Mission

We have as our mission the fostering of tolerance and community by designing, funding and providing volunteers for projects that illustrate what can be accomplished by a group of persons from all Mount Vernon's cultures working together for a common interest.

Some of Our Achievements

This is just a very short list of our projects. We’re very proud of our accomplishments and hope you share our enthusiasm for helping to continuously improve our community.

It's True, They DID Come (to the Pennington School)

No, Shoeless Joe Jackson did not appear from out of the woods on a Saturday in May to witness the excitement of 50 community volunteers pitching in to improve one of Fleetwood's great resources -- the Pennington-Grimes Elementary School grounds and baseball field -- but Mayor Davis, Department of Public Works Commissioner James Finch, Building Commissioner Ralph Tedesco, Police Commissioner Bernice Kennedy, Principal Dr. Marlene Zakierski, Assistant Principal Davis and Mr. Cooper did.

What they saw on that cool but dry Saturday was a proud and ambitious community clean up the school yard of garbage, broken glass, and piles of leaves; plant flowers, azaleas, and creeping junipers; and trim and landscape the grounds. Teams of volunteers also planted flowers and bushes in the raised beds installed by the City at the entrances to Mount Vernon along Route 22 and by the Cross County Broad Street exit ramp. Best of all, the DPW staff continued its week-long effort to renovate the Pennington School baseball field. Clean soil was added and topped off with clay earlier in the week. On Saturday, staff focused on smoothing and leveling the infield diamond. Still to come are adding another two inches of clay, a pitching mound and bases, and improving the surrounding fencing. Play ball!

To keep everyone fueled, donuts and coffee, (courtesy of Dunkin' Donuts at 9 Gramatan Ave), were served in the morning. For lunch, the Fleetwood Neighborhood Association along with The Fleetwood Deli/Cafe and the PTA sponsored Hot Dogs, grilled by master chef, Bob Granata, and soda, courtesy of Coke, and ice courtesy of Mazzi's Sports Bar. Everyone had a great time and it shows, once again, what can be achieved when the community and City are willing partners. Who knows, if we plant some corn fields, maybe Shoeless Joe will make an appearance after all!

The Annual Street Fair
Now in its fourth year, this event brings the whole of Mount Vernon together. Raffles, Clowns, Music, Food, Games and more round out the day’s event. This year’s fair boasted more than 50 vendors, an antique car show, a dunk tank and a pie throwing booth (with local politicians as brave targets), pony rides, attracted more than 4000 visitors and families to our community.

The Annual Children's Halloween Parade
Now in its seventh year, this parade offers parents a daytime alternative to night time trick-or-treating and includes a costume contest and goodie bags for the first 300 families to register for the contests. Local businesses and organizations donate candy and other treats for the children and display their services and programs at tables along the parade route. Raffles, Clowns, Music, Food, Games and more round out the day’s event. Last year’s parade attracted more than 800 children with their parents and families to the Fleetwood Business District.

Talkin' Trash
We are “Talkin’ Trash” and partnering with Goldman Sachs again this year for their Community TeamWorks Project. We will beautify the tree boxes with countless flowers and clean Gramatan Avenue through this exciting event. Our annual budget for this has grown to nearly $6,000

Fleetwood Bike Safety Rodeo
In partnership with local State Farm Insurance agent Corey Anthony and State Farm Insurance, the FNA has an annual Bike Safety Rodeo. This program is open to the community to teach any child or adult how to bicycle safely in an urban community. The Mount Vernon Police Department works with us at the Bike Safety Rodeo offering their Child Identification Program and a Bike Etching Program. The Mount Vernon School District also acts a partner in this program.

Fleetwood Train Station Renovation
The FNA has worked closely with Senator Guy Velella for many years and in the past years Senator Velella has heard our concerns about improving the train station. In response to our concerns, Senator Velella created a $400,000 financial package for the MTA for improvements and renovation of the Fleetwood Train Station.

Broad Street Playground Renovation
The Broad Street Playground was built over 30 years ago. Since that time the playground has served countless children and families, but also came to be in dire need of renovations and improvement. In 1998, the FNA adopted the playground and working with the City of Mount Vernon, designed plans to improve the playground using all-steel play equipment and safety surfacing.

We have successfully raised more than $125,000 with the help of community partners like Senator Guy Velella, the City of Mount Vernon and State Farm Insurance toward the renovation of the Broad Street Playground. The estimated cost of the renovations is approximately $120,000. To date, all of the old play equipment has been removed and replaced with two new play systems, two sets of swings, benching and safety surfaces. More improvements were completed in 2003 and 2004, including the addition of a set of toddlers swings, picnic tables, new benching and trash cans. To help fulfill this financial commitment two fund raising programs have been created: The Children's Tile Quilt and The Annual Halloween Parade.

A Voice for Fleetwood
We have an open, ongoing dialogue with our Mayor and all of Mount Vernon’s City Council Members discussing a wide range of topics that effect the neighborhood and the City. Topics from past conversations include pedestrian safety, traffic control, parking meters and permits, maintenance issues for the Fleetwood Parking Garage, and the maintenance and development of green spaces (including the Broad Street Playground) around Fleetwood.

Safe Streets
The Mount Vernon Police Department has responded to our requests for a higher police presence in the Fleetwood Business District with regular foot patrols. Senator Velella also worked with us and the Police Department to create funding ($250,000) for the Mobil Police Van that is seen regularly around the community.