City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF
MOUNT VERNON TO APPLY FOR FUNDING
UNDER THE NEW YORK MAIN STREET PROGRAM,
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO SUBMIT THE
APPLICATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM UPON
AWARD OF GRANT FUNDS
Whereas, in correspondence dated July 6, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Community Development formally requested authorization for the City of Mount Vernon to prepare and submit an application to the New York State Homes and Community Renewal for funding through the New York Main Street Program in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00); and
Whereas, the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (“HCR”) administers the New York Main Street Program, which provides competitive grants to municipalities for downtown revitalization projects that strengthen neighborhood business districts, improve commercial properties, and encourage private investment; and
Whereas, the New York Main Street Program provides grants of up to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) per municipality, subject to the availability of funding and approval by the State of New York; and
Whereas, the application deadline for the current funding round is July 31, 2026, and municipalities seeking funding must obtain authorization from their governing body prior to submission of an application; and
Whereas, the Department of Planning and Community Development, in consultation with the Department of Buildings, has identified the Gramatan Avenue commercial corridor (from Hartley Park to First Street) and South Fourth Avenue (from First Street to East Second Street) as priority areas for revitalization due to the opportunity to stimulate economic development, improve building conditions, and enhance the overall appearance of the commercial district; and
Whereas, the proposed New York Main Street Program application will include the following components:
1. Code Compliance Grant Program, providing grants of up to Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) per eligible business, with a required fifty percent (50%) private match, for improvements including, but not limited to:
o Electrical upgrades;
o Fire suppression systems;
o Building code compliance;
o Certificates of Occupancy; and
o Other eligible code-related improvements;
and
2. Commercial Façade Improvement Program, providing grants of up to Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) per eligible business, with a required fifty percent (50%) private match, for improvements including, but not limited to:
o Exterior painting;
o Architectural enhancements;
o Signage;
o Awnings; and
o Other façade improvements designed in accordance with an architect-developed design palette;
and
3. Public Streetscape Enhancement Project, consisting of planning, design, and installation of public improvements including street trees, benches, bicycle racks, and other beautification features identified through the planning process to improve the commercial corridor; and
Whereas, the City intends to commit subsidized building permit fees and expedited permit review to support successful implementation of the program should grant funding be awarded; and
Whereas, the proposed application budget is expected to include:
• Streetscape Enhancements.............................................$15,000.00
• Program Administration.................................................$37,500.00
• Soft Costs (Architectural Design, Permit
Assistance, etc.)............................................................$80,000.00
• Property Improvement Grants.......................................$367,500.00
Total Requested Funding: $500,000.00; and
Whereas, Grant assistance will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis in accordance with program guidelines and available funding, with the potential to directly assist approximately thirteen (13) commercial properties through the code compliance program while encouraging additional private investment throughout the corridor; and
Whereas, the award of grant funding is competitive and not guaranteed; however, submission of the application positions the City to secure significant State investment to improve commercial properties, increase code compliance, beautify the corridor, stimulate economic activity, and leverage additional private investment; and
Whereas, upon award of funding, the City will undertake a public outreach and marketing campaign, including meetings with local businesses and stakeholders, to promote participation in the program and will provide periodic updates to the City Council regarding implementation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon as follows:
Section 1. Authorization to Apply. The City Council hereby authorizes the City of Mount Vernon to prepare and submit an application to the New York State Homes and Community Renewal for funding through the New York Main Street Program in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00).
Section 2. Authorization of the Mayor. The Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute and submit the grant application, certifications, assurances, and all documents necessary and appropriate to obtain funding under the New York Main Street Program, together with any amendments, extensions, or supplemental documentation required by the funding agency.
Section 3. Program Implementation. Upon award of grant funding, the Mayor, or the Mayor's designee, is authorized to administer the grant and implement the approved program, including:
1. Establishing eligibility requirements consistent with State guidelines;
2. Administering the Code Compliance Grant Program;
3. Administering the Commercial Façade Improvement Program;
4. Procuring architectural, engineering, planning, and professional services as permitted by law;
5. Implementing approved streetscape improvements;
6. Conducting outreach and marketing to businesses and property owners;
7. Executing grant agreements with participating property owners and businesses; and
8. Taking all actions necessary to ensure compliance with State grant requirements.
Section 4. Acceptance of Grant Funds. Upon notification of a grant award, the Mayor is authorized to accept the grant and execute all grant agreements and related documents necessary to receive and administer the awarded funds, subject to applicable provisions of law and any additional approvals required by the City Council.
Section 5. Compliance with Grant Requirements. The City shall administer all awarded funds in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Homes and Community Renewal, including all applicable procurement, financial management, reporting, and audit requirements.
Section 6. 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 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.