Brush Park residents ask Mount Vernon council for parking decals and event calendar after repeated weekend closures

Nicole White, speaking on behalf of residents of the 500 block of South Third Avenue, told the Mount Vernon City Council on Sept. 10 that between Memorial Day and Labor Day the block was closed for events on roughly 10 of 14 weekends.

White said closures on Center Street to Third Avenue began in the 4:00–4:30 p.m. range and that the Sanford and Third Avenue block was closed around 9:30–10:30 p.m. on event nights. She said one resident waited 45 minutes in her car before barriers were opened and argued that residents should be able to show proof of residency for expedited access.

Council responses: Councilwoman Gleeson said she would speak with the police department about reported access denials and noted she has in the past seen officers move barriers to permit residents to reach driveways. Council President Brown said a resident's state ID should be sufficient proof of address and suggested the issue may be one of training or policy; he asked the recreation commissioner to share a schedule so residents can prepare. Councilman Poteet asked residents to follow up if the issue is not resolved within a month. Councilman Thompson said he would speak with Commissioner Pickney about providing a schedule and emphasized that officers should not block resident access. Councilor Maglissen pointed to the council page on cmvny.com and encouraged residents to use listed email contacts and the legislative aide, Antoinette Anderson, for follow up.

What was requested: White asked the council either to issue parking decals or to provide a calendar of events so residents can plan; council members favored investigating and improving on‑site practices and schedule sharing rather than issuing decals immediately.

Next steps: Multiple council members said they would follow up with the police department and recreation officials; residents were asked to return if the issue persists.