Peekskill · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Peekskill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Mountain biking trails at Depew Park
The city is hitting pause on changing park bike rules to investigate waterfront paths and Dupu Park rules further.
Community hub and NY BRICKS grant application
The city wants to apply for about $6 million in state NY BRICKS funding by December 7 to turn the Neighborhood Center into a community hub with dining, assembly, and classroom space — and a local group wants to run a free woodworking program out of the firehouse bay as part of that vision. The city would need a 20% match if funded.
Depew Park Improvements
The council hired Saratoga Associates to design the next round of Depew Park upgrades — resurfaced playground, refurbished courts, a soccer mini-pitch, shade structures and trees — funded in part by a state grant with a $91,600 city match.
Public art maintenance funding
The city owns about 24 sculptures and 16 murals, and some are in bad shape. Planning is asking for $25,000 a year for repairs; council members agree a dedicated fund is needed but are still figuring out how to pay for it.
Veterans Memorial Pool costs and upkeep
The pool drew 8,776 visits but ran a net cost of about $74,000 this year, and the liner — $40,000 to $50,000 — needs replacing in 2027. Recreation is looking at rentals and tournaments to raise revenue, with major repairs to be financed through bonds or fund balance rather than the operating budget.
Youth Bureau condition and gazebo funding
Three grants — $50,000 county money plus $17,947 state money — fund year-round youth programs including Project Elevate, boatbuilding, and the LIFT teen leadership program.
Hispanic Heritage street fair
Brown Street will close October 11 for a street fair celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, run with the Peekskill Hispanic Community Corporation.
Library card registration for all students
The library board is launching a pilot with the school district and Westchester Library System to get every K-12 Peekskill student registered for a library card. The library tax levy submission also made the county elections deadline.
Community center and Sloyd youth programs
The city has nearly $300,000 in funding to plan a community center and is surveying residents on what services they want. The growing Sloyd woodworking and boat-building program may take over the Youth Bureau firehouse bay at 828 Main Street, with dreams of a riverfront boat-building facility down the road.
Missing downtown benches
An elderly resident who walks downtown for shopping said all the benches along Main Street have disappeared, leaving her and other walkers no place to rest. She noted it hurts downtown businesses if seniors can't make the trip.
Neighborhood Center elevator panel grant
A $47,500 CDBG grant will replace the 40-year-old electrical panel behind the Neighborhood Center's elevator, which failed once in 2019.
Fort Hill Park Trail Expansion Grant
The city applied for a $75,000 Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant to expand the Fort Hill Park trail system, offering better Hudson River views and Revolutionary War sites. The city must match the grant dollar-for-dollar with capital funds already budgeted.
Field Library relocation to 41 North Division Street
Deputy Mayor Riley reported the library is running under budget, its strategic plan survey is live, and community meetings about the new library building are scheduled this week.
Southern Waterfront Trail Connection and Shoreline Stabilization
The city is investing in connecting Riverfront Green Park to the southern waterfront trails and stabilizing the McGregory Brook shoreline — revising designs after flooding and awarding $1.48 million in state construction funding with an RFP for construction oversight.
Youth employment and arts programs
The city lost its county TANF grant for summer youth jobs, but staff found a $50,000 state grant and other funds so the program for 14- to 20-year-olds can run as planned.
Free youth arts program at the Field Library
Arts 10566's 'Rhythm and Resiliency' offers free spoken word, drumming, and dance for ages 12+ starting September 16, if the city lets them use library space.
Pontoon boat concession at Fleischmann Pier
Saugerties Marina will run pontoon boat trips as a one-year pilot, paying the City $15 per excursion, offering four free community cruises and a 10% resident discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Jet ski tours at Fleischmann Pier
NY Water Sports wants to run jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards and e-bike rentals near the boat ramp, with resident discounts and a per-trip city fee. Council members balked at adding e-bikes before police set e-bike policy, and questioned self-guided rentals — so the deal was tabled for rework.
Fleischmann Pier Transient Dockage Program
Two deals were approved: Trinity Cruises adds a permanent second boat at Riverfront Green, and Rivertown Management Services runs the Emerald Princess and manages the pier for five years.
Sculpture donation to the city
Hudson Valley MOCA is donating a six-foot polished stainless steel sculpture, 'Libre' by Jeff Overly, to the city's growing public art collection. Council members liked it and discussed placement near the neighborhood center.
Riverfront Green Park accessibility improvements
A state Parks grant would fund inclusive playground equipment and a winterized, accessible restroom at the waterfront — a big step toward making the park a year-round attraction.