Closed Storefronts Pock Mark City

The list reads like a retail graveyard: Donato's. Ace Hardware. Tucky's. K&C Meats. The Bean. Arabica. Blockbuster. And so on and so on.

The closings are indiscriminate. Empty storefronts are evident in every shopping area in Avon Lake from Learwood Plaza on the east end of the city, Towne Center, The Landings, Plaza and ArtsTown Plaza on the far west side of town.

In the last year, Avon Lake has seen plenty of retail stores close shop and leave town. And while it's not unudual for stores to come and go, many of the vacated buildings have remained empty, in some instances for years.

said part of the problem is neighboring Avon, right of off I-90 is booming.

“It’s tough competing with Avon; the retail is being sucked out of Avon Lake,” Zilka said. “What is encouraging is there is some economic development out there,” Zilka.

Councilman Dan Bucci is putting together a "Long Term Economic Strategic Strategy," which he recently presented to council.

That plan includes a growth incentive program, creating a community investment corporation, developing a strong marketing plan for the city, anad hiring a a grant writer as well as a part-time, temporary economic development assistant for the mayor.

"In my mind, part of the success is keeping the money in Avon Lake," Bucci said.

Zilka agreed.

“When you go out, think twice where your spending your money,” Zilka said about spending in Avon Lake as opposed to other cities.

Legislation could help

Council president Marty O'Donnell is introducing economic development options that could assist retailers in the city. Included in the legislation is the Small Business Loan Program. Loans, through a local community finance corporation, similar to one created in Mentor, would be issued for property improvements by building owners for storefronts, equipment or interior renovations. Businesses would need to show they are creating or retaining jobs and singing leases for an extended period of time.

The board of the local community finance corporation would review and approve loans, which would be funded by non-tax revenues (i.e. grants, gifts and donations, rental payments deposited in the City's General Fund).

The legislation addresses other economic options including implementing an "Avon Lake Business of the Month" by city recognition. Those businesses would be acknowledged and honored at a council meeting.

Council approved a motion introduced by Bucci at the March 27 council meeting for the city to advertise for services related to the creation of a Community Investment Corporation, grant writing and marketing.