Lightning strike causes fire at Abbey Inn tower on Fort Hill
@KempterFireWire
A lightning strike during a fast-moving violent summer storm caused a smoldering fire at the Abbey Inn and Spa on Wednesday, July 17.
“It appeared that lightning did strike the structure that led to a fire involving a lower roof structure,” Peekskill Fire Chief James Seymour said.
The blaze began in Peekskill just after 4:15 P.M. when lightning from a passing thunderstorm struck the Abbey Inn & Spa at 900 Fort Hill Road, according to the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department, which helped respond to the incident.
Arriving fire crews raced to the 122-year-old building and began cutting into the layers of asphalt shingles, foam insulation, tar, plywood, and lumber in the roof to get to the flames and make sure they had not spread to other locations. The damage was contained to the wine cellar and banquet area.
The fire was eventually extinguished after several hours.
The historic building, formerly known as the convent of the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary’s, is now a hotel featuring large outdoor and indoor event spaces, a full-service spa, and a successful eatery called Apropros Restaurant & Bar, which is now featured on the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Peekskill kidney donor advocate receives Service award
Kidney transplant recipient and kidney health advocate Leesa Thompson of Peekskill has received the DAR Community Service Award from the Polly Cooper Chapter of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).
The DAR Community Service Award honors and recognizes outstanding voluntary service by individuals and organizations. Leesa received the award for her volunteer contributions as a kidney coach and for her service in the kidney transplant community.
Kim McCrea, Chair of the chapter’s Community Service Awards Committee, explained how Leesa was selected for the honor.
In 2022, Leesa founded and is the President of “Kidney Stories,” a specialized club of Toastmasters International, an organization that promotes the development of communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. The “Kidney Stories” club is dedicated to kidney patients, recipients, donors, caregivers, and healthcare workers; participants join from all over the country.
Leesa, who received a life-saving kidney transplant from a living donor in 2018, recognized that others needed support navigating a diagnosis of kidney disease requiring a kidney transplant. Kidney Stories meetings are a place of encouragement, hope, and inspiration, while also providing a forum for obtaining services and support from a large community of people experiencing the same issues.
“Sharing my journey and advocating for the kidney community is incredibly important to me,” said Leesa in her acceptance remarks. “This recognition not only acknowledges my efforts but also shines a light on the vital role of organ donation and community support. ”
According to the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), more than 100,000 adults and children are on the national transplant waiting list and 85 percent of the people on that list need a kidney.
“Our chapter is honored to recognize Leesa Thompson for her incredible efforts in raising awareness about organ donations and for building a community of support around those needing a kidney transplant – this truly represents the spirit of the DAR Community Service Award,” said Rosemarie Schmidt, Polly Cooper Chapter Regent.
New report details continued decline in housing affordability
Housing affordability is getting worse, not better, in the region and the demand to build more units is higher than ever according to a new report.
Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress and its Center for Housing Solutions & Community Initiatives have analyzed rental housing and wage data for more than a decade. The reports on housing trends help lawmakers, nonprofit agencies, developers, and other stakeholders in their efforts to provide housing that is affordable in the region.
The annual “Out of Reach (OOR)” report examines the affordability of rental housing throughout the nine counties: Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. This report is largely based on data published annually by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), which compares fair-market rents (FMR) with average renter wages.
Neighbors across the Hudson Valley have struggled through a deepening crisis of housing availability and affordability for many years. This year’s NLIHC data suggest that this trend is continuing to afflict tenants across a wide spectrum of incomes.
Working tenants are struggling even more in 2024 as their wages have dipped and the cost of typical rents increased yet again. Homeownership also remained out of reach for most households in the region. Median-earning households cannot afford a median-priced home in any of our nine counties. Most people who already own their home would not be able to buy their home in today’s market.
“The struggle to create housing that is affordable for people across the entire spectrum of income will be the defining civic issue for this generation of leaders in the Hudson Valley,” said Adam Bosch, CEO of Pattern for Progress.
“There is ample evidence that the housing crisis is exacerbating our regional workforce shortage, as more people pack up and leave the Hudson Valley in search of a more affordable standard of living elsewhere. We cannot look away from this challenge. To preserve our wellbeing and quality of life, the Hudson Valley must allow and encourage more housing, rather than opposing and protesting it.”
