Statement Regarding Mentor's Decision to Close Diamond Center Drive

Painesville City is disappointed in Mentor’s decision to stop discussions about a resolution of the Diamond Center Drive widening and proceed with a decision to close the road. The issue of the road widening is not a Painesville City responsibility but a developer, Shamrock Business Center Ltd., responsibility. Despite this fact, the City of Painesville was at the negotiation table to talk about a solution that would be manageable and sustainable for both cities.
 
Mentor's approval of legislation that would close Diamond Center Drive at the Painesville border is a violation of controlling court orders; Painesville City filed motions against the City of Mentor this morning in Lake County Court of Common Pleas. A court date has been set for Thursday, April 4. The City of Painesville was also granted a temporary restraining order against the City of Mentor to ensure the roadway remain clear.
 
“Our residents’ safety and way of life is our first priority, and we will do everything in our power to maintain that,” said Monica Irelan Dupee, Painesville City Manager. “Building a wall to punish our residents and businesses for a developer’s action, or lack of action, is not the right solution.”