Peekskill Common Council Meeting – December 22, 2025

The Common Council met on December 22, 2025, at 7:15 PM in the Common Council Chamber. The meeting included a public hearing to codify the Senior Citizen Advisory Council, approval of multiple resolutions—including a controversial special permit for a cannabis manufacturing facility at 710 Washington Street—and extensive public comment regarding a December 3rd police incident at Riverfront Green Park.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
• All resolutions except J9 were passed unanimously or by majority vote (J8 required roll call). These included: approval of canvass statement, acceptance of donations and grants, surplus equipment declaration, budget amendments, insurance renewal, intermunicipal agreements for snow removal, and a lease renewal with Eden Farms.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Hodgins (1014 N. Division St.) opposed the cannabis special permit, citing a hole in the building wall, potential fumes, and alleged economic discrimination against Black and Hispanic homeowners.
• Regina Bronze (601 Roosevelt) opposed the cannabis facility, stating the company has no ties to the community and that the city receives no tax revenue from manufacturing.
• Arnie Pagley (28 N. Division St.) addressed restrictions on public speech at the prior meeting, arguing that community policing was relevant to the police chief appointment, and criticized the city manager’s role.
• Aaron Bailey and Zulie Bailey (610 Franklin St.) opposed the cannabis permit, citing odor concerns, difficulty shutting down facilities, and the impact on the residential neighborhood.
• Garrett Dowd (200 block Nelson Ave.) asked what remedy residents would have if odor problems arise.
• Martin McDonald (625 Kissam Rd.) questioned the benefit of the permit; the mayor replied it is a legal business use that must be considered under special permit standards.
• During citizens’ time, many speakers addressed the December 3rd police incident. Priscilla Augusta (NAACP Peekskill) criticized the DA’s decision not to charge officers and called for a meeting with the DA. Valerie Eaton and Martin McDonald expressed disappointment and called for systemic change. Robin Alpern (228 Union Ave.) compared the incident to the 1949 Paul Robeson riot. Evan Rosen (345 Dykman St.) listed multiple police misconduct cases. Leah Nelson (Westchester Coalition for Police Reform) demanded release of unredacted body camera footage and answers about why a mobile crisis team was not called. Gene Shaw (Nottingham Cir.) expressed support for cannabis but opposed the special permit, and also spoke about Damar Fields. Jam Mulillo (CAC chair) spoke about the formation of a tree board, urging inclusion of DPW representation.
• Mark Lawrence (675 Catherine St.) expressed frustration that the council approved the permit despite community opposition, and shared his own experience with police.
• Former Mayor Andre Rainey congratulated Mayor McKenzie and Councilman Scott on their re-election and thanked Councilman Douglas for his service, calling for collaboration.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – Local Law 15 of 2025 (Senior Citizen Advisory Council): City Attorney Eric Gordon explained the law codifies an existing advisory council that has been operating since 1983. Councilman Douglas noted the group meets monthly (not just annually). Public comment was brief; no opposition. The hearing was closed and the local law adopted unanimously.
• Resolution J9 – Special Permit for Grand Street Cannabis Company at 710 Washington Street: Council members debated the permit. Councilwoman Talbot cited concerns about the air mitigation system not being demonstrated, and outstanding building violations; she voted no. Councilman Douglas supported the permit, citing strict conditions, pre-occupancy requirements, and ability to shut down the facility quickly if violations occur. Councilman Fernandez opposed, arguing the process was rushed and that the building owner had not resolved violations. Councilwoman Talbot (who moved the resolution) ultimately voted no. Mayor McKenzie and Deputy Mayor Riley also voted no. The resolution passed 4-3 (Fassett, Scott, Douglas, Talbot in favor; Fernandez, Riley, McKenzie opposed).
• Police Chief’s Report on December 3rd Incident: Chief Renwick announced that the Westchester County DA would not pursue criminal charges against the officers involved in the arrest of Mr. Fields at Riverfront Green Park. He stated that the internal administrative investigation remains active and focuses on policy violations. The names of the officers were later provided: Officer Dan Regg and Officer Angelo Sintron.

Key Outcomes

• Local Law 15 of 2025 creating Chapter 15 (Senior Citizen Advisory Council) was adopted unanimously.
• Resolution J9 (special permit for cannabis manufacturing) was approved by a 4-3 vote. The permit includes pre-occupancy requirements, VOC monitoring, quarterly reporting, and expedited shutdown procedures.
• All other resolutions (J1–J8, J10–J12) were approved.
• The city manager and police chief confirmed that the internal investigation into the December 3rd incident is ongoing, and a community policing survey is being planned.
• The council will review the composition of the tree board to include DPW representation, as requested by the CAC chair.