City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION TO CO-SPONSOR
THE RESCHEDULED ‘CITY FEST 2025’ (BUSINESS,
FOOD AND CULTURE EXPO) WITH THE FRIENDS
OF MOUNT VERNON, RECREATION AND YOUTH
PROGRAMS, INC., AND PROVIDING FOR NECESSARY
STREET CLOSURES, CITY SERVICES, AND SUPPORT
Whereas, in correspondence dated June 27, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Recreation formally requested authorization to co-sponsor the rescheduled City Fest 2025 with the Friends of Mount Vernon, Recreation and Youth Programs, Inc.; and
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon previously approved City Fest 2025 during its regular meeting held on April 23, 2025; and
Whereas, due to rescheduling, the event will now be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with a rain date of September 21, 2025, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation desires to co-sponsor this event to promote local business, food, arts, and cultural engagement; and
Whereas, it is necessary to close certain streets, post signage, direct municipal departments to provide services, and implement public safety measures to ensure the success and safety of City Fest 2025; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Co-Sponsor Event. The City of Mount Vernon Department of Recreation is hereby authorized to co-sponsor City Fest 2025 with the Friends of Mount Vernon, Recreation and Youth Programs, Inc., on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with a rain date of Sunday, September 21, 2025.
Section 2. Event Time and Location. City Fest 2025 shall be held between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the designated date(s).
Section 3. Street Closures. The following streets shall be closed to vehicular traffic from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the day of the event:
(a) Gramatan Avenue from Lincoln Avenue to Sidney Avenue;
(b) Oakley Avenue from Crary Avenue to Gramatan Avenue;
(c) North Street between Gramatan Avenue and North 5th Avenue;
(d) North 3rd Avenue from Sidney Avenue to Oakley Avenue.
In addition, the Department of Public Works (DPW) shall place barricades at the following specific locations to secure the event perimeter:
1. North Street and Gramatan Avenue
2. North Street and North 5th Avenue
3. West Sidney Avenue and North 5th Avenue
4. Crary Avenue and East Sidney Avenue
5. North 3rd Avenue and Oakley Avenue
6. Gramatan Avenue and East Prospect Avenue
7. East Sidney Avenue and Park Avenue (no westbound traffic)
8. East Prospect Avenue and North 3rd Avenue
9. Oakley Avenue and Park Avenue
10. East Sidney Avenue and Gramatan Avenue
11. Crary Avenue and Oakley Avenue
12. Gramatan Avenue and Lincoln Avenue (no southbound traffic)
Section 4. Signage. DPW shall place “No Parking” signs on all affected streets at least seventy-two (72) hours before the event. The Department of Public Safety and Parking Bureau shall post street closure signs by Monday, September 13, 2025, and enforce all closures during the event.
Section 5. Public Safety Staffing. Due to the large number of attendees anticipated, the Patrol Division is authorized and directed to deploy Plug-Ins, assign four (4) Police Supervisors, forty-six (46) Police Officers, and thirteen (13) School Crossing Guards to ensure proper crowd control, security, and traffic management. Police personnel assigned on overtime shall be compensated by the Department of Recreation.
Section 6. Use of Public Space. The event organizers are permitted to use the street beds and sidewalks within the closed areas for booths, tents, vendor stalls, outdoor dining areas, tables, chairs, and art displays for the duration of the event.
Section 7. City Services. The Departments of Public Safety, Public Works, Water, and Fire are authorized to provide necessary assistance and support to ensure the safe and successful execution of City Fest 2025.
Section 8. Promotional Banners. Permission is granted to display promotional banners throughout the City to advertise City Fest 2025.
Section 9. Stage Placement. Permission is granted for the placement of a stage on Gramatan Avenue between Lincoln Avenue and Oakley Avenue, in front of “the Circle,” provided that “the Circle” itself shall remain open.
Section 10. Funding. Funding for this event shall be reflected in Budget Code A7620.457, in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000). The Department of Recreation shall provide necessary personnel and cover overtime expenses for Police Officers as part of the co-sponsorship agreement.
Section 11. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.