Peekskill Common Council Work Session and Meeting: October 14, 2025 – Budget Presentation, Public Hearings, and Censure Resolution
Peekskill Common Council Work Session and Meeting: October 14, 2025 – Budget Presentation, Public Hearings, and Censure Resolution
The Peekskill Common Council convened a Work Session and Regular Meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chamber. The work session featured a comprehensive budget presentation from the Planning and Economic Development Department. The regular meeting, which opened at approximately 7:00 p.m., included the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence, roll call, public comments on agenda items, a recognition of the Lincoln Exedra Centennial, a presentation on good cause eviction, department head reports, four public hearings, and the adoption of 17 resolutions, including a censure of Councilman Robert Scott. The meeting concluded with a public comment period and adjournment.
Consent Calendar
- All resolutions J1 through J16 were adopted unanimously without dissent. These included:
- J1: Local Law amending Chapter 530 (Tree Preservation) to create a tree advisory board.
- J2: Authorization to bid for 2026 water maintenance materials.
- J3: Authorization to bid for 2026 water treatment plant chemical and sludge removal.
- J4: Memorandum of Understanding with the Inclure Program for recreational programming.
- J5: Adoption of the Section 8 Annual Plan.
- J6: Authorization of the Cost Allocation Plan.
- J7: Authorization to submit a 2025 DRI application.
- J8: Declaration of surplus and sale of city-owned vehicles.
- J9: Authorization for the LEAP Peekskill School District renewal for 2025–2026.
- J10: Acceptance of a $15,000 NYS Homeland Security grant for the Canine Program.
- J11: Acceptance of a $75,000 NYS Homeland Security grant for the Tactical Emergency Services Unit.
- J12: Acceptance of a $13,518 Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee grant for traffic enforcement.
- J13: Acceptance of a $1,300 Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee grant for the Child Passenger Safety Program.
- J14: Authorization for the Lincoln Exedra Centennial Celebration and time capsule burial.
- J15: Authorization to issue a Request for Qualifications for Depew Park improvements.
- J16: Authorization to sign a letter of support for the City of Yonkers’ Bloomberg Philanthropies implementation funding award.
Public Comments & Testimony
- John Hodgins (1014 North Division Street) opposed the new DRI application, stating that previous DRI funds were diverted from approved projects without public input and that no new businesses or jobs were created. He also questioned the city’s delay in publishing the 2024 comprehensive annual financial report.
- Bill Schmidt (president of the Lincoln Society) spoke in support of Resolution J14, detailing the upcoming centennial celebration for the Lincoln Exedra on October 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. on South Street, featuring the West Point Brass Quartet and historian Ted Widmer.
- Arnie Paglia (28 North Division Street) criticized the council for disenfranchising the public, citing the Business Improvement District election and the late addition of the censure resolution. He also voiced concerns about the city’s planning process and lack of parking management.
- Bree Pettis (property owner in the waterfront district) expressed concerns about the 400 Main Street project, including potential toxic contamination from former coal gasification, parking shortages, and flooding. She acknowledged the city’s efforts on water and sewer improvements.
- Robert Blatt (owner of Copperhead Club) worried about parking density and the impact on his business, noting that the municipal lot has 31 spaces and street parking is limited.
- Casey Wilson (resident and Copperhead Club) asked for environmental studies on waste, erosion, and water capacity for the 400 Main Street project.
- Elena Munice (Walker Mallard Way) questioned whether the 400 Main Street affordable units would be workforce housing and expressed concern about cumulative environmental impacts.
- James Guerrero (Maple Avenue) supported the 400 Main Street project, noting that challenging sites remain undeveloped, and argued that transit-oriented developments reduce car ownership.
- Tina Vangar (426 Smith Street) urged the council to prioritize a comprehensive plan before making decisions on parking and development, and she also reported service interruptions with Verizon.
- Charles DeGruccio (Catherine Street) announced the second annual domestic violence awareness event on October 18, 2025.
- Christina Kareem (Riverview Avenue) spoke in favor of good cause eviction protections, citing high rent burdens and the need for local protections given federal cuts.
- Steve Collius (9 North James Street) called for the resignation of Councilman Scott and Councilman Fernandez, stating they violated their oaths.
