City to auction delinquent tax properties in early 2025

For the first time since 2018, the City of Peekskill will hold an in rem sale in early 2025 of properties where the owners haven’t paid their taxes.

Some of those delinquent tax bills date back to 2013. The Peekskill Herald ran a story in March of some of the properties delinquent in back taxes.

Speaking at a Common Council work session on Sept. 3, City Manager Matt Alexander said the city is owed approximately $2.7 million in unpaid taxes and nearly another $1 million in penalties and interest.

By state law, Peekskill has to collect school, county and city taxes; when school and county taxes aren’t paid, the city has to make up the difference.

The Finance Department expects to file the list of properties owing back taxes with the Westchester County Clerk in the next two weeks. Another six months will follow to legally notify the property owners and give them a chance to pay before heading to the auction block

“We’re not in the business of taking people’s homes, but we do need to collect taxes and need to move forward,” said Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie.

A recent Supreme Court ruling decreed that if, through tax sales, cities collect funds above the amount owed, the excess amount must be returned to the property owners. New York state is now creating a process that the owners can file to get the excess funds returned.

At an August 5 work session, outside auditors for the city urged Peekskill to hold an in rem sale, saying the shortfall in property tax collections would probably be mitigated through an in rem sale because people would come in and pay their taxes. “You need to do something to encourage people to pay,” the auditor from PKF O’Connor Davies LLP told the Common Council.

– By Jim Roberts

State grants support Peekskill schools, youth programs

New state funds above the formula-based funding that school districts received as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget are heading to local school districts and youth organizations.

The grants were secured through New York State’s Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability and Technology (CREST) program and the fiscal year 2025 state budget, as part of New York State’s ongoing efforts to support communities and their economic development.

 “It is vitally important to ensure that our students have access to top-notch educational and enrichment opportunities at the elementary and secondary school levels,” said state assemblywoman Dana Levenberg. “Such opportunities support the physical and mental health of our children, which promotes the economic, civic, and cultural health of the region. I am so pleased to be able to deliver more funding for our schools and youth-serving organizations, on top of the state aid I fought for in this year’s budget.” 

The funding recipients are: 

The Peekskill Youth Bureau for building renovations ($125,000); The Peekskill City School District for their performing arts program ($30,000); New Era Creative Space for their Pathways to Careers program ($35,000); The Ossining Public Library for renovations to their teen and community program space ($100,000); 

The Croton-Harmon School District for capital improvements ($100,000); The Hendrick Hudson School District for capital improvements ($100,000); Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES for their greenhouse expansion and community empowerment program ($25,000); The Ossining Youth Bureau for their environmental, visual arts, and civilian youth academy programs ($25,000); The Ossining Union Free School District for their community schools programming ($25,000); The Hudson River Museum for their planetarium program ($25,000); The Garrison Union Free School District for a roof reconstruction project ($125,000).

City seeks commercial operators at Fleischmann’s Pier

With Peekskill’s newly rebuilt Fleischmann’s Pier open to the public and drawing folks to enjoy the scenery and the fishing, the city will now proceed to the next step and look for commercial boat operators to bring visitors here.

In a Request for Proposals, Peekskill is seeking commercial boat operators to activate the reconstructed historic Fleischmann Pier located in Charles Point Pier Park at the intersection of Louisa Street and John Walsh Boulevard. The selected operator/s will be contracted for up to three years. 

Various forms of boat utilization of the Pier and facilities include: scheduled tour boat day trips; dinner and sunset cruises; scheduled tour boat cruise ships with overnight docking; tour boat home port; historic, educational or specialty boats or educational barges; home port, research and other vessels; water-based event venues, and Kayak, paddleboard or boat rental outfitters. 


Water depths have a mean high-water elevation of 1.76 feet and a mean low-water elevation of -1.4.7 feet. At low tide, the water depth at the deepest area north of the pier is up to 14 feet deep, with an average depth of approximately 12 feet. The channel leading to the Pier is approximately 8 feet deep in some areas at low tide, which could limit access by larger vessels.

All responses to this Request for Proposals are due by 11:59 on Oct. 3, 2024.

Repeat offender arrested after incident at library

Libraries in the Peekskill area have been advised to be on the lookout for a person with a long history of harassing patrons and a criminal record involving repeated failure to appear in court.

Kenneth Hughes, a Buffalo resident, was caught on camera exposing himself and committing lewd acts in the John C. Hart library in Yorktown.

Yorktown police arrested Hughes on Sept. 4 after the alleged criminal act on Aug. 31. Peekskill Police identified him based on previous encounters and after an investigation Hughes was found in Peekskill and arrested. He was charged with public lewdness before being released on his own recognizance. 

He is scheduled to appear in Yorktown Justice Court on Thursday, Sept. 19. Hughes was free on bail granted after his previous arrests.

