MOUNT VERNON —A small group of west-end residents gathered Tuesday to offer input on how a neighborhood revitalization grant could be used to improve their community.
The neighborhood revitalization grant is designed to assist low- and moderate-income areas with improvements to park and recreation facilities, curbs and sidewalks, street upgrades, removal of architectural barriers and more.
For example, the grant can’t be used for large-scale, single-purpose projects like government operations or housing.
The grant typically funds five projects that benefit the entire neighborhood. The city is seeking the maximum request of $750,000.
The application for the grant is due in June 2024. The funds can be used from September 2024 to August 2026.
Among the grant requirements is to have a leveraged project, meaning the city must spend a matching amount on other projects not related to the grant.
The grant also requires public participation, with several public meetings planned for the future, starting in the spring.
The grant encompasses the northwest portion of Mount Vernon’s Second Ward, from Ohio 229 to Greenwood Avenue. Horizontally, the grant land scope covers Dike Road to N. West Street.
The area was determined by the recent U.S. Census, Mount Vernon city engineer Brian Ball said.
Residents want to see several improvements at Riverside Park
One resident’s suggestion was to make year-round public bathrooms.
The bathrooms would utilize universal locks connected to the internet, and would have a set schedule for locking and unlocking, Ball said.
The universal locks would deter vandalism to public restrooms.
Having ADA-accessible swings, similar to Memorial Park, was another suggestion made by West End citizens.
Adding rubber to playing surfaces at Riverside Park rather than mulch was also suggested.
Other improvements to the four pickleball courts at Riverside Park were requested, including fresh asphalt, two additional courts and a full replacement of the existing courts.
Improvements to sidewalks on West Sugar Street were also mentioned by one resident due to a lack of wheelchair accessibility.
The next public meeting is Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the BO Depot.