The proposal to expand Edgewood Road and upgrade surrounding infrastructure certainly has some merit, particularly in terms of improved transportation and economic development.
However, it raises several serious concerns that need to be addressed before moving forward.
Given the potential long-term financial, environmental, and social impacts, a more cautious and thoughtful approach is essential.
The Mount Vernon City Council held its first reading on setting tax levies for property tax within the city, which is projected to raise $1.24 million. The resolution was heard during its Sept. 9 meeting.
The draft minutes indicated that the county auditor's estimated tax rate for the General Fund would be 2.60 mills, which would raise $1.01 million. A 0.30 millage rate for the Police Pension would raise $117,000, with the same millage rate for the Fire Pension raising an equivalent amount in tax revenue.
MOUNT VERNON — After a public records request, the Edgewood Road Expansion project in Mount Vernon, Ohio, reveals the interplay of city planning, public engagement, and obstacles. City officials have been working behind the scenes to get the road’s improvement and extension funded and built.
The stated purpose of the “Edgewood Road Project” is to provide a direct route from the south side of the City to the east side of the Coshocton Road retail district, specifically Knox Village Square, and east of the City.
According to the administration, not having that route creates a significant problem.
To avoid congestion on Coshocton, drivers are increasingly using neighborhood streets like Edgewood, Teryl, Marita, Stevens, Vernedale, Vernonview and New Gambier, while not designed for the purpose, as cut throughs to get to the east end of the Coshocton Avenue business district (restaurants, Lowes, the hospital, Tractor Supply, Wal-Mart, Knox Village Square), as well as the Danbury Senior Living Center, Sheriff’s Office, Knox Public Health and Apple Valley.
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