The tip line is always open at the Peekskill Herald

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Send us your questions. We’ll review and evaluate the submissions and select those we can answer. We’ll publish the story. Send your question to [email protected].

Senior citizen resource fair Friday at Morabito Center

A wide range of information, health services and chair yoga and refreshments will be presented at a Senior Fair on Sept. 13 in Cortlandt.

State Senator Pete Harckham is partnering with local groups to present the Fair from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at the Cortlandt Community Center at 29 Westbrook Drive. A shuttle bus from the Kohl’s parking lot will be provided.

Attendees can received covid and flu shots, blood pressure checks, health and wellness counseling, check on unclaimed funds and process documents with the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

Tennis instruction, round-robin play at Depew Park

Inspired by the recent world-class tennis on display at the U.S. Open in Queens?  Then sign up for the Peekskill Racket Association’s fall programs at Depew Park and take your game up a notch or two.

Three sessions are offered – Adult Cardio Tennis, Children’s Tennis Basics and Adult round robin. The sessions run for one month from September to October and fees range from $125 for the Children’s Basics (five sessions), $125 for the Adult Cardio, or $30 per session, and $10 per session for the Adult Round Robin, a weekly casual an social tournament for all adult skill levels.

“We are really excited to give neighbors the chance to get out on the tennis courts this  fall! I’m so glad we could work with the USTA, City of Peekskill, Leaf O’Neal and Premier, and dedicated neighbors to bring affordable tennis programs to Peekskill. No matter if you’re a beginner or someone who plays regularly, I hope you’ll join us at Depew Park!” – Alex Smith, President, Peekskill Racket Association.

To register, contact [email protected] and check on availability of needs-based scholarships for the Children’s program. The programs will be led by Leaf O’Neal, the director of tennis at Premier Athletic Club.

The City of Peekskill also offers adult tennis lessons, as part of its fall Parks and Recreation program. Classes will be 8-9 A.M. on Saturdays, from Sept. 7 – Oct. 26. Coach Claude Easy welcomes players at all skill levels. The fee is $100 for Peekskill residents, $125 for non-residents.

Those lost in service on 9/11 will be remembered at Peekskill Riverfront ceremony

In observance of the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, a Remembrance Ceremony will be held at the 9/11 Memorial Site at the Riverfront Green on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 P.M. 

Let us come together as we honor the brave first responders and remember the lives that were lost.

Samuel P. Oitice, a passionate firefighter from the Fire Department of New York Ladder 4 (FDNY), was a dedicated Peekskill resident, loving husband, and father. Oitice volunteered as a Captain for Peekskill Engine 434 and selflessly served both Peekskill and Yorktown Ambulance Corps.

The Sam Oitice Heroes Remembered Memorial is a tribute to all the firefighters and police officers that made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in New York City.

Another Peekskill resident, Charlie Wassil, a former detective with the Peekskill Police Department, developed a severe respiratory illness after responding to Ground Zero to provide support following the attacks. Wassil was eventually forced to retire and died of his illness.  

The plaque at the site reads:

Dedicated to the Memory of the Men of F.D.N.Y. Engine 54 Ladder 4 Battalion 9
Battalion Chief Edward Geraghty – Battalion 9
Captain David Wooley – Ladder 4
Lieutenant Daniel O’Callaghan – Ladder 4
Firefighter Michael Brennan – Ladder 4
Firefighter Paul Gill – Engine 54
Firefighter Jose Guadalupe – Engine 54
Firefighter Michael Haub – Ladder 4
Firefighter Joseph Angilini, Jr. – Ladder 4
Firefighter Carl Asaro – Battalion 9
Firefighter Alan Feinberg – Battalion 9
Firefighter John Tipping II – Ladder 4
Firefighter Christopher Santora – Engine 54
Firefighter Leonard Ragaglia – Engine 54
Firefighter Michael Lynch – Ladder 4
Firefighter Samuel Oitice – Ladder 4

“The Pride of Midtown”

[South face]

This memorial is dedicated to all whose lives were lost in the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. Erected in memory of our fallen brother, Sam Oitice FDNY Ladder 4, Peekskill Engine 134. We shall never forget The Chiefs, Officers, and Members of the Peekskill Fire Department.

[North face]

In One Moment
Duty became sacrifice
A flag became strength
A man became a memory
All In One Moment

Peekskill Film Festival winners from record submissions

The Peekskill Film Festival, with the most applicants ever this year, selected the winners for 2024 after screening more than 90 films at the Hudson Valley Paramount Theater on July 26 and 27.

“Because of the increasing attention being paid to the Festival, we had a record number of film submissions this year,” said Christopher Fox, the Festival manager. “Carol Bash, John Morgan, and I had a very difficult time selecting the films to be screened, and an even more difficult time selecting the winners. The quality of the films increases each year making our job harder and harder.”