New arrivals with higher incomes are making existing stock more costly according to the report. “For example, households that moved into Columbia County during the brunt of the pandemic brought an average adjusted gross income of approximately $160,000, while those who left the county earned an average of just under $70,000. This same trend occurred at different scales in Dutchess, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.
“The influx of new wealth pushed up the cost of all types of housing — along with the assessed values of land and homes — making it less viable for low- and moderate-income people to move or buy a home in the region.”
Bosch noted how the most recent influx into the Hudson Valley, in response to the pandemic, differs from the responses to other world events, such as 9/11. Those who fled New York City because of 9/11 mostly returned in the years that followed, Bosch said.
Those who fled the pandemic and flooded the market with offers for dwindling inventory are staying put. The option to work remotely has rendered the commute moot.
“This most recent wave of people who’ve moved out of the metro area and into this region and made all-cash offers and made offers above asking price — combined with the fact that we have built very, very little housing in the past 15 years in this region — has resulted in there being no affordable haven for anyone who is really looking to buy a home and doesn’t care about commute time or location,” Bosch said.
The complete report is available here.
State awards $2 million for work on Gallows Hill Road Bridge
More than $484 million for 137 local governments across New York state to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts is being provided through the State’s Bridge NY initiative.
The latest funding builds upon the over $1.23 billion that has previously been awarded to local governments through the Bridge NY initiative. As part of the state’s $33 billion capital plan adopted in 2022, $1 billion was committed to Bridge NY, effectively doubling the size of the program.
With significant support from the federal Bridge Formula Program, the funding will support 216 individual projects and will help local governments throughout the state.
Locally, the grants include $1.964 million to the Westchester County Department of Public Works for the Gallows Hill Road Bridge over Peekskill Hollow Creek in Cortlandt.
The Bridge NY initiative targets projects that will reduce the risk of flooding and improve the resiliency of structures where the funds can help restore the balance of environmental justice, state officials said. The initiative is especially key for Westchester, as its intended to ensure existing infrastructure can better endure severe weather events and withstand the impacts of climate change. The awards were selected based on input from Regional and Metropolitan Planning Organizations
“As New York continues to experience the effects of climate change firsthand, we need to make critical infrastructure upgrades so our communities can withstand the extreme weather to come,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Working closely with local governments, we are investing millions to harden more than 200 bridges and culverts across the State, enhancing public safety and make these structures ready for whatever mother nature can throw at us.”
City posted five bid packages in July
The City of Peekskill listed five bid packages in July with four closing last week and one remaining open through July 26.
Sealed bids for the Resurfacing of Streets will be received at the Office of the City Clerk, Peekskill, New York until 10:00 A.M. on July 26, 2024, at which time they will be publicly opened and read.
Specifications and all instructions relative hereto may be obtained at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Works, City Hall, 840 Main Street, Peekskill, New York 10566.
A pre-bid meeting will be held at City Hall, 840 Main St, Peekskill, NY on July 23, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. At this time all questions will be answered. A list of streets to be paved is listed in the bid documents. All bids submitted must be in accordance with prevailing rates and wages. The City welcomes any Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) to submit a competitive bid for this and all items described herein.
The bids that closed on July 19 were:
- Request For Proposals (RFP) City Of Peekskill, New York General Contracting Services For Restoration Of Exterior, Reroofing & Carpeting The Fern Tree
- Request For Proposals (RFP) City Of Peekskill, New York General Contracting Services For New Historic Style Storefront & Signage Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Of Commerce
- Request For Proposals (RFP) City Of Peekskill, New York General Contracting Services For Outdoor Display Area & Exterior Courtyard Improvement 901 South Street Artist Loft
- Request For Quotation (RFQ) City Of Peekskill, New York Supply, Delivery & Install Solar Panel 901 South Street Artist Loft 901 South Street, Peekskill, Ny 10566
You can read details on the bids here.
Meal delivery service available for homebound seniors
Home delivered meals are available for homebound, frail, elderly City of Peekskill residents, age 60 or over. Hot lunches and cold suppers are delivered Monday through Friday to your door.
