MOUNT VERNON — The county agreed with Mount Vernon businessman Gary Gray to correct an oversight that led to a building on Gray’s property being built over an old right of way owned by the county. The easement in question is the old Cleveland, Akron & Cincinnati railroad bed, which used to cross South Main Street just south of the viaduct, on its way to what is now The Station Break Senior Citizens Center.
The northeast corner of a commercial storage building Gray had built on his property on South Main Street encroaches into this old railroad bed. Gray was unaware of this until a prospective developer noticed it. On the developer’s advice, Gray immediately approached the county to see what would have to be done.
As there appears no imminent likelihood of redevelopment of the rail line, its only practical use in the near future would be for a potential bike trail. Therefore the commissioners were satisfied to “bend” the 15-foot-wide right of way of the easement around the corner of Gray’s building, so he is not in violation and will not have to tear down the structure. There is also a 15-foot-wide sewer easement which runs under the same corner of the building. That will remain as currently drawn.
Gray had a surveyor line out the new easement, and had his lawyer draft a new easement agreement between Gray and the county. The paperwork was reviewed and approved by Knox County Assistant Prosecutor Charles McConville.
Willis Pritchett and John and Diane Holley visited the commissioners Monday morning seeking support for the Honor Flight program which honors World War II veterans. The program flies veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the World War II Memorial. The program is seeking donations for an October community flight.
Donations can be made by check, and can be dropped off at WMVO radio station. Donors are encouraged to mark checks “Knox County” to make sure local veterans are selected for the program. For further information, visit www.honorflightcolumbus.org, or call (614) 284-4987.
Discuss this story Commissioners fix easement, hear about Honor Flight