OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Peekskill Common Council Work Session: March 2, 2026

Meeting Portal — Monday, March 2, 2026
BodyPeekskill, New York
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, March 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:04:28

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

March 2nd, 2026.

0:03

So at this time, um, we have a presentation and then a couple of items on the agenda.

0:10

Oh no.

0:11

A lot of items.

0:11

We have four presentations.

0:14

And some agenda items, and then 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 corporation.

0:34

And for discussion of matters concerning pending litigation involving tax matters.

0:38

So at this time I will turn it over to our city manager, Ms.

0:41

Alexander.

0:42

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

0:43

Good evening, so we are only have three more presentations.

0:47

And so uh the first of these three presentations is going to be Treadway, uh, a an organization that is um interested in purchasing 901 Main Street.

1:00

And uh on their behalf, we have Adam Sussey, David Ratner, and Mallory Warner here to speak to the council about a proposed pilot along with um a discussion of their plans for the property.

1:21

Yes, please, thank you.

1:27

No step stool, but I'll manage.

1:31

Let me just share this.

1:33

Okay, yeah.

1:37

Oh, I have to, but you're sure.

1:49

Okay.

2:39

And Adam, just make sure you stand close on Mike while you're speaking.

2:44

Um so, first of all, thank you all for having us.

2:46

Um we're we're very excited about the potential becoming part of this community.

2:52

Um we've been working extensively with the PIDA, Matt, Eric, um, for some months now, and so we're happy to be in front of you and uh giving you the latest update on on our plans for um Peak Scale Plaza.

3:06

Um by way of introduction, I'm Adam Sussey.

3:09

I'm a managing partner at Treadway.

3:11

Uh we are an affordable housing developer and owner, both the nationally but with a very large presence in the New York City area.

3:19

Um, and we really uh specialize in uh what we call preservation rehab of existing affordable properties.

3:27

Um we have performed a number of these types of uh rehabs in the past, including or I should say uh with uh uh a large swath of them being senior communities, um, and we really focus on not just um fixing the bricks, so to speak, but really making meaningful improvements to the overall community by bringing in um services, appropriate amount of staffing, um, really changing the dynamic.

3:54

Um obviously there have been uh a history of issues at the Peak Scale Plaza site that we've uh only learned more about through this process.

4:06

Um we met with a number of the residents actually uh earlier tonight as well, and um we you know we have a uh a look very um dynamic um back and forth and understand the the things that need to change.

4:21

Um we're gonna talk extensively about both the physical improvements, the operational improvements, um, and I'll turn it over to Mallory to um to speak specifically to him to that point.

4:33

Thank you, Adam.

4:34

Um so as Adam just went over uh a little bit about who Treadway is.

4:41

Um today we're gonna cover Peak Skill Plaza overview, our improvement plan, the community benefits, the financial framework, and our request.

4:51

So Peakscale Plaza, as most of you know, is an 168 unit senior building right here on Main Street that are serving some of the most vulnerable residents in the city.

5:02

The building was constructed in the 1980s and it was last rehabbed in 2005.

5:07

And after 20 years, the deferred maintenance is reaching a critical path.

5:13

The facade, the parapet, the roof all need major work.

5:17

And their scaffolding that's been up for far too long.

5:21

And every unit in the building serves households at or below 60% of AMI.

5:27

This housing and the rent that the tenants pay will not increase as a result of our purchase of the property.

5:35

And we will work with the city and the residents to ensure that they are able to take advantage of the full rental subsidy.

5:44

And I also want to flag the safety situation over the past year.

5:50

You guys could probably better attest to it, but we hear that there have been over 650 police calls at the property.

5:56

That's unacceptable for a senior community, and it's something we plan to address immediately.

6:02

So here's what we're bringing to the table.

6:04

A $3.8 million one upfront impact fee paid directly to the city at closing, $4.5 million of capital improvements, annual pilot payments, coordination with the city's workforce development academy, and enhanced social services and security.

6:24

The existing pilot expires in April 2045.

