MOUNT VERNON — Mayor Matt Starr said Wednesday’s ceremonial groundbreaking for the Liberty Crossing subdivision on Newark Road marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city.
“The housing development is set to bring new opportunities, growth and vibrancy to the community,” he said. “We’re really thrilled to celebrate this with our key partners and collaborators Highland Real Estate, DR Horton, and McDaniels Development.”
When Starr took office, he asked employers, “What is it you need?”
The response was, “We would love to expand, but we have no place for people to live.”
Starr recalls discussing it with Area Development President Jeff Gottke.
“We realized then that this was an economic development problem that we as a community needed to address,” he said. “Not just for growth but to protect the current employer base to make sure they are taken care of.
“So today is not just about breaking ground. It’s about building. It’s enhancing our local infrastructure, and it’s creating a lasting impact on Mount Vernon’s future.”
City Council Member Amber Keener echoed Starr’s enthusiasm. She noted the variety of housing units that offer residences for current and future citizens of the city.
“This is one more example of growth that works for the city by limiting our sprawl by utilizing a smaller space for maximum benefit,” she said.
“We really look forward to watching the progress of this community becoming a part of Mount Vernon just as we have enjoyed the neighbors that we are seeing pop up to the east of the city.”
A complete community
Gottke spoke about how Liberty Crossing represents opportunity.
“We have heard from employers across the county about how difficult it was to find workforce. Part of that was affordable and quality housing that fit their lifestyle,” he said.
“Thanks to all of the partners together, we’re able to bring a number of homes to the community that fit the needs of the workforce and the needs of the employers.”
Gottke said another significant benefit of the development is it fits with the community’s vision. The city wants to work with developers who want to be part of the community, not those who merely throw up their products and sell homes.
He said these partners want to integrate into the community and bring a product that fits the community’s values.
“That’s what we see here, and you see that laid out in the planning documents that exist within the city,” he said.
Plans call for the nearly 100-acre site to encapsulate 477 residential units on the west side of Newark Road, including 93 single-family homes, 42 patio homes, 112 townhomes, and 230 multi-family residential units.
In addition to the variety of housing styles, Gottke cited the land’s pre-zoning and on-site utilities as reasons Liberty Crossing is a good development location. Another plus was that the city had already annexed the land.
Gottke said Liberty Crossing represents connection: green space, park space, and sidewalks.
“We want communities that encourage human interaction and interaction with the natural environment, which we’re so proud of here in Knox County,” he said.
“This particular development checks a lot of the boxes, and these particular developers have been strong community partners throughout the process.”
Collaborative partners
Scott Mallory with Highland Real Estate also recalled talking with Gottke four years ago.
“He invited us up here and said we’ve got a problem in Knox County. … We have a housing shortage. What can we do about it?” Mallory said.
“… We began a journey, and I’d like to thank him for starting that.”
Mallory also thanked Starr, city council members and staff, DR Horton, and McDaniel Development Group.
“You’ve made this project better, and we’re grateful for your leadership as well,” Mallory told city council members.
Scott mallory, highland real easte
Dave Dozer, vice president of land development for DR Horton, and Steven Linker of McDaniel Development thanked the city for the opportunity to be involved in Liberty Crossing.
Quinne Naegeli, legislative aide to State Sen. Andrew Brenner, said Brenner is “really keen” on getting more development, especially for first-time home buyers and families who would not otherwise have a home because of the housing shortage.
“Great care and considerable resources have been invested in this project through the support of many people, and it is certain that this exemplary effort will flourish for a long time,” she said.
Taylor Nemeth congratulated everyone involved in the project on behalf of Congressman Troy Balderson.
“I always get excited when projects are happening, and we can see this obvious growth,” he said. “We’re excited to see all that comes from this development.”
Pastor Roger Tickle blessed the ground, and Pastor Dan Humphrey blessed the families who will live in the new community.
