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Councilperson Deborah Reynolds has been promoting an eight-lane track that could potentially host large events and would be a draw to athletes around Westchester County. She has gone so far as to create a website promoting the proposed project, outlining why she thinks it is best for the city.
“For Mayor Davis not to institute a competitive eight-lane track at Memorial Field is a slap in the face to the athletes of Mount Vernon High School, the youth, and the taxpayers because of lost city revenue in hosting competitive competitions,” Reynolds said of the proposal.
On the other hand, Mayor Ernest Davis and the rest of the City Council are backing a plan to create a six-lane track, nine tennis courts and skate park. The playing fields would also be converted to artificial turf, although the mayor said he would have preferred fresh grass.
The renovation is something Davis promised when he entered office years ago.
“[A renovation of] Memorial Field was a promise from five years ago that never was able to get off the ground,” he said. “A host of recreation activities ceased for hundreds all over the county that came to use our community.”
Residents remain split on whether they would prefer the larger track and new stands thatReynolds has proposed or Davis’ proposal, which would serve a wider variety of athletes. They agree; however, that something needs to be done sooner than later.
“I can’t believe it’s taken this long. They offered up these ideas months ago, and still, nothing,” Jon Cruz said on Monday. “Whatever they decide, just pick one and lets start making some progress.”
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