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Mayor updates council on Mulberry closure, roundabout timeline and land bank activity
Summary
Mayor Feeney told council on Jan. 12 that Mulberry Street remains closed for construction with limited winter progress, that a roundabout at Mill and Yuctangi must be completed by October, and that the Ross County Land Reutilization Corporation has new delinquent‑tax funding enabling demolition and property repurposing.
Mayor Feeney briefed Chillicothe City Council on Jan. 12 about ongoing infrastructure projects and the Ross County Land Reutilization Corporation (land bank).
Feeney said the closure of Mulberry Street is the most frustrating issue for affected residents, acknowledging winter and holiday slowdowns but saying the project is progressing: “The biggest, and probably most frustrating, situation for our residents right now is the closure of Mulberry. That work is going well, but it is slow.” He noted staff and the construction manager are working on improved access options for people who live on that stretch.
The mayor reminded council the project must be completed by October and said the roundabout at Mill and Yuctangi will become a construction "pressure point," especially for school traffic planning. He described visible progress at the park (pavilion footers poured, armory work underway) and a large detention basin east of the pavilion that is already excavated.
Feeney also updated council on the Ross County Land Reutilization Corporation, explaining the land bank was formed about eight or nine years ago with the county treasurer and commissioners and originally relied on grants to remove blighted properties. He said the land bank has gained a dedicated funding stream from delinquent tax receipts, which allows steadier activity. He described recent hearings and filings tied to tax‑foreclosure processes and said the land bank raised its hand to acquire properties at sheriff sales where no private buyer emerged. Feeney said some acquired houses may be repurposed rather than demolished and cited planned demolitions in Roxabell and Kingston.
The mayor said the project budget started with a contingency "north of $1,000,000," which has been drawn down by unanticipated costs; remaining city funds would be prioritized for items not funded in the core project such as playground equipment. He told the council staff will provide more frequent visual and narrative updates to the public as weather permits.
Council members did not take a formal vote on policy stemming from the mayor's report during the meeting; Feeney said staff continue to work with affected residents and partner agencies.
