In a significant move to address the challenges of a growing city and region, officials from Mount Vernon hosted two representatives from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) earlier this month. Mayor Matthew Starr, along with Engineer Brian Ball and Assistant Engineer Quentin Platt, welcomed Parag Agrawal, chief mobility and infrastructure officer, and Jessica Kuenzli, chief regional planning officer, to explore key local sites including the Knox County Airport and the Central Ohio Industrial Park.
“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 Starr. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Just as the decisions we make may affect all of Knox County as well as MORPC’s 15-county membership area, MORPC and other regional leaders have a lot to offer us. It’s a two-way relationship that’s very much worth our while to cultivate. We cannot operate in a vacuum.”
With Knox County poised for growth, especially as Intel and its subsidiaries develop in nearby Licking County, the airport is expected to see increased activity and funding needs. City officials also addressed the long-standing issue of truck traffic from the Industrial Park during the tour.
“The City of Mount Vernon is working to develop the City’s infrastructure and create new economic development opportunities for the City’s residents,” Agrawal noted. He highlighted that Mount Vernon is at the forefront of effective land use and economic development practices.
As the tour progressed, officials reviewed plans for the Kokosing River shoreline at Arch Park and discussed the potential of a revamped State Route 13 corridor to improve traffic flow. Kuenzli expressed enthusiasm about the initiatives in Mount Vernon, saying, “There are incredibly exciting things happening in Mount Vernon and we greatly appreciate Mayor Starr inviting us out to take a tour.”
Mayor Starr concluded by reinforcing the importance of ongoing relationships with MORPC, stating, “This ‘Planes, Trains, Automobiles and River Corridors Tour’ was by no means a ‘one-and-done’ gesture. There’s too much at stake for everyone involved. With everything this City has planned, we can’t do it alone.”
