Cuomo Wades Into Mount Vernon State Of Emergency

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The state of New York will be sending garbage trucks to help Mount Vernon residents living under a state of emergency.

The mayor declared a state of emergency after a number of sanitation trucks were deemed unsafe to be on the road. On Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed state agencies to temporarily deploy trucks to Mount Vernon to help with garbage collection. The trucks will be deployed for up to two weeks.

"Mount Vernon's citizens are suffering as the city resolves longstanding issues over the funding of its services and this administration is stepping in to ensure government continues to function," Cuomo said in a statement. "State agencies will deploy trucks to Mount Vernon to make sure the city is able to keep the streets clean and collect its trash for the next two weeks. Residents and their families deserve better, and I am hopeful that this situation is resolved as soon as possible."

SEE ALSO: State Of Emergency Declared, Mayor Blames City Official

The state will provide personnel as well as equipment to help unbury the city from the current crisis.

The Department of Transportation will provide four dump trucks and a loader and grapple, along with personnel to operate the equipment. The Office of General Services will provide a garbage truck and two staff members. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation will provide three dump trucks. The Office of Emergency Management will deploy a staff member to Mount Vernon.

"On behalf of the residents of Mount Vernon we are grateful to the state for stepping in to provide emergency assistance in maintaining the public health of our community," Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said. "Local government services have been drastically impacted due to fiscal mismanagement on behalf of our elected comptroller. I agree with Governor Cuomo that Mount Vernon residents deserve better and we appreciate his assistance and look forward to a permanent solution with our garbage collection."

In declaring the official state of emergency, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said that the refusal by the city's comptroller to release critical funds created a clear and present threat to public safety.

The move was the most recent escalation in the conflict between elected officials in the city. Earlier this year, the comptroller was accused of failing to pay fuel bills forcing police, fire and public works vehicles to ration gas. Fingers were also pointed at the comptroller after authorized repairs were not made to a boiler in city hall. The boiler eventually failed.

SEE ALSO:

• Gas Rationing For Police: Mayor Declares Fuel Emergency
• Out Of Gas: Judge Orders Comptroller To Pay Overdue Fuel Bills
• Mayor: It Will Take 'Act Of God' To Avoid City Shutdown
• Gas Ahead: Comptroller Obeys Court Order To Pay Fuel Bills
• Mount Vernon Votes To Bypass Comptroller on Pandemic Relief Funds
• Court Blocks Council's Attempt To Bench Embattled Comptroller
• City Suspends Some Trash Collection; Trucks Declared Unsafe