Trustees set design guidelines

After years of discussion, the Painesville Township trustees are moving forward with commercial design standards.

The purpose of the Main Corridor Commercial Design Guidelines is to create a unified, highquality built environment to increase the financial benefits to the township and its inhabitants.

“Four years ago one item I campaigned on was changing the Zoning Code along our Mentor Avenue business district to require architectural conformance for new and renovated structures

to a historic ‘Western Reserve’ style,” said Trustee Chuck Hillier.

The Zoning Code was amended at the most recent trustee meeting. According to the code, the guidelines will stimulate and protect economic activity in the B-1 and B-3 districts along Mentor Avenue, from the Mentor City corporation limit to the Painesville City corporation limit, ensuring the continued economic competitiveness and attractiveness of the township’s business districts.

“Our township is full of historic Century Homes and having our business district accent that is a feature we should embrace and utilize to the benefit of our community,” he said. “It is our desire that structures are made up of Historic, New England and Western Reserve architectural styles and the Design Guidelines goals are to preserve and enhance the character of the township and to guide architectural elements of design in alterations and new constructions to be coherent with that of the existing fabric of the neighborhood.”

Design Guidelines have many benefits. As good design that enhances, it is proven to stimulate economic and social growth. The entire district increases in value as a common identity is established.

The new guidelines apply to all expansions, modifications and redevelopment of existing buildings as well as any new construction within the B-1 and B-3 zoning districts for those properties and uses having frontage on Mentor Avenue and those properties and business uses contiguous to properties having frontage on Mentor Avenue.

The 32-page document extensively outlines objectives and specific design goals pertaining to architecture, signage, lighting and landscape.

“I’m so pleased with this first step in changing the character and appeal of Mentor Avenue and although it’s going to take time, it is a good first step to bringing an identity and charm to our community,” Hillier said.