Planning Commission Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Peekskill Planning Commission met on February 10, 2026, to discuss several items including a conceptual review for a 24-unit cluster development, a SEQRA review for a mixed-use industrial complex, a public hearing to legalize a residential expansion, a continued public hearing on facade changes and new units at a condominium complex, a renewal of approvals for a commercial-to-residential conversion, and approval of previous meeting minutes. The meeting included public testimony and resulted in multiple approvals and continuations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Doug Woodward, a lifelong Peekskill resident, spoke in favor of the East Point project (505 South Street), highlighting the benefits of the high-end rental development to the local economy and urging the commission to allow the developer to proceed while addressing color issues via bonding. He also addressed landscaping maintenance and accessibility concerns.
• The Planning Department acknowledged receiving written comments from Joseph Gunn regarding the Frost Lane project (1130 Frost Lane) and emails with photos about concerns at Bear Mountain and Frost Lane intersection, sharing them with the commission.

Discussion Items

Conceptual Review – 1130 Frost Lane (Peekskill Views LLC)

• The applicant (Jody Cross and Joe Monteferi) presented a revised conceptual plan for a 24-unit cluster residential development on a 13.77-acre lot in the R-1A district, down from 27 units presented in April 2024. Key revisions include: a second full vehicular access point on Frost Lane, elimination of the previous cul-de-sac, a new unit design (10 units added to six ranch and eight garage-under units), and keeping the existing 20-inch water main instead of replacing it (with easement adjustments). The project preserves 8.5 acres of open space with public access and a Westchester Land Trust conservation easement. Commission members raised concerns about sight lines at the new entrance near a blind curve, traffic impacts, and the water main decision. No formal action was taken; the commission will absorb the information and provide comments via the Planning Department.

SEQRA Review – Westchester Industrial Complex

• The applicant (Jim Anakarico of Cronin Engineering) provided updates and responses to prior questions about the proposed change from a single manufacturing occupancy to a multi-tenant mixed-use commercial facility with outdoor storage on three properties in the M-2B district. The Common Council had closed a public hearing the previous night but did not act; the commission discussed the need for a traffic study covering peak and non-peak hours, vehicle counts (estimates of 140 vehicles including cars and trucks, with about 50 from tenant North Line), direction of truck traffic (south toward Welcher Avenue vs. north toward Louisa Street), and potential impacts on road surfaces. Commission members also expressed the need for baseline soil testing near the railroad and areas where vehicles have been parked to detect contaminants like oil or gas. The commission held off on issuing a SEQRA Negative Declaration pending further information.

Public Hearing – 1510 Maple Avenue (Richard DioGuardi)

• The applicant (JB Hernandez of CRQ Architecture) requested final site plan approval to legalize interior expansions—a finished basement (742 sq. ft.) and attic space above the garage—within the existing envelope of a single-family home built in 2003. The work was done without permits but was flagged by the Building Department. The public hearing was opened, no public testimony was offered, and it was closed. The commission deemed the project a Type II action under SEQRA and granted final site plan approval.

Continued Public Hearing – 505 South Street (Joseph G. Thompson Architect)

• The applicant returned to address facade color changes and two new apartments (converting storage rooms to 895 sq. ft. one-bedroom units) at the 51-unit (now 53-unit) East Point condominium complex. The commission had previously objected to the built colors deviating from approved plans. The applicant presented renderings showing integration of green and warmer tones on projecting bays in the courtyard, but commission members requested that the color treatment be extended to the entire building, especially the prominent white balconies and bands visible from South Street. The applicant agreed to explore additional renderings. On the apartment issue, the city attorney informed that adding two units triggers the affordable housing ordinance (10% affordable requirement). The applicant indicated willingness to make the two units affordable and possibly buy out remaining units. The commission also discussed a minor modification authorizing a six-foot vinyl fence, which some members questioned. The public hearing was continued to the next meeting, and the commission asked for further information on affordable housing options and a comprehensive color plan.

Renewal of Approvals – 1013 Park Street

• The applicant (Joseph G. Thompson) sought renewal of a special permit and final site plan approval (originally granted in 2019) to convert second-floor office space to a three-bedroom apartment, along with a minor amendment adding a second full bathroom. The project expired due to COVID-related delays. The commission reaffirmed the 2019 SEQRA determination, deemed it an unlisted action with a negative declaration, and granted renewal with conditions, expiring February 10, 2027. The renewal is for one year.

Key Outcomes

• 1130 Frost Lane (Conceptual Review): No decision; commission will provide comments via Planning Department; applicant to refile as a new project when ready for formal consideration.
• Westchester Industrial Complex (SEQRA): Negative declaration withheld; applicant to provide traffic study (with peak and non-peak hour data, vehicle counts, and directional analysis) and targeted soil testing before the commission can make a determination.
• 1510 Maple Avenue: Public hearing opened and closed; final site plan approval granted unanimously (including Type II SEQRA determination).
• 505 South Street: Public hearing continued to the next meeting; applicant to submit updated renderings showing color treatment extended to all facades and explore affordable housing options for the two proposed apartments. Bonding to ensure completion of color changes may be considered.
• 1013 Park Street: Renewal of special permit and final site plan approval granted with conditions, expiring February 10, 2027. Minor amendment for second bathroom approved.
• Minutes: Adopted as revised for the December 9, 2025 meeting.