Mount Vernon council hears extensive public comment on draft 'Envision Mount Vernon'; hearing continued to Oct. 14

The Mount Vernon City Council on Oct. 8 heard more than an hour of public testimony on the draft comprehensive plan “Envision Mount Vernon,” with speakers urging more time for review, a broader environmental study and clearer implementation steps. The council scheduled a follow‑up public hearing for Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.

Commissioner James Rouse, Department of Planning and Community Development, presented the draft and framed it as a multi‑year effort, saying the plan "is a beginning and not an end." He told the council the draft reflects about 2½ years of public outreach and that zoning will be rewritten as a later, separate step.

The draft plan and the public comments centered on housing, zoning and environmental review. Professional planner and resident Vince Ferrendino told the council he reviewed the draft and related environmental forms and called the council’s schedule “arbitrarily rushing” the process. "Arbitrarily rushing to approve it before years end will not accomplish that goal," Ferrendino said, urging a fuller vetting and written responses to public comments.

Michael Giustino, who identified himself as Zoning Board of Appeals chair, Fleetwood Neighborhood Association president…