City Proposes $5.6 Million in Neighborhood Improvements

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.