MOUNT VERNON — After an obstacle slowed the process down, the tearing down and cleaning up of the old Kresge building in downtown Mount Vernon is nearly complete.
Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis said the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency stepped in earlier this week after it was found that the material in the building was contaminated with asbestos. Because of that, the debris has to be taken to a certified demolition landfill north of Mansfield, which has slowed the project. Mavis said, that after talking with the contractor, the building should be removed by the first of the week. Once that happens, they will move the protective fence that surrounds the property back to the curb on the west side of Main Street and reopen the road in time for the Thanksgiving holiday and the annual Christmas Parade. Gambier Street is not expected to be open until the project is complete.
Two other projects are close to beginning.
The first is the annual brick street project. Canyon Construction of Fredericktown was the low bidder on the project and is expected to move equipment in this coming week. The $206,000 project will include curb and gutter replacement on McArthur Street between Vine and Gambier streets, as well as a complete rebuild of McKenzie Street between Chestnut and Sugar streets. Mavis said the contractor will work through the winter as weather permits and there will be times when McKenzie Street will be closed. He also said it will not be necessary to remove any trees on McArthur, but some of the larger trees will be removed on McKenzie.