Schedule an Interview: Seniors who are homebound are eligible upon an initial assessment by the city’s Outreach Coordinator. To schedule an interview please call Rhonda Getter at 914-739-4251.
This program is funded through The Department of Health Human Services, The NYS Office for Aging, Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, and The City of Peekskill.
Homebound frail, elderly persons are encouraged to attend the congregate site at the Neighborhood Center if at all possible.
Levenberg hosted annual Forum ‘Sustaining Our Seniors’
State Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg held her second annual Senior Forum at Cortlandt Town Hall on July 17. Titled “Sustaining Our Seniors: Aging in Place,” the program included a variety of information and resources intended to help seniors live longer, healthier lives in an affordable way.
“I am working to build healthy communities in every sense of the word – environmentally, economically, physically and mentally, all through the lens of equity. Today’s event is closely aligned to that mission,” Levenberg said in her opening remarks.
The heart of the program was an affordability panel featuring Tracey Butler and Maria Jimenez of Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO) along with Ian Donaldson from the Public Utility Law Project. Butler and Jimenez discussed WRO’s senior housing assistance and home repair programs, and Donaldson provided information on affordable access to utilities such as electricity, gas, and water service.
The program ended with a presentation by Barbara Ward from AAA Northeast titled “The Older and Wiser Driver,” sharing safe driving strategies that can be used to compensate for some of the vision, cognitive & physical changes that are present with aging. Levenberg’s office also held a free raffle, and two lucky seniors went home with large gift baskets provided by New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital.
Cortlandt Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker was in attendance and gave remarks at the start of the program, as host. The program featured a breakfast sponsored by New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital and a hospital update from Dr. William J. Higgins, Vice President and Regional Executive Medical Director of the New York-Presbyterian Medical Group.
Kathryn Martin, Assistant Attorney General from the Westchester Regional Office of State Attorney General Letitia James, addressed common new scams and ways seniors can protect themselves. Joe Orlando, Regional Representative from the Office of State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, gave an update on the state pension system and educated the group on how to get access to any unclaimed funds they might have.
Local seniors Cora Silvestri and Judith Shangold, co-founders of the Old Traditions, New Beginnings project, shared more information about their initiative, which invites seniors to share their wisdom and stories. Silvestri also performed a poem submitted by one of the forum’s attendees, as well as an original song of hers that will become part of the project.
‘The Central’ is a top brunch choice right here in Peekskill
Westchester magazine named a Peekskill restaurant as one of the best places for commuters, visitors, and hungry folks to find a tasty meal along the Hudson Valley’s rail lines.
“Whether you’re commuting from the city or inviting friends to Westchester for a top-tier brunch, we have you covered. These five restaurants are a stone’s throw from Metro-North stations and dish out delicious midday meals.”
300 Railroad Ave, Peekskill; 914.677.2233
The Central is an ode to the Vanderbilts’ New York Central Railroad System that ran through Peekskill starting in 1869. The restaurant’s brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., making it an ideal pitstop when getting on or off the train. Entrees include brunch bravas, French toast, eggs Benedict topped with Hudson Valley smoked lox, and sausage, biscuit, and country gravy. Cheddar scones, buttermilk biscuits, and sweet cream Danishes are a few the eatery’s house-baked pastries served daily.
Circa-1900 office/residential building listed for sale
A prominent building near the corner of South and Washington streets is on the market for sale at an asking price of $615,000.
The listing for the property reads:
“Ideally located in the heart of downtown Peekskill you will find this mix use property on an oversized lot with parking downtown. Walking distance to the post office, banks, restaurants, supermarket and a short stroll to the waterfront & Metro North Station.
“Bring your contractors and their ideas for this property with endless possibilities in the City of Peekskill. SOLD in AS IS CONDITION. No conventional financing, cash buyers only. This building consists of office space & one 3-bedroom apartment. Large lot with great potential.”
For information contact Associate Real Estate Broker Joe Lippolis with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices River TownsPeekskill, NY at (914) 739-5300.
Cortlandt’s new Waterfront Park opens in Verplanck
The Town of Cortlandt kicked off summer with a grand opening celebration for its new Waterfront Performance Stage last month.
