The Mount Vernon City Council during its Feb. 23 meeting approved a lease with a hair salon and nail salon for a city-owned storefront at 49 Public Square.
The decision addresses a vacancy in the downtown property, which previously housed Moonlit Soul. The council aims to keep the space occupied and active.
"Well, it used to be the Moonlit Soul, and we feel like the market ran out on the rocks and those things, they're not really consumables. My kids have a bunch, they still have them, right?" said City Engineer Brian Ball, according to a meeting video. "So for whatever reason, the nice ladies that were there have stopped doing business, and it has been vacant. Our goal is to not have it be vacant."
Amy's Nail Nook and Sarah's Loft will share the space they are leasing. Ball said each business will share the space, entering a lease to occupy the space immediately. He added that the salon businesses will pay the utilities, take responsibility for the air conditioning and as many responsibilities that the city is allowed to give them. They may paint the exterior and give the interior a different look.
Ball also addressed parking arrangements for tenants of 49 Public Square.
He noted the salons aren’t renting any parking spaces, saying they understand public parking is available. One business owner had previously looked at the site and later proposed that the two salons share the space.
Another potential tenant was discussed regarding 46 Public Square. According to Ball, the potential tenant missed the leasing deadline but is still doing due diligence, including plumbing and ventilation checks. The council may see a lease proposal for the property on a future agenda.
