City Council:
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING STREET CLOSURE
AND RELATED MUNICIPAL SERVICES FOR
THE “UNITY AND THE COMMUNITY” EVENT
SPONSORED BY UNITY BAPTIST TABERNACLE
Whereas, by correspondence dated April 16, 2026, and submitted to the Mount Vernon City Council, Unity Baptist Tabernacle requested authorization to host a community event entitled “Unity and the Community” on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.; and
Whereas, the proposed event will include community outreach activities, vendors, health information services, voter registration, performances, children’s activities, and related community programming; and
Whereas, Unity Baptist Tabernacle has requested the temporary closure of East 2nd Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue for the duration of the event, including setup and breakdown activities; and
Whereas, the applicant has submitted the required application materials, including proof of tax-exempt status, certificate of liability insurance, and other supporting documentation required by the City; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has agreed to install barricades at the intersections of 1st Avenue and East 2nd Street and 2nd Avenue and East 2nd Street, provide a power drop for electrical needs, and post temporary “No Parking” signs along the southbound side of the street; and
Whereas, no stage or bandstand will be provided as part of the event setup, consistent with prior years; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Fire Department has reviewed the proposed event and has expressed no objection thereto; and
Whereas, the Office of Emergency Management has reviewed the proposed event and has no objection thereto, provided that all public safety measures, permits, operational guidelines, City ordinances, and applicable New York State laws and regulations are strictly adhered to; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety has reviewed the request and recommends approval of the event, subject to the applicant obtaining all necessary permits and insurance requirements, and further recommends that patrol supervisors and sector units provide special attention to the area and authorize overtime staffing at the organizer’s expense if deemed necessary; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that authorizing the temporary street closure and related municipal accommodations for this community-based event serves a valid public purpose and promotes civic engagement and neighborhood unity;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization of Event. The City Council hereby authorizes Unity Baptist Tabernacle to conduct the “Unity and the Community” event on Saturday, June 27, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., including reasonable time for setup and cleanup activities.
Section 2. Street Closure. The temporary closure of East 2nd Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue is hereby authorized for the duration of the event, subject to coordination with the Department of Public Works, the Department of Public Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management.
Section 3. Municipal Services. The Department of Public Works is authorized to install barricades at designated intersections, post temporary “No Parking” signs, and provide a power drop for the event, all in a manner consistent with departmental operations and safety requirements.
Section 4. Public Safety Compliance. The event organizer shall comply with all applicable City ordinances, permit requirements, insurance requirements, fire and safety regulations, and all applicable local and New York State laws. The Department of Public Safety is authorized to provide additional police oversight and overtime staffing, if necessary, at the expense of the event organizer.
Section 5. No Stage or Bandstand. No City-provided stage or bandstand shall be furnished for the event.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval by the City Council and filing of the above-described documents in the office of the City Clerk of Mount Vernon.