MOUNT VERNON – The sidewalk project on the east side of Sandusky Street is back on track this week because the weather is now suitable for construction, according to the Mount Vernon Engineering Department.
The project has been on hold since November of 2021, Mayor Matt Starr told the Mount Vernon News.
Swift Paving and Excavating Inc. began construction on the east side of the street. No parking will be permitted on that side of the street during construction, Starr said.
“But traffic will still be able to get through … we're not shutting off the street,” he said.
The project starts at West Pleasant Street and proceeds north on Sandusky. Portions of the driveways the sidewalk crosses will be replaced. While the work is underway in the driveways, residents will need to park in a different location so the concrete can set.
The contractor agreed to minimize inconveniences to property and business owners along the length of the project.
The sidewalk will tie into the recently installed walkway along Sandusky Street at Franklin Street.
“It’s a construction zone, so just a nice, kindly reminder to have everybody slow down,” Starr said.
Anyone having questions about this project can call the Engineering office at 740-393-9528.
Livestreaming meetings
Starr said he and his administrative assistant, Todd Hill, met with the contractor who will help update the audiovisual technology in council chambers. They did figure out what needs to be done to broadcast meetings and build in safeguards for a reliable signal.
“It's going to be an improved quality so it's easier for the citizens who are watching at home or remotely will be able to follow along much more easily,” he said.
Meeting participants who speak into the microphones will be better understood, he said.
New swing set, safer playground mulch
The city installed a new swing set at Phillips Park. Crews also added rubber playground mulch to the play area.
“We had in the past the wooden mulch, and this year we're replacing all of that with the rubber mulch. It’s safer, softer – no splinters,” Starr said. “So that's going to be the plan for our parks’ playground areas.”
A new shed announcer stand was placed at Riverside Park on Friday to replace one that was set on fire in the past year.
Test smoke, carbon monoxide detectors
“This is a great time to test your smoke detectors and your carbon monoxide detectors in your homes and places of business. It's also a good time to check fire extinguishers and make sure that that needle in the fire extinguisher in the gauges is within the green,” Starr said.
Fire Chief Chad Christopher also suggested reviewing fire evacuation drills and severe weather plans with family.
In February, Mount Vernon had 480 emergency calls for its fire department, with 83% of them for emergency medical service and 17% for fires.
Ohio has a burn ban that started March 1 and will run through May. It also applies to townships surrounding Mount Vernon.
“The burn ban means no burning between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.,” Starr said.
