City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT
OF RECREATION TO CO-SPONSOR THE ANNUAL
AUTISM AWARENESS WALK AND CELEBRATION,
AND PROVIDING FOR RELATED PUBLIC
SAFETY AND TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES
Whereas, in correspondence dated March 23, 2026, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Recreation formally requested authorization for the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the Annual Autism Awareness Walk and Celebration on Saturday, April 25, 2026, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; and
Whereas, the Autism Awareness Walk serves as an important community event dedicated to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and advocating for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families; and
Whereas, the event promotes unity, inclusivity, and acceptance while helping to challenge stigma and misconceptions surrounding autism; and
Whereas, the walk will commence at the steps of City Hall and proceed along a designated route through the City, culminating in a community celebration; and
Whereas, the safety and well-being of participants and the general public require coordination with the Mount Vernon Police Department for traffic control and pedestrian safety during the event; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that co-sponsorship of this event serves a valid public purpose by promoting community engagement, public awareness, and civic pride;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization to Co-Sponsor Event. The City of Mount Vernon, through its Department of Recreation, is hereby authorized to co-sponsor the 2026 Autism Awareness Walk and Celebration on Saturday, April 25, 2026, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Section 2. Event Route
The authorized route for the Autism Awareness Walk shall be as follows:
• Commencing at the steps of City Hall;
• Proceeding toward North 7th Avenue;
• Turning right onto North 7th Avenue;
• Continuing to Lincoln Avenue and turning right;
• Proceeding to Gramatan Avenue and turning left;
• Continuing to William Street and turning left;
• Proceeding to North High Street, where the event will conclude at the designated celebration location.
The Department of Recreation is authorized to make minor adjustments to the route as necessary in coordination with public safety officials.
Section 3. Police Escort and Traffic Control. The Mount Vernon Police Department is hereby authorized and directed to provide appropriate police escort and traffic control services along the event route to ensure the safety of participants and the public, including assistance at highly trafficked intersections.
Section 4. Interdepartmental Coordination. All relevant City departments, including but not limited to the Police Department, Department of Public Works, and Department of Recreation, are hereby authorized and directed to cooperate and provide such assistance as may be necessary to facilitate the successful execution of the event.
Section 5. Liability and Permits. The Department of Recreation shall ensure that all required permits, insurance, and approvals are obtained in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations prior to the event.
Section 6. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part thereof directly involved in the controversy.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.