The Mount Vernon City Council has authorized Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers to advertise for bids for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) East Vine Street sidewalk project. This decision was made during its meeting on November 25.
According to draft minutes from the meeting, council members unanimously approved seeking bids to preempt potential future cost increases.
The Street and Public Committee meeting minutes, attached to the city council agenda, indicate that a public hearing was held earlier this year regarding the CDBG project. City Engineer Brian Ball said that the project encompasses the north side of East Vine between Potwin and Center Streets. He said that construction costs are estimated to be between $146,000 and $155,000, with Mount Vernon's allocation for the project set at $130,000.
Ball also noted that East High Street does not fall within the same Census tract eligible for these CDBG grant funds.
The city council meeting agenda further detailed that council members approved a $79,000 contract with CDC of Ohio to administer 2024 Community Development allocation and Neighborhood Revitalization Grant programs. Salyers mentioned that CDC of Ohio will receive payment once projects are approved.
Draft minutes specify that CDC of Ohio will work on various programs including East Vine Street sidewalk improvements, street and drainage improvements, and parks & recreation enhancements. Additionally, CDC of Ohio will complete all required Fair Housing activities.