6:29

As part of our discussions with the IDA, we are requesting its assignment and amendment with a 40-year term from the date of extension.

6:36

So that is extended affordability for the next 40 years as well as tenants' rents not increasing.

6:45

So the tenants are at 60% of AMI, and that will not change as a result of our acquisition.

6:54

So you're asking for 40 years from 45 or 40 years from the time of closing.

6:59

40 years from the time of closing.

7:02

So in terms of our acquisition and improvement plan, we are currently targeting a closing in in early April with construction starting 90 days thereafter.

7:14

As previously noted, we are investing over 4.5 million dollars in capital improvements, which will cover the facade, the parapet, scaffolding removal, courtyard upgrades, in unit appliances, cabinets, full roof replacement, plaza beautification, as well as some other upgrades that we were talking with the tenants about today that we can go over.

7:39

In terms of security, it's one of our top priorities.

7:42

We're installing better controlled access that allows for better controlled access and ensuring that tenants can let their guests and visitors into the property and no one else.

7:55

We're also bringing in third-party security coverage during unstaffed hours.

8:02

Honestly, I think bringing the scaffolding down will help with the concealed areas and will make a big difference in the streetscape on Maine and Maine.

8:12

Additionally, we're partnering with Ounce of Care.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing███████████████████████████████████35%
Community Engagement██████████████14%
Procedural███████████11%
Public Safety███████████11%
Youth Programs█████5%
Noise Ordinance█████5%
Transportation Safety████4%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Economic Development███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Peekskill Common Council Work Session: March 2, 2026

The Peekskill Common Council held a work session on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:45 PM in the Common Council Chamber. The meeting featured presentations on the proposed Tredway PILOT for 901 Main Street (PeekSkill Plaza), taxi administration, Depew Park phase two improvements and summer programs, affordable housing data, and the selection of a comprehensive plan consultant. Additional agenda items included a Fourth of July parade street closure, dam evaluations RFP, leaf blower regulations, the Mayor Monarch Pledge, and a Con Edison property remediation access agreement. The council also heard liaison reports and moved into executive session.

Tredway PILOT Presentation (PeekSkill Plaza)

  • Adam Sussi, managing partner of Tredway, presented a proposal to purchase and rehabilitate 901 Main Street, a 168-unit senior affordable housing building. Tredway commits a $3.8 million upfront impact fee to the city at closing and $4.5 million in capital improvements (facade, roof, plaza, in-unit upgrades). The existing PILOT expires in 2045; Tredway requests a 40-year extension from closing, with annual payments escalating from 3% to 18% of shelter rent (year one ~$120,000, annual peak ~$936,000). Rents will not increase for current tenants; affordability is locked at 30% of 60% AMI for 40 years. The project uses no public subsidy (private debt and equity). Tredway will bring full-time on-site management, third-party overnight security, social services via Ounce of Care, and a $10,000 annual donation to the city’s workforce development. The IDA approved the PILOT with one remaining contingency (force majeure language). Council members expressed strong support, emphasizing the holistic approach and commitment to seniors. No formal vote was taken; the council will consider a resolution at a future meeting.

Taxi Administration Presentation

  • Police Specialist Chatoyer Woodland and Chief Adam Renwick outlined the city’s taxi licensing process (DMV checks, drug tests, fingerprints, defensive driving). They reviewed identification requirements for drivers and vehicles. A key issue: seniors report taxi companies refusing pickups because the senior fare is about $3 lower than the standard fare. The police are developing an investigation strategy and will produce a two-page informational PDF for residents. Uber and Lyft cannot be regulated locally under state law. Council members urged tracking of refusals and suspension of licenses for non-compliance.

