The City of Mount Vernon is potentially liable for almost $12 million for breaching its contract with the operators of the Tennis Center at Memorial Field.

In 2018, then-Mayor Richard Thomas ordered the removal of the tennis bubble, surprising the center’s owner, Kela Tennis.

Last April, a Westchester jury awarded $9.3 million to the owner. This week, a state Supreme Court judge added $2.5 million in interest to the original verdict, bringing the total to $11.8 million.

The city’s attorney has stated that they’ve already filed a notice of appeal and expressed full confidence in reversing the jury award. Kela’s attorney contends that the city’s pursuit of a baseless appeal aims to delay payment, adding that the more its citizens will ultimately pay the longer the city delays.