City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
DEDICATION OF THE CITY-OWNED PARK
LOCATED AT 4TH STREET AND MCCLELLAN
AVENUE AS “JAMES FINCH PARK,” AND
AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
WORKS TO PROCURE AND INSTALL A
COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE AND CONDUCT
THE DEDICATION CEREMONY
Whereas, by correspondence dated April 15, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization for the official dedication of the City-owned Park located at 4th Street and McClellan Avenue as “James Finch Park.”;
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon owns and maintains a public park located at the corner of 4th Street and McClellan Avenue (the “Park”); and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has requested authorization to formally dedicate the Park in honor of former Department of Public Works Commissioner James Finch; and
Whereas, Commissioner James Finch served the City of Mount Vernon with distinction and dedication, and during his tenure provided significant leadership in improving neighborhood infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, and strengthening the Department’s commitment to maintaining City assets; and
Whereas, Commissioner Finch’s work emphasized the importance of balancing infrastructure maintenance with quality-of-life improvements for residents throughout the City; and
Whereas, it is the desire of the City of Mount Vernon to appropriately recognize and honor Commissioner Finch’s contributions through the dedication of a public space in his name; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works proposes that the Park be designated as “James Finch Park,” with signage installed on the exterior perimeter fence identifying the Park accordingly; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works further intends to procure and install a commemorative plaque honoring Commissioner Finch’s service to the City; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has also proposed to host a dedication ceremony during the week of April 20, 2026, which will be conducted in-house during regular working hours and is not expected to require additional City expenditures for labor or materials; and
Whereas, Baldwin Farms has generously donated a tree to be planted at the Park as part of the dedication ceremony, to be installed by Department of Public Works staff; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that it is in the best interests of the residents of the City of Mount Vernon to honor Commissioner James Finch in this manner.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Title. This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the “James Finch Park Dedication Ordinance.”
Section 2. Authorization of Park Dedication. The City Council hereby authorizes and approves the official dedication of the City-owned Park located at 4th Street and McClellan Avenue as “James Finch Park.”
Section 3. Signage Authorization. The Department of Public Works is hereby authorized to fabricate, install, and maintain appropriate signage designating the Park as “James Finch Park,” to be placed on the exterior perimeter fence or other suitable location within the Park.
Section 4. Commemorative Plaque. The Department of Public Works is authorized to procure and install a commemorative plaque honoring Commissioner James Finch’s service and contributions to the City of Mount Vernon, subject to applicable procurement procedures and available appropriations.
Section 5. Dedication Ceremony. The Department of Public Works is hereby authorized to plan, organize, and conduct a dedication ceremony for “James Finch Park” during the week of April 20, 2026, provided that such event shall be conducted during regular working hours and shall not incur additional unbudgeted costs to the City.
Section 6. Donated Materials. The City of Mount Vernon hereby acknowledges and accepts, for public purposes, the donation of a tree from Baldwin Farms for planting within the Park as part of the dedication ceremony. The Department of Public Works is authorized to accept and utilize such donation.
Section 7. Implementation. The Department of Public Works, in coordination with other relevant City departments, is authorized to take all necessary actions to implement the provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval by the City Council and the Mayor’s signature.