Mount Vernon Municipal Facilities Public Input Survey

The City is inviting input for municipal facility planning which evaluates two potential options for developing key municipal facilities to meet the City's needs while optimizing space, resources, and public access.

One option is a centralized Public Square model, keeping the Justice Center (containing Municipal Court and staff, Law Director's office, and Probation) the City Hall Annex (containing city administrative offices and city service offices) on Public Square with a new Police Station being built on Sychar Road.

The distributed facilities model is a second option. This includes the Justice Center being built on Public Square (behind City Hall) and a "City Service Center" (including City Council chambers, administrative offices, and city services) going into a facility at Heartland Commerce Park.

The Police Station remains on Sychar Road.

Additionally, a third option remains for public input regarding ideas and details that may not have been considered in prior discussions.

This comprehensive approach ensures strategic development that meets the City’s needs while engaging the community and addressing public concerns.

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* 1. Which of these comments best reflects your position on Mount Vernon's municipal facilities project:

"I fully support the municipal facilities project and believe it will greatly benefit our community by addressing current infrastructure needs."

"I support the project but have some concerns about its scope, cost, or impact on the community."

"I neither support nor oppose the project and would like more information before forming an opinion."

"I have reservations about the project and believe alternative solutions should be considered."

"I am against the municipal facilities project and believe it is unnecessary or not the right approach for our community."

"I do not have an opinion on the municipal facilities project at this time."

Other (please specify)

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* 2. What specific features or amenities should these new facilities include to best serve the community? Select four that are most important to you.

Modern technology for public use (e.g., computer kiosks, Wi-Fi)

Public meeting spaces and event rooms

Separate and secure spaces for law enforcement and judicial functions

Child-friendly play areas or waiting spaces

Green spaces or outdoor gathering areas

Energy-efficient systems and sustainability features

Covered parking and bike racks

Enhanced security measures for public and staff safety

Fully accessible facilities for people with disabilities

Convenient public transportation access

Public art displays or historical exhibits

Streamlined public service counters for faster assistance

Other (please specify)

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* 3. What locations within Mount Vernon would you prefer for these facilities?

Something else

Public Square

A distributed facilities model (Justice Center is on Public Square, Police Station is on Sychar Road, City Hall and City services are at Heartland Commerce Park)

Heartland Commerce Park (Former Cooper/Rolls Royce/Siemens location)

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* 4. How important is it to you that these buildings reflect the historic character of Mount Vernon?

Very important

Important

Somewhat important

Not very important

Not at all important

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* 5. Are there existing buildings that you feel should be preserved or repurposed for these facilities? If yes, please explain.

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* 6. How much emphasis should the City place on keeping construction costs low versus creating long-lasting, high-quality buildings?

Prioritize low costs: The City should prioritize keeping construction costs as low as possible, even if it means sacrificing some quality or longevity.

Balanced approach: The City should balance cost savings with reasonable quality and longevity, ensuring good value for the investment.

Focus on quality: The City should prioritize high-quality, long-lasting buildings, even if it means higher upfront costs.

No preference: I have no strong opinion on this issue.

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* 7. The City will have to use numerous avenues of financing to cover expenses for these facilities. Are there alternative funding methods or partnerships you think the City should explore? Select all options that you believe the City should explore.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses or developers to share costs and resources.

Grant Opportunities: Applying for state or federal grants to support municipal construction projects.

Bond Initiatives: Issuing municipal bonds to finance the projects, repaid over time.

Community Fundraising or Sponsorships: Engaging residents and local organizations to contribute through donations or sponsorships.

Other (please specify)

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* 8. How important is the appearance of the new buildings to you?

Very important – The buildings should be visually appealing and contribute to the City's identity.

Somewhat important – A good appearance is nice, but functionality and cost are more critical.

Not very important – As long as the buildings serve their purpose, appearance is secondary.

Not important at all – I don’t think the appearance of the buildings matters.

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* 9. Do you prefer a modern architectural style, a traditional style, or a blend of both for these facilities?

Modern Style – Sleek, innovative designs that emphasize contemporary aesthetics and cutting-edge materials.

Traditional Style – Classic designs that reflect Mount Vernon’s historical character and architectural heritage.

Blend of Both – A balanced approach that incorporates traditional elements with modern features.

