City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY
CLOSURE OF EASTCHESTER LANE FOR THE
HAWLIYAH CELEBRATION ON AUGUST 30-31, 2025
Whereas, in correspondence dated July 15, 2025, Ketty Floyd, Secretary of Tariqa Burhaniya D’Suqiya Shazuliya, formally requested authorization to close Eastchester Lane between South 10th Avenue and South 11th Avenue on Saturday, August 30, 2025, and Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day, to hold the Hawliyah celebration; and
Whereas, in prior years, the organizers of the Hawliyah celebration have hosted their annual event during the Memorial Day weekend, but this year, the members voted to move the celebration to the Labor Day weekend; and
Whereas, the Hawliyah celebration is a religious and cultural event intended to provide fellowship, community engagement, and a safe, festive environment for both congregation members and neighborhood residents; and
Whereas, the organizers have formally requested permission to close Eastchester Lane between South 10th Avenue and South 11th Avenue on Saturday, August 30, 2025, and Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day, to create a safe, traffic-free space for attendees, including children; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has no objection to the proposed street closure and has agreed to place “No Parking” signs 72 hours in advance and install barricades on Eastchester Lane between South 10th Avenue and South 11th Avenue on the morning of August 30, 2025; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety has no objection to the street closure and has recommended patrol presence, with the patrol supervisor authorized to hire overtime at the expense of the event organizer if necessary, and also recommended barricades and proper no-parking signage; and
Whereas, the Fire Department has reviewed the request and has no objection to the proposed street closure for the dates and times requested; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the event serves a public purpose by fostering cultural and community connections while ensuring public safety; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization of Street Closure. The Mayor, through the appropriate City departments, is hereby authorized to close Eastchester Lane between South 10th Avenue and South 11th Avenue on Saturday, August 30, 2025, and Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day, to hold the Hawliyah celebration.
Section 2. Public Works Department Responsibilities. The Department of Public Works shall:
(a) Place “No Parking” signs on the affected streets at least 72 hours before the event;
(b) Install barricades at the intersections of Eastchester Lane with South 10th Avenue and South 11th Avenue on the morning of August 30, 2025; and
(c) Remove barricades promptly following the conclusion of the event on August 31, 2025.
Section 3. Public Safety Department Responsibilities. The Department of Public Safety shall:
(a) Provide patrol presence during the event;
(b) Authorize the patrol supervisor to hire overtime staffing at the expense of the organizer, if deemed necessary; and
(c) Coordinate with the event organizer to ensure compliance with all safety and emergency access requirements.
Section 4. Insurance Requirement. The event organizer shall maintain and provide proof of liability insurance coverage as required by the City of Mount Vernon prior to the commencement of the event.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and filing of the necessary documents in the office of the City Clerk of Mount Vernon.