NOACA EV Charging Stations – Phase 2 Program
Please provide comments by January 19, 2026.
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the City of Mentor, proposes installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Civic Center Complex, located on Civic Center Boulevard and Munson Road in Lake County. The installation will include two Level 2 (L2) Port Chargers and two Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) at three parking locations at the Municipal City Buildings on Munson Road.
While the final location has not yet been determined, three potential parking lots are under consideration. It will use approximately 0.02-0.04 acres (4 parking spaces) from the pre-existing parking lots at Sites A (0.46 acres), B (0.11 acres), or C (0.94 acres), as shown in the figure below. Detours will not be necessary for the installation of the chargers. Though part of the surface lot will be blocked, access to Civic Center Complex and sufficient parking spaces will be available during installation. Installation is expected to take approximately 1-2 days.
Civic Center Complex is a recreational facility located at 8500 Civic Center Boulevard. As a public recreational facility, the Civic Center Complex is considered a protected resource under Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and a recreational resource under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (Pub. L. 89-670, 80 Stat. 931; codified at 23 U.S.C. 138; implemented by 23 CFR Part 774). Therefore, Civic Center Complex is provided protection from any adverse impacts of federal-aid transportation projects. A de minimis impact determination is proposed to fulfill those requirements.
NOACA has coordinated with the City of Mentor Director of Planning and Grant Supervisor, and the City of Mentor as the owner and operator of Civic Center Complex, regarding project impacts to ensure the project will not adversely affect the recreational activities, features, or attributes that qualify the park for protection. The Director of Planning and Grant Supervisor has concurred that the project will not adversely affect the protected recreational activities, features, or attributes associated with Civic Center Complex.
NOACA will implement the following measures to minimize harm to Civic Center Complex:
- Access to Civic Center Complex will be maintained during installation.
- All staging equipment will be limited to the pre-existing lot; installation shall not take place outside of the proposed construction area.
- Installation activities will be scheduled during off-peak park hours to reduce disruption to visitors.
- Temporary measures such as warning cones or signage will be installed to direct pedestrians safely around the work area.
- Any disturbed pavement or landscaping will be restored to preconstruction condition; minor vegetation where removal is necessary will be replaced.
Based on the assessment of use, FHWA anticipates making a determination of de minimis impacts on the proposed temporary use of Civic Center Complex. De minimis impacts are minor in nature and, after considering avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures, will not result in an adverse effect on the park. FHWA will make the final de minimis impact determination based on the outcome of the public comment process and written concurrence from the City of Mentor. Comments regarding the impacts on the park and the proposed de minimis impact finding must be submitted to NOACA by January 19, 2026. Comments may be submitted to:
Allison Bunce
Transportation Planner
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinator Agency
[email protected]