Telemarketers, paid parental leave, diaper ingredients covered by new laws
A slew of new laws in New York will go on the books in 2025. Here are a few.
Telemarketers must now identify themselves within the first 30 seconds of a phone call. All telemarketers must state their name, their employer and the purpose of the call. They are also required to disclose whether the call is being recorded and offer the option to be added to the business’ do-not-call list. The maximum penalty for telemarketers calling numbers on the Federal Trade Commission’s national Do Not Call registry is raised from $11,000 to $20,000.
Starting Jan. 1, all New York employees can file for worker’s compensation for mental injury sustained on the job as a result of “extraordinary work-related stress.” It builds on legislation enacted in 2017 that made first responders experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder eligible for such benefits.
On Jan. 1, New York will become the first state in the nation to offer all employees paid prenatal leave. The law grants all public and private employees 20 hours of paid leave per year to receive prenatal care. Employees do not need to accrue the hours over time: The full benefit will be available to them at the time of hire. The law covers paid leave for any health care services related to an employee’s pregnancy. This includes routine medical procedures and discussions with providers as well as fertility treatment and end-of-pregnancy care.
Employers are prohibited from asking for proof of pregnancy or details about prenatal appointments.
New York’s COVID-19 Paid Emergency Leave policy will expire on July 31. Enacted in March 2020, the policy required businesses to allow their employees an additional five days of paid sick leave a year, specifically for COVID-19 cases. The policy did not include an end date when it was first enacted, and some employers believe its sunset is long overdue.
Starting Jan. 1, car-leasing companies will be prohibited from charging a “turn-in fee” at the time of the lease’s expiration.
Diaper manufacturers will now be required to include a printed list of ingredients in diapers sold throughout the state. Disposable diapers commonly contain substances like formaldehyde and fragrance chemicals, contaminants that can be harmful to young children’s health. The legislation builds on a 2019 law that made New York the first state to require disclosure of ingredients in menstrual products.
Sustainable Westchester sets electric rates for 2025
The electricity supply rate that Peekskill residents pay if they don’t opt out of the city’s default choice with Sustainable Westchester has been set for the next 12 months.
In June the Council voted to continue the program, started here in 2019 and continued in 2022. The new rate is 13.298 cents per kilowatt hour for the 100 percent renewable option.
The Con Ed rate varies from month to month based on market prices. The rate on this month’s Con Ed bill is 9.844 cents per kilowatt hour.
Renewable energy in New York state is primarily hydropower while standard energy is a grid mix primarily composed of fossil fuels, according to Sustainable Westchester.
At the June meeting approving the Sustainable Westchester contract, Councilman Brian Fassett expressed his concerns. “I’m still not a great fan of this program. I don’t like the way that it rolls out. I think there are many municipalities that haven’t taken advantage of this to help push the green initiative forward.
“I’m concerned based on the contract that we are currently in, and I’ve had this conversation already, that we’ve unintentionally contributed to further poverty here in Peekskill for our residents. We’re putting green energy on the backs of our residents to solve the problem.”
Sustainable Westchester did not return an email from the Herald requesting comment.
All Peekskill residents are automatically enrolled in the program unless they opt out. To opt out go here.
– By Jim Roberts
Short-term rentals must now register, collect taxes
Hosts offering short-term rental properties through Airbnb, Vrbo or other services will have to register their properties under a new state law that goes into effect in March.
The legislation classifies short-term rentals as “hotels” for tax purposes, and booking services must collect and remit the applicable taxes. Booking services also have to register with the state, maintain records, cooperate with the tax commissioner, and make sure that renters pay their appropriate taxes.
Property owners or operators of short-term rentals must register with the Department of State (DOS) or a municipal system. Any booking service that facilitates such rentals also has to verify registrations and registration numbers, and remove any listings for unregistered properties.
The new law will give counties the option to create their own registries for short-term rental properties. There will be no mandate for counties that don’t want to do that.
“Our Short-Term Rental Registry is a breakthrough for New York’s housing future,” said Democratic State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “Communities will have the tools to grasp the true scope of short-term rentals, empowering them to develop strategies to expand stable housing options, increase affordability, and unlock untapped revenue.”
