Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Peekskill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues with high priority
Mountain biking trails at Depew Park
The council is weighing whether to amend the parks law to allow or restrict pedal bikes on DePew Park trails. The Parks Advisory Board split on the question, with members citing safety, the muddy green trail, and concerns about outside groups drawing crowds. Parking pressure on residential streets near park entrances is a big worry.
41 North Division Street project closing
The vacant former Steinbach's building is being converted to mixed use with the library on the ground floor and apartments above, plus a public rooftop. To close a 30-50% budget gap from higher construction bids, the owner trimmed facade alterations to qualify for historic tax credits — trading some design flourishes for a guaranteed tenant and a project that can actually get built.
E-Bike and Electric Vehicle Regulation (Chapter 182)
The city set rates for its public EV chargers — up to $0.35 per kilowatt-hour plus $5/hour dwell fees — and joined Con Edison's rebate program.
Downtown Intersection Improvements and Division/Central Reopening
The Main Street intersections at Nelson, North Division, and Bank are getting rebuilt with better crosswalks, signals, and streetscaping. Expect construction in spring–summer 2027 with some temporary lane and street closures, but half the cost is reimbursed by the state.
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.
2027 Department Budget Presentations
DPW is proposing about $7.9 million for 2027 — roughly 2.5% below 2026 — but is asking for unfunded positions including an electrician, motor equipment operators, laborers and help for the building maintenance division, which is currently a one-man operation. Council also discussed parking meter removal as the pay-by-plate kiosk system arrives.
Firefighter air pack replacement grant
The fire department will apply for about $227,000 in federal money to replace its self-contained breathing apparatus, with the city covering a $22,700 match.
158-unit affordable housing at former White Plains Linen site
The Stag Group's workforce housing project includes a daycare and an arts center, but several commissioners think the six-story massing is too much for this transitional block — especially narrow Constant Avenue — and want it scaled back before recommending it to the council.
Solar panels on the reservoir
A 1.68 MW floating solar project is proposed on the reservoir that holds Peekskill's pre-treatment drinking water. Supporters tout $2.8 million in community benefits and bill discounts; opponents fear microplastic and PFAS contamination of water serving 25,000 residents. No vote has been taken and the review will continue over multiple meetings.
Depew Park Improvements
The council accepted a $675,000 state grant for Depew Park and allocated $148,231 from a $1.7 million DASNY grant for playground renovations.
Rising police and fire retirement costs
Police and fire retirement costs have more than doubled from $2.34 million in 2020 to $4.87 million in 2026, and are projected to top $5 million in 2027 — one of the biggest pressures driving the tax increase.
Affordable Housing Consultant Contract
The city wants to hire an on-call consultant to guide affordable and workforce housing decisions on projects, state programs and financing. Council members pressed for local resident preference in affordable housing, and staff noted local preference language already exists but needs help implementing it.
Proposed Transfer Tax
The city wants to start using transfer tax money — currently locked to firehouse debt — for police and fire expenses once the debt is on a path to payoff. With retirement costs and ALS expenses rising, this could be a big shift in how emergency services get funded.
Automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras
A resident pressed for answers on whether ICE can access Westchester County's license plate reader network that includes Peekskill cameras. Police Chief Renwick said he has written confirmation from the county that it complies with the law limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.