Brownstones on Dorr Street

Why it's great to have alternative media sources is clear when it comes to this story, The Toledo Blade and then Sojourner's Truth.

The Blade has this information from Councilwoman Wilma Brown:

District 1 Councilman Wilma Brown said the project is part of a long-term effort at fulfilling the promises of urban renewal that were made in the late 1970s when buildings that once housed black-owned businesses were torn down.

"Everything was wonderful until 1966 and we had a mini riot with the Black Panthers. Business started to move out of the area, as well as families," she said.

Recent improvements have included repaving the street from Reynolds Road to downtown and replacing the sewer lines. She said another goal is to restore the former Ira Apartments building at Dorr and Parkside Boulevard.

Soujourner's Truth has this from Councilwoman Wilma Brown:

"This is the beginning of pride and rebirth of our heritage as an area that is the heart of the African-American community,” said Brown who has been the driving force behind the new development.

The “Brownstones on Dorr Street” is the latest in a series of projects Brown has in mind for the revitalization of Dorr Street. The housing units are also the first new homes that will have been built on Dorr, said the councilwoman, since the 1930’s.

Brown has been instrumental in urging existing Dorr Street businesses to clean up their properties, in bringing new businesses to the area and in getting vacant buildings along the corridor demolished.

“As I said 10 years ago when I ran for Council, Dorr Street will be reclaimed,” she said Friday. “I just didn’t know how I was going to do it. Jackson McDaniel has made that possible.”

The Sojourner's Truth article also contains quotes from Mayor Carty Finkbeiner:

“If Toledo does quality projects,” said Finkbeiner, “we won’t have to worry about population loss.” That remark was in reference to a U.S. Census report earlier in the week that placed Toledo’s population as under 300,000. “This housing project is going to be first-rate.

“The African-American community should be very proud,” continued the mayor. “I look at Collingwood going out Dorr and I see solid, strong African-American middle class neighborhoods. We’ve got something significant going on here because Wilma Brown has been an advocate for her neighborhood.”

So, don't forget to read Toledo's alternative media, it's a great way to discover more information or a differing viewpoint at times that is important.

:-)