Lawmakers are expected to approve a final, amended version of the law in January.
Calendar of 2025 DPW collection schedules now available
The city of Peekskill 2025 East and West Side Collection Schedules are now available from the city’s Department of Public works.
The schedules list the dates throughout the year for household garbage pickups, newspaper and cardboard, pickup, bulk trash collection, commingle pickups, bag leaf collection and holidays with no scheduled pickup.
Visit the DPW website to download your copy.
Two new Peekskill restaurants make top choices list
Lohud restaurant columnist Jeanne Muchnick listed some of her favorite restaurant openings of 2024 in her year-end column.
“I’ve counted at least 126 restaurant openings in Westchester this year — a rough estimate as there are no doubt some I’m missed. The following 17 are among my faves. See if you agree.”
Here are two of them.
Any place with a rooftop deck wins points with me and this spot, which opened in February, has both a great design — think two stories of earthy, tropical vibes, vibrant murals, two bars — as well as great food, including a host of small plates and tacos. Plus, I’m always impressed by husband-and-wife owners, a trend I wrote about earlier this year. 20 N. Division St., 914-293-7472, tacodistrict.com.
I’m a huge fan of recreating the past, as you can tell from my nostalgic picks above, and this 49-seat bar, behind a retro-designed ice cream shop complete with vintage arcade games and a wallpapered entryway, is all the things you want a speakeasy to be: dark, moody and edgy with an emphasis on well-crafted cocktails.
The inky, slightly Gothic decorated space with a 14-seat bar, two white banquettes in each corner and a smattering of tables, topped with what look like old fashioned lanterns, has a fake fireplace in the back along with two couches, a black candelabra with lots of melty candles and skull wallpaper. While there’s food — think small plates — that’s not the emphasis, which is fine by me. I’m more about the drinks inspired by the 1920s. Try The 1806, a riff on the Manhattan or The Peekskillian, which is like a floral iced tea. 907 South St., Peekskill.
To read the entire article, go here.
Peekskill master musician gets funds for apprentice
César Vele of Peekskill will provide an apprenticeship in Andean folk music under a Folk Arts Apprenticeship Grant through funding from the New York State Council on the Arts to.
The grant will allow Chalán Vacacela, a Kichwa Saraguro youth leader and recent Harvard graduate, to study under master musician Vele, who is currently a member of multiple Andean ensembles across the region including Reencuentro Andino, Grupo Amauta, and Grupo Inkhay.
The grant is part of $150,000 in state grants for artists in Westchester, Rockland, and New York counties.
“Apprentices must belong to the same community of practice as the master artist and can even be a member of a master’s family,” said Aaron Paige, ArtsWestchester’s Director of Folk & Traditional Arts.”
For nearly three decades, ArtsWestchester has remained committed to supporting folk & traditional arts and artists. The ArtsWestchester Folk Arts Program produces festivals, concerts, and educational programs through grassroots partnership and collaboration. Services and resources are directed to cultural groups who face the greatest structural inequities in Westchester County.
North Westchester emergency shelter program receives grant
The Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation, the charitable arm of the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS®, recently presented a check for $2,500 to the Emergency Shelter Partnership (ESP), a non-profit organization serving northern Westchester County.
The Partnership provides emergency shelter and meals for those who have no place to sleep during the coldest months of the year. It is comprised of various congregations and community organizations that have joined together for the 20th year of the mission.
“We are thankful for the volunteer support from our congregational and community partners, however, our mission to provide shelter, meals and kindness during the coldest months of the year is only successful due to the generosity of our donors,” said JoAnne Hochstein, president of ESP.
“We are especially thankful to the HG REALTOR® Foundation for their generous donation that has helped to fund the cost of sleeping bags for this season, which is experiencing a 20% increase in the number of guests we are sheltering. For more information, please visit the ESP website.
A jolly time at Bohlmann Towers
It was a festive week and holiday last week at Bohlmann Towers filled with gingerbread houses, Christmas lights and lots of presents.
