Peekskill · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Peekskill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Senior nutrition program funding
A $133,202 contract with Westchester County funds home-delivered meals and the Cold Supper program for at-risk seniors — no city match.
2027 MTA Parking Permit Fee Increases
Metro-North signed off on the city's parking fee increases for the railroad lots. The plan and contract need to be signed by November 1 to take effect in 2027.
Capital plan and debt schedule
The city's capital plan was updated with two new grants for flood mitigation and stormwater work, and the debt schedule shows $32.3 million in outstanding long-term bonds. The budget proposes using $6.6 million in restricted firehouse fund balance — $600,000 a year — to pay down the firehouse debt.
2027 Fee Schedule with 3% Across-the-board Increase
The proposed fee schedule raises most fees 3% to keep pace with costs, while leaving senior parking permits, certificates, dog licenses and some rental fees unchanged. Council flagged a fingerprint fee typo and asked for residential/non-residential distinction at the marina boat launch.
City cost-sharing for 5 John Walsh Boulevard building
The city has been storing files in the agency-owned former bank building without paying utilities or insurance, including roughly $10,000 a year in coverage and costly winter heating. A license agreement forcing the city to pick up those costs is being drafted and could reach the board next month.
Neighborhood Center Elevator Upgrade
The city accepted a $47,500 federal grant, matched with $47,500 of its own, to replace the Neighborhood Center elevator's electrical panel. At the same meeting, residents complained about dirty bathrooms and asked for a part-time daytime cleaner at the facility.
Neighborhood Center cleanliness and staffing
Residents submitted a petition for a part-time daytime cleaner at the Neighborhood Center and complained about filthy bathrooms.
Q2 2026 budget performance
The city is on budget, but parking meter and fine revenue is lagging because broken meters and a shortfall in parking enforcement are costing money. Retirement system costs are running about $1 million over projections.
Parking kiosk modernization
The city is replacing individual parking meters that frequently fail with nine new kiosks using pay-by-plate and the Passport app. Broken meters have caused enforcement problems and lost revenue.
Firehouse transfer tax reserve growing unusable
The transfer tax earmarked for firehouse debt keeps piling up — about $500K a year extra — and the law currently bars spending it elsewhere. Staff plans a proposal to redirect some of it toward new firefighters.