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Mount Vernon council explores buying 27th Street parcel for police parking and recreation
Summary
At a Dec. 16 executive session, Mount Vernon city officials discussed obtaining an appraisal and pursuing purchase of a parcel on 27th Street across from the police station to provide overflow parking and recreational space; Council Member Mike Young will contact the owner. No purchase was authorized at the session.
The Mount Vernon City Council discussed pursuing acquisition of a privately owned parcel on 27th Street across from the police station during a Dec. 16 executive session, City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel said.
Bechtel told the council the owner is interested in selling and recommended the city obtain an appraisal to evaluate purchase. She said the building across the street is used frequently for meetings, creating a near-term need for parking, and added that state efforts to electrify municipal police fleets could increase long-term parking demand for charging and vehicle storage.
Council Member Mike Young said he knows the family that owns the property and that the owner’s son has been speaking with him about a possible sale. Council members expressed support for moving forward with an appraisal; Young agreed to speak directly with the owner to convey the city’s interest.
The discussion did not include a formal vote to acquire the property. City staff and council members framed the next step as obtaining an independent appraisal to determine value and feasibility before any purchase decision would be brought to a public meeting or a formal vote.
Separately, Council Member Donte Moore moved to adjourn the executive session; Council Member Joe Gliosci seconded. The roll call recorded yes votes from Gliosci, Moore, Young and Mayor John Lewis; Council Member Ray Botch was absent. The session ended at 7:27 p.m.
City Manager Bechtel will proceed with arranging an appraisal, and Council Member Young will contact the owner; no contract or purchase agreement was reported during the session.
