Carrie Hartman
Attachments: 1. Video: City Council 4/10/2024, 2. Video: City Council 4/24/2024

Label
Toledo Lights Out
Council Member Gadus

Title
Supporting the Glass City River Wall solar lighting project commitment to the Toledo Lights Out Campaign.

Summary
WHEREAS, the Glass City River Wall phase one was completed in 2022, and is now considered the largest outdoor mural in the United States and offers a stunning and welcoming visual to the gateway of Toledo; and

WHEREAS, the current phase of the Glass City River Wall is to complete a solar lighting project that is sustainable, educational, and will have a positive impact across many sectors; and

WHEREAS, in 2018, the City of Toledo recognized Lucas County as a Bird-Safe/ Bird-Friendly Community through participation in the Ohio Lights Out Campaign.

WHEREAS, the City of Toledo supports a transformation of our riverfront that enhances our quality of life for residents and tourists alike while highlighting our riverfront's regional draw as an opportunity to see the largest mural in the United States and visit the Warbler Capital of the World; and

WHEREAS, Destination Toledo has estimated the Glass City River Wall has accounted for $3.3 million in economic development and tourism has increased by 82%, and the mural remains a major visitation driver to accompany the work along the riverfront; and

WHEREAS, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory has been working in partnership with Metroparks Toledo, to expand the Lights Out Toledo Campaign as part of a larger effort, Bird-Safe/ Bird Friendly Toledo, to make the city safer for migratory and breeding birds; and

WHEREAS, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory promotes conservation and economic development through birding, through the organization and hosting of The Biggest Week In American Birding festival that coincides with the peak of spring songbird migration in northwest Ohio. Bringing more than 90,000 birders from all over the world, generating an annual economic impact of more than $40 million.

WHEREAS, every spring and fall, millions of birds migrate ...

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