Vehicle driven illegally on boardwalk at the RiverWalk nearly injures two
Someone who appears to have been drunk drove a Jeep vehicle along the Peekskill River Walk south of the Peekskill Yacht Club and crashed into a fence after crossing the boardwalk.
According to social media reports, including from an eyewitness who narrowly avoided being struck by the vehicle, the incident happened on Tuesday, July 23 around 8:15 p.m.
Requests for information to the Peekskill Police Department, City Manager Matt Alexander and City DPW manager Chris Gross were not answered.
According to social media, a Peekskill official posted “The City is pursuing insurance claims against the driver, getting estimates for the welding and waiting on a timeline for the repair.
“More will be shared at a later date once we have received that information.”
The vehicle apparently left the Yacht Club vicinity and drove along the RiverWalk path to the boardwalk portion. It is unclear if the bollards were in place at the time of the incident. The driver then proceeded over the bridge, barely missing two pedestrians, according to the social media post from the eyewitness.
Half the bumper and a wheel cover were ripped off the vehicle as it struck a fence beyond the end of the bridge. Another social media post reported that the driver was charged with DWI.
The two-mile long shoreline walk of the Peekskill RiverWalk connects four riverfront parks: Peekskill Landing, Riverfront Green Park, Peekskill Bay Greenway and Charles Point Park.
Two-day college prep workshop offered by Youth Bureau
The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau “Project Elevate” program is holding a two-day college prep workshop for 11th and 12th graders on Monday, August 5 and Wednesday, August 7 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Students must be able to attend both dates. Each session will include a free lunch.
Topics covered include: college admissions process, application requirements, standardized tests and timelines, college essay writing, resume building workshop and interview skills.
Other subjects of the workshop will explore introduction to college financial aid, changes to the FAFSA, scholarship search workshop, interactive session on financial literacy: budgeting for college expenses, understanding student loans and managing personal finances.
For more information and to register, please visit https://bit.ly/4bZ1ouY.
Peekskill, Cortlandt, Buchanan receive state grant money
Local municipalities will receive $2.3 million in state grant funding for various improvement and infrastructure projects without impacting local property taxes.
Each municipality in the 40th Senate District is receiving $100,000 in grants, according to New York State Senator Pete Harckham as part of the State Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology Program (CREST) funding. The funding for the municipalities is without restriction; officials can use their own discretion for how it should be spent.
“Local leaders know what their communities need, said Harckham. “I’m pleased to be able to fund some of the initiatives that are ongoing or being lined up around Senate District 40 and look forward to partnering with these municipalities them to help our constituents and ease their property tax burdens as well.”
“The City of Peekskill is pleased and grateful for New York State funding made available through Senator Harckham’s efforts to make our city safer and more accommodating for pedestrians who live, work and visit our city every day,” said Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie. “Pedestrian safety continues to be a priority for Peekskill. This funding will ensure that we do our best for those who walk in Peekskill.”
“The Town of Cortlandt will quickly utilize these funds to create a ‘pocket park’ on Route 9 in Montrose on the site of a former gas station,” said Cortlandt Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker. “In addition, the Town of Cortlandt plans to update its municipal signage, welcoming residents to our town. This will absolutely help attract customers to our local businesses.”
“This is much needed money and has been used over the years for needed upgrades and repairs to our beautiful Pavilion which is a wonderful asset to our Village and is used by the Residents for events and our Summer Camp,” said Buchanan Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker.
Yacht club burglar foiled in the act by state police
An attempted crime on the high seas of a yacht club in Montrose was stopped before it launched.
On July 18 at approximately 5:15 a.m. New York State troopers were dispatched for a report of a burglary at the King’s Ferry Yacht Club. While searching the building, a suspect later identified as John L. Disclafani was located inside with several pry bars, according to police.
The New York State Police from the Cortlandt barracks arrested the 53-year-old Disclafani of Buchanan for felony third-degree burglary, misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal mischief and misdemeanor possession of burglar tools.
Disclafani was arraigned before the Town of Cortlandt Court and remanded to the Westchester County Jail. He is next scheduled to reappear before the court on August 25.
