MOUNT VERNON — City Council members got a hint of what is in store for the Curtis Inn property when representatives from the Mount Vernon Nazarene University appeared before the city’s Streets and Public Buildings Committee on Tuesday. The Ariel Corp. bought the inn several weeks ago and gifted it to MVNU to operate after renovations are complete.
Attorney Kim Rose said MVNU is trying to determine the building’s footprint. To do that, MVNU has requested partial vacation of Blackberry Alley which splits the property. Rose said the new building will be a multi-level structure; the alley space is needed in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, parking requirements and other regulations. The portion to be vacated runs from Public Square to the back of the current hotel building. Safety-service Director Dave Glass said there are no city utilities in the alley that would be a major hurdle to overcome if the alley is vacated.
Scott Peterson, vice president for university relations, said dining plans for the hotel call for breakfast only to be served. The hotel will be open to the public and not restricted to Ariel Corp. or MVNU guests. The architect drafting the plans has worked with Firestone Country Club and Hampton Inns. Rose said MVNU would like to begin the renovations Jan. 1, 2014. The request to vacate Blackberry Alley has to go before the Planning Commission, which will make a recommendation to council. “We are glad the hotel will again be a viable structure in our community,” Councilwoman Nancy Vail said.
Monday’s legislative agenda was short. Council members adopted a resolution authorizing Glass to jointly submit an application with the Knox County Commissioners for a planning grant from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. The grant money will be used to study and report on the Kokosing River flood control levee. Glass said the current levee does not restrict a 100-year flood. Residents in the city’s flood plains are required to carry flood insurance; the cost of this insurance is projected to rise due to federal insurance subsidies being discontinued. Eventual improvements to the levee, such as increasing its height, could reduce the cost of insurance and remove some residents from the flood plain designation.
Council also authorized Glass to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for sludge removal for 2014-2016 and authorized the city auditor to transfer funds. Council adjourned into executive session to discuss employee discipline and possible land acquisition. No action was taken.