On Friday, Dec. 20, tenants went on a bus ride to see Christmas lights then returned to Bohlmann Towers for hot chocolate, cookies, and marshmallows. Then on Sunday, Dec. 22, tenants had a gingerbread making competition and lunch at the community room. Lastly on Christmas Day, Santa came and gave gifts to kids, said Tenant Commissioner Dawn Benson.
– By Eric Harvey
PHS students attend New York Jets game
More than 20 Peekskill High School students attended a New York Jets football game at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, an opportunity provided by the Jets.
The Elton Brand Academy sponsored the trip and provides afterschool support for PHS students and these scholars are continually pushing themselves to do better.
Founded by Peekskill High basketball legend Elton Brand, the program offers academic help, SAT prep and enrichment opportunities. If you would like to register your child for the Elton Brand Academy, please complete the Elton Brand Registration Form.
Peekskill households spend $2,753 a month on bills
A national bill-paying company that compiles anonymous statistics of household spending has ranked Peekskill as the least expensive Westchester community for cost-of-living.
The doxo Household Bill Pay dataset compiles figures at the national, state, county and city levels, providing a picture of the essential financial obligations of U.S. households.
doxo focused on the ten most common household bill categories: mortgage, rent, auto loan, utilities (electric, gas, water & sewer, and waste & recycling), auto insurance, cable, internet and phone, health insurance, mobile phone, alarm and security and life insurance.
The average household in Peekskill pays $2,753 per month, or $33,034 per year on bills ranking #143 in New York state. Household bills account for 38% of annual household income of $86,695 in Peekskill.
The report found the average U.S. household spends $24,557 annually on bills — roughly $2,046 a month. Peekskill household bills are $7,521 per year higher than the U.S. average, or 29 percent. However, when adjusted for income, Peekskill household bills are only 12 percent higher than the national average.
Here’s how Westchester County municipalities ranked in New York state for average household bill amounts:
- Rye: #2, $3,839 per month
- Scarsdale: #5, $3,747 per month
- Larchmont: #20, $3,460 per month
- Port Chester: #24, $3,429 per month
- Croton On Hudson: #27, $3,413 per month
- Ossining: #28, $3,379 per month
- Cortlandt Manor: #34, $3,358 per month
- Mamaroneck: #42, $3,312 per month
- Mount Kisco: #46, $3,275 per month
- White Plains: #67, $3,158 per month
- Yorktown Heights: #69, $3,138 per month
- Tarrytown: #95, $2,983 per month
- Bronxville: #102, $2,950 per month
- Hartsdale: #108, $2,943 per month
- Mount Vernon: #110, $2,939 per month
- New Rochelle: #119, $2,901 per month
- Yonkers: #140, $2,776 per month
- Peekskill: #143, $2,753 per month
Housing, labor markets remain strong in November
Single-house sales climbed while the number of people working declined slightly in the month of November in Westchester County.
The Westchester County labor market remained tight with an unemployment rate of just 3.2 percent, compared to New York City’s rate of 5.5 percent. The overall state unemployment rate stayed unchanged from October at 4.2 percent.
There were 480,300 employed people in Westchester, down from 488,500 in November 2023. The unemployed total was 16,100 compared to 18,300 last year, according to the New York State Department of Labor.
November’s closed house sales in Westchester increased by 2.3 percent for single-family homes compared to November 2023 but declined by 15.5 percent for condos and 22.1 percent for co-ops. All three property types experienced gains in median sales prices, with condos leading the way at 9.6 percent to $525,000.
Co-op prices moved forward by 8.4 percent to $227,701 and single-family home prices advanced by 4.7 percent to $890,000.
New listings were down for all three property types year-over-year, with single-family homes at an 18.6 percent decline. Condos and co-ops listings also decreased by 5.6 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively.
Inventory decreased by 31.1 percent for single-family homes, followed by 10.6 percent for condos and 5 percent for co-ops compared to November 2023 figures. Months of supply for all property types was down 22.2 percent to 2.1 months, and pending sales were up by 4.2 percent, according to the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® consisting of over 13,000 real estate professionals doing business in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange counties.
