November 2018 Council Corner

Greetings,

As council is out and about in the community, we often hear comments and rumors about what is happening in Painesville that may not always be accurate. While the intention is good, that we as a community care about the future of our town and what it looks like, the information is not always correct. I wanted to take this opportunity to update residents on ongoing economic development plans:

 

  • As many of you are aware, the BP station on the corner of Erie Street and Richmond Street closed in late June. The canopy and underground storage tanks were removed and the small 7/11 store was vacated. BP’s departure was not unique to Painesville, as two other locations in Lake County were also closed. Currently, the city remains in contact with owner of the property. No sale or future land decision has been made. 

 

  • The city has engaged key stakeholders to form a large office taskforce to examine the overall conditions within the city’s largest office buildings including Victoria Place and the Chase Bank building. The city has utilized resources from its US EPA grants to conduct environmental assessments and has engaged an architectural consultant to assist in examining all possibilities for maximizing potential, specifically in Victoria Place. The city is now working on identifying grant opportunities to fund these initiatives. More information will be shared as these projects progress.

 

  • The new Lake County Administrative building continues to move along in construction. To clarify some concerns, this building will combine many satellite offices throughout Lake County and bring them to one location in Painesville. It will also bring higher income jobs to the downtown. The details, scope, design and location of the project are all under the county’s jurisdiction. However, Painesville met with the design team to make sure elements of the current historic buildings around the square are included in the new building. For example, the exterior when complete will feature the same brick design found on the Painesville Methodist Church, and will feature the same stone slabs found on the old Cleveland Trust Bank building and Lake County Courthouse. The window wall of the new building was designed to look over the beautiful square. A walkway will connect the new building to the old Cleveland Trust which will be renovated as part of this project, including new windows. In the end, Painesville will gain a new, active northwest corner of our square whose design will nod to our long history.

 

  • Development plans for the old Lake East Hospital site continue as the city advances in negotiations with bidding developers. The plan is high-density, high-income housing in the heart of downtown Painesville. Once a developer and contract is finalized, the city will begin to share plans and renderings with residents and business owners.

 

While the above does not cover all of the economic development events happening in the city, I hope it reflects city council and this administration’s commitment to moving Painesville forward.

 

Thank you,

 

Paul Hach

President & Councilman Ward IV

[email protected], 440-350-0157