Economic growth a priority, officials say

Economic development efforts in Painesville are ongoing.

“This year, we had a strong focus on citywide revitalization,” Economic Development Director Cathy Bieterman said. “We’ve taken a targeted approach.”

The Economic Development Department addressed multiple sites in the city. The projects included the Chase Bank building, 30 South Park Place; the former Dollar Bank building, 113 Main St.; the former Gill Schwartz building, 548 Liberty St.; Concord Road Equipment, 411 N. St. Clair St.; the former Lake Photo Building, 33 Stage Ave.; the vacant property at 265 North State St.; Federico Tire, 71 S State St.; a former gas station, 209 West Walnut; and Triangle at Bank and State St., 750 State St.

Bieterman said the Chase Bank building has a prospect tied to 60 jobs, an average $25 hourly wage and investment of $7.5 million; and the former Dollar Bank building has a prospect tied to a $800,000 to $1 million investment. SCD Management is expected to bring 10 new jobs with $10 to $15 per hour salaries to the former Gill Schwartz building; and Concord Road Equipment and Federico Tire are expanding. Also, a proposed Hispanic Community Center at 265 North State St. is currently before the

Planning Commission, she said.

“Those projects are part of the overall revitalization

strategic plan,” Bieterman said.

Securing funding is significant to a successful redevelopment plan.

In 2017, Painesville was awarded a $400,000 grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Grants from the Painesville Community Improvement Corp. and Lake County Visitors Bureau also were received.

While Bieterman is proud of their achievements, she is looking ahead to the future.

“We have $35,000 secured in CDBG (Community Development Block Grants) and another$300,000 secured in U.S. EPA grants for 2018,” she said.

Staff also applied for a Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative grant to complete a streetscape project from Main Street to North Park Place and along Washington Street.

Meanwhile, Richmond Street remains a priority.

“Richmond Street redevelopment will be a focus for us for the next five years,” she said. “The interest in the city is extremely strong.”

Another popular site for redevelopment is the 7.5acre former Lake East Hospital site. Numerous regional and national firms have shown interest in residential development. The city is working with a consultant and will move forward with interviews, she said.

Subsequently, the Economic Development Department will begin working a new five-year strategic plan for 2019 to 2024.