Depew Park Phase Two and Summer Programs 2026

  • Jonathan Zamora presented improvements for Depew Park: resurfaced tennis/basketball courts, new shade structure, mini soccer pitch, playground resurfacing, disc golf course, improved pathways, picnic areas, and entry gates. Total cost: $2.575 million ($975,000 city match, $1.6 million grant). Construction expected August 2026–July 2027. Summer programs include day camp (two 3-week sessions, at Woodside School), creative arts, teen travel, youth bureau enrichment (Rising Stars, Advancing Lift, boat building), Spark Business Academy (funded by a $50,000 NY Presbyterian grant), youth employment, and Youth Police Academy. Registration opens March 9, 2026; 150 scholarships available. Council discussed improving participation rates and maintaining affordable access.

Affordable Housing Discussion

  • Planning Director Carol Samel presented foundational housing data: Peekskill has nearly 11,000 households; 42% of homeowners and 58% of renters are housing cost-burdened (pay >30% of income). Peekskill had the highest percentage of severely cost-burdened renters in Westchester County (40% paying >50% of income). Median household income is $85,000 (2022), while renter median is $52,000 (43% of county AMI). Only 12% of rental units were built after 2000. Council members explored homeownership options (co-ops, condos) and local preference policies. The city’s 2022 affordable housing ordinance requires 10% income-restricted units in developments of 10+ units (5% at 40-60% AMI, 5% at 61-80% AMI). The comprehensive plan will include a housing plan.

Comprehensive Plan Contract

  • Carol Samel announced the selection of Interborough (lead), with subconsultants TY Lin, Buro Happold, BJH Advisors, and Pace Land Use Law Center. The firm brings innovative engagement strategies (e.g., ice cream truck, model building, comic books) and a focus on implementation. Sixteen teams applied; six were interviewed. A resolution to award the contract will be brought forward. Council emphasized the need for a clear project schedule and deliverables.

Leaf Blower Regulations

  • The CAC and sustainability coordinator proposed supporting a Westchester County summer ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. Council members expressed support for a phased approach (3-4 years) with education and potential subsidies for electric replacements, citing noise and health concerns. The council agreed to ask the CAC to develop an educational campaign. The county’s summer ban would preserve local authority for stricter rules.

Mayor Monarch Pledge 2026

  • The city will renew the Mayor Monarch Pledge for 2026. Council requested a detailed plan for pollinator habitat activities beyond past minimal efforts, such as work at Elk Side property.

Con Edison Parking Lot Remediation (800 Central Avenue)

  • Legal counsel described an access agreement allowing Con Ed to remediate hazardous materials on its property, which the police department uses for parking and impound. The city will grant access through its Nelson Avenue curb cut; Con Ed will cover costs for an alternative impound lot. The city is also exploring purchasing the property. The access agreement is expected to be approved at the next council meeting, with remediation starting late summer/early fall.

Other Agenda Items

  • Fourth of July Parade: The council approved the route application from the Peekskill Volunteer Firefighters Association for July 4, 2026 (10:00 AM–12:00 PM), starting at Crompound and ending at Central Firehouse.
  • Dam Evaluations RFP: Water Department requested authorization to issue an RFP for engineering services for the upper and lower Wiccopee dams (DEC-mandated 10-year inspection). No council opposition.

Council Liaison Reports

  • Councilman Fassett: BID annual meeting March 3; ballots for board election due March 12.
  • Councilman Rigger: Congratulated K&P restaurant opening.
  • Councilwoman Chang: Community Dining Dialogue had 120+ attendees; commended senior exercise class at the Senior Center.
  • Councilwoman Talbot: Paramount board developing a board manual; reiterated concern about double parking downtown.
  • Deputy Mayor: Attended Black History Month events at Uriah Hill School and Peekskill Museum; mentioned Chamber breakfast on March 5.
  • Mayor: Congratulated Black Diamonds youth program and Sun River Health event; offered condolences to the Keirce and Muller families.

