MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon City Council agreed Monday night to purchase a piece of property on Coshocton Avenue that is crucial in the city’s plan to correct the traffic problems near CVS.
The parcel, just over 1/2 an acre, is at 856 Coshocton Ave. and was the site of Burger Chef, LaPaloma and most recently 8 Sisters Bakery. According to Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis, this acquisition was necessary in the city’s plans to adjust traffic flow at the intersection of Yauger Road, Vernonview Drive and Coshocton Avenue.
Mavis explained during a special council meeting the Ohio Department of Transportation negotiated land acquisition for the Coshocton Road safety and widening project. The property owner felt the section needed for the project was undervalued and hired an attorney to mediate.
Safety-Service Director Dave Glass said eventually the city would go back to negotiate a second easement on the property to work on the intersection. Financially, it was the right decision to purchase the property outright instead of buying two separate easements, he said. The proposed easement on the current project was priced at $80,000. Council agreed to purchase the property at $310,000. Funds for the purchase will come from the Tax Increment Fund and not from General Fund taxpayer monies.
The special meeting was necessary in order to meet a Wednesday deadline on the deal.
In addition, council approved the reappointment of Kelly Schermerhorn to the Water/Wastewater Commission and heard a second reading of an ordinance that would permit the fire chief to appoint a member of the department with the power to investigate and make arrests or citations in arson and open burn cases.
Council will meet at its regular time on Monday, July 23, at 7:30 p.m. A 20-minute Fire, Police, Civil Defense committee meeting will take place prior to the legislative meeting in order to further discuss the ordinance regarding the fire department’s law enforcement authority.
