Mount Vernon is inviting residents to participate in a public survey regarding the development and construction of new municipal facilities. The online survey offers an alternative for those unable to attend listening sessions scheduled through Feb. 28.
According to a Mount Vernon news release, the online survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z62KP3P.
"Our goal is for the new Municipal Courthouse and City Hall Annex to address the growing needs of Mount Vernon's civic institutions while preserving the heritage of our community," said Mayor Matthew Starr. "We have design concepts that address the functional needs, but we welcome any input on how we can better align our designs with the priorities of the community."
The news release states that economic and population growth in Mount Vernon has increased demands on local government facilities. This situation has necessitated a re-evaluation of infrastructure design to better serve city needs.
The deteriorating structural integrity of the Plaza Building at 5 North Gay St. requires relocating the Municipal Court, Police Department, and other offices housed there. A city hall annex is planned for properties immediately north of City Hall at 40 Public Square.
The city is considering centralized development, with plans to relocate the Municipal Court/Justice Center to Public Square next to City Hall and the planned annex.
Another option involves a distributed facility model, moving the court into the annex and relocating other departments to Heartland Commerce Park. A new police department facility will be constructed on city property on Sychar Road.
Upcoming listening sessions aim to present initial conceptual plans and gather public input to shape the project. These sessions will take place at City Hall and other locations. The first session was held on Jan. 9, with Happy Bean Coffee Shop hosting another session on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. City Hall council chambers will host sessions on Jan. 23, Feb. 6, and Feb. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The final session will return to Happy Bean Coffee Shop at 221 South Main St. on Friday, Feb. 28, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