According to a published report Disclafani was arrested 13 years ago for third-degree burglary after he was caught on surveillance video when five businesses were burglarized. Police obtained a search warrant for Disclafani’s residence on Tate Avenue then and found evidence linking him to one of the burglaries at Just Imagine U Hair Salon on Albany Post Road in Cortlandt Manor.
Peekskill resident inducted into Veterans Hall of Fame
New York Army National Guard Col. Jeffrey Roth of Peekskill has been named the 2024 inductee into the State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, cited for his distinguished military and public service for more than two decades.
“Colonel Roth is a lifelong public servant with over 20 years of dedicated service to his nation and New York State,” said New York State Senator Pete Harckham. “I am proud to honor him as the 40th Senate District’s 2024 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.”
Roth joined the Michigan Army National Guard after earning a commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2001. During his tenure with the Guard, he deployed with the Multinational Force and Observers, a peacekeeping force established in 1981 as part of a treaty between Israel and Egypt.
While deployed to the Middle East with the 42nd Infantry Division in 2020, he served as the Operations Officer for COVID-19 Response and Deputy Officer in charge of Command Post Jordan. In 2021, Roth took command of the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, the New York Army National Guard’s only field artillery battalion.
Roth has served as the Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services since 2016. He is currently on leave from his duties, serving on State Active Duty as the Commander of Joint Task Force – Empire Shield for the New York Army National Guard.
He has received numerous awards for his actions and leadership including the Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Multinational Force and Observers Medal and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
“It is an honor to be recognized by Senator Harckham and New York State,” Roth said. “I am humbled and honored to be in the company of so many who have served their country with distinction.”
Harckham presented Col. Roth with a Hall of Fame plaque, a State Senate Proclamation and a special 40th Senate District Medal during a ceremony here at Camp Smith attended by more than 40 members of the state National Guard and other officials, including Peekskill resident retired Brig. Gen. Loree Sutton, a former New York City Commissioner of Veterans’ Services.
School district hiring at job fair on July 31
The Peekskill City School District is holding a job recruitment fair on Wednesday, July 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Administration Building at 1031 Elm St.
Available positions seeking candidates are permanent substitutes, teacher aides and lunch monitors. On the spot interviews will be held and candidates must bring their resumes and cover letters.
If you can’t attend the event, email [email protected] or go to the website at www.peekskillCSD.org. For more information, call 914.737.3300 ext 1550 or 1551
140 Kitchen takes a week’s pause to implement a new menu
According to a social media post:
To our amazing supporters and community, 140 Kitchen will be closed this week as we continue to try to impress you! We are under new management and working very hard to bring you the best of the best.
We’re excited to announce that Bawse Burger will be operating out of our kitchen all week for lunch and dinner service! You can dine at our location, order pickup over the phone or in person, or takeout/delivery via DoorDash.
Rest assured, 140 Kitchen is going to be reopened very soon! Chef Enzo will be taking the reins and providing our community with some delicious and welcoming dishes. Can’t wait to serve you!
140 Kitchen owners Enzo De Raco and business partner Anthony Maguire also own Slainte Peekskill (next to the current Gleason’s) as well as 140 Grand in Croton-on-Hudson.
From 2017 to 2019, De Raco was the chef at Gleason’s when it was located where 140 Kitchen is now located. De Raco had a career in IT before attending culinary school at Manhattan’s Institute of Culinary Education and cooking in various Westchester kitchens, including X20 in Yonkers and PikNik in Tarrytown.
De Raco and Maguire also discussed plans to open “The Peek-Easy” next door at 907 South St., a combination ice cream shop/slash cocktail bar this summer.
Zinc battery storage project planned in Valhalla
A critical component of New York state’s “Green New Deal” to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy will be the capability of massive new energy battery storage on a large scale.
As part of that transition, the New York Power Authority is establishing demonstration projects in Valhalla and at SUNY Oneonta to show that batteries using zinc-manganese technology are better and safer than lithium-ion batteries for large scale storage of electricity. Zinc-manganese batteries are believed to be less vulnerable to overheating and catching fire than lithium-ion batteries.
