WQIO Ohio's Super Station
Mount Vernon residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback about one of the city’s most closely watched development proposals during a special “Coffee with Council” event this weekend.
The Mount Vernon City Council will host the informal discussion Saturday, Aug. 1, at 9 a.m. in the Mount Vernon Municipal Center, 236 S. Main St. The event will focus on the proposed Arista Villas development and the financial incentives currently under consideration by the city.
According to a notice released by the City of Mount Vernon on Thursday, the gathering is intended to provide residents with an opportunity to speak directly with council members in a casual setting, ask questions about the project and offer feedback before council takes further action. Coffee will be available for attendees.
The Arista Villas proposal has become a major topic of discussion in recent weeks as council considers legislation involving a New Community Authority and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentives that would help fund public infrastructure associated with the development.
During recent council meetings, residents voiced concerns about the proposed incentives, asking city leaders for more information on how the financing tools would work, what public improvements would be funded and how the agreements could affect future tax revenues.
In response to those concerns, City Council postponed action on the legislation to allow additional public discussion and review. Saturday’s Coffee with Council session is expected to give residents another opportunity to better understand the proposal before council revisits the issue.
City officials are encouraging anyone interested in the Arista Villas project or the proposed financial incentives to attend the meeting, ask questions and participate in the conversation.
The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Mount Vernon Municipal Center, 236 S. Main St. in downtown Mount Vernon.
