OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Peekskill Common Council Work Session Meeting - June 15, 2026

Meeting Portal — Monday, June 15, 2026
BodyPeekskill, New York
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, June 15, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:32:44

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

We have a couple of presentations as well as a pretty extensive agenda.

0:07

And then we will go into executive session for discussions 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.

0:26

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

0:30

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

0:32

Good evening.

0:36

And we'd like to start with uh Matt Rudikoff introducing I'm gonna mess this name up, Jamila.

0:45

But Jamila Bookholm Roselle from Children's Village, and Matt's gonna tell us a little bit uh at the beginning, and Jamila will walk us through the rest.

0:56

So Jamila has a presentation.

0:59

Should we exit the one that's each there?

1:02

Tony, can you come up and help Matt with uh loading the presentation?

1:10

Check this and put this on it.

1:31

I checked it out, it's it was great.

1:33

Oh, okay.

1:46

That's a whole access.

1:57

So we can do a slideshow.

2:02

No, we're good.

2:03

I just need to get this thing to close.

2:05

That's not it.

2:06

Well, that's not the one you want to do.

2:10

Stop sharing that tax and then we share.

2:17

So share.

2:59

Oh, okay.

3:00

Well now one I hadn't.

3:02

There you go.

3:05

Um good evening, uh, Mayor and Council.

3:07

Good evening.

3:09

Um at your meeting last week, there was a memo, a cow memo, about 41 North Division, and that they are up for an action being taken.

3:19

Uh and the council requested that the uh the matter be brought back for tonight and then for the regular meeting uh a resolution.

3:28

The resolution is going to um sh uh the that the council will consider has to do with two pieces.

3:34

One, it's approving the um uh IDA to approve a uh a pilot agreement, and the second part of the resolution is to approve entering into a uh impact fee agreement between the city and children's village.

3:51

Uh this evening um uh Dr.

3:54

Cohobin is on vacation, and so he um asked to have uh uh Jamila uh uh Bouchon, and um uh she is the uh vice president of advancement for children's village.

4:07

Uh and the council is very familiar with children's village.

4:10

They've been down there and see seen a lot realizer and are very familiar with the project because uh Dr.

4:16

Goebbans made a variety of presentations to the council uh and uh they have to do with the project itself, which of course we we we're well aware is 22 units of assisted housing filling a particular housing gap in the city of Peaksville, as well as uh becoming a new home for the field library, uh which really multi which fulfills multiple benefits for the city, which um uh uh uh Jamila is going to go into.

4:44

Uh the other things that I did want to say is one of the really unique things about the project is because it's owned and operated by a nonprofit, it was really able to gather development funds, unlike a private development.

5:00

So the great majority of the funding is from grants, and the city was very fortunate in that this project also enabled the city to be eligible for a Westchester County infrastructure grant of 1.8 million dollars.

5:12

And as I mentioned in the introduction, an impact fee.

5:16

So between the impact fee agreement over 20 years, as well as the Westchester County uh grant, this project is resulting in revenues to the city, which are equal to or greater as if this project were going to be a full-paying uh taxable project.

5:33

I had gone through the history of the project and the role of the I of the IDA, which the IDA has approved, pending your uh uh authorization to enter into a pilot and to close on the financial terms of the pilot.

5:46

Uh, and those have to do with uh them being able to use the historic tax credits to generate a development fund.

5:53

And so, with that, I think it would be helpful for you to see the slide deck that was uh presented to the IDA board and have uh uh Jamila make a presentation to us, and then of course we could have as many questions as the council sees fit to answer.

6:07

Uh Jamila.

6:10

Um we're just gonna go we're just gonna page down.

6:13

Okay.

6:14

Thank you so much.

6:16

Um good evening, everyone.

6:17

My name's Jamila Bockham Rosel.

6:20

I'm the VP for advancement, as Matthew outlined, and I thank him for really laying the groundwork for a lot of my presentations.

6:26

It's really good.

6:27

Um I want to start by thanking the mayor, uh, Mary McKenzie and the council, and really I think everyone in Peakskill and the staff who've really helped support this project.

6:37

As you know, Jeremy has come, our president and CEO has come before this group a number of times, and we're incredibly excited about uh partnering with all of you.

6:46

And I think I had the pleasure of touring with a few of you, yes, when uh you came to our buildings in in the city, and so I just appreciate the opportunity to outline where we are today with this project.

6:58

Um, you know, we are excited about this project, as you see.

7:02

This is the outline.

7:03

This there we go.

7:05

Um, but most of our work um around housing really lives into this model.

7:11

This idea that where you live, where you go to school, is one of the best determinants of second generation success.

