Peekskill · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Peekskill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New Parking Kiosks and Passport Parking App
The city is exploring replacing parking meters with a pay-by-plate system, possibly phased in by location, with cash-at-meter and phone payment options under study.
Business Improvement District Renewal
The Downtown Business Improvement District, created in 1995, expires September 30, 2026. The Council set a September 14 public hearing on extending it for five more years.
Kitchen incubator federal grant at risk
The $3+ million federal EDA grant for the kitchen incubator almost died on a September 27 deadline until Community Capital, a Westchester CDFI, expressed interest in a bridge loan. The agency is submitting the letter and a reimbursement request this week, and must now finish construction by January 2028 if the grant survives.
Downtown Revitalization Fund Round III
Another $62,000 is available for downtown business, building owners, and nonprofits for renovations, fixtures, and even signage — applications are due October 9 with a 10% match.
Vacant storefront registry
A draft city law would force owners of storefronts empty for 60+ days to register, maintain the property, and post an escrow — aimed at reviving downtown's long-empty shops. Council wants to make sure it helps owners find tenants, not just penalizes them.
Peekskill Kitchen Incubator Funding Gap
The kitchen incubator still doesn't have enough money to build. Federal officials rejected a phased-contract plan and budget trims saved only about $80,000, so the agency is now chasing earmark funding from elected officials and federal reimbursements for pre-construction costs.
Peekskill Business Initiative
Staff built the city's first verified business registry — about 950 businesses — and are reaching out to owners with surveys and resources, while also looking at strengthening vacant storefront rules.
Vacant storefronts downtown
Councilman DiGruccio floated a commercial vacant property registration ordinance — with fees like Yonkers and New Rochelle have — to fight blight and recoup city costs.
Downtown/Waterfront Shuttle Program funding
The shuttle that helps visitors and residents get around downtown and the waterfront needed new funding after the BID couldn't cover it alone this year. The IDA, BID, City, and local businesses are splitting the cost, and the City will track data on whether the shuttle actually boosts business.
Kitchen incubator (PFKI) future and private operation
The food incubator project is still alive but uncertain after EDA rejected a scaled-back award; new federal deadlines run to March 2028. The board is now seriously exploring whether a private company should fund and run the facility instead of the agency.
Downtown/Waterfront Shuttle Funding
The BID stopped paying for the weekend shuttle, and the IDA was asked for $15,311 to keep it running this summer. The board split 2-2 and didn't fund it, but will explore cost-sharing.
PFKI Kitchen Incubator Federal Funding
The federal EDA won't award the first construction contract while deferring the others, so the agency is hunting for extra funding sources and hired a grants consultant to chase HUD and USDA money.
Downtown pedestrian street closure
North Division Street will again close to cars on weekend evenings this summer, creating a pedestrian zone with outdoor dining and live music for the downtown restaurant scene.
Antonia Arts studio displacement
The founder of Antonia Arts says she's being forced out of her studio space April 30 over building and permit issues, and asked the city for help. The mayor said the city supports the arts but safety conditions must be met.
Cinco de Mayo street celebration
Division and Park streets close May 2-3 for Ruben's Mexican Café's annual celebration, with street festivities ending at 10 PM.
Deputy Mayor designation and succession order
Patricia Riley was named deputy mayor for 2026, meaning she steps in if the mayor can't serve. The council also set the full succession order.