City Proposes $5.6 Million in Neighborhood Improvements

Four Community Development Block Grant applications submitted to State

MOUNT VERNON, May 27, 2022 – Mount Vernon is preparing $1.978 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications to undertake approximately $5.6 million in neighborhood improvements over the next two years. The four applications will be submitted to the Ohio Department of Development by June 15, 2022.

A total of $2.489 million is proposed for the City’s Fourth Ward/Dan Emmett School and Park neighborhood. The funds will include a $750,000 CDGB grant (which allocates $700,000 for construction costs and $50,000 for administrative costs), $275,000 from the Ariel Foundation and $1.464 million from the City’s water, sewer, storm sewer and paving budgets. Projects include the complete reconstruction of Nuce and Marma Drives including sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm sewers and paving. New sidewalks will also be installed along Northgate Drive and new flashing crosswalks on Nuce and Mansfield Roads. Substantial storm drainage improvements are proposed for the school and park area as well as across Mansfield Avenue towards North Sandusky Street. The Dan Emmett Park and School playground is scheduled to get a new asphalt surface, playground equipment and parking upgrades as well as safety barriers along Nuce Road. Volunteer projects are also planned by the Faith Lutheran Church, Dan Emmett School and the Mount Vernon Shade Tree and Beautification Commission.

Another $1.672 million is proposed for the reconstruction of North Catherine Street between East Vine Street and Coshocton Avenue. This includes a $500,000 CDBG grant (which allocates $470,000 for construction costs and $30,000 for administrative costs), and $1.172 million in City funds. This is a severely deteriorated brick street that poses serious safety issues.

Mount Vernon is also applying for a Residential Public Infrastructure Grant to install water and sanitary sewer on Stump and Northview Drives. This is a $1,169,800 project with $500,000 in CDBG funding (which allocates $470,000 for construction costs and $30,000 for administrative costs) and the balance from the City. The project will address the raw sewage issues along North Sandusky Street and in the residential neighborhood.

The final project involves the completion of sidewalks along the west side of North Sandusky Street between Franklin and Burgess Streets. The project includes $150,000 in CDBG funds (which allocates $120,000 for construction costs and $30,000 for administrative costs), and $119,546 in City funds.

The City will hold a public hearing on June 9, 2022 at 10 a.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall, 40 Public Square, to discuss the projects before submitting the applications. The grant awards should be announced in September 2022. Residents are encouraged to come and learn about these exciting opportunities to revitalize their neighborhoods.