Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Peekskill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in zoning
Driveway widening and second parking space at 935 Lockwood Drive
A homeowner wanted to widen his driveway to fit a second off-street parking space in the front yard, which needs a variance because it sits between the front of the house and the street. A neighbor pushed back hard, saying the household already parks seven vehicles and it's changing the neighborhood's character.
Historic brick preservation at Fern Tree
The board pushed back on a plan to paint brick at 13 South Division Street, warning that painted brick traps moisture and damages historic buildings. The applicant will revise the plan — possibly stripping the brick bare and adding a mural — and return later.
PILOT policy and developer outreach
The board is reworking a developer handout explaining how PILOTs work, aiming to be a one-stop shop and to set clearer expectations — including pushing developers toward impact fees and revenue close to full taxation rather than 30-year exemptions.
Developer PILOT handout guide
The agency is creating a one-page-style guide explaining how PILOT tax incentives work for developers, but wants to keep it separate from the formal application to avoid extra paperwork.
Reopening auto repair shop at 301 North Division Street
A vacant former body shop could reopen as a minor-repair-only facility. Neighbors worry about street parking and grease; the applicants promise all work inside, no towing, and off-site employee parking.
Cannabis dispensary zoning limits
A zoning text change would push cannabis dispensaries, lounges and delivery services out of the C-3 corridor near homes and out of the waterfront, while keeping the 1,000-foot separation rule and easing parking requirements.
Driveway legalization and neighbor accommodation at 163 Union Avenue
A homeowner wants a four-car backyard driveway, but the neighbor across the street says it will replace grass with a giant asphalt lot and wants pavers and less paving; the decision was pushed to next month.
Comprehensive Plan Consultant Award
Peekskill is updating its long-range Comprehensive Plan, which will guide zoning, housing, traffic safety, and development for years. Planning staff recommended a five-firm consulting team for up to $500,000, mostly covered by state and federal grants.
Non-conforming commercial storage use at 711 North Division Street
The board appears ready to find that the towing and landscaping operations expanded beyond their legal footprint in this C-4 commercial zone, which could force Taconic Towing to vacate. The owner testified no alternative site exists in Peekskill, putting a local small business at risk pending a possible use variance.
Legalizing unpermitted improvements at 1891 Carhart Avenue
A homeowner has spent nearly two years seeking variances to legalize work done without permits, including a finished apartment, accessory structures, and expanded parking. The board finally approved the relief, with conditions responding to a neighbor's concerns about construction-vehicle staging.
1050 Lower South Street special permit for outdoor heavy equipment storage
A proposal to turn a Lower South Street industrial site into a multi-tenant facility with outdoor storage drew immediate pushback when the applicant revealed up to 140 trucks on site. Residents raised truck traffic, air quality, and the area's industrial pollution history. The Planning Commission takes up environmental review next.
Parking waiver jurisdiction after payment-in-lieu program
A renewal at 1013 Park Street stalled because the city's newer payment-in-lieu-of-parking program may have eliminated the commission's power to grant parking waivers, potentially sending the applicant to the ZBA instead.