Mount Vernon Quality of Life Task Force Closes Businesses for Long-term Non-Compliance

Several Establishments Ordered to Cease Operations Until They Come into Compliance with Public Health and Safety Codes. Today, the Mount Vernon Quality of Life Task Force directed several local businesses to cease operations due to longstanding non-compliance with the City of Mount Vernon’s building codes. These businesses were among the 65 establishments placed on notice in 2018 (BuildingViolations) to address violations or face closure.

It is very unfortunate that some Mount Vernon businesses have chosen to ignore all legal notifications, requests, conversations, warnings, and government requirements for more than six months, putting the safety of our citizens at risk. One establishment even remained out of compliance for 1,185 days. Therefore, giving the City no choice, but to require the businesses to close until they can come into compliance.

Commissioner of Buildings Daniel Jones said, “As leader of the Mount Vernon Quality of Life Task Force, I am proud of the efforts the administration has made to protect public safety and work with responsible business owners to keep our economy growing responsibly.

Unfortunately, there are some local establishments that — despite having been given ample opportunities to comply — refuse to do so. These establishments were placed on notice that they were under violations and faced imminent closure if they did not address these outstanding issues.

The City of Mount Vernon has attempted to work with them to re-open; give access to capital; and extended numerous professional courtesies to remain pro-business, pro-economy, and pro-Mount Vernon. Business owners that refuse to comply place the people at risk. For example, the city had 58 working fires in 2018, many due to poor electrical wiring. Codes exist to protect the people.

No one is above the law. The City wants to work cooperatively, but businesses have to at the very least, be responsive and responsible, showing action and intent to correct infractions.

Any business that seeks to re-open can do so by coming to the Department of Buildings and working with myself and my team.”

The City supports business development and growth in Mount Vernon. Building code requirements are put in place for the safety of the people. The City is responsible for the protection and safety of our citizens. There are many infractions, but some examples are lack of electrical permit or lack of certificate of tenancy. Should a fire occur and there was loss of life, our community would be devastated.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF HOW THE QUALITY OF LIFE TASK FORCE PROTECTS BUSINESSES AND THE PEOPLE: https://medium.com/@MayorRichThomas/mount-vernon-helps-popular-restaurant-open-after-fire-lincoln-barbeque-is-back-in-business-and-3df55e37d865

ABOUT THE QUALITY OF LIFE TASK FORCE: The Mount Vernon Quality of Life Task force, which includes members of the Buildings, Fire, Public Works, and Consumer Protection Departments, as well as the city’s Ordinance Officer and local law enforcement, conducted 65 inspections. The most frequent violations uncovered were:

1. Absence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

2. Absence of emergency lights and exit signs.

3. Insufficient egress and blocked emergency exits.

4. Expired or no certificates of occupancy and certificates of tenancy.

5. Unsanitary conditions in food establishments.

In addition, the task force also followed up on complaints from neighborhoods and tenants regarding rat infestations, piles of garbage and debris and foul odors.

Buildings Commissioner Dan Jones said the task force plays three roles. First, educate businesses and building owners about the various laws and ordinances that apply to them; second, inform them about the consequences of noncompliance; and third, try to find solutions that are mutually beneficial.

“Most businesses are receptive to working with the Quality of Life Task Force because cooperation is the fastest, cheapest and best path to compliance,” Jones said, adding that in several cases strong partnerships have emerged to expedite solutions.

But he added delay and defiance were unacceptable. For example, one building owner had his elevator taken out of service and was issued a summons to appear in court after the elevator, found to be out of compliance, had harmed an elderly resident.

“The laws and codes are there to protect people,” said Jones, whose department is the lead agency on the task force. “Our obligation is to ensure compliance and when we find noncompliance we take the necessary steps to correct problems.”

As a next step, Jones said the Task Force would be using a grant to set up meetings and outreach to increase the engagement of tenants, landlords, businesses, churches, and neighborhood associations. “We want to build bridges into the community,” said Jones. “The idea is to marshal the influence of these and other stakeholders to improve code enforcement and by extension quality of life.”

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