The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
City manager discusses businesses, projects
City Manager Doug Lewis declared that “it’s happening in Painesville” during his 2023 State of the City speech, discussing the highlights from 2022 and looking ahead to new retail options, development projects and amenities that residents can expect in the coming years.
He delivered the address to community members, business partners, city staff and others during a March 9 breakfast at the Steele Mansion.
“We’re off to a good start and hope to keep the ball rolling this year,” Lewis said.
Business and community investments
Lewis highlighted the various businesses and community organizations that invested in Painesville in 2022, including the decision by Avery Dennison’s Performance Tapes division to add 35,000 square feet to its Painesville plant.
“As one of the largest employers in the area, the expansion shows the company’s commitment to doing business right here at home,” Lewis said.
Clover Group opened its Heisley Park Senior Apartments, with the city manager explaining that it offers 119 apartments for seniors who want to stay in Painesville “with the conveniences of downsized living.”
Federico Tire Pros opened a “beautiful new showroom” at its 71 S. State St. location, Lewis added, while Adam Craig of CLE Real Estate completed renovations at the former 113 Main St. Dollar Bank building.
“Both were incredible transformations in our downtown area,” he said, noting that Craig and city officials plan to turn the Dollar Bank building into “office and commercial space.”
Lewis also discussed plans for an upcoming “seasonal ice cream and grill business” from Anthony Zappitelli, noting that “construction will begin in the coming weeks” on Zapp’s Custard and Mustard. The restaurant will be located on Painesville’s five-points intersection at 735 S. State St., and the city will also work on improvements to the surrounding streetscape.
The city is also preparing for a new public restaurant on Painesville Square, Lewis said. It will come as part of the incoming Lake Erie College student housing, while streetscape improvements will add “new lighting, concrete, bike racks and landscaping.”
“The goal is to create a welcoming environment for students and visitors that coincides with our downtown master plan,” he said.
Lewis also noted that officials expect the opening of a new Sheetz at the intersection of Richmond Street and Chester Avenue before the end of the year.
Community events and programs
Last year marked a return to normal events, Lewis explained.
Summer concerts and community gatherings saw “record crowds,” while Painesville Square hosted its first Lake County NAACP Juneteenth celebration.
He added that the city also used federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to help 12 “low- to median-income homeowners” that were in violation of the city’s code improve roofs and siding.
“The results are dramatic, and the program helped to improve property values in our community,” Lewis said.
In 2023, the city plans to work on a new splash pad at Kiwanis Recreation Park. He noted that the project is currently in the design phase and the city estimates that it will be completed in November. Infrastructure
The city completed $2.4 million of road and waterline work in 2022, Lewis said.
Projects last year included Chestnut Street and Newell Avenue, as well as the Chester Street repaving and waterline replacement that is set to end in August.
Meanwhile, the city has set aside $1.9 million for its 2023 road plan.
Work continues on the planned Grand River Walk mixed-use development overlooking the Grand River and Kiwanis Recreation Park. Lewis announced that council approved the transfer of the 237 E. Main Street property to the developers on March 6.
He added that the developers are looking to present final plans at the April 13 Planning Commission meeting, with work expected to be complete by December 2024.
Lewis noted that the development is part of the $75 million that has been invested in Downtown Painesville in recent years, with the city planning to create an entertainment district.
Final comments “It’s an exciting time to be the city manager in Painesville,” Lewis finished.
“I want to thank our residents, businesses and those of you currently investing, and those of you considering investing, in the city of Painesville,” he added. “It’s happening in Painesville, it is, because of you and the partnerships we’ve developed.”