Peekskill · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Peekskill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water pressure problems across Peekskill
Multiple residents said they get as little as 20 PSI at home and asked that water pressure be studied before more development. The engineer noted the Frost Lane project's new looping main should actually improve local pressure.
Water and sewer system needs
The water department's budget covers dam rehab, old chemical tanks, aging sewer pipes, hydrant replacements and the lead service line inventory. Staff wants one new maintenance worker to tackle cracked pipes proactively instead of waiting for sinkholes.
Lockwood Drive culvert replacement and stormwater grants
The long-delayed stormwater culvert repair under Lockwood Drive finally has funding lined up — state resiliency, county flood mitigation, and CDBG money — with engineering design starting now and construction hoped for 2026–2027.
Long-term maintenance of stormwater projects
Residents pressed on who pays to maintain new green infrastructure after grant funds run out. Engineers said maintenance is designed to be light (gardening-level), a maintenance guide comes with each project, and street sweeping is the one fundable upkeep item.
$5 Million Flood Mitigation Grant Application
The city commissioned three federally funded flood studies after years of property damage and street flooding. Engineers modeled 1-, 10-, and 100-year storms (with a 20% future rainfall bump) and proposed culvert upsizings, pond retrofits, and channel lowering. Final reports land in October and December.
Reservoir water system resiliency upgrades
The solar project review surfaced needed upgrades to the city's aging reservoir infrastructure — inoperable valves, a fragile 70-year-old pipeline, and no real backup storage. Some improvements would benefit the city even without the solar project, raising the question of who pays.
T-Mobile equipment relocation from water tower
The city has to pay $132,068.11 to move T-Mobile's equipment off the century-old water tower on Benefield Boulevard because the lease never required the carrier to pay for its own removal. Councilmembers were frustrated by the lopsided lease terms.
Lower South Street Sewer Improvements
The sewer main reroute through the riverfront frees up Water Street properties for future development and gets the project shovel-ready for state grant money — but the price tag has grown from $4.1 million to $11.4 million.
Water infrastructure improvement bidding (EFC Grant #19091)
A $3 million state grant will fund replacement of four-inch water mains and the 1922 drinking water storage tank. The city wants authorization to put both projects out to bid while the season allows.
Sewer System Inflow and Infiltration Study
Rainwater is getting into the sewer pipes, making pump stations run long after storms. A state planning grant would study the problem and unlock future repair funding.
Wiccopee Dams Engineering Assessment
State rules require a professional engineer to assess the Upper and Lower Wiccopee Dams every ten years; the council started the RFP process to hire one.
Hollowbrook Dam Intake Structure Repairs
State DEC requires a certified engineer's assessment of the city dam every ten years. Barton & Loguidice won the bid at $38,500 — $54,500 below Labella.
Backflow prevention program maintenance
A proposal to maintain the city's backflow and cross-connection program, which keeps contaminants out of the drinking water supply.
Westchester Power Energy Supply Agreement (CCA)
The statewide CCA electricity program is ending. Power stays on via Con Edison; residents can pick another energy supplier if they want.