Mentor Child Care Academy approved for $5K economic development grant

Sep. 12—Mentor Child Care Academy has been approved for a $5,000 economic development grant by Mentor City Council.

The facility is investing $1.5 million in a project that will take over the building at 9055 Mentor Ave., formerly occupied by a string of restaurants including The Avenue, Mean Mugs Pub and Cabanas, and is expected to have 13 employees and a payroll of $330,000 in 2024.

"Given the significant investment of new construction and renovation of the former restaurant site now occupied by the Mentor Child Care Academy, the city's residents now have another quality childcare option at their disposal," Mentor Economic Director Kevin Malecek said. "The city welcomes the Academy to further diversify uses along the general business corridor on Mentor Avenue and complement the educational services surrounding the site."

Owned by Otis Thomas of Euclid, Mentor Child Care Academy was originally approved for a conditional use permit in April 2021.

At the April 2021 meeting, the city Planning Commission unanimously approved the conditional-use permit after addressing traffic flow questions.

The plan calls for Mentor Avenue to be an entrance only, with cars exiting onto Victoria Drive.

The purpose of Mentor Child Care Academy is to provide high-quality, supervised care for children with programs and activities designed to promote healthy development.

Areas of focus include self-expression, preschool academics, large and fine motor development, and the introduction of social skills. Mentor Child Care Academy sayts it is unique in incorporating inspirational stories into the curriculum, building a positive relationship with the children and encouraging respectful behavior between staff, children and parents.

Programs offered by the facility range from infant to school age.

Attempts to reach Thomas were unsuccessful.