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Northwood makes case against mall
August 5, 2013
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By Kelly J. Kaczala Press News Editor kkaczala@presspublications.com
Mall violations On December 14, 2011, Woodville Mall Realty, the owner of the mall at the time, and Mehran Kohansieh, an officer, member, manager and owner of Woodville Mall Realty, were served with a Notice of Building Code Violations. On December 16, 2011, a complaint for temporary and permanent injunctive relief was filed against Woodville Mall Realty and others, including Kohansieh, in the court of common pleas. On June 7, 2012, a default judgment and permanent injunction were granted against Woodville Mall Realty and Kohansieh, as well as other defendants associated with the mall. The court noted in the default judgment that the city had established “by clear and convincing evidence” that the mall had moisture, mold and water damage throughout the building; the sprinkler system was non-functional in parts of the mall and may be inadequate in the event of fire; the owner had not paid for gas to heat the mall and that the pipes of the sprinkler system may freeze over the winter, causing further damage to the fire suppression system; the roof had failed leaving two large holes and
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Gul-burg gathering Those who remember the old Gulish Villa restaurant were able to reminisce and enjoy some gul-burgs at a Gulish Villa Day held at Meinke Marina. At left, Emily Dolt, left, and Meghan Gears, students at Clay High School, take turns sprinkling paprika. At right, Rob Meinke boils-up some burgers. (Press photos by Ken Grosjean)
$70 grand raised for Parker’s Purpose By Yaneek Smith Press Contributing Writer sports@presspublications.com For 10 years, former Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel was arguably the most popular man in the state. From 2001-10, he compiled a 94-22 record, won the 2002 NCAA national championship, six Big Ten titles and was 9-1 against arch-rival Michigan while helping to restore the Buckeyes to college football supremacy. And two weeks ago, area residents got to see Tressel in action when he spoke at the Parker’s Purpose Dinner and Auction at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed in Gibsonburg. Now the vice president of strategic engagement at the University of Akron, Tressel, 60, spoke for 45 minutes before a crowd that gathered to raise money “It’s really humbling to be here and I’m sure all of you feel the same way,” Tressel told the crowd. “Parker has touched everyone in this building. It’s so exciting to see what has been done thus far and to think about the goals that have been set for 2020.”
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We’re at a crossroads as far as where we are as a foundation.
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A hearing will be held on Thursday in the Wood County Court of Common Pleas on Northwood’s efforts to get the owners of the Woodville Mall to tear down the dilapidated structure. “The court has to decide that the mall is a nuisance, and that it’s a hazard to public health and safety,” said City Administrator Bob Anderson. “People are breaking in, there’s broken glass. It’s dangerous. We’re asking the court to grant us relief by ordering the owner to abate the nuisance. At this stage, it almost means demolishing it.” The city would not be satisfied if the mall were razed, with just a concrete slab and broken up asphalt remaining, similar to the former Southwyck Mall site, considered by many to be an eyesore since it was torn down on Reynolds Road in South Toledo. “There have been a couple of inquires about whether it would be good enough for the city if they just tear down the mall, leaving the slab and asphalt. The answer is `No.’” He hopes the property is redeveloped commercially or is landscaped as a green space or park. “Something other than acres and acres of asphalt that weeds grow through,” he said. The hearing will be held on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 9 a.m. at the court located in Bowling Green, said Anderson. The hearing is the city’s latest legal battle against the mall’s owners to get them to either correct county and state code violations, or tear the building down.
Tressel alluded to the foundation’s seven-year goal of raising $1-million. Although Tressel was the headline speaker, the real star was Parker Inks, who, at 13, has helped to start a foundation and advance a cause that seeks to help families all across the country. It started five years ago when Parker, who has muscular dystrophy, was lifeflighted to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Toledo because of respiratory problems. Parker’s stay lasted 30 days and he nearly lost his life on three occasions. Fortunately, Parker, a Fremont resident,
persevered and is now back to being his normally upbeat, positive self. It was at the insistence of his father, Craig, that Parker understand that he had work left to do, that he must live to inspire others and help make the world a better place. And so, Parker’s Purpose was born. The organization, which has helped donate over $100,000 to families in need since its foun-
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I’m excited about this next step in enhancing the quality of life in Oregon. Mayor Mike Seferian See page 3