MOUNT VERNON — The possibility of a new industry arising from the rubble of the old American National Can property in years to come still exists, according to the mayor of the city.
Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis expressed optimism over the possibility of obtaining money through Clean Ohio Fund program to clean up the property and added that a potential industrial partner, whom he declined to identify, recently expressed interest in the possibility of getting involved in redeveloping the 44-acre site.
In February, the mayor told Mount Vernon City Council that the Mount Vernon Youth Baseball Association was interested in building a baseball complex on the property.
“I’m still receptive to the baseball project but I know the possibility of getting the money is better if the project is tied to job creation,” Mavis said.
He said the administration has all the necessary paperwork to annex the property; in order for the city to apply for Clean Ohio Funds, the property has to be within the city. He added that he does not plan to take ownership of the property at this time, although a representative of the owner has expressed a willingness to give the property to the city.
County tax records list Pechiney Plastic Packaging Inc. out of Delaware as the owner. Montreal-based Alcan Inc. owns Pechiney.
Mavis said that in addition to obtaining the money to do the actual cleanup, the city needs to complete an assessment that includes the creation of a cleanup strategy.
The state’s Clean Ohio Fund program contributes money for the development of recreational trails, the preservation of farmland as well as the clean up of polluted industrial sites.
City officials have alluded to a property on Blackjack Road, south of Moundbuilders Guidance Center, several times as the site for the possible construction of a new industry. Mavis said it is only one of two areas in or around the city that is zoned for manufacturing; the other is the American National Can property, of which about 27 1/2 acres is suitable for industrial development.
The mayor said there are a lot of positives to the possible industrial project besides job growth — the ability to control drainage in that area of the city (there is a large drainage ditch that requires regular maintenance that borders a portion of the property).
Toulene, a toxic substance left over from the old industrial activities, has been found in certain spots at the property, and the property lies over the city’s aquifer. The mayor said that based on the information now available, there is no threat to the city’s water supply, but added that the chance of remedying this environmental concern would be another plus.
He said the property has access to city water and wastewater services and is near a state highway, all of which would benefit any industry that might build at the site.
