Peekskill · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Peekskill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
$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.
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.
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.