Edward Tousana Candidate Profile

Note: This profile was updated on April 2 to include Mr. Tousana's responses to specific questions about downtown development, the chicken ordinance and the Mooseheart annexation. The answers are at the end of the profile below.

Name: Edward B. Tousana

Born: December 11, 1938

Hometown: Joliet, Illinois associated with Batavia since 1959, move to Batavia 1968

Marital Status:

Married 48 years to Ruth Ann Tousana formerly Ruth Ann Buckner of Batavia

Children:

Dennis Jul 15, 1959, Troy Feb 7, 1963, Thaddeus Oct 21, 1968 & (9 grandchildren all in Batavia Schools)

Education:

Graduated Joliet Township High

Two Years Joliet Junior College, Classes at Minneapolis School of Fine Art, Classes at Art Institute in Chicago. (No degree)

Experience

• Retired U.S. Postal Service of 38 years, Manager In-Plant Support and Great Lakes Regional Logistics
• Assistant Engineer, Boiler Room US Army Ordinance Joliet Arsenal
• Setup Man Miscellaneous Machine Shop Caterpillar Tractor, Joliet
• Partnership Business, GT Studio (Batavia) Printing, Graphic Design and Art
• Momentum II Studio, (Batavia), Graphic Design and Fine Art, Residential Remodeling Design, Cabinetry Design and Stain Glass Art (current)
• President of Batavia United Way 2004-2007, Vice President of Batavia United Way 2002-2004
• Volunteer with H.A.V.E. (Home Assistance Volunteer Effort) Batavia current
• Member on the Brotherhood Banquet Committee (Batavia) current
• Was owner representative in the construction of new edifice of Logan Street Baptist Church (Batavia). Work in conjunction with Architect by designing key construction elements. Presently part of the church leadership.

Never been accused or convicted of a crime

Never participated in any level of government due to U.S. Postal Regulations

 What is your primary reason for running for Alderman of the 4th Ward in Batavia?

Stepping up your concerns about the community you live in requires involvement beyond your participation in a voting booth, but the amount of efforts you apply toward community service. Service begins with your neighbors to making yourself available for community service through various volunteer agencies then on to local government.  It is somewhat disturbing to see, on a local ballot, “No Candidate” in your community. If you want a better community, offer some of your resources to that community and not just a tax paying spectator. Having two sons and nine grandchildren in Batavia this in itself has increased my concerns about the future of Batavia. I hope with some of my experiences I can offer some resources in being a part of steering Batavia on positive path of growth and quality.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Aside from redevelopment of the downtown area is to increase the quality of residential area in the 4th Ward in two areas; one is to remove the stigma of older homes mean lesser quality of living and the maintenance of property and local code enforcement. Second, but not least is the annexation and development planning of the Mooseheart properties.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

 Beyond sex and race, I have been living in Batavia 43 years, raised three sons though-out the Batavia School system. Over the years in involved in numerous of community activities and marry to Ruth Tousana a retired Batavia school teacher. With all the work and life experiences I see the world and our community in a broader perspective.

What is your favorite thing about Batavia?

Batavia has a gently and neighborly spirit that embraces all people. It is not in the landscape that is the attraction as much as it is in the character of the residence, which makes Batavia special.  Time has endorsed sentiment.

What is your biggest problem with Batavia? 

The biggest problem does not just resides in my thoughts, but the thoughts of many cities that lined the banks of the Fox River and many other communities that rest by rivers, and that is change. The patience to change prime scenic river front property from an industrial, manufacturing and utility façade to residential and commercial footprints that embraces trees, walkways and benches.  To encourage homeowners of older houses to maintain their property by installing and maintaining curbs, sidewalks with better lighting and tree planting.

What is your long-term vision for Batavia’s downtown, or what does your ideal downtown Batavia look like?  

Relocate McDonald’s on the property where the old first Baptist Church is located. Demolish strip mall style business on both sides of Island Ave. from Wilson Street to the City Hall and municipal complex. On the east side of Island Ave a cantilever boardwalk alone the river that connects to the Wilson St. Bridge to pedestrian bridge.  Have restaurants with outdoor dining & other entertainment businesses against this boardwalk. These businesses would extend from Island Avenue sidewalk to the board walk alone the river. Diagonal parking on east side of Island Ave. to allow for more street parking and above this concept would be three story residential living or office space.

With property open from Harris bank to Island Ave. Make a Cul-Du-Sac design retail area that is pedestrian friendly with benches trees and natural ambience with office space above these businesses. The main open of this design would face the west side of Island Ave with access off Wilson with regular street parking on Island Ave. as on Wilson St.

The Larson Becker would be relocated to Industrial Park on Kirk Road allowing this riverfront property on River St. to be used as a five story hotel with drive up valet parking and shuttle service to Geneva train station.  The parking garage on River Street would expand up four levels and extend back to Washington St. This garage expansion would have close access to pedestrian bridge that connects to boardwalk on Westside of river, also close for hotel use and rental cars.

The strip mall of Walgreens, Panara’s and East China Inn would stay intact, but any redevelopment of the downtown area would forbid vehicle strip mall concept but encourage pedestrian foot traffic corridors.

What initiatives & partnership will help contribute to your vision of downtown?

The hotel would need a buy-in of Ramada or Hilton, but the city would need Federal grants to expand the River St. parking garage to encourage this. However you need the cooperation of Larsen & Becker to relocate.

You need McDonald to agree to locate at one of Batavia’s busiest corners Wilson & Washington St. This would open property from Harris Bank to Island Ave to be totally redeveloped. After this project is complete allow business on the east side of Island Ave. to have first choice on space in this project.  This would open up the riverfront from the Donavan Bridge on Wilson St. to the City of Batavia municipal center to be redeveloped. Batavia need a full time grant writer to research Federal, State and businesses to buy-in to these changes.

 Where do you stand on the backyard chickens?

First and foremost we must always consider property owners reaping the joy of ownership but also be cognizant of your neighbors and the neighborhood in which you live. Owning chickens is not a new idea in Batavia nor do roosters keep up as much noise as some dogs with less neighborhood pet cleanup. However owner chickens should not supersede subdivision covenants, block club agreements and developers’ discretions or your neighbor’s approval as when building a house addition.  The chicken coop should be no larger than 8ft. by 8ft. and not higher than 5ft. and maximum amount is 8 chickens. This structure should be a minimum of 45ft. from the farthest rear house structure in the back yard only.  This coop should be no closer than 15ft. from your neighbor’s property line and on corner lots not visible from sidewalk concealed by a solid fence or bushes, preferably both.    

City should conduct inspections and building permits should be acquired prior to building.

Where do you stand on the Mooseheart annexation and the potential development of land?

I strongly champion this annexation. I think careful planning is employed to maintain harmony between B-1 zoning and R-0, also consider the needs and safety of the high school. Property alone Randall zoned as B-1, limited convenience shopping that exist now on this corridor and extends no farther east than Feece Drive. Place a traffic light south of Main St. on Randall to access this property.  From Feece Drive, east to the fire station property facing Main St. should be zoned R-5 multi-family residence similar to Georgetown on Wilson and access should come out on Main St. The balance of this property annex is zoned R-0 single family homes with access on Danforth Drive and Millview. Each zoning area should be carefully separated by vegetation, fences and retention ponds