Continued progress on the Liberty Crossing project in Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON — Mayor Matt Starr said the Liberty Crossing subdivision marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city during the groundbreaking a few months ago.

“The housing development is set to bring new opportunities, growth and vibrancy to the community,” he said. “We’re really thrilled to celebrate this with our key partners and collaborators Highland Real Estate, DR Horton, and McDaniels Development.”

When Starr took office, he asked employers, “What is it you need?”

The response was, “We would love to expand, but we have no place for people to live.”

Starr recalls discussing it with Area Development President Jeff Gottke.

“We realized then that this was an economic development problem that we as a community needed to address,” he said. “Not just for growth but to protect the current employer base to make sure they are taken care of.

“So today is not just about breaking ground. It’s about building. It’s enhancing our local infrastructure, and it’s creating a lasting impact on Mount Vernon’s future.”

City Council Member Amber Keener echoed Starr’s enthusiasm. She noted the variety of housing units that offer residences for current and future citizens of the city.

“This is one more example of growth that works for the city by limiting our sprawl by utilizing a smaller space for maximum benefit,” she said.

“We really look forward to watching the progress of this community becoming a part of Mount Vernon just as we have enjoyed the neighbors that we are seeing pop up to the east of the city.”

Collaborative partners

Scott Mallory with Highland Real Estate also recalled talking with Gottke four years ago.

“He invited us up here and said we’ve got a problem in Knox County. … We have a housing shortage. What can we do about it?” Mallory said.

“… We began a journey, and I’d like to thank him for starting that.”

Mallory also thanked Starr, city council members and staff, DR Horton, and McDaniel Development Group.