- Tyron Patterson (resident) criticized the council for not holding police accountable and alleged misconduct during his detention.
Discussion Items
- Budget Presentation (Work Session): Carol Samol, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the 2026 budget. She highlighted the department's mission, lean staff (director, economic development specialist, two planners, zoning coordinator, and CDBG administrator), and achievements: managing 38 grants totaling $32 million for $50 million in projects; receiving awards for Safe Streets for All and Mid-Hudson Momentum; completing the highest and best use study for Louisa Street/Lower South Street; and the ongoing DRI and waterfront transit-oriented development (TOD) projects. The TOD would include 270 housing units, a 125-room hotel, retail, and public art. Key requests for 2026 included a $15,000 online application filing system, public art maintenance funding, and a plotter/scanner. Council members praised the department's work and discussed the comprehensive plan, harbor master role, and workforce development.
- Good Cause Eviction Presentation: Adam Markovics, attorney from the Bronx Defenders, presented on the good cause eviction law (Article 6A of the Real Property Law), enacted as part of the 2024–2025 NYS budget. He noted that 15 municipalities have opted in, including Tarrytown, White Plains, and Croton-on-Hudson. He explained exceptions (e.g., small landlords, units built after 2009, high-rent units), and the default threshold for unreasonable rent increases (CPI + 5% or 10%, whichever is lower). He argued that the law provides tenants a fair shake and puts people above profits. Council members received the presentation without immediate action; a future public hearing was anticipated.
- 400 Main Street Public Hearing: The applicant, Joseph Thompson (architect), presented a revised proposal for a five-story, 36-unit residential building at 400 Main Street. The request for leasing city-owned parking was withdrawn. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the height bonus. The project would provide 36 parking spaces (one per unit), four affordable units (10% of total), streetscape improvements, stormwater management, and a $198,000 contribution to the inflow and infiltration fund. Public comments raised concerns about parking adequacy, environmental contamination, flooding, and sewer capacity. The hearing was closed after public comment.
- Payment in Lieu of Parking (PILOP) Public Hearing: The city proposed a zoning text amendment to establish a PILOP program, a per-space parking fee, and a downtown parking district. The public hearing was held open and adjourned to October 27, 2025 to allow further public comment and potential revisions. Several developers and residents spoke, with some supporting the concept (as a way to unlock development) and others expressing concern about the $30,000 per space fee and the impact on existing residents.
- 710 Washington Street Public Hearing: The hearing was continued for written comments only, with the deadline extended to November 10, 2025, as the planning department was still researching the site.
- Verizon Franchise Agreement Public Hearing: The city presented a five-year renewal franchise agreement with a 5% video franchise fee (up from 4%), a $45,000 PEG grant (in three installments), and continued PEG access channels. The hearing was closed after public comment. Councilman Fernandez inquired about the possibility of a community access channel; the city attorney noted that technology has shifted to online platforms.
- Censure of Councilman Robert Scott (Resolution J17): The resolution was added to the agenda. It detailed Scott’s guilty plea to obstructing governmental administration (misdemeanor) and disorderly conduct, stemming from a 2023 arrest for allegedly filing fraudulent nominating petitions. The resolution stated that Scott showed no remorse and engaged in conduct unbecoming of an elected official. After discussion, the council voted 6–1 in favor (Scott opposed). Scott defended his actions, expressed regret, and stated that he never blamed others. Council members called for his resignation, but he did not resign.
Key Outcomes
- Budget Presentation: Received and discussed; no formal vote. The council thanked the planning department for its work.
- Public Hearings:
- 400 Main Street: Closed after public comment; the council will consider the special permit after the Planning Commission completes environmental review.
- Payment in Lieu of Parking: Adjourned to October 27, 2025, for continued discussion.
- 710 Washington Street: Continued for written comments only until November 10, 2025.
- Verizon Franchise Agreement: Closed; the council will consider the resolution at a future meeting.
- Resolutions J1–J16: All passed unanimously.
- Resolution J17 (Censure of Councilman Scott): Passed with a roll call vote of 6 in favor (Councilman Facet, Councilman Douglas, Councilman Fernandez, Councilwoman Talbot, Deputy Mayor Riley, Mayor McKenzie) and 1 opposed (Councilman Scott). The censure expressed disapproval of Scott’s conduct but did not remove him from office.
