Lakemore officials have selected an applicant from among six that applied to lease a building at the James Dodds Lakefront Park, located at 2425 Lakeside Drive.
Village Council approved the lease agreement at a special May 9 meeting, according to Fiscal Officer Rick Quay.
Officials have been seeking applicants to set up a business in an unused building in the park for several months.
The park currently offers two concrete boat launches, a boat marina, parking for vehicles with and without boat trailers, public and private boat docks, a large rentable pavilion, picnic tables and charcoal grills. The park also has basketball courts and a fenced-in area with swings, a slide and climbing equipment.
Village officials have said they are hoping to create a family atmosphere, draw more people to the park and generate some revenue.
Officials recently met with two of the applicants, including a private resident and a representative from the Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
The Summit County agency was unable to put an agreement together, according to village officials.
Officials added that Elton Miller, a Lakemore resident, entered into an agreement with Village Mayor Mike Kolomichuk to lease the lakefront marina.
According to village officials, Miller intends to operate an ice cream and snack shop serving hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and other items. The agreement also will permit a rental operation at the site for pontoon boats, kayaks and jet skis, as well as the sale of fishing equipment, bait and some boat accessories.
Quay stated the new business should be in operation by Memorial Day, May 30.
The village will receive 20 percent of the gross profits, which will be put into the Park Fund and used to maintain and upgrade the park in the future, according to village officials.
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