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Related: Mentor Planning Commission Reviews Gym Expansion and Library Plan
MENTOR, Ohio – The Mentor Planning Commission convened on February 5, 2026, to address a diverse agenda ranging from new recreational facilities and veterinary urgent care to significant architectural reviews and residential expansions.
The meeting, which began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call of all members, focused on balancing business growth with community standards and safety. Key discussions centered on the repurposing of former retail and restaurant spaces, ensuring proper traffic flow for new developments, and maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the city’s commercial corridors.
Conditional Use Permits: New Life for Local Spaces
The commission approved several conditional use permits aimed at bringing specialized services to Mentor.
A new recreational facility, Solid Contact Sports and Personal Training, was approved for 7564 Tyler Boulevard. Owner Anthony Sokalowski, a certified personal trainer, plans to offer personal training and youth sports-specific coaching for baseball, football, and tennis. The approval included five conditions, specifically clarifying the business name for the permit.
In a move to provide much-needed after-hours pet care, the commission approved a veterinary clinic at 9434 Mentor Avenue, the site of a former barbecue restaurant. Dr. James Dobies explained that the facility will operate as an outpatient urgent care center for dogs and cats, bridging the gap between general practitioners and 24-hour emergency hospitals. A primary point of discussion was the requirement for a dedicated pet relief area, which the applicant agreed to coordinate with the property owner to ensure it remains convenient for pet owners while being properly maintained.
Architectural Reviews: Balancing Brand and Aesthetics
A significant portion of the meeting involved the architectural review of the plaza at 7723 Mentor Avenue, specifically for the new tenant Krazy Bins.
The owner of Krazy Bins, Noah Levit, sought approval for a vibrant “electric lime” facade that had already been painted. The administration expressed concerns that the bright color acted more as a billboard than a design element, potentially clashing with the plaza’s character. After a lengthy debate regarding sign codes and jurisdictional overlaps, the commission reached a compromise: the lime green field will be minimized to only encapsulate the letters of the sign, while the rest of the upper fascia will be repainted to match the existing building.
Adjacent to Krazy Bins, a new Goodwill location at 7721 Mentor Avenue also received approval for a 30-foot canopy on its south elevation. This approval was tied to broader improvements for the plaza, including the repair of light poles and power washing of the building exterior, which the landlord has reportedly agreed to address.
Residential Expansion and Infrastructure Safety
The commission recommended approval for a final subdivision plat at 6494 South Cedar Road.
The project will extend South Cedarwood Road to include a cul-de-sac and five new residential lots. While the property presents geographical challenges, including wetlands and a stream, the commission highlighted the significant safety benefit of the new cul-de-sac. Currently, the long, dead-end street forces emergency vehicles to back up its entire length; the new turnaround will provide much-needed access for fire and safety services.
Meeting Highlights
- Automobile Repair: An existing shop at 5700 Heisley Road was approved to continue operations with conditions focused on controlling traffic access (right-in, right-out only) and ensuring all vehicle storage remains indoors.
- Golf Cart Sales: A permit for golf cart and ATV sales at 8647 Tyler Boulevard was approved with a revised landscaping timeline, requiring screening to be completed by June 2026.
- Sheetz Update: The administration noted that the Sheetz project at Heisley and Hendricks has eliminated its “canoe lane” in favor of a simple mobile-app pickup window, a change welcomed by the commission for better traffic circulation.