ENVISION MOUNT VERNON
Engage
Ways to Engage
1
Community Conversations
Share your current priorities and future goals in community listening sessions with the Department of Planning and Community Development. These sessions will provide an overview of the process and a platform for your voice.
2
Public Workshops
Engage with the City and fellow citizens in working sessions where you will review work developed by planning consultants and participate in workshops to create a cohesive vision, and supporting recommendations, actions, and projects for the Comprehensive Plan.
3
Digital Engagement
Stay tuned as we update the Comprehensive Plan website with information on the plan making process, findings from engagements, and interim work products from consultants.
Latest Outreach Events
Industrial Conversation
On January 29, 2025, the Guidance Center hosted the last Phase II Community Conversation, concentrating on the industrial areas of Mount Vernon. This meeting engaged Mount Vernon industrial and business leaders, including developers, logistics, construction, both large and small manufacturing, and warehousing. Additional stakeholders from Mt. Vernon community groups attended as well. Here the conversation centered around the industrial and business sectors in the city, strategically imagining how they could be re-energized and positively grow. Mount Vernon has some key advantages, relative to neighboring communities, that can be leveraged as they advance their economic goals, including a diverse population, strong transportation access (including rail, highway, and river) on both the east and west sides of Westchester, and relatively low real estate costs. Themes that surfaced at the meeting included, walkability, parking, transportation, the need for strategic investments, and streamlining city processes. Attendees shared that the current challenge to walkability hinders residents, employees, and visitors from being able to fully take advantage of rail access to points north and south. Parking is another challenge that will require strategic thought, analysis and investment that considers the compact urban character of downtown and several neighborhoods. People consistently shared that the people in Mount Vernon are a special asset that isn’t always acknowledged. City processes and regulation, while necessary, are arduous and time consuming and ought to be streamlined. Both veteran businesses in the community as well as new ventures were brought together to strategically help Mount Vernon identify new (and old resources) that can serve as allies for the city as it attempts to tackle some of the challenges and harness the opportunities afforded it.
Citywide Community Conversations
1/11/25 and 1/15/25
To provide opportunities for a broad swath of community members to participate in community engagement, Mount Vernon hosted two nearly identical city-wide Phase II Community Conversation events – one midday on a weekend, one on a weekday evening after work. The first conversation held on Saturday January 11, at the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy attracted 48 participants who were vocal about sharing their thoughts on the strengths, challenges and opportunities facing Mount Vernon. The second conversation held on Wednesday January 15, at the Benjamin Turner Middle School, attracted 73 participants who offered candid and honest opinions on Mount Vernon. After a brief introduction by the city, meeting attendees were free to visit seven stations to provide feedback on the issues that were relevant to them. Five of the stations focused on specific focus areas in the city (Sanford Boulevard. Columbus Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon West, and Fleetwood), one station was concentrated on city parks, and a final station offered attendees the opportunity to provide insights into the entire city. At each station there were different activities motivating people to think strategically about a neighborhood or area in Mount Vernon. At some attendees answered relevant questions, while at others they imagined what an ideal park could look like or used Legos to construct what they envisioned along the commercial corridors. Attendees could visit as many stations as they wished.
Spanish Language Conversation
On December 5, 2024, a phase II conversation was held, in Spanish, at the Hamilton Elementary School and focused on the challenges, concerns and interests of the Hispanic community in Mount Vernon. The robust discussion followed a focus group format to allow for more open dialogue and covered six themes that are the focus of all the Mount Vernon comprehensive plan conversations: access & commerce, housing, economy & employment, infrastructure, broadband internet, and a vision for the future of Mount Vernon. The exchange revealed the Hispanic community would benefit from the development of new social institutions, (particularly after the loss of the Dominican club), more cultural offerings, and improved connectivity between neighborhoods. Walkability is important to the community and the need for complete streets was cited by attendees. Sidewalks, crosswalks and signals need improvements, and public spaces need more greenery and landscaping. Approximately half of the attendees are homeowners, and they shared that while there appears to be adequate levels of housing in the community, what is available is either old or expensive, which leads residents to leave in search of more affordable options. School quality was another major identified priority. There is a need for ongoing and consistent engagement to ensure that the community at the table when important decisions are made and revealed that they share similar viewpoints.
Senior Conversation
On November 7, 2024, a Phase II Community Conversation was held at the Doles Recreation Center that focused on Seniors. Some of the challenges shared by attendees included how difficult it is to find affordable housing in this family friendly community. Participants shared memories of key Mount Vernon venues and historic assets that they would like to see returned to the city, while others noted the opportunities for revitalization that Mount Vernon shouldn’t dismiss. Economic development, with a focus on cultivating restaurants, retail establishments and family-friendly venues, was highlighted by attendees as a key opportunity that should be seized. Another topic raised at the meeting was the need for repair and regular maintenance of public infrastructure, such as roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks. Additionally, ADA access needs to be addressed.
Youth Conversation
On August 2nd 2024, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau's talented youth took part in a unique visioning session for our Comprehensive Plan! Guided by Creative Urban Alchemy, they explored innovative ideas using artificial intelligence, showcasing a fresh perspective on our community's future. Some participants will continue their involvement by receiving training to conduct public surveys about the Comprehensive Plan. We're excited to see our youth play a vital role in shaping a vibrant and forward-thinking Mount Vernon!