The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
A FRESH START
Mentor officials talk possibilities with passage of Lagoons charter change
Janet Dowling has a long history with the Mentor Lagoons.
“My dad docked there when I was a child, so I have many great memories of the marina,” said the longtime city councilwoman.
“I had the privilege of serving on the Mentor Lagoons Planning Committee,” she added. “We created an extensive, detailed plan for the property, which, sadly, never saw the light of day, but did result in a boat ramp being put in for the residents.”
She also participated in a study the Urban Land Institute conducted on the 360-acre property, including the nature preserve, nearly 20 years ago.
“It is a treasure for the residents, and I always have and always will advocate for more amenities for our residents,” she said.
“There is truly nowhere else like it.”
“It is a treasure for the residents, and I always have and always will advocate for more amenities for our residents,” — Janet Dowling, Mentor councilwoman
It is no wonder that she was passionate about related election issues on the ballot Nov. 3 and a year ago.
The 2019 charter amendment, easing restrictions on the property, narrowly failed.
A similar issue passed overwhelmingly this week — along with a boardwalk project made possible as a result — after a political action committee took up the cause.
“I guess what I would like to say to the residents is that I truly look forward to a ‘fresh start’ on both parcels,” Dowling said.
“In (1997), when the issue was put on the ballot, the residents were promised by the promoters of the initiative that it would be their connection to Lake Erie. In my mind, that never happened, for a multitude of reasons. I look forward to seeing more public activities promoted in the water side, increased kayaking and canoeing.”
What now?
The restrictions in the charter were added to the property by referendum shortly after the city bought it from developer Richard M. Osborne Sr. for $13.8 million, including interest.
Now that those are lifted — except for protections against selling the property or incongruous development without voter approval — opportunity awaits, officials say.
Along with the boardwalk project, there are plans to add parking capacity on the property. Just when that will happen is yet to be determined.
“The budget process is already in full swing and we didn’t know if this was going to pass,” Parks & Recreation Director Kenn Kaminski said.
The city administration seeks not only to increase the number of ways visitors can enjoy the Lagoons, but also the ability to compete with commercial marinas.
Currently, the only revenue streams at the marina are from dockage and storage fees.
Competing marinas can see up to 40 percent of their funding generated from other sources, such as gas docks, convenience stores, bait shops, maintenance bays, winterization/shrink wrap services, boat rentals and seasonal cafés.
“I think the possibilities for the people that utilize the marina will only be enhanced over the next couple years after we look at adding amenities,” Kaminski said.
“What we’re trying to do is explore all of the offerings that other marinas have and will determine which best suit the needs of our boaters, and then present that to the city manager and Council.”
The boardwalk issue on the ballot also included an observation deck and tower.
The three-phase project will be built off the east side of the Lagoons and provide a better and safer way to view the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve.
A matching grant was secured for the initial phase.
“Obviously, once the Phase 1 of the boardwalk is complete, we do have a plan to address the parking out there, because we know that this boardwalk will attract a lot more nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers to the preserve, the marsh and the marina,” Kaminski said.
City Manage Ken Filipiak announced at the Nov. 4 Council meeting that the administration has applied for a grant for Phase 2.
Dowling said she would like to see paddle boats added for public use.
“The administration will do a great job with putting a plan together for the marina,” she said. “I think Council needs to continue to advocate for more involvement for the residents. I appreciate the huge vote of confidence we received from the voters.”