The Mount Vernon City Council has authorized Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers to seek bids for the demolition of buildings. This move is part of the State Route 13 relocation project to South Sandusky Street, as decided during its meeting on September 8.
City Engineer Brian Ball explained that the new routing would provide a six-foot elevation climb and reduce traffic signals by five for trucks, partners, and cars. "Most of the cars go up and turn left on Ohio Avenue. So this puts traffic in a more logical pattern," Ball said, according to a YouTube recording of the meeting.
Ball further said that funding from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant would be utilized for demolishing buildings necessary for roadway improvements. The city will need to check for asbestos before proceeding with demolition. His department requested authorization to award a construction project specifically aimed at removing these structures. Additionally, road construction funding will be provided through a second federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Ball noted that while HUD funding might not cover all building demolitions, it will be fully utilized, prioritizing buildings already owned by the city. The funds are designated solely for building and asphalt parking lot removal.
The city must use the HUD funding by 2030; however, Ball indicated plans to begin demolition before spring when road construction is expected to commence. On Sandusky Street, AEP requires building removal to relocate its poles efficiently. If completed on schedule, this could provide AEP with a two or three-month head start on their work.
Negotiations continue for properties needed but not yet owned by the city, as per Ball and Law Director Rob Broeren. Federal law dictates specific procedures for local governments regarding purchase offers, buying, and relocating businesses. A contract with O.R. Colan involving the Ohio Department of Transportation ensures fair treatment throughout this lengthy process that began a year ago.
