MOUNT VERNON — As things are wrapping up on a couple of projects around the city, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis and other officials are looking at things getting back to normal.
Gay Street now has asphalt from Howard Street to Chestnut Street and will soon open both lanes to northbound traffic. Mavis is concerned drivers will consider the new paved road as a dragstrip.
“We’re looking closely at the light sequence and working closely with the police. The speed limit is 25 mph and it will be enforced,” Mavis said.
The city will also be placing the speed limit trailer on the road to help drivers better gauge their speed.
Even though the asphalt is down on the road, there are several items workers need to complete before traffic is opened on both sides of the road. Workers are leveling the manhole covers with the road and will work on the areas where it will transition between asphalt and brick, so there will continue to be some interruptions. The workers will also be striping the road and parking spaces, which will continue to be on both sides of the road.
Overall, Mavis feels the project went well and is happy it’s on time and nearly complete. There have been some inconveniences for drivers and some issues that have arisen because of the project that Mavis is concerned about.
“We definitely had some issues with trucks being on streets they normally wouldn’t,” Mavis said. “That’s been bothersome to people — when a semi is on a street you don’t normally see a semi. Now that we’re close to finished, I expect traffic to get back to normal soon.
“I think the detours went well. Certainly, there were some delays, but as long as there was one lane open, there weren’t nearly as many complaints. I’m pleased the project is close to being done.”
Another project the city has been working on is nearly complete as well. The Vernonview Drive-Wooster Road waterline project is finished except for some paving work and a few residences that have not connected to the line.
The top level of the Plaza parking garage is also expected to open next week. The middle level will be closed as work continues on it, but residents will be able to park in the level off Gay Street soon.
Two projects getting ready to go are the demolition of the old Connell’s building on South Sandusky Street and the restrooms at Foundation Park. Demolition on the building began Friday and the Ohio Avenue-South Sandusky Street curve is expected to be closed Monday and Tuesday as workers tear down the front of the building. The contracts have been signed for the restrooms and work will begin there soon.
Mavis noted the salvage from the Connell’s building demolition will go to the construction company, per the agreement on the bid.
In other news:
•The city will soon be sending out letters to all homeowners in the three historical districts. The letters will update homeowners on historic district regulations that affect changes made to the appearance or architecture of the structure. These regulations also affect homes that aren’t designated as historic but are within the historic district.
“If you own a home in the historic district, you can’t make substantial changes to it without having the historical review committee take a look at the plans,” Mavis said.
•The city will be holding a trash day today from 8 until 11:45 a.m. Residents may take trash to the transfer station on Tilden Avenue and the city will pay half of the costs.
