By Dan Murphy
The people of Mt. Vernon voted for change last year, when they elected
Shawyn Patterson-Howard Mayor. Now, eight months into her term, Mayor Patterson-Howard continues to find some of the same problems that have existed in Mt. Vernon for decades, but with some recent sucesses.
Two good things happened for the people of Mt. Vernon last week. A ground breaking ceremony was held for Memorial Field, and this was a real ground breaking, with the support of county government and with funding behind it.
After years of uncertainty, County Executive George Latimer and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard proudly broke ground on Mount Vernon’s historic Memorial Field with a ceremony marking the start of the reconstruction project on Wednesday, August 5.
Latimer said: “Here we are. This project means so much to this City and I am ecstatic that this day has finally come. My Administration has made it a priority to invest in the parks and recreation spaces available to residents – all over the County – and this is another major step in that direction. This is truly government at its finest, working for the people who we serve. I commend my partners in government from the City, County Legislature and State for their joint efforts toward progress – and I want to particularly single out Lyndon Williams for his exception commitment to this project.”
The ceremony included ceremonial shovels, classic bottles of Coca-Cola – a throwback to the iconic Mean Joe Greene commercial filmed at the stadium – and a ceremonial first football toss.
The Memorial Field Complex Reconstruction project will build a beautiful new, lighted multi-sport and events venue that includes a state of the art synthetic turf multi-sport athletic field, an all-weather eight lane running track, renovated tennis courts and a skate park. Grandstands for 3,900 spectators including VIP seating and a press box will also house full locker room and training room facilities and will mimic the appearance of the original grandstands. Additional on-site amenities will include an entry plaza, ticket booths, a concession stand, restrooms, wrought iron fencing and landscaping.
Highlights of the new Memorial Field include: An NCAA regulation Football field, suitable for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey; a certified 8 lane track; 3,900 seats, a Skateboard Park, Three tennis courts, and Modern locker rooms.
Patterson-Howard said: “We ran on the premise of forward together, and Memorial Field symbolizes teamwork in action. Since day one, I’ve remained dedicated to seeing Memorial Field to completion and that will happen under our leadership. The soul of Mount Vernon is connected to Memorial Field, as our crowned jewel, its reconstruction is a positive step forward. The people of Mount Vernon deserve it. Thank you to the County Board of Legislators, County Executive Latimer and his team for keeping this project as a priority.”
The project was awarded to the low bidder, The LandTek Group in the amount of $24,883,600.00. Construction anticipates to begin in August and completed in fall of 2021. LandTek Vice-President and former NY Jet Marty Lyons was on hand and explained how LandTek has worked with over one thousand school districts and private schools and colleges on the east coast.
More good news for the people of Mt. Vernon came when Mayor Patterson -Howard appointed county legislator Lyndon Willams to the Mt. Vernon City Court. Williams has served as an honest public servant for twenty years, and most recently spoke out against City Hall about the failures of Memorial Field before Patterson -Howard won election.
Williams’ appointment came following the elevation of Judge Adrian Armstrong to the New York State Court of Claims, and was selected after a thorough vetting process chaired by William O. Wagstaff III, Esq. The committee reviewed several resumes submitted to the Mayor and gave three recommendations to the Mayor.
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, “As a former drug court coordinator the years I served at the Mount Vernon City Court gave me a unique insight on the challenges & needs of the community. My choice is reflective of my experience during that time. Furthermore, we brought together individuals who have been impacted by the justice system to create a diverse panel of thought. I thank the judicial committee for coming together and providing great recommendations for City Court Judge. Lyndon Williams will be a welcomed addition to our City Court. He brings leadership, judicial knowledge and compassion to this position. I look forward to seeing them serve as a champion for our community. I want to thank the outstanding men and women who submitted their resume for judge, Mount Vernon is not lacking in talent when it comes to our pool of judicial candidates.”
William O. Wagstaff III, Esq, Chair of Judicial Committee said, “To see the array of talented lawyers we have in this community, makes me a proud Mount Vernonite.”
Newly appointed City Court Judge Lyndon Williams said, “I wish to thank Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard for placing her trust in me and giving me this opportunity to serve my community on the judiciary. I want to thank my family for their support as I take on a new role of public service. Over the past 12 years, I have served the residents of Mount Vernon with dignity, effectiveness, and dedication, as their County Legislator, and provided leadership on the Westchester County Board of Legislators. I intend to bring the same dedication and leadership skills in working with my colleagues on the Mount Vernon City Court to ensure equality, justice, and fairness in our judicial system as well as protecting the safety and well-being of our residents and families. “