7:20

Um our principle around housing around location, around community benefit and community resources and services, thinking about transportation, build quality of most importance, and really creating um homes that you or I or any young person in our family would be comfortable and happy to live in.

7:41

That's our vision, that's our model.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management████████████████████████████28%
Procedural█████████████13%
Affordable Housing█████████9%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Public Safety██████6%
Environmental Protection██████6%
Zoning And Land Use█████5%
Public Engagement█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Peekskill Common Council Work Session Meeting - June 15, 2026

The Peekskill Common Council held a work session on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Common Council Chamber. The meeting featured presentations and discussions on multiple agenda items including a supportive housing PILOT, a seasonal downtown shuttle pilot, capital plan updates, waterfront recreation proposals, and a major affordable housing development at 418 N. Division Street. Several items were scheduled for formal resolution at the next meeting, while the 418 N. Division project was set for a public hearing and referral to the Planning Commission.

Discussion Items

  • 41 N. Division Street PILOT (Children’s Village): Jamila Baucom-Rosal, Vice President of Advancement for Children’s Village, presented plans for a 22-unit supportive housing project (10 units for young adults aging out of foster care/juvenile justice systems) and a relocated Field Library. The project leverages historic tax credits and grants, including a $1.8 million Westchester County infrastructure grant. Council members questioned the tenant selection process, age limits (18+), job loss support, and the typical length of stay. The presentation emphasized the nonprofit's track record (Harlem Dowling, The Eliza) and build quality. The Council expressed support and agreed to bring a resolution on the PILOT and impact fee agreement next week.
  • Community Hub Shuttle (Destination Peekskill): Jonathan Zamora, Director of Community Hub, proposed a seasonal weekend shuttle pilot from June 26 to August 15 to connect train station, downtown, riverfront, and other attractions. The revised budget is $6,850, with $4,000 from the BID; additional funding discussions are underway with the IDA and Chamber. Council discussed marketing, QR codes, coordination with events, and past challenges with the pilot. The shuttle would operate Saturdays and Sundays, 7 hours per day. A resolution will be brought next week.
  • NorWest Culinary Creations Program: Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with NorWest Regional Special Services to continue the cooking program at the Neighborhood Center. No formal vote needed.
  • Flood Mitigation Grant Application: DPW presented a $5 million federal grant application (HMGP) for flood mitigation on four streets, with no city match required. Council approved bringing a resolution next week.
  • Water Quality Improvement Project – Watershed Land Acquisition: Water Superintendent Dave Rambo reported on a $140,000 WQIP grant from DEC to purchase 80 acres of watershed land. Professional services (appraisal, survey, title) will be procured without competitive bidding, as allowed. No resolution needed; council concurred.
  • Fire Department FEMA AFG Grant: Requested authorization to apply for $227,000 to purchase 24 new self-contained breathing apparatuses, with a 10% city match ($22,700). Council agreed to bring a resolution next week.
  • Multi-Year Capital Plan Adoption: Comptroller Tony Tracy presented updates to the capital plan, incorporating changes to the youth bureau building estimate, grant-linked projects (HVAC, Lake Mitchell study, waterfront improvements, Central Ave, public art master plan), and a total of $11.65 million in Consolidated Funding Application requests. Council discussed timing of youth bureau building renovations, salt shed progress, parking kiosks, and McKinley Park playground. A resolution to adopt the capital plan will be brought next week.
  • Riverfront Boat Ramp – Jet Ski Agreement: Corey Orzum, principal of NY Water Sports, presented a proposal for jet ski rentals, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats near the boat ramp. He detailed safety measures (500-ft no-wake zone, GPS tracking, safety deposit, drone monitoring), age requirements (16 to drive, 6+ passenger), and guided/self-guided options. Council raised concerns about environmental impacts, penalties, public access, local pricing, and insurance. The operator offered early-bird discounts for locals and community cruises. The item will be brought back for further discussion.
  • 418 N. Division Street Development (158 Units): Planning Director Carol Samuel described a mixed-use project at the former White Plains Linen site (brownfield), seeking a special use permit and two-story height bonus. The 158 affordable units would range from 50-80% AMI. Community space (5,200 sq ft ground floor commercial) and parking (225 spaces) are included. Council requested more details on brownfield remediation, lot consolidation, community space programming, and the environmental review process. After lengthy debate, the council agreed to: (1) schedule a public hearing for July 13, keeping it open; and (2) refer the application to the Planning Commission (meeting July 14) for a recommendation.
  • Consolidated Funding Application (CFA): Authorized submission of five grant applications totaling $11.65 million for HVAC/building systems, Lake Mitchell study, waterfront revitalization, Central Avenue improvements, and public art master plan. A resolution will be brought next week.
  • Street Closure – Religious Procession (Assumption Church): Clerk requested approval to change previously approved procession from August 14 (Friday, 8-9 PM) to August 15 (Saturday, 8-9 PM) for 500 participants. Council agreed in principle but asked for coordination with police and DPW before bringing a resolution.
  • 946 Second Street – Request for Bids: Council directed staff to modify the bid conditions to remove the all-cash requirement and instead require a pre-approved mortgage contingency. A resolution will be brought next week.
  • Liaison Reports: Council members reported on: a second full moon walk at DePew Park (June 29); senior picnic with record attendance (160); Juneteenth events; BID updates (striping, parking); youth bureau summer programs; and a discussion on banning gas-powered leaf blowers during summer months—referred to staff for study and potential action for next year.

