The Common Council of the City of Peekskill held a combined work session and regular meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chamber. The meeting began with a committee-of-the-whole session that included a Hispanic Heritage Month recognition ceremony and liaison reports, followed by a formal council meeting with public hearings, resolutions, and public comment periods. Key topics included a proposed bicycle and e‑vehicle ordinance, renewal of the Business Improvement District (BID), the Section 8 annual plan, a 158‑unit affordable housing development at 418 North Division Street, and community concerns about automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and recent ICE enforcement actions.
Good evening, everyone, and welcome to our committee of the whole meeting for today, September 14th, 2026. We have the pleasure tonight of having our Hispanic Heritage recognition. Um, and then a short agenda, I see, and then liaison reports, and then to go into executive session for a 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. So do I need to turn it over to our city manager? Is there not anything there, or do you have something for us? Uh so we don't have anything uh for this part of the meeting. You want to discuss pulling research? Uh yes. So uh we had decided that uh we wanted the uh applicant for the CIC to go to a CIC meeting. Uh we either uh gave her the wrong information about the meeting or the zoom link didn't work, one of those two things, and so in any event, uh she wasn't able to go to the meeting on Thursday, and so uh we would like to ask if the council is okay with pulling number two on the the agenda. Any discussion, council? I'm good. Fine with it. Fine. Okay, okay, then we'll do that. Okay. So at this time, let's move forward to our Hispanic Heritage Recognition. Before we do that, I do want to say thank you so very much to Arts 1056, who adorned our rotunda and collaboration with um the city of Peakskale and our clerk's office. I just want to make sure that we recognize all the hard work that they put into it, and everyone please take a look at it if you haven't seen it already downstairs. It's quite lovely. Um and we really thank them for all their efforts. Uh so now we'll move on with recognitions. So our first honoree this evening is Esperanza Jimenez. Whereas National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, serves to honor the rich history, vibrant cultures, and profound contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans who enrich our communities and strengthen our nation. And whereas Esperanza Jimenez embodies the true essence of the American dream, born the youngest of 14 children in the humble, vibrant town of Yatsaza, Yazada in Ecuador's Zamora. You guys got me, Chinch Peak Province. Okay. She immigrated to the United States in June of 2000 at the age of 24 with her husband Jorge. And whereas demonstrating an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and immense dedication, Esperanza opened her very first salon on North Division Street in 2001. Her current business, Latin Hair Salon, is located at 1010 Park Street in Peakscale. And whereas through Latin Hair Salon, Esperanza provides a full range of services, including elegant styles for weddings and milestones. She has elevated her craft to become a deeply trusted and beloved household name within PeakSkill's Hispanic community. And whereas Esperanza's life is beautifully defined by her devotion to family, celebrating over 25 years of partnership with her husband Jorge, and together they raised their two cherished children, Holy and Jorge. And whereas her journey stands as an inspiring, quiet reminder that the simplest dreams, when built on a foundation of profound hard work, heart, and humility can endure and uplift an entire community for a lifetime. Now therefore I, Vivian McKenzie, Mayor of the City of Peakskill, on behalf of the Common Council to hereby recognize and commend 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month honoree Esperanza Jimenez for her entrepreneurial success, deep devotion to family, and invaluable cultural and economic contributions to the city of Peakskill. Thank you very much. I just want to say thank you for this recognition. Thank you to the city to the City of Peakskill for giving me the opportunity to serve my community, and thank you to the family to always be with me. Thank you. Our next honoree is Jeanette Nolasco. Whereas Jeanette Nelasco, an esteemed member of the City of Peakscill Human Relations Commission, is an experienced educational leader, counselor, and dedicated public servant. She exemplifies the true spirit of this month through her tireless work to empower diverse populations and foster deep community connections. And whereas Ms. Nelasco's profound impact spans several decades, anchored by a master's degree in counseling education from New York University's New York State approved bilingual program, she has used it to continuously bridge language and cultural gaps for youth and families. And whereas and whereas her distinguished career in education includes serving as the director of school counseling and later as vice president at Notre Dame School in New York City, where she cultivated safe, supportive, and inclusive environments. She also served as youth director at Fresh Youth Initiatives, where she developed community service curriculums that empower the next generation. And whereas extending her vision of service across all generations, she co-founded the Renaissance Group in the Hudson Valley, a vital initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful social connections and alleviating loneliness among residents age 50 and older. She is the founder of the Catholic School Administrators Association of New York City, whose goals were to raise professionalism amongst administrators. And whereas her civic dedication shines brightly through her active service on the City of Peakscale Human Relations Commission, where she works directly to protect human rights, promote incluse inclusivity, serve individuals with developmental disabilities, and ensure all cultural and demographic groups are treated with dignity and equity. Now, therefore, I, Vivian McKenzie, Mayor of the City of Peakscale, on behalf of the Common Council, do hereby officially recognize and commend 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month honoree, Jeanette Nelasco, for her extraordinary lifetime of service, her bilingual advocacy, and her invaluable contributions to making the City of Peakskill a stronger, more unified, and deeply inclusive community.