– By Jim Roberts
Field Library to begin ‘Library by Mail’ service in 2025
Dana Hysell, Director of The Field Library, expressed Year End greetings to the many patrons of the Library.
As 2024 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the many ways The Field Library has been a beacon of learning, connection, and inspiration for our community. Thanks to generous people like you, we are a place where all are welcome — a trusted resource for information, opportunities, and a true sense of belonging.
This year, with your support, the laughter of children filled our remodeled Children’s Room during Story times and Crafts. Teens found a safe, welcoming space to connect with friends in the Teen Room. Thousands of patrons — of all ages — enjoyed online games, e-books, audiobooks, music, films, streaming platforms, LinkedIn Learning, and more thanks to their free library card. Throughout the day, our computers linked people to jobs, loved ones, and vital resources. Meanwhile, the community gathered for book clubs, yoga, workshops, crafting, and countless other programs.
Our accomplishments this year were possible because donors like you stood side by side with us. And in this season of giving, I hope you’ll consider making a tax-deductible gift once more so we can start 2025 strong!
Our mission remains steadfast: to inspire lifelong learning, expand knowledge, and create opportunities for everyone as a community center. We are here for you.
I hope you see how The Field Library is making a positive impact on the lives of everyone we serve in Peekskill and Cortlandt. Your year end gift today will ensure free, accessible programming, essential services, and a welcoming space for all. Together, we can meet the growing needs of our community in the year ahead.
Thank you for being part of our library family. We look forward to seeing you soon, whether in the library or online!
If you would like to mail your donation:
The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY 10566
P.S. For those who can’t visit in person, our Library by Mail service will bring the library directly to patrons in 2025. That’s just another way we’ll better serve our community. I hope you’ll make a generous gift today. Thank you.
You can make a donation to the Field Library here.
A Good Dog Rescue Adoption event
On a chilly December Saturday, five families visited dogs at the first adoption event sponsored by the nonprofit A Good Dog Rescue organization. While a cold wind was blowing outside of Kinship Coworking at 116 Washington Street families were inside meeting and greeting a number of dogs needing adoption.
A Good Dog Rescue, based in Ossining, was founded by Lisa Smith who believes in dog safety, quality of life, commitment, loyalty, love, training, passion, education and a better life for all dogs.
Peekskill resident Gail Marina Giunta started, in collaboration with Smith, a “Peeps-n-Pups” weekly dog walks with volunteers from A Good Dog Rescue. The dogs get a walk, volunteers get training, and the pups get special outings. The volunteers did this weekly in Verplanck before Covid.
Peekskill Today filmmaker David Carbone stopped by the Dec. 21 event at Kinship and filmed the adoption event. To donate money, doggie items, volunteer, foster or adopt, contact Lisa Smith at (914) 469-6605. To volunteer for the weekly dog walks and basic dog training or adoption events, email [email protected].
Peekskill Police activity Dec. 15 through Dec. 22
The Peekskill Police department responded to more than 700 calls for service from Dec. 15 to Dec. 22. Here are some of those calls.
On Dec. 15 at 8:22 a.m. a missing person call on Pine Street. Follow-up investigations – 8:45 a.m. Hudson Avenue, 9:39 a.m. Chateau Rive Apartments and 9:47 a.m. Stony Street, Mohegan Lake. At 10:21 a.m. a domestic call at Villa Drive.
A DWI on North James Street at 12:14 p.m. An animal complaint at 12:51 p.m. on Franklin Street and 2:34 p.m. on Main Street. A domestic call at 4:16 p.m. on Main Street and another at 11:33 p.m. on Washington Street.
On Dec. 16 a series of special checks starting at 1:11 a.m. and ending at 2:19 a.m. on Main Street, Highland Avenue, North Division Street, Howard Street, Robin Drive, Washington Street, Hudson Avenue and Brown Street. (officers conducting a check of a specific area for any unlawful activity, usually determined as a result of community complaints). A motor vehicle accident with property damage at 5:48 a.m. on Union Avenue. A disorderly person at 8:34 p.m. on Washington Street.