“We appreciate the ongoing support provided by The Field Library, and this year, by the City of Peekskill and the Peekskill Business Improvement District,” Fox said. “Not only did the film submissions increase, but our attendance almost doubled. For the first time there was publicity and advertising throughout the New York metro area and the Hudson Valley. We look forward to growing the Festival even more next year.”

The 2024 winners are:

Best of Fest — Creep Box. Patrick Biesemans is an Iranian/Filipino American filmmaker based in New York. Patrick’s accolades include winning the inaugural Musicbed Film Initiative Grant, the Screencraft Orb Fellowship for his original screenplay THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, and festival prizes for his short film work. Creep Box was Picked up by Quiver Distribution and will have a worldwide release early 2025.

Best Short Under 10 Minutes — Just Kids. Jackie Boo is a Taiwanese-American visual filmmaker born and raised in Los Angeles. She is drawn towards highlighting experiences of connection and visualizing emotions to tell the story. She attended Bard College and American Film Institute.

Best Short Over 10 Minutes – Asynchronous. Daniel Poliner is a New York based filmmaker. This film stars Sol Miranda, a Peekskill local actress.

Best Animation — A Walk in the Park. Jay Marks is a New York based animator and filmmaker.

Best Student Film — This Bitter Earth. Salvador Angelo Gonzalez is an award winning 20-year-old filmmaker from Queens, New York who currently attends the Purchase College Film BFA Conservatory.

Best Student Animation — Soul Less. Jay Hannon is a New Jersey based animator and filmmaker.

Best Director — Gregory Van Voorhis / Nicole Van Voorhis (Split Second) Gregory Van Voorhis, Nicole Van Voorhis are a brother sister directing duo form Yorktown Heights New York.

Best Cinematography — Jordan T. Parrott (One) Twin directing duo, Adam and Nathan Freise, create stories that blur the line between imagination and reality. Their unique stylistic choices are grounded in their background in architecture and animation, disciplines which have influenced their true passion: filmmaking.

Programmers Award – SilverSizzle. Brian Russell grew up in Connecticut. He is a Director and Director of Photography who knows he should focus, but loves all kinds of production. Now in his 50s, he is hoping it isn’t to late to make some movies!

Hudson Valley Hospital constantly expanding services

More than 60 attendees at the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce learned of the many advances at New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital during an address at the Chamber’s monthly networking meeting held on Sept. 6 at Cortlandt Colonial Restaurant.

Guest speakers Pratik Thaker, Vice President of Operations, and Dr. William Higgins, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, said the hospital is investing heavily in staffing, state-of-the-art medical technology and facilities to offer local residents the finest medical care available.

“We provide the best medical services right here in your backyard,” Thaker said, “so there is no need to go any further south into New York City any longer.”

Dr. Higgins said that the doctors of the Westchester Medical Group complete 350,000 patient visits a year and that more physicians are constantly recruited, including two more general practitioners who will arrive in December to fill a shortage in that field.

Hudson Valley Hospital is now one of the few hospitals in the region licensed to perform emergency cardiac procedures thanks to its new Cardiac Catheterization lab directly above the Emergency Room. Patients will no longer have to go to the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla for diagnostic tests for heart conditions, Dr. Higgins said.

Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie expressed the appreciation of her family and the local community for all the hospital and staff do for residents here.

“I want to thank the hospital for being such a good partner to the city,” McKenzie said. “Any time we ask for your support you always provide it in many ways. Our hospital is serving our community well.”

-By Jim Roberts

Hudson River ecosystem study underway by Cary Institute

The Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research (HRF) has awarded $1.7 million to Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies to monitor the Hudson River’s lower food web for three years. 

The project is an integral component of the $6.5 million Hudson River Ecosystem Monitoring Program, a collaboration of HRF and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to develop and implement the next generation comprehensive ecosystem monitoring program on the Hudson. The Cary Institute is based in Millbrook.

Cary’s Chris Solomon will lead the Interim Lower Food Web Survey to provide vital information for managing the river and its fisheries. The survey will build on historical data sets, including those from the DEC, Stony Brook University, and more than 30 years of research by Cary Institute scientists. Solomon and team will also explore what future Hudson River monitoring programs should look like.

“We’re excited to be working with our partners in the Hudson research and management community to help sustain the history and imagine the future of ecosystem monitoring in this iconic river estuary,” said Solomon.

In the past, utility companies that took water from the Hudson River were mandated to collect data on the river’s fish. But the program lapsed with the closure of the Indian Point Energy Center in 2021, according to the Hudson River Foundation.

