Mentor putting focus on arts

Concert one of highlights city manager shared

The city of Mentor’s new amphitheater may host a popular ‘90s alt-rock band for its inaugural performance this year.

Soul Asylum has “all but signed on the dotted line” for a new July 4 event, Rock ‘n’ Rockets, which will include the annual fireworks display, said City Manager Ken Filipiak.

The announcement came in his annual State of the City address Feb. 28 at the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon at LaMalfa.

It is among the ways the city is putting greater emphasis on the arts, he said.

In addition, officials are reaching out to local artists to showcase in a series entitled “Unveiled.” The first such event will feature Mentor photojournalist Johnny Joo, whose work has appeared in Time Magazine, the Daily Mail and The Huffington Post. A reception from 5 to 9 p.m. March 3 will kick off the exhibit, which will run through March 24.

The city also is working with nationally known poets Michael Salinger and Sara Holbrook, both Mentor residents, for a series of programs including open mic nights, guest lectures, workshops and more.

The city continues to build its reputation as a happening place with returning events Mentor On Tap June 24 — it drew more than 900 people its first year; Headlands BeachFest and SuperBoat Grand Prix July 22 and 23; and CityFest Aug. 25 and 26.

Mentor Civic Arena will attract thousands to the community for the USA Hockey High School Championships March 30 through April 2.

More than 30 state champion teams are to take part.

“We expect over 6,000 guests during the course of that competition,” Filipiak said.

“Every hotel in our community is booked, and they’re looking for space beyond our borders.”

He also revealed the improvements planned this year at the city’s newest park, the former Springbrook Gardens property on Heisley Road.

About $1.8 million will be poured into the 53-acre site in the first phase, including utility extension, 1.7 miles of walking trails, roadways, parking lots, culvert placement for a creek crossing, pond expansion, stream enhancement and tree farm planting.

Recreational opportunities were just one aspect of the manager’s address. He shared extensively on the city’s economic vitality, from low industrial and retail vacancy rates to new construction projects, including several housing developments, a 73,000-square-foot assisted living facility on Lake Shore Boulevard, and multiple manufacturing companies expanding or coming to town.

Filipiak also noted a new initiative called the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, which will honor Mentor residents who have served the country in the Armed Forces.

Banners will be displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day on light posts along Civic Center Boulevard and Munson Road between Civic Center and Market Street.

“We will be putting out a nomination process on that soon,” he said.

And, of course, millions will be invested in infrastructure in 2017.

Projects include resurfacing Route 84 from Garfield Road to Route 306, rehabbing Marigold Road in the Headlands, and storm sewer upgrades on Elmwood Drive and Midland Road.

“I believe Mentor is meeting the expectations of our residents and that the state of the city remains strong,” Filipiak said.

COURTESY OF SKIP TROMBETTI Mentor City Manager Ken Filipiak speaks during his annual State of the City address Feb. 28 at LaMalfa.