Urban Renewal Agency Newsletter Volume 2
We are writing to update you on some good, bad, and ugly news. The good news is we are moving forward with a range of positive and productive initiatives that will enhance quality of life. The bad news is we discovered over $6,000,000 in secret, undocumented loans that threaten the solvency and future of the Urban Renewal Agency. The ugly news is the Department of Justice confirmed that they will be suing the City of Mount Vernon and levying a “significant monetary penalty” for repeated violations of the Clean Water Act since 2003. The frustrating news is it could have been avoided had obstructionists on the City Council and Comptroller Maureen Walker worked with us before it arrived at this point of no return. Now, we are facing the threat of an immediate and negative impact on our property taxes, a cost we never should have had to bear.
Click here to be one of the first to read the 2nd Volume of The Urban Renewal Agency Newsletter that’s hitting mailboxes in the next few days.
THE BAD NEWS: Millions in Secret Loans Discovered, Investigation Launched
The most significant issue facing the Urban Renewal Agency is the discovery of over $6 million in questionable loans that were issued by the Agency under previous administrations. Appointees from the Obama administration found this troubling information by rummaging through piles of papers that were not identified in our financial audits. Many of these loans are undocumented, identified as uncollectable, and more than likely issued in violation of federal government guidelines. The discovery of these loans has raised serious and immediate concerns as to the solvency of the Agency. As Chairman of the Agency, I appointed Richard Frankel, former Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark office, to lead an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the millions in secret loans. Many questions need to be answered. Our hope is that the investigation will proceed unhindered by the numerous challenges, including personnel who have failed to return to work and loan recipients who have long ago left the country.
Despite the challenges and obstacles, there are still exciting initiatives and substantive work underway in the Agency. The discovery of HUD funds that were unused and at risk of being returned to the federal government are now being distributed to non-profits who provide much needed social service programs in our city.
THE UGLY NEWS: Department of Justice Sends Notice of Their Intent to Sue the City of Mount Vernon
This summer, the City of Mount Vernon was hit with the sobering news that the Department of Justice is moving forward with filing a lawsuit against the City of Mount Vernon for violations of the Clean Water Act. This is all due to the city’s systemic refusal to adhere to environmental consent orders since 2003.
For over 14 years, the City Council, Comptroller Maureen Walker, and former Mayor Ernie Davis failed to act. They ignored two consent orders from the Environmental Protection Agency, something that no other city has been so willful or foolish to do. The Department of Justice will not tolerate obstructionism any longer nor should you. The consequence includes a “significant monetary penalty” against Mount Vernon. This situation was avoidable and the costly penalty is likely to run into the millions, significantly impacting property taxes.
Turning Liabilities into Assets
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. “In the past, the Mount Vernon Central School District struggled significantly and we are encouraged that they are now taking steps to improve performance.
Mayor Thomas’ job is to turn liabilities into assets. The Mount Vernon City School District must become our best-performing asset and again our shining star. Many of you may have felt a familiar fear when a newspaper recently wrote that “City residents are bracing for increased school taxes that start this year to help pay off the $108 million bond.” Mount Vernon recognizes the funding limitations and immense tax burden from the school district. Taxpayers should all be concerned that the $108 million bond allocation has exceeded its budget and left many schools behind. This is why we are taking definitive action to help the district level the playing field for all schools in all neighborhoods.
Click here to read more.
Mount Vernon City School District 2017 Convocation Ceremony
This week our children headed back to school. Mayor Thomas participated in the Mount Vernon City School District’s 2017 convocation ceremony. In his remarks to the teachers, staff, and administration, Mayor Thomas reminisced about his time as a student in Mount Vernon schools (Traphagen, A.B. Davis, MVHS) and said he looks forward to his children being publicly educated as well. He pledged to bring back Memorial Field so our children can both play and graduate there again. He also introduced the Mount Vernon Police Department’s “School Resource Officers” (SROs). The last time the school district had SROs was 1996. Mayor Thomas declared that he is proud to bring them back as they will be dedicated to protecting and mentoring our kids to make better decisions in life. As part of our Sandy Hook Promise, the SROs are prepared to handle active shooters and received additional training on 21st Century Police methods to build trust on both sides of the badge.
As we enter the new school year, we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ideas on what type of after-school programs you would like to see.
Retooling the Building Department
NYU Career Fair
The City of Mount Vernon Wants You! Mount Vernon is actively recruiting individuals who want to serve with energy and passion. The Human Resources Department under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Milissa Ralph and assistant Teneil Peters, attended New York University’s Career Fair on September 8, 2017. Deputy Commissioner Ralph, described the event as an “overwhelming success”. The city’s presence at the career fair is part of the initiative to attract the best and brightest to help Mayor Richard Thomas move Mount Vernon forward.
If you want to join the team to move Mount Vernon forward, please email your resume to MayorThomas@cmvny.com
Hear Chief Richton Ziadie and Deputy Chief Hastings Discuss Crime Stats For the Last 28 Days
Click here to read Mount Vernon Weekly Crime Stats.
Mount Vernon CityFest 2017
Mount Vernon CityFest is quickly approaching! Mark your calendars, because Saturday, Sept 16th Gramatan Avenue and Hartley Park will come alive with music, culture, food, fun, and did we mention music??? The event starts at 2pm and ends at 9pm! Celebrate your Mount Vernon pride with us at the 1st Annual Mount Vernon CityFest!
2017 Mount Vernon 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
This coming Monday will mark 16 years since the tragic terrorist act that struck devastated our country touching the heart and souls of every American. On Monday, the City of Mount Vernon will mark this solemn day and take pause to remember the victims of the World Trade Center attacks. The ceremony will be held at 6pm on the steps of City Hall. Please join us for a heartfelt ceremony honoring the memory of the victims and the courageous men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to save their fellow man. New York will never forget, America will never forget, and we will never forget.
Listen to us live:
Every week, Mayor Thomas speaks to Yonkers Tribune radio with host Hezi Aris: Catch this week’s interview here for an unvarnished look at what’s happening in Mount Vernon: Mayor Thomas also hosts Mount Vernon Moving Forward every Friday on WVOX, from 5pm to 6pm. You can listen to this week’s show here for an in-depth discussion about the what’s going on in Mount Vernon. On the Internet, tune in to Future 98.9 every Wednesday at 8:30am to listen to Mayor Thomas and Minister P. Tyson. You can find last week’s interview here. On Tuesdays at 8am, you can hear Mayor Thomas on 101.5 Linkage Radio. Catch last week’s discussion here.
