MOUNT VERNON — A demolition crew took down the property at 936 W. High St., next door to Mount Vernon Electric Sales, and one neighbor is not happy about it.
Mike Metcalf, manager of Mount Vernon Electric Sales, located at 940 W. High St., said the company’s owner recently purchased the house, and plans to use the vacant property for parking and, if permitted, for storage as well. He said the company is growing and needs the extra parking and storage space, adding that the space can be used for parking, as this is permitted on a property with a residential zoning classification.
Cindy Olk, who lives at the corner of West High Street and Cherry Street, next to the demolition site, complained to Mount Vernon’s Safety-Service Director, Dave Glass, about dust arising from the demolition. Glass arrived at the business Wednesday afternoon and asked Metcalf to subdue the dust with water. Metcalf complied.
The owner of Mount Vernon Electric Sales had applied to have the property rezoned from its residential classification to general business, but the request was voted down by the city’s planning commission last November. Metcalf declined to comment on whether they plan to seek rezoning again.
Olk also voiced opposition to the company’s plans at the commission meeting in November. She argued that the property value of her home would be lowered if the property next door was rezoned business, and said even with a privacy fence there, she would still be able to see the products stored there from her upstairs window.
Olk could not be reached for comment.