The U.S. Department of Energy is funding $6.5 million of the $13.1 million cost of the demonstration projects. Other participants are Urban Electric Power (UEP), based in Pearl River, and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
Construction of the battery facilities is expected to begin in 2026 and become operational in 2028.
UEP is commercializing its alkaline zinc manganese dioxide battery technology, which it compares with the safety and reliability of alkaline batteries commonly used around the house.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “By hosting this project at Grasslands Reservation, Westchester County is taking a step toward safer and cleaner energy. This cutting-edge long-duration storage initiative exemplifies our commitment to renewable resources. Teaming up with the Power Authority, Urban Electric Power, and EPRI, we’re advancing innovation, ensuring reliable power and reinforcing our dedication to environmental progress.”
Daniel Brooks, a vice president at EPRI, said, “EPRI has long been at the forefront of battery energy storage safety research and efforts to provide reliable, resilient energy to consumers. We’re looking forward to participating in this project, working with collaborators on efforts to provide reliable power during instances of extreme weather and high demand.”
The selected projects also are part of the DOE’s plan to reduce energy storage costs by 90 percent while demonstrating the potential for creating long-term, high-quality jobs in clean energy manufacturing, installation and maintenance.
UEP’s zinc manganese dioxide batteries are expected to show comparable performance to lithium-ion batteries without the inherent safety and supply chain issues. They have been successfully demonstrated in small-scale electricity storage installations.
Five-story addition to Westchester Medical Center begins
Construction has started on the Critical Care Tower at Westchester Medical Center, a $220 million project that will span 162,000 square feet and rise five stories when complete.
Adjacent to Westchester Medical Center’s main tower, the Critical Care Tower at Westchester Medical Center will house 128 private, state-of-the-art patient rooms—all equipped with the latest and most advanced medical technologies for intensive care.
The Tower at Westchester Medical Center will facilitate the conversion of Westchester Medical Center’s entire inpatient service to all-private rooms, enhancing patient privacy and comfort.
The Tower will house several notable services, including advanced cardiac, neuroscience, oncology, and surgical specialty care. Additionally, Westchester Medical Center serves as the region’s Level I trauma center, and all trauma intensive care services will relocate to the Critical Care Tower.
Pediatric emergency medicine at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and Westchester Medical Center’s women’s health services will expand thanks to the new construction.
Anticipated to be completed in 2026, the Critical Care Tower is the second major structural and service addition to Westchester Medical Center in less than a decade. This follows the successful completion of the eight-story, $230 million Ambulatory Care Pavilion in 2019.
Turner Construction Company won the contract to build the Patient Care Tower. The project will also boost the local economy, providing 250 construction jobs and 127 full-time jobs.
Meet the police on ‘National Night Out’ Aug. 6 at Pugsley Park
The City of Peekskill Police Department, in collaboration with the Community Hub of the Peekskill Parks and Recreation Department, invites everyone to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 p.m. through 8 p.m. in Pugsley Park.
National Night Out is held annually on the first Tuesday of August, bringing together members of law enforcement and public safety, city residents, local businesses, and community leaders to promote and support police-community relationships.
The event, which is co-sponsored by the Peekskill Fire Department, offers residents the opportunity to learn about local police programs, partnerships, and initiatives that are helping to build an even safer Peekskill.
National Night Out bonds together Peekskill City departments, with the community, local businesses and various Westchester County supporters, to spread awareness about resources that can benefit and support our residents, while building and strengthening our relationships.
This year’s event will feature activities for community members of all ages. Highlights include complimentary food, along with musical entertainment, a magician, a bouncy house, and arts and crafts activities.
National Night Out is a free event, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
CHHOP receives $50,000 in state funding
Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) received $50,000 of funding in the FY2024-2025 State Budget.
“I am truly grateful to the leadership and staff at CHHOP for all of the work they do for residents in the Peekskill area,” said New York State Senator Pete Harckham. “Their comprehensive services for underserved individuals makes a difference in this community, and as a result the organization has established itself as a true safety net for countless residents. I am glad that Assembly member Dana Levenberg and I were able to ensure financial support for CHHOP in this year’s budget.”