- Lincoln Exedra Centennial: Recognized with a proclamation declaring October 25, 2025, as Lincoln Exedra Day, and authorization of a time capsule burial.
- Department Head Reports: City Manager Matt Alexander reported on code enforcement, police activity (29 open container arrests, 13 drug-related arrests, 15 outstanding warrants), water/sewer projects, and park progress. Monument Park is targeted to open for Veterans Day.
Meeting Transcript
We have a um budget presentation as well as well as a couple of regular agenda items and then an executive session for discussion of matters concerning the medical financial credit or employment history of a particular person, persons, or corporation or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person, persons, or corporations. So at this time I'll turn it over to our city manager. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening. First up tonight, we have a budget presentation from Carol Sammel from our planning department. Carol. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening. And city manager. I will um share my screen here. Um present my second budget to the city of Peaksville for the Department of Planning and Economic Development. Um happy to be here uh for the second fix this so I can see whoop. All right, technical difficulties. Why is it doing that? Stop sharing and then share again. All right. Um, so just as um a reminder, I think um, not only to the council but to everyone, the the mission of the department and the goals that we have as the department. Um first and foremost is promoting the responsible development of the city overall and improving the quality of life and increasing the tax base, which that is at heart much of what planning is about in general, and certainly what our um different uh boards and commissions are also aimed at doing the review of applications towards that end. And we do that also through creating and implementing plans, policies, and programs. Uh we obtain grants and implement those projects uh to provide public facilities and amenities across the city, and then we are just in general responsive to community inquiries from residents and property owners, business owners, investors in the city. Here we go. We do this this with a very lean staff. Um we have the director, we have an economic development specialist, two planners, a zoning coordinator, and our program administrator for uh CDBG. You know, we um put in for an assistant director that's still in review by the county civil service office, hopeful that that will proceed. Um but uh wanted to let you know that that's still in process. And then we have part-time consultants who work with us on project by project basis, whether those are uh planning services uh consultants who work with us on application review or the downtown revitalization fund or the momentum uh project management. Our achievements in 24 into 25 are numerous. Um I only have a partial uh approach here, laundry list approach, um, uh including some pretty significant reviews by our different commissions and boards. We've been managing 38 grants totaling 32 million dollars for 50 million dollars worth of projects that continues. We received two awards this year for the Safe Streets for All and then the mid-Hudson Momentum from for major infrastructure uh and streetscape improvements, and then we made two very important applications to among others, uh, pro housing supply and the Westchester County Complete Streets. Our momentum project, um, this was a really important year for us. Not only do we get the award, but got the funding agreement signed with the state, um, we identified the matching funds, and we started to implement, we have an implementation plan and we have a project management plan. We'll talk a little bit about what we're doing next uh to get those projects underway. Um this year we were able to complete and we're in the midst of completing uh some studies, including the highest and best use study around Louisa and and Lower South Street, which was looking at city owned uh parcels there. But with the Urban Land Institute, we're looking at a much broader area in that in that general vicinity. We have a technical assistance panel, which they'll be presenting kind of their findings in later in November, and you know, would like to open that up to the council as well, just to hear from all these different professionals about the Louisa Street and Lower South Street area. In the the downtown revitalization initiative, I'll just note that you know we onboarded our logo and brand team. Uh we engaged the working group and a design group of different designers from across the city and the public with a survey, and that work continues. And I wanted to just feature three different projects, and they're very different aspects of the way that we do work. One is the Peak Skill Arts Council, which the council created earlier in the year, but we have established that group. The board members adopted a municipal art guideline for the city and voted to recommend four new artworks, as well as created a logo, which you can see here in the bottom left. They have a website, social media presence. So they're really kind of upping the game for art in the city. Working with staff, they helped create this artwork signage, which and a map, an online map. This first time I think we've had this much of a robust of a presence for our art public art online and then in the city. So each you should see the signs around uh the city for each artwork, they describe the artwork, give a little history, have a link to the map online, so anyone could come in and um follow their way around the art trail and and get to enjoy the public artwork that we have. The next one to uh highlight is Pugsley Park, which is fully activated. Um this is really its second summer, but this is this first full year. Um, and we hosted events in that park almost every single weekend for four months, and it is just a raging success. It there was a learning curve, right?
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