City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH A THIRD-PARTY
INSPECTION AGENCY FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS
AND OBSERVATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
AT 115 SOUTH MACQUESTEN PARKWAY
Whereas, in correspondence dated July 17, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings formally requested authorization for the Department of Buildings to issue a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for qualified third-party inspection agencies to perform construction inspections and observations for the 115 South Macquesten Parkway development and similar qualified projects; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is experiencing significant development and growth, including the ongoing construction of a 13-story, 470,000-square-foot, mixed-use development consisting of 315 residential units, retail, parking, and a community facility located at 115 South Macquesten Parkway; and
Whereas, this project constitutes the largest single construction development currently underway in the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the City’s Department of Buildings is currently understaffed and unable to conduct the volume of inspections required for a project of this magnitude without causing undue delay to this and other ongoing developments; and
Whereas, in accordance with the authority granted under Section 1203.2 of Title 19 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR), which governs the administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, municipalities are permitted to utilize third-party providers for inspection services; and
Whereas, the use of a qualified third-party inspection agency will assist the Buildings Department by performing construction inspections and observations, thereby ensuring compliance with applicable codes and supporting timely project progression; and
Whereas, all associated fees for such third-party services will be funded through an escrow account established and maintained by the project applicant, NRP Group, ensuring that there will be no financial burden placed upon the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the Department of Buildings intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit qualified firms or individuals to perform such inspection services, from which three eligible providers may be selected, subject to review and approval by the City Council and the Office of the Corporation Counsel; and
Whereas, the proposed process will not only support the current project at 115 South Macquesten Parkway, but also establish a framework to efficiently support future large-scale developments throughout the city; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Issue RFP. The Department of Buildings is hereby authorized and directed to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for qualified third-party inspection agencies to perform construction inspections and observations for the 115 South Macquesten Parkway development and similar qualified projects.
Section 2. Selection of Providers. Upon evaluation of proposals submitted in response to the RFP, up to three qualified providers may be selected by the Department of Buildings, subject to the review and approval of the City Council and the Corporation Counsel.
Section 3. Execution of Professional Services Agreement. Following selection, the Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a Professional Services Agreement, reviewed and approved by the Corporation Counsel, with one or more of the selected third-party inspection agencies for the purpose of conducting construction inspections and observations on the 115 South Macquesten Parkway project and other identified developments.
Section 4. Payment and Funding. All costs and fees associated with the services of the third-party inspection agency shall be paid in full by the project applicant, NRP Group, through an escrow account established for this purpose. No City funds shall be expended in connection with the services authorized by this Ordinance.
Section 5. Applicability to Future Projects. The framework established under this Ordinance may be applied to future large-scale development projects in the City of Mount Vernon, provided that:
• Such projects meet the criteria to warrant third-party inspection assistance; and
• All inspection services are similarly paid for by the applicant or developer without cost to the City.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the City Council.