On Dec. 17 a series of special checks starting at 1:50 .m. and ending at 9:50 a.m. at various locations including Main Street, Highland Avenue, North Division Street, Robin Drive, Washington Street, Hudson Avenue, Corporate Drive, John Walsh Boulevard and North Water Street. A dispute on Park Street at 4:45 p.m. and a disorderly group on Nelson Avenue at 6:08 p.m.
On Dec. 19 more special checks from 12:34 a.m. to 6:19 a.m. at South James Street, Main Street, Hudson Avenue, Water Street, Washington Street, Welcher Avenue Highland Avenue, John Walsh Boulevard and Smith Street. At 6:18 a.m. a parking complaint on Smith Street a suspicious activity at 7:31 a.m. on North Water Street.
On Dec. 20 special checks from 12:33 a.m. to 7:12 a.m. on North Division Street, Main Street, Riverwalk, Hudson Avenue, Water Street, Washington Street, Welcher Avenue Highland Avenue, John Walsh Boulevard, Smith Street, Park Street, Albany Post Road and Depew Street.
On Dec. 21 a larceny call at 3:20 p.m. on Welcher Avenue. A motor vehicle accident with property damage on Nelson Avenue at 5:29 p.m. A domestic call on High Street at 6:26 p.m. An unwanted party on Louis Court at 7:47 p.m.
On Dec. 22 a series of special checks from 4:32 p.m. to 7:01 p.m. on streets including Main Street, Hudson Avenue, Water Street, Washington Street, Railroad Avenue Highland Avenue, John Walsh Boulevard Brown Street and Park Street. A shoplifting call at 7:11 p.m. on Main Street.
On Dec. 23 a series of special checks from 1:11 a.m. to 3:57 a.m. on Washington Street, Main Street, Highland Avenue, North Division Street, South James Street, Dyckman Street, Robin Drive and Railroad Avenue. At 2:58 a.m. two warrant calls on Nelson Avenue.
You can read the entire blotter activity from Dec. 15 to Dec. 22 here.
Obituaries
Two native Peekskill businessmen died this month, representing a period of time when people who grew up here stayed and gave back to their community in immeasurable ways. ‘Augie’ Augustowski will be fondly remembered as the printer of the print edition of the Peekskill Herald‘s first rate card. In 1985 when the founders of the print edition walked into his shop on Washington Street with a bold idea to start a newspaper he was supporting and encouraging. He printed the rate card and wished us luck, always willing to lend a hand and support our newspaper.
Henry Seger was a gentle, friendly man who always had a smile and a kind word. A story told about him at his funeral on Saturday exemplified the type of person he was. As the proprietor of a heating oil company who would drive through town delivering fuel to people he noticed a man who was using two canes to navigate with much difficulty. Henry made it a point to find out who the fellow was and arranged for him to get a motorized scooter, on the condition that his identity not be revealed to the recipient. That was the type of person Henry was, he got joy by giving joy and one of his most generous gifts to the Peekskill community was the pirate ship he built and displayed for Halloween at his home on the corner of Riverview and Longview Avenues.
Lorman “Augie” Augustowski
Lorman “Augie” Augustowski, a resident of Cortlandt Manor, passed away on Dec. 15, 2024. He was 85 years old. Lorman was born in Peekskill on August 24, 1939 to the late Stephen Anthony and Amalia “Molly” Ann (Smigala) Augustowski. He served in the United States Army from 1961-1963.
Augie attended McKinley School then advanced to Peekskill Military Academy, graduating in 1957. After graduation he then went on to Norwich University in Vermont earning a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He was an avid shooter and competed on the rifle team for both PMA and Norwich where he received numerous awards for his marksmanship. He enjoyed Boy Scouts as a youth where he proudly earned the Eagle Scout award then later became a scoutmaster. In his teens he joined the Civil Air Patrol where he met his future wife, Nancy. They were married at the Church of the Assumption after graduation in 1961. Upon completion of his military service, the couple moved back to Peekskill and started a family.
After 10 years working at AT&T on such things as the Trans Continental Cable and communication satellites, he decided to venture out full time pursuing his hobby in offset printing. Merit Printing & Publishing quickly grew into the family business and moved to Washington Street where it was located for over 40 years. He shrugged off retirement and downsized over the past few years but continued in the trade until early this year.
