City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY
CLOSURE OF SOUTH FIRST AVENUE BETWEEN
EAST FIRST STREET AND EAST SECOND STREET
ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026, TO
ACCOMMODATE THE 8TH ANNUAL MOUNT
VERNON PUBLIC LIBRARY COMIC EXPO
Whereas, by letter dated August 25, 2026, the Coordinator of Community Experience & Engagement at the Mount Vernon Public Library has requested authorization for the temporary the temporary closure of South First Avenue between East First Street and East Second Street on Sunday, September 20, 2026, commencing at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until 7:00 p.m., for the purpose of accommodating the 8th Annual MVPL Comic Expo, sponsored and hosted by the Mount Vernon Public Library;” and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Public Library has respectfully requested authorization from the City Council to temporarily close South First Avenue between East First Street and East Second Street on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., to accommodate the 8th Annual MVPL Comic Expo; and
Whereas, the MVPL Comic Expo has become a signature community event of the Mount Vernon Public Library, attracting thousands of attendees from throughout Westchester County, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey; and
Whereas, the MVPL Comic Expo is a free, family-friendly community celebration featuring comics, animation, gaming, art, literacy, popular culture, and related programming for residents and visitors of all ages; and
Whereas, the event provides an opportunity to showcase the vibrant spirit of the City of Mount Vernon while supporting local businesses, artists, authors, entertainers, food vendors, community organizations, and other local participants; and
Whereas, the temporary closure of South First Avenue will facilitate the safe and orderly operation of the event by providing space for outdoor exhibitors, artists, authors, entertainers, community organizations, food vendors, family activities, and interactive programming; and
Whereas, the City Council recognizes the importance of community events that promote literacy, creativity, education, family engagement, and civic participation and that contribute to the quality of life of Mount Vernon residents; and
Whereas, the City Council desires to support the Mount Vernon Public Library in its efforts to provide innovative and enriching programming to the community while ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to protect public safety and minimize disruption to residents, businesses, pedestrians, and motorists; and
Whereas, the temporary street closure authorized herein shall be subject to all applicable requirements of the City of Mount Vernon and the direction of the appropriate City departments and officials.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization for Temporary Street Closure. The City Council of the City of Mount Vernon hereby authorizes the temporary closure of South First Avenue between East First Street and East Second Street on Sunday, September 20, 2026, commencing at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until 7:00 p.m., for the purpose of accommodating the 8th Annual MVPL Comic Expo, sponsored and hosted by the Mount Vernon Public Library.
Section 1. Authorization for Temporary Street Closure. The City Council of the City of Mount Vernon hereby authorizes the temporary closure of South First Avenue between East First Street and East Second Street on Sunday, September 20, 2026, commencing at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until 7:00 p.m., for the purpose of accommodating the 8th Annual MVPL Comic Expo, sponsored and hosted by the Mount Vernon Public Library.
Section 2. Purpose of Closures. The temporary closure is authorized to permit the safe and orderly use of the roadway for outdoor exhibitors, artists, authors, entertainers, community organizations, food vendors, family activities, interactive programming, and other activities associated with the MVPL Comic Expo.
Section 3. Public Safety and Traffic Control. The Mount Vernon Public Library, in coordination with the appropriate City departments and officials, shall be responsible for complying with all reasonable requirements relating to public safety, pedestrian access, traffic control, emergency access, sanitation, and the orderly operation of the event.
The Police Department and/or other appropriate City personnel shall have the authority to establish and implement such traffic-control measures as may be reasonably necessary to protect the public and facilitate the event.
Section 4. Emergency Access. Notwithstanding the temporary closure authorized herein, access shall be maintained as necessary for police, fire, emergency medical services, sanitation, and other emergency or authorized City vehicles. The event organizers shall cooperate with City officials to ensure that emergency access is not obstructed.
Section 5. Compliance with City Requirements. The Mount Vernon Public Library and event organizers shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, permits, and requirements of the City of Mount Vernon and any other governmental agency having jurisdiction over the event.
Section 6. Reopening of Street. South First Avenue between East First Street and East Second Street shall be reopened to regular vehicular traffic upon the conclusion of the event and no later than 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, unless otherwise directed by the appropriate City officials for reasons of public safety or emergency.
Section 7. No Permanent Right Created. The authorization granted by this Ordinance is limited solely to the temporary street closure described herein for the 8th Annual MVPL Comic Expo and shall not be construed as granting any permanent right, easement, license, or other continuing interest in or to the public roadway.
Section 8. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision or application of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable.
Section 9. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the City Council and only upon the filing of documents in the office of the City Clerk of Mount Vernon.