MOUNT VERNON — A vote to upgrade the intersection of North Norton and West Chestnut streets nearly stopped the project as some council members stood their ground to preserve the city’s brick streets.
City administration proposed legislation Monday night for the Norton Street Improvement Project. The project, estimated at $100,000, will eliminate the bricks and concrete that currently make up the intersection and replace it with fresh asphalt. In addition, the project will fix water drainage and sidewalk problems in the area as well as a couple of catch basins near Sugar Street.
The city discussed the project with Rolls-Royce officials because the area is at the entrance of the Rolls-Royce complex. Mount Vernon Safety-Service Director Dave Glass said the proposal shared with those at Rolls-Royce outlined the project with an asphalt surface. When asked if Rolls-Royce preferred a brick surface, Glass confirmed only one proposal was provided.
That statement led Rebecca Jordan, councilwoman at large, to vote against the project.
“That last statement did not sit well with me,” Jordan told council during its closing comment section of the meeting. “I was ready to vote for this project until then. I would like to start seeing more than one option. Rolls was given just one option and not an option for brick.”
