MOUNT VERNON — Road conditions were the big topic when city officials met with residents of the west end recently.
“We asked residents for their ideas on what to do if we’re able to get the grant for the west end,” Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis said. “One thing was loud and clear — alleyways. They need graded. It’s not an issue of equipment (for us), but of time.”
The city bought a maintainer last year that was used to grade some of the dirt and gravel alleyways, but it cannot be used until the ground is dry enough to handle a large piece of equipment. According to Dave Carpenter of the street department, that’s usually mid-April.
Carpenter said once the weather cooperates enough, they will get the maintainer out, grade the alleys and spread asphalt grindings the city has collected from resurfacing projects. He said gravel tends to disappear into the earth, while the grindings create a much better road bed.
This has also been a bad year for potholes and asphalt roads breaking up. The city is using cold patch material to fill the holes since hot mix won’t be available until later in the spring. Carpenter said they are preheating the pot holes to help the asphalt adhere better, then using a roller to smooth it out. Residents who see potholes are reminded by Mavis they can call the pothole hotline at 393-9501.
