*** This meeting was held in the council chambers, with virtual participation via ZOOM and CMVNY
Facebook. The meeting was not closed to the public however, the maximum number of in-person
occupant was limited ***
Edward Poteat, Acting President
PRESIDING:
OTHERS:
Nicole Bonilla, City Clerk; Jordan Riullano, Deputy City Clerk; Antoinette Anderson,
Legislative Aide; Brian Johnson, Corporation Counsel
CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Acting Council President Edward Poteat called the meeting to order and provided general
house-keeping rules, including encouraging citizens to share the meeting on social media and what to do
“in case of emergency”. Acting Council President Poteat explained the 3-minute-plus-1 public comment
rule. A Councilperson was asked to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard emphasized balance, supporting both growth and preservation. She
advocated for smart, data-driven density around transit hubs and commercial corridors, while protecting
single-family neighborhoods and promoting homeownership, workforce, and market-rate housing.
Planning Commissioner Rausse and Consultant Cleary gave opening commentary on the draft
comprehensive plan.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were two (2) in-house speakers "FOR" the draft comprehensive plan. The speaker was thankful
that mix-income residents were taken into consideration and that it would benefit the new generation
whom could not afford homeownership or the high cost of market-rate apartments. There was also
comments and criticisms regarding the lack of community participation during the thirty plus
community forums held prior to these public hearings.
There were twenty-six (26) , in-house speakers "AGAINST" the draft comprehensive plan. To
summarize: Residents voiced very similar opposition to proposed zoning changes that would eliminate
or weaken single-family zoning. Speakers warned that allowing duplexes, triplexes, and accessory
dwelling units could destabilize long-standing neighborhoods, erode property values, and strain an
already fragile infrastructure. They urged the City Council to protect the character of Mount Vernon’s
single-family areas, the core of the city, protecting generation wealth opportunities, tax bases and
community identity. Several commenter's also criticized the city’s process, saying the 475-page plan
was rushed, inadequately shared with the public, and lacked a required environmental reviews. They
called for a full Generic Environmental Impact Statement to address flooding, sewage, traffic, and
parking concerns before any plan is adopted.
There was one (1) online speaker who spoke on the plan and broke down each part and giving
commentary.
There were thirty-four (34) written comments received and read prior by the City Clerk, she provided
the following summary:Across letters and testimony submitted, residents shared a consistent message:
slow down, listen, and protect Mount Vernon’s neighborhoods. Many residents-especially in Fleetwood
and other single-family areas-voiced strong opposition to up-zoning that would permit duplexes,