Always interested in local history and the community, Augie joined the Lincoln Society and volunteered at the Peekskill Museum where he enjoyed reminiscing and giving the occasional speech on one of his favorite topics. Being particularly passionate about the memory of the Peekskill Military Academy, he took on the challenge of re-establishing the Alumni Association in which he worked tirelessly on many projects to preserve and archive the legacy of the school.
He is survived by his three children, Sherri (Kevin) Young, Brian Augustowski and Sandra Soriano, his granddaughter Samantha (Jennifer) as well as his precious little kitty Lucky.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years Nancy “Tootie” (Sutyak) Augustowski, his parents and his grandson Christopher.
Henry D. Seger
Henry D. Seger, 83, of Peekskill, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.
Born Nov. 17, 1941, in Peekskill, to Lynward and Marie Hrdlicka Seger. He was the youngest of three brothers, Lynward (Sonny) and Allan. His father died when the boys were young and they were raised by their mother. She was a very dedicated mother who utilized her Catholic faith to guide her in raising her boys. All three of them grew up to have successful careers. Henry stayed in Peekskill, built his businesses here, and spent his life in this community that meant so much to him.
At Peekskill High School, Henry was an outstanding athlete, excelling in both football and swimming and won the Con Ed award as a member of the swim team. This same drive and passion followed him in life. After high school, Henry went to work in the oil and propane industry, first at Paraco and then Esso (which became Exxon).
He wanted more for his family and he decided to strike out on his own in the late 1960s when in his mid-twenties, he founded his own successful heating oil company in Peekskill, Heatwell Oil (“When Winter Shivers, Heatwell Delivers” was the tagline on the back of all of their trucks, with their signature penguin, his favorite), that became a mainstay of the community for 30 years.
He gave back to the community all along the way, as an active member of the Elks Club and the Lions Club, marching in parades, giving his time to volunteer, and donating whenever possible to support all local community activities. Henry sold Heatwell Oil in 1997, but began a new heating oil business with his son Ken, Economy Fuel in 2007, where he worked until the very end. People would wonder why he didn’t retire. It was all about a true love and passion for his work. It was so much a part of who he was and his business brought him so many good things, like friendships and time with his son.
All while building Heatwell Oil, he was also building a family. Henry was a very dedicated and loving father to his three children, Ken, Stacy and Kim. After a divorce when his children were young, Henry was a single father who raised the three of them and gave them the most amazing childhood, for which they are forever grateful, and the love they have for each other is immeasurable. This extended out to all his grandchildren, and the many annual big family trips brought so much joy (and so many “grandpa dancing” videos!). For Henry, it was all about family and the time they spent together. He was always there for them creating wonderful experiences and memories. They all made time for dinners out or visits to each other’s homes. For Henry, it was all about the more the merrier and having a good time, which always included a few cocktails.
Henry loved all animals but had a special place in his heart for dogs, especially his beloved Toby. Henry would often share his steak dinner leftovers (and anyone else’s!) with his precious dogs.
His favorite holiday was Halloween, and his Halloween display at his house in Peekskill was the stuff of legends, with a home-built pirate ship, hundreds of skeletons, and numerous theme displays. Plus he would buy over 1,000 full-size candy bars to give out, and to see all the kids’ faces light up at the display and the candy bars made his heart full every year. In fact, it also made the adults smile maybe even more than the kids! We were so thrilled he had the opportunity to enjoy it again this year.
Henry is survived by his longtime partner, Patty McGrath, and his children, Ken (Becky) Seger and Stacy (Dan) Murphy. He is predeceased by his beloved daughter Kimberly in 2020. He is the beloved grandfather of six grandchildren: Frank (Samantha), Kayla and Sean Murphy and Matt (Claire), Sarah and Michelle Seger, and two great-grandchildren, Devin and Riley Murphy. He is also survived by Patty’s children, Kerry (Matt) Appel, and Frank McGrath, and grandchildren Joseph, Matt, and Grady.
