On May 6, 2025, Mentor voters will decide on the construction of a 92-foot-tall observation tower at the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve.
As per city charter, any capital improvement projects that take place in the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve must be approved by voters.
Mentor Issue 4 will appear on the ballot as follows:
4 Proposed Ordinance Mentor City
A majority affirmative vote is necessary
Shall Ordinance No. 25-0-017 approving the construction of an observation tower within the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve with the assistance of grant funding be approved?
The proposed structure would be located on the marsh rim approximately 1,000 feet north of the main trailhead entrance. The tower would feature a 25’ x 25’ top deck and offer panoramic views of the marsh and uplands area extending to Lake Erie, as well as an ADA-accessible elevated platform.
Funding for the (estimated) $2.5 million project was approved by City Council as a capital expenditure in the 2024 Annual Budget. The project timeline was delayed in the planning phase and as a result, funding was rolled over into the 2025 Annual Budget.
If the issue is approved by Mentor voters, construction will begin this summer. If the issue is rejected, the project shall be tabled indefinitely, and $450,000 in grant funding from ODNR will be rescinded.
For questions related to the observation tower project or ballot issue, contact the Mentor Public Information Office at [email protected].