The city of Mount Vernon is facing corruption allegations following claims that DPW crews are giving preferential treatment to certain properties in the area.

Democratic District Leader Samuel Rivers claims that DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton is repairing sidewalks only near properties he owns.

In response to the allegations, Horton says the DPW is just trying to beautify the neighborhood and fix sidewalks so no one gets hurt.

The city says they normally perform repairs if a tree is uprooting the sidewalk or if the residents file complaints. Horton and city officials both claim they have pictures and letters to prove that their repairs fall within the guidelines.

Meanwhile, Horton says the city is no longer doing patch work to sidewalks because it takes extra time and money. Instead, he says entire blocks are repaired. He also says he is training his own DPW workers to do the work instead of contracting the work out to another company.