MOUNT VERNON — The city’s projects all seem to be on the proper timetable, according to Safety-Service Director Dave Glass.
The traffic signal at Blackjack and Newark roads is progressing well, with the poles already up and the curbing in for the new turn lane. Glass anticipates the signal to be functioning by the first of October. Also on Blackjack Road, the widening project, as well as the water and sewer lines, are moving along well.
The city has also begun upgrading the traffic signals on North Main Street. The first, at the intersection with Pleasant Street, is up and running; the one at Hamtramck Street should be completed soon. The project includes new traffic signals with larger LED displays, and a new control box. Glass said the new signals will help the city coordinate the traffic patterns better.
Glass reported the contractor is nearly complete with the Kokosing/Center Run interceptor project. The contractor is cleaning both the Center Run sewer receptors, and is checking the condition of the inside of the lines. The ultimate goal is to rehab the sewers and, hopefully, eliminate most of the infiltration that occurs there.
The city will begin replacing the two culverts on Pleasant Street east of Sychar Road. A block grant was received to help pay for the work, which will include replacing the culverts with bigger box culverts, allowing more volume and less chance for clogging.
Glass also reported the sidewalk at Riverside Park was put into place this week. The 6-foot- wide sidewalk will connect the picnic shelter with the playground and allow for a learning trail to be put into place. He said they are also considering removing the drinking fountain at the edge of Riverside Park, as it is too close to traffic for small children.
Glass has sent letters to approximately 60 entities about temporary signs. The city has a rule they can be placed three times a year for 30 days at a time, but Glass said there have been instances where people are not following the rules.
In other news, Glass said the planning commission met Wednesday and recommended the zoning at 5 Coshocton Ave. be changed from single-family residential to neighborhood commercial, and that the park across the street be rezoned from neighborhood commercial to public. He also said the historical review committee discussed improvements at 306 N. Gay St.
