MOUNT VERNON — Mayor Richard Mavis informed city council members on Friday that he was in touch twice this week with the owner of the old middle school on North Mulberry Street.
In the first communication with owner Jason Gunsorek, Mavis asked for a timeline within 30 days for the redevelopment of the school; he also asked for a set of plans within 60 days. Gunsorek responded, and a meeting is set for Oct. 18 to discuss the project.
In a second communication sent Thursday, Mavis told Gunsorek that security on the property is nonexistent, vandalism occurs on a nightly basis and the 4 p.m. to midnight shift at the police department receives frequent calls about the property. Mavis told Gunsorek that the city cannot, and should not, be responsible for full-time security. Gunsorek responded that he would visit the property and determine what needs to be done to set up proper security.