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Mount Vernon planning commission approves Liberty Crossing Phase 1 final plat
Summary
The Municipal Planning Commission approved the final plat for Liberty Crossing Phase 1, a 54‑lot single‑family subdivision; commissioners discussed street names, adjacent Johnson grass concerns raised by a neighboring farmer, and next administrative steps.
The Municipal Planning Commission on Sept. 11 approved the final plat for Liberty Crossing Phase 1, a residential subdivision that the developer said comprises 54 single‑family lots.
The approval followed a presentation by Steven Lenker of McDaniel Development Group and public comment from a neighboring property owner who raised concerns about invasive Johnson grass on the parcel south of the development.
Lenker, the developer’s representative, told the commission the phase includes single‑family lots and an area of patio homes, and that “the pavement is complete now in about 60% of the first phase” and that the developer submitted a bond or letter of credit to cover remaining work, expected to be resolved “in the next 60 to 90 days.”
Walt Sperry, who identified himself as the owner of the farm immediately south of the project, said the parcel contains a patch of Johnson grass that spreads “not only by seeds, but also by rhizomes, which are horizontal roots that spring up” and urged faster control measures. Sperry said he and his brother had sent a letter citing “state statute, revised code 7 31.51” and described options including mowing or allowing adjacent farmers to till the area under an agreement with the homeowners association.
Planning staff reported the city had received a complaint, engaged Ohio State University Extension for a site visit, confirmed the plant as Johnson grass and arranged spraying. Planning staff said a contractor and Central Ohio Farmers Co‑op were engaged to treat the area.
Engineering staff confirmed stormwater and utilities permits were in place, noted on‑site inspection and testing of pipe installation, and said the city’s reviewers observed asphalt installation. From the commission’s review, there were only a few minor plan corrections on the second submittal and the county tax map office checked the proposed street names for duplicates.
Commissioners discussed the names submitted for the new streets — Appleseed Way, Treetop Lane and Fit Penny Place — with one commissioner joking about alternatives but the panel proceeded without changing the submitted names. A motion to approve the Phase 1 final plat was made, seconded and passed in a roll call vote with the following recorded yes votes: Mayor Starr; Mr. Sawyers; Mrs. Ellsworth; Mr. Hawkins; and Mr. Swallow. The commission noted this approval does not go to city council; the commission also asked the developer to bring a full‑size mylar set of the plat for signatures.
As a procedural matter, the commission also discussed its October meeting schedule and agreed tentatively to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, which staff said will be advertised as a special meeting with a fixed agenda when an agenda is finalized.
The commission closed deliberations after confirming permits, landscaping and lighting plans will be completed and that outstanding construction items remain secured by the submitted bond or letter of credit.
