Peekskill Planning Commission Meeting - April 14, 2026

The Peekskill Planning Commission met on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 7:45 PM in the Common Council Chamber. The agenda included five items: an extension of approval for a commercial subdivision, a recommendation to the Common Council on a cannabis zoning text amendment, SEQRA review and continued public hearing for a 36-unit multifamily building, public hearings for two site plan applications, and adoption of minutes from the previous meeting.

Extension of Approval

• The Commission unanimously approved a six-month extension (to November 13, 2026) for the four-lot commercial subdivision at 1005-1017 Lower South Street and a portion of 120 Travis Lane. The project, by Parkview Development & Construction, LLC, includes 231 affordable rental apartment units and commercial/light manufacturing uses. The Planning Department reported progress on the project.

Recommendation to the Common Council – Cannabis Zoning Text Amendment

• The Commission voted unanimously to issue a positive recommendation to the Common Council for a proposed amendment to Section 575-19.2 of the Zoning Ordinance. The amendment would restrict locations for cannabis dispensaries, consumption sites, and delivery services by removing the C3 district (Washington, North Division, Highland) and the waterfront district from allowed areas, while reducing parking requirements from one per 80 square feet to one per 300 square feet (aligning with retail standards). The amendment also requires that an applicant must have been issued a state license before receiving a city special permit. The Commission discussed and confirmed the text language.

SEQRA Review & Continued Public Hearing – 400 Main Street (36-Unit Building)

• The applicant, Joseph G. Thompson Architect, PLLC, presented updated information on geotechnical analysis, stormwater management, and environmental testing. The Commission heard from the engineer (Jose Rodriguez) on excavation methods (no blasting anticipated, use of drilled piles and soldier lagging), and from the environmental consultant (Heather Morabba) who reported that recent soil and vapor testing found no contamination issues and met restricted residential standards. The applicant also noted that the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) determined the existing building not historically significant, and the NYS DOT agreed to relinquish an easement.
• Parking Discussion: The project proposes 35 parking spaces for 36 units, with a requested variance of 1 space (or 13 spaces if calculated per code). The applicant indicated a willingness to provide a one-to-one ratio (36 spaces for 36 units) by either finding an additional space or reducing unit count. Commissioners debated the adequacy of the parking ratio, with some expressing concern about potential spillover parking. The chair noted that the Commission has discretion to waive parking requirements under waterfront district regulations. The applicant agreed to provide more data on comparable projects.
• SEQRA Determination: The Commission voted to issue a Negative Declaration (no significant environmental impact) with a note that a prior soil report had found an issue but the 2026 report superseded it. The public hearing was continued to a future meeting.

Public Hearing – 1050 Lower South Street (Westchester Industrial Complex)

• The applicant, represented by Cronin Engineering, sought final site plan approval for interior and site alterations to convert a single manufacturing occupancy into a multi-tenant mixed-use commercial facility. Due to a fire in February 2026, the building department required a certificate of occupancy (C of O) for tenants to return. The application was separated from a larger outdoor storage/parking project that will be reviewed later.
• The Commission closed the public hearing and approved the site plan, finding it a Type II action under SEQRA (no further environmental review). The approval includes: land-banking of 23 additional parking spaces (to reach a total of 125 if needed), landscaping along South Street, and a finding of consistency with the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) and M-2B design guidelines. The approval expires on October 14, 2026.

Public Hearing – 163 Union Avenue (Driveway Legalization)

• The applicant, Blanca Anguisaca, sought final site plan approval to legalize a driveway on a two-family residential property. The Zoning Board of Appeals had already approved a variance. The existing driveway on Union Avenue will be removed and replaced with landscaping; a new driveway with parking spaces will be created off Raymond Avenue. A neighbor, Michael Tino, expressed concerns about the size of the proposed parking lot and its visual impact. The Commission discussed alternatives: stacked (tandem) parking spaces to reduce impervious surface, and use of permeable pavers instead of asphalt. The applicant agreed to explore options with the client and return with revised plans. The public hearing was kept open to the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Extension Approved: Unanimous vote to extend the Parkview Development approval to November 13, 2026.
• Cannabis Amendment – Positive Recommendation: Unanimous vote to recommend the text amendment to the Common Council.
• 400 Main Street – Negative Declaration Issued: SEQRA negative declaration adopted; public hearing continued. Applicant to address parking ratio and provide further data.
• 1050 Lower South Street – Final Site Plan Approved: Unanimous approval with conditions (landscaping, land-banked parking).
• 163 Union Avenue – Public Hearing Continued: Applicant to discuss stacked parking and paver options with client; revised plans to be submitted for next month.
• Minutes Adopted: Minutes from the January 2026 meeting were approved with minor corrections.