City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL
EVENT PERMIT AND STREET CLOSURE FOR
THE PORTUGUESE AMERICAN CLUB OF
MOUNT VERNON ANNUAL ST. ANTONIO
FEAST & PORTUGAL DAY CELEBRATION
Whereas, by correspondence dated March 30, 2026, the Portuguese American Club of Mount Vernon requested authorization to conduct its Annual St. Antonio Feast & Portugal Day celebration on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., inclusive of all setup and cleanup activities; and
Whereas, the proposed event is to be held on Portugal Place and includes outdoor barbecue cooking, music, sound amplification equipment, tents, canopies, and related special event activities; and
Whereas, the Portuguese American Club of Mount Vernon has submitted the required documentation in support of its application, including a completed permit application, certificate of insurance, signed neighbor consent forms, and a Release and Indemnification Agreement; and
Whereas, representatives of the Portuguese American Club met with the Mount Vernon Fire Department regarding the proposed tent installation and fire safety measures, and confirmed that no grills, burners, or open flames shall be operated beneath the tent structure; and
Whereas, the applicant has represented that charcoal barbecue grills shall be positioned a safe distance away from tents and other structures, and that appropriate safety precautions shall remain in place throughout the duration of the event; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety has reviewed the application and has no objection to the proposed event, subject to the applicant obtaining all required permits and insurance, and further recommends that barricades be installed by the Department of Public Works at the intersections of East Prospect Avenue and Portugal Place, and Elm Avenue and Portugal Place; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety further recommends that the assigned sector car and supervising officers pay special attention to the event area and be authorized to obtain overtime assistance at the expense of the event organizer should conditions require additional public safety personnel; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Fire Department has reviewed the proposed event and has no objection thereto, provided that all vendors and participants comply with applicable fire safety requirements and inspection protocols; and
Whereas, the Office of Emergency Management has reviewed the request and has no objection to the proposed event, provided that all public safety protocols, City ordinances, and applicable New York State laws and regulations are strictly followed; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that authorizing the requested special event permit and temporary street closure will promote cultural enrichment, community engagement, and civic participation within the City of Mount Vernon;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization of Special Event. The City Council hereby authorizes the Portuguese American Club of Mount Vernon to conduct the Annual St. Antonio Feast & Portugal Day celebration on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m., including setup and cleanup activities.
Section 2. Street Closure. The City Council hereby authorizes the temporary closure of Portugal Place between East Prospect Avenue and Elm Avenue for the duration of the authorized event, subject to coordination with the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works.
Section 3. Public Safety Conditions. The approval granted herein is expressly conditioned upon the following:
1. The applicant shall maintain all required permits, licenses, and insurance coverage for the duration of the event.
2. Barricades shall be installed by the Department of Public Works at:
o East Prospect Avenue and Portugal Place; and
o Elm Avenue and Portugal Place.
3. The Department of Public Safety is authorized to provide additional police supervision and overtime staffing, if deemed necessary, at the expense of the event organizer.
4. All vendors utilizing propane, grills, open flames, or cooking equipment shall undergo mandatory inspection by the Mount Vernon Fire Department prior to operation.
5. All fire extinguishers appropriate for the type of cooking equipment utilized shall be inspected and approved prior to the event.
6. All participating food trucks shall be inspected and approved in accordance with Mount Vernon Fire Department Mobile Food Preparation Safety requirements no later than May 16, 2026.
7. Vendors shall contact the Fire Prevention Office at (914) 665-2611 at least one (1) week prior to the event to schedule required inspections.
8. No grills, burners, or open flames shall be operated beneath any tent or canopy structure.
9. All event operations shall comply with applicable fire safety regulations, City ordinances, and New York State laws and regulations.
Section 4. Special Accommodations. The City Council hereby authorizes the following special accommodations in connection with the event, subject to all applicable permitting and safety requirements:
• Parking control measures;
• Sound amplification equipment;
• Outdoor barbecue cooking;
• Music and entertainment activities;
• The use of open flame devices in approved areas;
• Tent, canopy, and stage installations.
Section 5. Indemnification. The Portuguese American Club of Mount Vernon shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Mount Vernon, its officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or related to the event authorized herein.
Section 6. 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.