Mount Vernon Mayor Asks State To Review City Building Department

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Mount Vernon's top elected official is asking the state to step in to help a beleaguered city agency.

The Patterson-Howard administration said it has officially called in the Department of State Division of Building Standards and Codes to review the internal operations and processes of the Mount Vernon Buildings Department.

The mayor said she hopes a formal review will help the Department of Buildings with meeting the standards and codes of New York State and addressing backlogs in permits and other code enforcement operations.

"I’ve had concerns and received complaints regarding the operations of the Buildings Department, and I look forward to the Department of States' recommendations to improve the antiquated codes and processes that will further increase efficiency of the department's operations that will bring relief to residents and businesses alike," Patterson-Howard said in statement announcing the move. "A special thanks to the Department of State for their assistance in this matter."