City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF
MOUNT VERNON RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO
CO-SPONSOR THE 2026 BACK-TO-SCHOOL BACKPACK
EVENT WITH HENRY ALLEN AND THE BUDDY WHITE
PROJECT, AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE
OF 7TH AVENUE BETWEEN 3RD STREET AND 4TH STREET,
AND PROVIDING RELATED MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Whereas, in correspondence dated June 16, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation formally requested authorization to co-sponsor the 2026 Back-to-School Backpack Event with Henry Allen and The Buddy White Project on Saturday, August 1, 2026 and is scheduled to take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with setup beginning at 8:00 a.m. and cleanup occurring immediately following the conclusion of the event; and; and
Whereas, The Buddy White Project, founded by Mr. Henry Allen, is dedicated to investing time and resources in early childhood educational initiatives and promoting educational opportunities for youth throughout the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the event will provide backpacks, school supplies, educational resources, referrals, and related services predominantly in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade through partnerships with local community-based organizations, businesses, and corporations; and
Whereas, the event will be conducted primarily at the Doles Recreation Center, with additional activities taking place at 4th Street Park; and
Whereas, the organizers have requested the temporary closure of 7th Avenue between 3rd Street and 4th Street in order to safely accommodate students, families, vendors, and event participants accessing the event and its activities; and
Whereas, the event will include inflatable amusement devices, approximately three (3) banners or signs, sound equipment, tents measuring approximately 10 feet by 10 feet, food preparation utilizing barbecue grills, and the need for access to electricity and water connections; and
Whereas, the applicant has stated that all barbecue grills will be positioned a safe distance away from tents, inflatable devices, and other structures, and that all appropriate fire and safety precautions will be maintained throughout the duration of the event; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Police Department has reviewed the proposed event, has no objections thereto, and recommends that patrol units and supervisory personnel pay special attention to the area and that Auxiliary Police be utilized if available; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Fire Department has reviewed the proposed event and has expressed no concerns regarding the event as proposed; and
Whereas, the Office of Emergency Management has reviewed the proposed event and has no objection thereto, provided that all public safety protocols are strictly adhered to and that the event remains in compliance with all applicable City ordinances and State laws and regulations; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has agreed to provide barricades necessary to facilitate the temporary closure of 7th Avenue between 3rd Street and 4th Street; and
Whereas, the applicant has agreed to provide Certificates of Insurance naming the City of Mount Vernon, its agents, officers, officials, employees, and volunteers as additional insureds with waiver of subrogation; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the proposed event serves a valid public purpose by promoting education, youth development, community engagement, and public welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York, as follows:
Section 1. Authorization of Event. The City Council hereby authorizes the Recreation Department to co-sponsor the 2026 Back-to-School Backpack Event with Henry Allen and The Buddy White Project on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Section 2. Location and Hours of Event. The event shall be conducted at the Doles Recreation Center and 4th Street Park between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Setup activities may commence at 8:00 a.m., and cleanup activities may continue immediately following the event.
In the event of inclement weather, all activities shall be relocated to the Doles Recreation Center and shall proceed during the same approved hours.
Section 3. Street Closure. The temporary closure of 7th Avenue between 3rd Street and 4th Street is hereby authorized on August 1, 2026, for the purpose of ensuring the safe movement of event participants, families, vendors, and attendees.
The Department of Public Works is authorized to provide and install barricades necessary to facilitate the approved street closure.
Section 4. Event Equipment and Activities. The organizers are authorized to utilize inflatable amusement devices, sound equipment, tents, banners, signage, grills, and related event equipment, subject to compliance with all applicable City codes, permit requirements, and safety regulations.
Permission is hereby granted for the placement of approximately three (3) event banners or signs associated with the event, subject to applicable City requirements and approval by the appropriate departments.
Section 5. Utility Access. Subject to approval and coordination with the appropriate City departments, the organizers are authorized to use electrical service and water connections necessary for the event's operation.
Section 6. Public Safety Requirement. All event activities shall be conducted in accordance with applicable public safety requirements.
The organizers shall ensure that:
A. All inflatable devices are properly secured and supervised;
B. All tents and temporary structures comply with applicable fire and safety regulations;
C. Barbecue grills are maintained at a safe distance from tents, inflatables, and other structures;
D. Appropriate fire extinguishing equipment is available at all times in areas where cooking operations occur; and
E. Emergency access routes remain unobstructed throughout the duration of the event.
Section 7. Police, Fire, and Emergency Management Support. The Mount Vernon Police Department is requested to provide appropriate patrol coverage and special attention to the event area.
The Mount Vernon Auxiliary Police are authorized and requested to patrol the event area and assist with crowd management and public safety activities, subject to availability and departmental approval.
The organizers shall comply with all recommendations and directives issued by the Police Department, Fire Department, and Office of Emergency Management.
Section 8. Insurance Requirements. As a condition of approval, the applicant shall provide Certificates of Insurance acceptable to the City of Mount Vernon prior to the commencement of the event.
Such Certificates of Insurance shall:
A. Name “The City of Mount Vernon, its agents, officers, officials, employees, and volunteers” as additional insureds as their interests may appear;
B. Include a waiver of subrogation in favor of the City of Mount Vernon;
C. State the name, location, and duration of the event;
D. Identify the City of Mount Vernon as the certificate holder; and
E. Provided that the City of Mount Vernon shall receive not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice prior to cancellation, non-renewal, or material modification of coverage.
Section 9. Compliance with Applicable Laws. The organizers shall obtain any permits required by law and shall comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances governing the conduct of the event.
Section 10. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
Section 11. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon adoption by the City Council and filing of the above-described documents in the office of the City Clerk of Mount Vernon.