No Preference – I’m open to any style as long as the facilities are functional and meet community needs.

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* 10. Should the buildings include greenspaces or outdoor community areas?

Yes, greenspaces and outdoor areas are essential and should be prioritized in the design.

Yes, but only if they can be added without significantly increasing project costs.

No, indoor functionality and building efficiency should take precedence.

No opinion / I am unsure.

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* 11. What services or features should be prioritized in the design of the new Police Station to meet the needs of both staff and the public? Choose four that are most important to you.

Adequate space for officer training, briefing, and specialized units

Sustainable design elements, such as energy-efficient systems and green building materials

Public accessibility features, such as secure waiting areas and easily navigable entrances

Modern technology and communications infrastructure to support law enforcement operations

Safety and security features, such as controlled access points and secure holding areas

Community engagement spaces for hosting public meetings or community programs

Other (please specify)

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* 12. What services or features should be prioritized in the design of the City Hall Annex (or a City Service Center) to meet the needs of both staff and the public? Choose four that are most important to you.

Wi-Fi availability and digital kiosks for self-service.

Clearly marked spaces for public inquiries, payments, and city services.

Secure entry points and designated waiting areas.

Comfortable public waiting areas with seating, restrooms, and amenities.

Multi-purpose rooms for community events, public meetings, or workshops.

Public art installations or pieces of local history to preserve and respect Mount Vernon's history.

Energy-efficient systems and sustainable building materials.

Easily accessible parking, or drive-up/drop-off locations for payments and documents.

Safety measures for staff and public areas, such as lighting and surveillance.

Adequate seating and technology in City Council chambers.

Convenient access to frequently used services like permits, licenses, and records.

Other (please specify)

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* 13. Are there community needs or activities that you would like to see the Justice Center complex facilitate (e.g., public events, workshops)? Choose four that are most important to you.

Job Training and Reentry Programs (e.g., workforce development for those reentering the community after incarceration)

Community Meeting Space (e.g., rooms for public meetings, non-profit gatherings, or town halls)

Mental Health and Recovery Services (e.g., public education and support services)

Youth and Family Services (e.g., mentoring programs, conflict resolution sessions, or family support services)

Educational Programs (e.g., legal workshops, community safety training, or school outreach programs)

Public Events (e.g., cultural events, art exhibits, or awareness campaigns)

Other (please specify)

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* 14. If municipal facilities are located on Public Square, do you feel that store front space should be reserved for retail in the facility?

Yes, a significant portion of the space should be dedicated to retail to support local businesses and maintain a vibrant downtown area.

Yes, but only a small portion should be reserved for retail, with the majority of the space focused on municipal use.

No, the facility should prioritize municipal functions, and retail space is not necessary.

I am unsure or have no opinion on whether retail space should be included.

I do not support putting facilities on Public Square.

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* 15. What specific concerns (e.g., traffic, parking, safety) would you like the city to address when planning these projects?

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* 16. The City's current municipal court building costs tens of thousands of dollars per month to maintain due to its poor design. How important is it that these buildings incorporate sustainable or energy-efficient designs?

Very important – Sustainability should be a top priority, even if it increases initial costs.

Somewhat important – Sustainability is important but should be balanced with cost considerations.

Not very important – It’s nice to have, but other factors like cost and functionality are more critical.

Not at all important – Sustainability should not influence the design or cost of the buildings.

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* 17. Are there successful examples of municipal buildings in other cities you think Mount Vernon should model? If so, please identify them.

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* 18. Is there anything else you would like the City to consider as it plans these new facilities?

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* 19. The City is in possession of several historic buildings on Public Square. Some are in what is considered the "historic district," some are not. All are in poor condition and would require considerable investment at the expense of the taxpayer to restore. Given this information, which statement best reflects your position:

Prioritize full restoration of all historic buildings regardless of their location or condition, as they are valuable cultural assets.

Focus restoration efforts on buildings within the "historic district," even if it means allowing others to deteriorate.

Demolish buildings that are beyond feasible restoration and repurpose the space for modern community needs.

The City should create a public-private partnership where buyers can invest in restoration projects with support or incentives from the City.

The City should sell the buildings to interested buyers, allowing private investors to take on the restoration while retaining the historical integrity.

Other (please specify)