“Senator Harckham and Assemblymember Levenberg are steadfast advocates for the people they serve,” said Cynthia Knox, chief executive officer of CHHOP. “These two legislators are dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of all of their constituents.”
CHHOP operates the Jan Peek House, a 24-hour, 365-days a year shelter for single adult men and women. Jan Peek House also serves individuals on a drop-in basis, particularly during inclement weather. CHHOP also runs a transitional housing program just for homeless veterans.
Fred’s Pantry helps to feed some of the neediest members of the Peekskill community, including many seniors. The pantry currently serves approximately 1,300 people each week.
CHHOP partners with My Sister’s Place and Lifting Up Westchester in its innovative RISE (Rehousing in Supportive Environments) program, which provides counseling and support for trauma caused by domestic violence.
Another CHHOP program, Tierra Sólida / Solid Ground, focuses on assisting low wage workers and immigrants that have recently fallen behind on rent, utility bills or are facing imminent eviction.
Career skills development program available at Youth Bureau
The Workforce Development Academy for Youth is a year-round program that provides free educational and employment services to eligible youth ages 16-24 in the Peekskill and surrounding area.
Program features include leadership skills, resume writing, interview skills, financial literacy, labor market information, occupational skills training, GED prep and paid and unpaid work experiences.
The program can help participants set goals and achieve them. The Workforce Development Academy is a program from the New York State Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network and the Peekskill Youth Bureau at 828 Main St. in Peekskill.
For more information contact Emily Bender at 914.862.5347.
Unemployment rate rises slightly in June
Unemployment in the Orange-Rockland-Westchester metro area climbed slightly in the year-over-year figures for June according to the New York state Department of Labor.
The unemployment rate for June 2024 was 3.5 percent compared to 3.2 percent in June 2023. In New York City the rate this June was 5.3 percent the same as last year, the highest in New York state.
Unemployment rates either rose slightly are stayed the same in every metro region of the state. The lowest rate is 3.2% in Glens Falls followed by 3.3 percent in Nassau-Suffolk.
The Westchester County rate of 3.6 percent is lower than the New York County rate of 4.7 percent but slightly higher than Rockland’s 3.4 percent. Bronx County has the highest rate in the state at 6.8 percent while the lowest is Columbia County at 2.8 percent.
New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.2 percent in June 2024.
Peekskill non-profits participate in workshop
Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) launched “Nonprofit BIPOC Thrive” on July 15, a two-day intensive workshop designed specifically for small, BIPOC-led (black, indigenous, and other people of color) nonprofit organizations.
Funded by Westchester County and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, this first-of-its-kind pilot program aims to address the impact of racial bias in philanthropy and funding faced by leaders of color and the resulting need to strengthen the organizational capacity of BIPOC-led nonprofits. Designed to offer needed support to BIPOC nonprofit leaders in Westchester, the two-day workshop included sessions on marketing, social media and grant writing.
Represented agencies included One Paso, formerly Que Paso Latinx (Yonkers), Home Run Against Drugs (Peekskill), The Autism Project – FLOS (Yonkers), Young Coaches Program (New Rochelle), We Art One Artist Collective (Yonkers), and Black Diamonds Academic Success (Peekskill). As part of the initiative, participants can access all NPW educational programs for free through December 2025.
“NPW is proud to once again launch one-of-a-kind programming in New York State. Both data and the lived experiences of BIPOC nonprofit professionals show that the type of support we offer through Nonprofit BIPOC Thrive is needed. As a sector, we must ensure that we tap into the brilliance and foster the sustainability of these uniquely impactful, community-based nonprofits,” said Jan Fisher, Executive Director of Nonprofit Westchester.
NPW intends to establish this program as an annual offering, accommodating cohorts of six organizations per year.
For more information about the program, please contact Jan Fisher at [email protected] or (914) 332-6679.
Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) is Westchester’s only membership organization dedicated solely to advancing and advocating for the needs and interests of the county’s nonprofit sector, the people and populations served, and the nonprofit workforce. Representing more than 300 members, NPW’s vision is to build a thriving county with vibrant nonprofits and resilient, inclusive communities that value equity and inclusion, innovation, and integrity.