'A really important corner': Ravenna planners OK downtown proposal

The Ravenna Planning Commission this week approved a plan to transform a vacant downtown lot into a mixed use space, contingent on the city approving plans for Guido's to expand its patio on the site.

More: 'A positive thing for the community': Ravenna leaders debate Guido's pitch for vacant lot

Mike Bogo, deputy director of Neighborhood Development Services, presented plans for a mixed-use development on the site at 218 W. Main St.. The plan calls for green space, a stage, tables and public seating, swings and some additional parking beside and behind the space.

Grant funding, along with state funds from the Revolving Loan Fund, would pay for the improvements.

"The desire was not to over-saturate the property with parking and take away from the green space and the park," he said.

Guido's discusses expansion plans

Although the expansion of the patio for Guido's wasn't part of the plan, it played a big part of the discussion.

Bogo said he favored wrapping the patio around the building so there would be more eyes on the property even when there are no scheduled activities taking place.

"There's going to be constant activity on that side of the building," he said.

Scott Hutchinson, manager of Guido's, said the eatery plans to expand. The plans for the patio show it being 13 feet wide, but Hutchinson said 7 feet would be sufficient, since that's the same size as the existing patio.

"To me, it's a no brainer," he said.

'A really important corner'

The lot has been vacant since the 1920s-era building on the site was torn down last year. The structure previously housed the law office of Municipal Court Judge Melissa Roubic.

The city-owned property is being managed by Neighborhood Development Services. That work?

Mayor Frank Seman said he has fielded a lot of questions about the property, such as why the bricks from Freedom Street aren't being used in the pavement.

"We had a very rundown building that was there, and it did not have historic charm," he said, adding that an historic marker will be placed on the property to note the history of the site. "There has to be some continuity there."

Planning Commission members praised the proposal, which was amended to include a more narrow patio for Guido's, subject to council approval.

"That is a really important corner," said Bill Barber, a member of the commission. "When you come into town, it's what everyone's going to see."

Commission member Carmen Laudato said she was drawn to Ravenna because when she lived in Streetsboro, she was always coming to Ravenna for things to see and do.

"The more attractive we make the downtown, the more people are going to come here and make it their home," she said.

Frank Hairston said he was in favor of the project because he wanted to support Guido's.

"It's not just for Ravenna, it's for Portage County," he said. "Please folks, let's keep Ravenna on the rise."

Council weighs in on plans for downtown lot

City Council member Cheryl Wood said she and other council members favored the project because "it turns a dilapidated building into something everyone can enjoy." Councilman Rob Kairis, however, said the process needs to be followed.

Council President Andrew Kluge stated in a letter to the commission that council approved funding for the project and put NDS in charge of demolishing the building and putting a green space in its place. "In my opinion, they have done an excellent job," he said.

"As council president, I urge you to seize this once in a generation opportunity," he stated. "This decision goes beyond just creating a park, it defines our identity, strengthens our community and establishes our legacy. Let us vote in favor of this proposal and transform our vision into a reality for both current and future residents of Ravenna. Let's give Ravenna a gift that will continue to give, one every generation will remember."

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: 'A really important corner': Ravenna planners OK downtown proposal