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Authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of $500,000 from the General Fund for the support of lighting the Glass City River Wall; authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for said project; and declaring an emergency.
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SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
In 2020, an idea to improve the east bank of the Maumee River was put into motion and the mural project on the ADM silos was initiated. The project, managed by Urban Sight, Inc. and designed by Los Angeles artist Gabe Gault makes an impression on the almost 85,000 vehicles that pass by it daily. After two years the first phase of the project was completed in 2022, making it the largest outdoor mural in the nation.
The next phase of this project is to complete a lighting project that is sustainable, educational and will have a positive impact across many sectors. A solar array that is housed on both City of Toledo and NSG property will power the lighting of the mural and generate enough excess energy to power the Oakdale Pump Station which is located on the property. By powering the Oakdale Pump Station, the City of Toledo will save an estimated $460,000 over the life of the project. The solar panels are being provided at no cost by First Solar.
The completion of phase two will make the Glass City River Wall mural the world's largest lit mural. The City of Toledo will continue to benefit from the success of the completion of the mural by welcoming further national and international news. It is estimated by Destination Toledo that the mural has already accounted for $3.3 million in economic development. Tourism by international travelers is up by 82% and the mural remains a major draw to accompany the work all along the riverfront.
The first phase of the project had overwhelming community support with ninety percent of funds being raised through individual and corporate sponsorships. The second phase of the project is b...
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