MOUNT VERNON – The Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat for Cooper Progress Park at its meeting on Oct. 13.

The planning commission approved a comprehensive development plan for the property at 105 N Sandusky St. on Sept. 8. The preliminary plat furthers that plan, Zac DiMarco, an attorney for the project, said.

“What we're asking for today is to approve the preliminary plat so that we can then come back with a final and get this project going and start selling properties and providing jobs for Mount Vernon,” DiMarco said.

He said this application was a bit different than what the planning commission normally sees because the development has been substantially completed, so it’s not something they need to imagine.

Mount Vernon Law Director Rob Broeren said the preliminary plat includes deed restrictions, a copy of the bylaws and approval by the Knox Health Department.

Austin Swallow, who served as chair of the meeting in the absence of Mayor Matt Starr and Safety Services Director Rick Dzik, asked if there were any issues for the Shade Tree and Beautification Committee.

City Engineer Brian Ball said there were no plans to remove any trees.

Jeff Gottke, president of the Area Development Foundation, said there were 10 trees on the site. When Lot 4 gets developed, three trees may be removed. But that will be the responsibility of the company developing that lot.

The planning commission voted to recommend approval of the preliminary plat.