Monthly monitoring will begin in January 2025. The team will collect water quality data as well as information about the biomass and abundance of small plants and animals at the base of the food web, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, bivalves, and other invertebrates.

Peekskill Police welcome PHS students with BBQ

Among the many activities held in Peekskill to mark the beginning of a new school year, the Peekskill Police Department welcomed high-schoolers with burgers and best wishes for a great year from officers.

The Peekskill High School annual Back to School BBQ is one of the Department’s favorite events of the year. It was another great success meeting and greeting this year’s freshman and sophomore students. The Peekskill officers wished everyone a safe, success filled academic year ahead.

The Department offered a big thanks to the Peekskill City School District and Peekskill High School Principal Dr. Ferris for her unwavering support in allowing them the opportunity to connect with our youth community.

Help Wanted: Waste plant ops manager, deputy treasurer in Buchanan

Westchester’s waste-to-energy plant in Peekskill is looking for an Operations Manager to manage all activities related to operations and development of the facility. The person will be responsible for the safe, proper, and efficient operation and maintenance of the facility in accordance with company policies and standards, under the direction of the Plant Manager. 

The person will manage and coordinate maintenance activities to include but not be limited to installing, inspecting, testing, repairing, adjusting, and calibrating all plant equipment and instrumentation, plan and conduct major outages; implement and direct effective PM program, lubrication plans.

The company, WIN Waste Innovations, requires that candidates have three years or more experience in comparable role in an administrative support or business support role; a Bachelor’s or Associates degree in a technical field or equivalent desirable, and six years’ experience in an incineration plant environment, with a minimum of five years in a supervisory role.

And the Village of Buchanan is seeking a Deputy Treasurer to assist in managing financial activities, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting the Treasurer in financial decision-making.

Qualifications for the job include a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; proven experience in financial concepts and practices; strong understanding of financial management principles; ability to perform balance sheet reconciliations and financial analysis; knowledge of regulatory reporting requirements and proficiency using KVS software is advantageous

Obituaries

Charlie Spinola

Charles Spinola died on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Charlie was born in Peekskill NY on June 21, 1965, to John (deceased) and Marylou Spinola. At the age of 16 Charlie was involved in a motor vehicle accident that left him with a spinal cord injury. Charlie was told he would never have feelings in his legs or walk again.

Knowing this, Charlie worked night and day and proved them all wrong. After six months of rehab, Charlie left there walking with the assistance of two crutches. As years went on he did move to a wheelchair full time but he never let it stop him. He lived a hard life, but he never complained and his pride was always too big to ask for help.

After graduating from Peekskill High School, Charlie attended Westchester Community College, where he obtained a business degree. After college Charlie started working for Peekskill Community Health Center (now known as Sun River Health) for the last 29 years.

Charlie had a huge love for music, he loved attending rock concerts every chance he could with family and friends. He was the biggest Minnesota Vikings, New York Yankees and Knicks fan going! Charlie could always make you laugh, he was the most selfless and strongest person you could know. He inspired so many people and he never even knew it. He was the best brother, uncle, friend and co-worker. Charlie will be greatly missed not only by family, friends, and co-workers but by all of the people he inspires with his strength and determination every single day. Charlie was the definition of strength, inspiration, and a true warrior. He is now at peace with no more pain and struggles walking into all the concerts and games he wants.

Charlie is survived by his mother Marylou Spinola of Wappingers NY, brother Anthony Spinola and his wife Kathy of Putnam Valley NY, brother Vincent Spinola (deceased), sister Lisa (Spinola) Riley and husband Robert of Poughkeepsie NY and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephew.

Ronald Kosilla

Ronald Kosilla, 63, of Wappingers Falls, NY passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on September 3, 2024. Born in Peekskill, NY on July 6, 1961, to Ronald and Mildred Kosilla.

Ron was a graduate of Peekskill High School, a volunteer firefighter, and a proud member of local community and sports clubs, such as the Elks Club. He enjoyed many pastimes such as watching his favorite sport’s team, the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Mets. In his early years, he was an avid hunter and later on in life he found solace as a fisherman. He enjoyed many fishing trips, but the most memorable being a trip to Alaska. Always enjoyed a good time and a cold-one with his friends and family.

He is survived by his loving wife Royilee “Dubbie” Kosilla, his four children Tammy Hayes (Greg Hayes), Michelle Kall (Russell Smith), Ronald “Ronnie” Kosilla, and Victoria “Vicki” Kosilla (Chris Frey). He’s also survived by his grandchildren Ariel Ortiz (Chase Adams), Chloe Hayes, Ryan Hayes, Marissa Hayes, and Vivianna Smith as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He was preceded by his parents Ronald “Bub” and Mildred “Mim” Kosilla, his brothers James Knapp and Donald “Scott” Knapp as well as his beloved dog, Pepper.