Key Outcomes

  • Tredway PILOT: Council expressed unanimous support; a formal resolution will be brought to a future meeting after finalizing the force majeure language.
  • Taxi Administration: Police to publicize taxi information and enforce against refusal to serve seniors; council requested tracking of complaints.
  • Depew Park and Summer Programs: Construction timeline approved; registration begins March 9; council to continue marketing efforts.
  • Affordable Housing: Data presented as a primer; council to explore homeownership and local preference options.
  • Comprehensive Plan: Contract award to Interborough to be voted on next week.
  • Leaf Blowers: Council supports county summer ban with phase-in; CAC to lead education.
  • Mayor Monarch Pledge: Resolution to sign pledge; council expects a concrete action plan.
  • Con Ed Agreement: Access agreement to be approved at next council meeting; city to pursue purchase option.
  • Dam Evaluations: RFP authorized.
  • Executive Session: Council moved into executive session at approximately 9:30 PM to discuss personnel and pending litigation tax matters.

Meeting Transcript

March 2nd, 2026. So at this time, um, we have a presentation and then a couple of items on the agenda. Oh no. A lot of items. We have four presentations. And some agenda items, and then 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 corporation. And for discussion of matters concerning pending litigation involving tax matters. So at this time I will turn it over to our city manager, Ms. Alexander. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening, so we are only have three more presentations. And so uh the first of these three presentations is going to be Treadway, uh, a an organization that is um interested in purchasing 901 Main Street. And uh on their behalf, we have Adam Sussey, David Ratner, and Mallory Warner here to speak to the council about a proposed pilot along with um a discussion of their plans for the property. Yes, please, thank you. No step stool, but I'll manage. Let me just share this. Okay, yeah. Oh, I have to, but you're sure. Okay. And Adam, just make sure you stand close on Mike while you're speaking. Um so, first of all, thank you all for having us. Um we're we're very excited about the potential becoming part of this community. Um we've been working extensively with the PIDA, Matt, Eric, um, for some months now, and so we're happy to be in front of you and uh giving you the latest update on on our plans for um Peak Scale Plaza. Um by way of introduction, I'm Adam Sussey. I'm a managing partner at Treadway. Uh we are an affordable housing developer and owner, both the nationally but with a very large presence in the New York City area. Um, and we really uh specialize in uh what we call preservation rehab of existing affordable properties. Um we have performed a number of these types of uh rehabs in the past, including or I should say uh with uh uh a large swath of them being senior communities, um, and we really focus on not just um fixing the bricks, so to speak, but really making meaningful improvements to the overall community by bringing in um services, appropriate amount of staffing, um, really changing the dynamic. Um obviously there have been uh a history of issues at the Peak Scale Plaza site that we've uh only learned more about through this process. Um we met with a number of the residents actually uh earlier tonight as well, and um we you know we have a uh a look very um dynamic um back and forth and understand the the things that need to change. Um we're gonna talk extensively about both the physical improvements, the operational improvements, um, and I'll turn it over to Mallory to um to speak specifically to him to that point. Thank you, Adam. Um so as Adam just went over uh a little bit about who Treadway is. Um today we're gonna cover Peak Skill Plaza overview, our improvement plan, the community benefits, the financial framework, and our request. So Peakscale Plaza, as most of you know, is an 168 unit senior building right here on Main Street that are serving some of the most vulnerable residents in the city. The building was constructed in the 1980s and it was last rehabbed in 2005. And after 20 years, the deferred maintenance is reaching a critical path. The facade, the parapet, the roof all need major work. And their scaffolding that's been up for far too long. And every unit in the building serves households at or below 60% of AMI. This housing and the rent that the tenants pay will not increase as a result of our purchase of the property. And we will work with the city and the residents to ensure that they are able to take advantage of the full rental subsidy. And I also want to flag the safety situation over the past year. You guys could probably better attest to it, but we hear that there have been over 650 police calls at the property. That's unacceptable for a senior community, and it's something we plan to address immediately. So here's what we're bringing to the table. A $3.8 million one upfront impact fee paid directly to the city at closing, $4.5 million of capital improvements, annual pilot payments, coordination with the city's workforce development academy, and enhanced social services and security. The existing pilot expires in April 2045. As part of our discussions with the IDA, we are requesting its assignment and amendment with a 40-year term from the date of extension. So that is extended affordability for the next 40 years as well as tenants' rents not increasing.

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