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Westchester County officials unanimously voted to take over renovations at the once-vibrant recreation hub, which has stood vacant and desolate for years. The field has been a topic of consternation between Westchester residents, local and county officials.
Previously, the city had taken over renovation efforts, which came under fire when contaminated debris was illegally dumped at the field. The charge for change and the county taking over was led by Mount Vernon legislator Lyndon Williams, who said that the past two administrations have mishandled the project.
Earlier this year, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas announced that he signed an amended agreement between the city and Westchester County involving the restoration of Memorial Field, though not much came of that.
Memorial Field has been a point of contention for city, county and state officials for the better part of a decade. In August, New York State officials offered $5 million to help rebuild the defunct field, but only if the county ceded control of construction efforts to the county.
Earlier this year, Thomas demolished the grandstands at Memorial Field, an action that quickly came under fire by the City Council.
City Council President Lisa Copeland said, “the City Council believes the people of Mount Vernon deserve a restored and revitalized Field. We are pleased with the amended agreement and we look forward to a new Field.”
On WVOX earlier this year, Westchester County Executive George Latimer said that “I have one goal, to make sure the Field gets fixed...... It’s all in keeping with everything we tried to do...... Go in very pragmatically, try and solve problems, try and work with everybody.”
This story is developing. Check Daily Voice for updates.
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