During a presentation to the Mount Vernon City Council last week, County Executive George Latimer – a native of the South Side of Mount Vernon – outlined the County’s plans to restore the iconic Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. These plans have now been sent to the Board of Legislators for their review.
Latimer said: “The City of Mount Vernon is entering a new phase in its rich history and the County is proud to be a partner in it. These plans show a willingness on our end to work cooperatively with the City and we look forward to moving forward together.”
The $25M renovation plans include:
- NCAA regulation Football field, suitable for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey;
- NYSPHSAA certified 8 lane track;
- 3,900 seats;
- Skateboard Park;
- Three tennis courts; and
- Modern locker rooms, public bathrooms
For the plan to be finalized, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation must still sign off on any contaminated soil remediation, the City must remove boulders and debris under the existing tennis structure and a new agreement must be approved by the Mount Vernon City Council and the County Board of Legislators. If all needed approvals are received by April 2020, the County can break ground in May and be ready for Mount Vernon Knights High School Football in the Fall 2021.
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said: “Mount Vernon is taking its place at the table again in Westchester County. We are committed to strengthening our partnerships and the plans to build Memorial Field are the beginning of a new day for Mount Vernon. Together with the City Council, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, County Legislator Lyndon Williams and other officials we will get this done. I remain committed to working with County Executive Latimer, his team and the County Board of Legislators to move Mount Vernon forward.”
In November of 2008, the City of Mount Vernon and Westchester County settled on an inter-municipal agreement where the County would renovate Memorial Field for the people of Mount Vernon. After almost 12 years of regression from this point, the City and the County are eager to move forward.
Department of Public Works/Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “Our Department is ready to get to work on this project important for the County as a whole – and specifically the people of Mount Vernon.”
Latimer concluded: “For me, Memorial Field is personal. I watched some of my childhood heroes sporting events on that field, I saw major concerts on that field – and I even received my High School diploma on that field. This is about government stepping up and doing right by the people of Mount Vernon.”
Westchester County Legislator Lyndon Williams said: “I am delighted that the restoration of Memorial Field at the doorway into Westchester County is finally coming to fruition after many challenges. The residents of Mount Vernon and the County have waited through the many false starts, delays and obstacles but I am proud to say they have never lost hope. I want to commend County Executive Latimer and his administration for their focus on this last Legacy Project. I am confident that with the coordination of the City, County and State the remaining obstacles can be removed and we can break ground for New Memorial Field in April.”
Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo said: “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on the Board, with County Executive Latimer, with Mayor Patterson-Howard and with all the officials in the City to ensure that the long-overdue restoration of this gem is finally completed for the benefit of the people of Mount Vernon and all the residents of Westchester County.”