Musical entertainment was provided by The Fast Lane, with a lawn full of residents singing along and moving to the beat on a beautiful June evening at Cortlandt Waterfront Park, 77 Riverview Avenue, Verplanck. The 33-acre property is the only location between New York City and Albany unobstructed by railroad tracks and with shoreline access to the river.
Children’s eyes lit up at the “Touch-a-Truck” featuring town, village, and state vehicles they could explore up close. Magician David Levitin mesmerized the audience, as did the laser light show sponsored by CertainTeed.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker, joined by local officials, including New York State Senator Peter Harckham, who helped secure $600,000 in Senate grant funding for construction of the amphitheater. That covered almost half the total cost of $1.425 million for an asphalt walking path, new concrete sidewalks, electrical upgrades, landscaping and new benches. Work on the 1,800-square-foot, 34-foot x 42-foot open performance stage began in September 2023. The amphitheater is located at the eastern end of Cortlandt Waterfront Park, near the marina and boat yards.
The grant money was made possible by the state Senate’s Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability and Technology (CREST) program.
The property, initially owned by James Martin and operated as a seaplane facility, subsequently became a fenced-in trailer park. Martin deeded the property to the Town of Cortlandt, with the caveat that it should be turned into a public park 10 years after his death. In 1990, the Town of Cortlandt took ownership and began restoration of the 33-acre property.
Today, the new amphitheater is situated overlooking the Hudson River with an acre of open lawn space in front for additional seating. A portion of the stage is covered.
The grand opening of the stage marked the start of the 2024 Cortlandt Summer Concert & Movie Series. Free music and movies are on Thursday evenings through August 8. There are three evenings remaining in the six-event series, which began in mid-June. Food vendors on site include American Dogs, Crispin Dopamine, Homestyle Desserts, Mister Softee, Octavio’s Food Wagon. In the event of inclement weather, the Town will try to re-schedule.
For more information contact the Town of Cortlandt Supervisor’s Office, 914-734-1002.
Big savings with Westchester County Park Pass
Small in size, big on savings, the Westchester County Parks small Park Pass is easy to carry and provides the same great benefits. It’s also easy to use. Your photo, taken at purchase, will appear on screen, along with your account number, when scanned at county park entrances.
The design features a full-color, traditional credit card-sized pass as well as a smaller card that can be attached to a key chain for optimal convenience.
Valid, previously designed, park passes will still be honored and should be replaced with the new card upon expiration. Park Passes are available at these locations.
A pass entitles the holder entry to all county-owned pools and beaches and facilities, as well as discounted admission to all pools, beaches, and parking. It also allows access to the boat launch at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the six all-weather tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. It is available to residents 12 years of age and older.
More details on the program available here.
New firefighters join the ranks of paid Peekskill force
Graduates of the Westchester County Career Fire Academy Class 01-24 are joining the ranks of paid Peekskill firefighters.
The department is proud to welcome six members of this class to the ranks, as they will be starting this month on their first shift of their careers in the firehouse.
They are: Probationary Firefighters Dylan Walsh, Thomas Fejes, Oliver Martell, Michael Esposito, Colin Park, and Keith Walker.
Peekskill Professional Firefighters Local 2343 wishes all the members of Class 01-24 the best of luck, and a safe & healthy career in the fire service – welcome to the best job in the world!
St. Pat’s Parade Committee names Oros 2025 Grand Marshal
A break in the hot, humid heat of July turns thoughts to a crisp early spring morning in March when marching bands and Irishmen will once again take over the streets of Peekskill.
Yes – it’s the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Peekskill and we now know who will be leading the march down the streets to the cheers of the loyal sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle.
The 2025 Grand Marshal is George Oros. He’s been a fixture on the political, civic and business scene for decades and now steps up to head the Peekskill St. Pat’s Parade.
His able lieutenants for 2025 once again make up a roster of born- and honorary Irish. They are: Robert Boddie Jr., Clare Keenan Carey, Robert “Bob” Kellerer, and Lou Mettey.
It’s a little early to reserve your spot at the sidewalk’s edge for a grand view as the parade passes by but you can follow along as the year-long festivities of the Parade Committee’s fundraising events commence by checking the Facebook page.
Top ‘O The Morning to Ya!
