Mounds Planning Commission sends letter to DOT expressing concern over bridge replacement; ask for action on abatements Published Aug. 8, 2014 The Mounds Planning Commission met on Tuesday and discussed several items including the construction by the Department of Transportation for a new bridge on the north end of town. The commission’s letter to DOT expresses some of the same concerns addressed in a similar letter sent to the agency by the Town Council. The Planning Commission letter stated, “We desperately need to conduct a meeting where our citizens can voice their concerns and questions as to what is expected to happen to our community.” The letter noted that 17 businesses and homes on the north side of town would be affected by the bridge relocation. The letter noted, “We understand this construction will force one of our only two gas/convenience stores to have to close. That business is just one of the several that will probably be forced to close or move from our town.” DOT held an information meeting regarding the bridge replacement on Alternate Highway 75 about two months ago. However, no questions from town members were allowed. Both the Trustees and the Commission are asking for a meeting where questions would be answered. Members of the Planning Commission include Ray Barrett, chairman; Darlene Howk, secretary; Danny Barrett, vice chairman and Donna Mantooth. In other action, the Commission agreed to address a letter to the Trustees, the city attorney and the Public Works Director concerning five abatements presented to the Trustees in February. The Trustees had agreed to consider the abatement of a limited number of properties brought to their attention by the Commission. In February, there was an agreement to advance five properties to the Trustees for action. The Planning Commission chose properties located at 105 E. 15th St., 109 E. 5th Pl.; 114 E, 5th Pl.; 100 E. 5th St. and a trailer park on North Maxwell for abatement action. In March, the Trustees voted to have notices sent to these property owners and begin the abatement process. However, since that time, there has apparently been no action taken on any of these properties. In the letter, the Planning Commission noted, “We have been told that letters were sent months ago to the homeowners, however, we have not seen anything in writing to indicate that was done...We simply need to move on and focus on getting more unsightly properties removed.” The property owners are responsible for cleaning up the property and are required to pay for removal of trash or dilapidated buildings. However, if the property is abandoned, the town often must pay for the cleanup although they can attach a lien for the cost to the property. The Trustees also discussed a proposal for meeting with the Town Trustees concerning proposed zoning and extension of the town’s fence line. After a discussion, the Commission voted to recommend that the Commission and the Trustees hold a joint public meeting to discuss the issues concerning the possibility of extending the town’s fence line both to the north and south. “We think it would be better to hold a public meeting so everyone could express their opinions and voice any concerns,” Chairman Ray Barrett said.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:46:57 +0000