Mentor board approves revised tax-exemption deal for Uptown Manor development

The Mentor Exempted Village Board of Education voted unanimously on Dec. 9 to rescind a 2020 real-property tax-exemption agreement and approve a new exemption and compensation agreement under Ohio Revised Code sections 5709.4 and 5709.41 tied to the Uptown Manor development.

The action follows public comment both opposing and supporting the abatement. Linda O’Brien, who identified herself as a business consultant, urged caution and asked who would bear the cost of any tax abatement, saying "whenever you give away money ... somebody has to pay for it" and warning about cumulative levy pressure on residents. Alison Secora, president of Uptown Manor, told the board the redevelopment area requires demolition and substantial investment and argued the abatement would catalyze additional development, increase home values and ultimately generate more tax revenue for the district. "I ask you please consider positively and accept this resolution to approve the tax abatement," Secora said.

District staff described the 2020 agreement and the revised proposal. The 2020 schedule the board previously approved provided a 100% abatement in years 1–15, 25% in years 16–20, 50% in years 21–25 and 75% in years 26–30. Under the new proposal presented to the board, the district would receive about $34,000 a year for years 1–20, then 50% in years 21–30. Staff said that, in comparison with the original 2020 deal, the new agreement would generate approximately $217,000 more in additional revenue for the district if the board accepted it.

Board members discussed the local appearance and potential for the site to catalyze further private investment before calling the vote. The board approved the resolution rescinding the prior exemption and approving the new Uptown Manor compensation agreement by roll call, motion carries 5–0.

What happens next: the approved resolution rescinds the prior 2020 agreement and adopts the new compensation schedule as presented; the district will receive payments according to the agreement timeline. The board did not specify additional implementation steps in the public discussion beyond the vote.