Mount Vernon officials recently hosted representatives from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) to discuss strategies for addressing the city's challenges and needs. The meeting, held in early December, aimed to strengthen Mount Vernon's position within Ohio's rapidly growing region.
"While Mount Vernon officials are obviously focused on providing local services to residents, businesses and anyone visiting the City 24/7/365, we also have to acknowledge that Mount Vernon is part of the most vibrant and growing region in Ohio," said Mayor Matt Starr, according to a City of Mount Vernon press release. Starr emphasized the importance of collaboration with MORPC and other regional leaders, stating that it is "a two-way relationship that's very much worth our while to cultivate."
According to the news release, Starr, along with Engineer Brian Ball and Assistant Engineer Quentin Platt, guided Parag Agrawal, MORPC's chief mobility and infrastructure officer and senior director of programming, and Jessica Kuenzli, MORPC's chief regional planning officer and senior director of planning, through five local sites. These included the Knox County Airport, Central Ohio Industrial Park, Arch Avenue Park river corridor, Central Ohio Farmers Co-op on Lewis Street, and State Route 13 corridor.
The release highlighted Knox County's potential for growth due to developments by Intel and subsidiary businesses in Licking County. It noted that increased activity at Knox County Airport would necessitate additional funding for air traffic management.
City officials discussed with MORPC representatives complaints from residents about truck traffic related to the industrial park. They explored ways to improve traffic flow in response to these concerns.
Additionally, improvements on Mount Vernon's west side were reviewed as part of transformative measures. Discussions included strategies for protecting residents from the Kokosing River and plans for a revamped State Route 13 corridor aimed at better managing truck traffic through the city. The potential increase in rail traffic was also considered as a means to reduce street wear.