Key Outcomes

  • 41 N. Division Street PILOT: Resolution to approve PILOT and impact fee agreement to be brought next week.
  • Community Hub Shuttle: Resolution authorizing the pilot and funding to be brought next week.
  • Flood Mitigation, Fire AFG, Nutrition, Water Quality, Capital Plan, CFA, 946 Second Street: Resolutions to be brought at the next regular meeting.
  • 418 N. Division Street: Public hearing scheduled for July 13, kept open; referral to Planning Commission for July 14.
  • Jet Ski Agreement: Continued discussion; no formal action yet.
  • Assumption Church Procession: Resolution to be brought after coordination with police/DPW.
  • Other: Staff to investigate gas leaf blower ban for potential future ordinance; second full moon walk approved.

Meeting Transcript

We have a couple of presentations as well as a pretty extensive agenda. And then we will go into executive session for discussions 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 will turn it over to our city manager. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening. And we'd like to start with uh Matt Rudikoff introducing I'm gonna mess this name up, Jamila. But Jamila Bookholm Roselle from Children's Village, and Matt's gonna tell us a little bit uh at the beginning, and Jamila will walk us through the rest. So Jamila has a presentation. Should we exit the one that's each there? Tony, can you come up and help Matt with uh loading the presentation? Check this and put this on it. I checked it out, it's it was great. Oh, okay. That's a whole access. So we can do a slideshow. No, we're good. I just need to get this thing to close. That's not it. Well, that's not the one you want to do. Stop sharing that tax and then we share. So share. Oh, okay. Well now one I hadn't. There you go. Um good evening, uh, Mayor and Council. Good evening. Um at your meeting last week, there was a memo, a cow memo, about 41 North Division, and that they are up for an action being taken. Uh and the council requested that the uh the matter be brought back for tonight and then for the regular meeting uh a resolution. The resolution is going to um sh uh the that the council will consider has to do with two pieces. One, it's approving the um uh IDA to approve a uh a pilot agreement, and the second part of the resolution is to approve entering into a uh impact fee agreement between the city and children's village. Uh this evening um uh Dr. Cohobin is on vacation, and so he um asked to have uh uh Jamila uh uh Bouchon, and um uh she is the uh vice president of advancement for children's village. Uh and the council is very familiar with children's village. They've been down there and see seen a lot realizer and are very familiar with the project because uh Dr. Goebbans made a variety of presentations to the council uh and uh they have to do with the project itself, which of course we we we're well aware is 22 units of assisted housing filling a particular housing gap in the city of Peaksville, as well as uh becoming a new home for the field library, uh which really multi which fulfills multiple benefits for the city, which um uh uh uh Jamila is going to go into. Uh the other things that I did want to say is one of the really unique things about the project is because it's owned and operated by a nonprofit, it was really able to gather development funds, unlike a private development. So the great majority of the funding is from grants, and the city was very fortunate in that this project also enabled the city to be eligible for a Westchester County infrastructure grant of 1.8 million dollars. And as I mentioned in the introduction, an impact fee. So between the impact fee agreement over 20 years, as well as the Westchester County uh grant, this project is resulting in revenues to the city, which are equal to or greater as if this project were going to be a full-paying uh taxable project. I had gone through the history of the project and the role of the I of the IDA, which the IDA has approved, pending your uh uh authorization to enter into a pilot and to close on the financial terms of the pilot. Uh, and those have to do with uh them being able to use the historic tax credits to generate a development fund. And so, with that, I think it would be helpful for you to see the slide deck that was uh presented to the IDA board and have uh uh Jamila make a presentation to us, and then of course we could have as many questions as the council sees fit to answer. Uh Jamila. Um we're just gonna go we're just gonna page down. Okay. Thank you so much. Um good evening, everyone. My name's Jamila Bockham Rosel. I'm the VP for advancement, as Matthew outlined, and I thank him for really laying the groundwork for a lot of my presentations. It's really good.

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