Mentor City Council approves Clean Express Auto Wash conditional use permit with traffic conditions

The Mentor City Council's Planning Commission meeting on May 1, 2025, highlighted significant developments, particularly the approval of a conditional use permit for a new Clean Express Auto Wash at 9361 Manor Avenue. The proposal, which aims to address traffic concerns while providing a much-needed service, received mixed reactions from the community.

Joe Bertucci, representing Clean Express Auto Wash, detailed the car wash's design, which includes a dual-lane setup to facilitate smoother traffic flow. However, local residents voiced strong concerns about potential traffic congestion, particularly from Charlene Sulak, who lives nearby. She expressed fears that the new car wash would exacerbate existing traffic issues on Manor Avenue, making it difficult for residents to exit their driveways. Jake Balanek echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the entrance design could lead to dangerous left turns across busy traffic.

Despite these concerns, the commission ultimately approved the conditional use permit with seven conditions aimed at mitigating traffic issues. The administration noted that the proposed car wash would likely generate fewer traffic trips than the previous use of the site, which was a Boston Market.

In addition to the car wash discussion, the meeting also featured a proposal from Dick's Sporting Goods for a new "House of Sport" facility at the former Macy's location in the mall. This innovative concept aims to enhance community engagement through experiential retail, including outdoor recreational activities. The commission expressed enthusiasm for the project, viewing it as a positive step toward revitalizing the mall and attracting more visitors.

As the meeting concluded, the commission emphasized the importance of addressing traffic flow and safety concerns related to both developments. The next steps will involve further discussions on site plans and potential adjustments to ensure that the new businesses integrate smoothly into the community.