Commissioner Harry Barlos, Chairman of the Lucas County Ballpark Architect & Engineering (A & E) Committee announced today that the county has received several responses from national and local firms to design the new downtown ballpark. Copies of responses will be sent to committee members to review and evaluate prior to the next A & E meeting slated for Wednesday, December 29th at 8:00am in Room 213 at the SeaGate Convention Center.

“We are pleased that prestigious national architectural companies have teamed with local firms in responding so quickly to the request for qualifications. The committee members and I are looking forward to carefully reviewing that material to select the best of the best for our project,” said Commissioner Barlos.

The committee will review responses and select top finalists to bring to Toledo to interview. The target date for the selection of the A & E team is by no later than the end of January 2000.

In a related matter, on Thursday morning, Dec. 23rd, the Board of County Commissioners authorized up to $70,000 to pay Midwest Environmental Consultants, Inc. (MEC) of Toledo to conduct a Phase II environmental survey of the ballpark site. The Phase 2 study will include a comprehensive environmental assessment of the proposed ballpark site.

The Commissioners heard from MEC official, Dean Niese, concerning the results of the just completed Phase 1 study. “Our preliminary survey shows no prohibitive obstacles associated with the ballpark site,” said Niese.

Niese stressed that a Phase 1 study is limited to a visual survey of the interior and exterior of properties, and a review of historical documents. “We need to peel back the skin and see what’s underneath” referring to drilling and other types of excavation to ease concerns of subsurface conditions, including underground storage tanks.

The Phase 1 report also details prior use of the properties, concerns regarding asbestos, PCB and stored chemicals, solid wastes and environmental issues on adjacent properties. It also includes specific recommendations regarding specific properties regarding to necessary environmental remediation.

Soon after the architect is selected, Commissioner Barlos intends to have his committee conduct a series of public forums to allow the architect to hear from the public what it wants in the ballpark and how it sees the presence of the ballpark in downtown Toledo.

The A & E Committee is comprised of local engineering, construction, and planning experts, as well as representatives from the arts, historical preservation and labor communities. Tom Chema and Patrick Zohn of Gateway Consulting are providing advise and guidance to the committee in addressing the various issues that will arise during the selection process. Mr. Barlos’ goal for the project is “a signature piece of urban architecture that will benefit all Lucas County and continue the impressive revitalization of downtown Toledo.”