Greek-flagged ship laying cable in Hudson
Sharp-eyed Peekskillians may have noticed a large red commercial ship anchored in the Hudson off Jones Point during the first weekend of January.
The Greek-flagged Astrea, a 234-foot offshore supply ship, is part of the fleet laying 85 miles of undersea cable in the river as part of the “ Champlain Hudson Power Express” – a 339-mile-long high voltage DC cable that will bring hydroelectric power from Quebec to New York City beginning in 2026. Once operational, the $6 billion project consisting of two five-inch diameter cables, will carry 1,250 megawatts, making it the largest buried power line in the US.
– By Jim Striebich
Grant money available for capital improvements
The City of Peekskill’s Downtown Revitalization Fund, using grant funds from the state Downtown Revitalization Initiative, has opened a second round as of January 2025.
The Downtown Revitalization Fund has almost $100,000 remaining to assist local businesses and property owners within the DRI Boundary plan and pay for capital improvements.
Preferred Projects: Signage design, fabrication and installation.
Other eligible projects include: interior and exterior building renovations; purchase and installation of permanent equipment & machinery; solar installation; and architecture, engineering, and environmental testing for project implementation.
Eligible applicants include businesses, property owners and organizations in the DRI area. Applications are due Feb. 14 by 4 p.m.
More information is available here.
Cameras installed at Peekskill Plaza after complaints
This holiday season tenants of Peekskill Plaza received a gift in the form of several security cameras placed in the courtyard, mailroom, entrances, and hallways of their apartments.
Both a tenant at 901 and 907 Main Street told the Herald they saw security workers installing wiring and cameras in the halls on Dec. 26 and New Year’s Eve. One tenant claimed one of the workers said they were installing cameras on every floor.
The building’s management company, Marathon Development Group, did not respond to a request for a comment.
The security upgrade comes following a meeting with State Sen. Pete Harckham and City Manager Matt Alexander where tenants complained of quality life issues and alleged drug dealing and prostitution in their building.
One tenant also said for the past few weeks a Section 8 inspector has been coming around to help tenants.
– By Eric Harvey
Peekskill Rec has something for all in Winter/Spring
The Peekskill Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring Program Guide is now available. There are programs and activities for all age groups and skill levels throughout 2025 for Peekskill residents to enjoy.
They include: Dancing With Dache – focusing on hip-hop and street-jazz style of dance, no experience needed; Basketball Skills And Drills – not your playground pickup game, for the serious individual who wants to be the best they can be; Adult Swim For Beginners – afraid of the water? Never thought you could learn to swim? Overcome your fears and learn all the pleasures of the water; and Pee Wee Tennis – a unique introductory tennis program featuring scaled down equipment and large foam balls and dozens more.
To find the programs right for you and your family, view the guide and experience all there is to offer.
Learn to prepare for careers in media
New Era Creative Space is offering a Pathways to Media Studies program for students ages 13 to 18, beginning Jan. 7. The classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and can lead to paid internships for participating high school students.
Topics will include filmmaking, storytelling, video and media production. Work with industry professionals and state-of-the-art equipment.
For more information contact [email protected] or call 914.930.1777
To sign up, fill out this form.
Corner lot, Stop-and-Go Deli sold to Brooklyn developer
The empty corner lot and the Stop-and-Go deli building at South and Washington streets has been sold to a developer from Brooklyn.
According to a deed filed with County Clerk’s office, 716-730 South Street LLC paid $1.45 million to purchase the two parcels. The seller was Marcus J. Perez Jr. of Cortlandt Manor.
The buyer lists an address of 2170 Mill Ave. in Brooklyn. Incorporation papers filed in Albany that created the buyer’s company used Nuco Filings Corp. of Lakewood, N.J. to file the papers with the Secretary of State.
In a March 2024 story the Herald reported that the owner of the property owed the city of Peekskill back taxes totaling $77,756 dating back to 2019.
Red Devils basketball team loses at the County Center
It was a fun weekend for those who attended the 7th Annual Crusader Classic/Slam Dunk Showcase at the Westchester County Center.
On Friday, Jan. 3, spectators were treated to a clash of champions, when Peekskill (Class AA champs) took on Woodlands (Class B champs). The Peekskill Red Devils, who were coming off two losses, came into this match in search of a boost in confidence. Unfortunately, it was not to be their night.
After a tight back and forth contest, with points being scored at both ends of the court, Woodlands put on a dominant fourth quarter display, which secured their victory over Peekskill. The final score of the match was Woodlands 66-57 Peekskill.
Peekskill’s Jaden Chavis (23 pts) and Isaiah Crawford (24 pts) carried their team in points in this game. Aaron Woodberry scored 24 points for the Woodlands Falcons, which secured him Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match.
The Peekskill boys are currently on a three game losing streak. They will want to put this game behind them as soon as possible and focus on their next match, which is against Harrison on Monday, Jan. 6 at home at 6:15 p.m.
-By Jeffrey Merchan
Lewis honored by Westchester Black educators
Jamal Lewis, Peekskill School District assistant superintendent for administrative services, is a recipient and honoree for the 2025 WABSE (Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators) Educator Award.
Westchester Black Male Educator Honorees are committed to educating and empowering our young people. They inspire every day.
Lewis has worked in the Peekskill City School District since 2014. Prior to that, he was an administrator in Orange and Westchester counties and taught in the Bronx and Westchester County. Lewis has been an educator and administrator for 27 years.
Lewis is proud of his Bronx roots that helped grow a responsible, determined, committed and appreciative citizen. He received his bachelor’s in education from Baruch College, a master’s degree in education from Lehman College and a master’s degree is school leadership from Mercy University. He is a Columbia University Certified Leadership Coach.
An event will be held on Jan. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. in White Plains, where Lewis will receive his award. You can reserve tickets here.
Latimer to Wishnie to Jenkins in the County Executive seat
Outgoing Westchester County Executive George Latimer bid a farewell in his transition to the U.S. House of Representatives last week. Now the path to succession as the new county executive will follow a winding road through the rest of 2025.
Next up in the County Executive chair was Richard Wishnie, the 81-year-old longtime County official who will hold the office for six days as acting executive until Jan. 6.
On that day current Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins will step into the role when the County Board of Legislators officially appoints him.
The County Board doesn’t meet until Jan. 6 when they will name Jenkins as the permanent county executive. According to Westchester County Board Chair Vedat Gashi, without board approval he can only name an acting county executive so Wishnie was named acting executive for the six-day gap beginning when Latimer resigned on Jan. 2.
Legislators will then set a February or March special election date to fill the rest of Latimer’s term. Jenkins will run in the special election, and it’s not clear if the GOP will field a candidate.
Jenkins, who previously ran for the position as a Democrat, is running once again and has the endorsement of the outgoing Latimer. Jenkins appointment is for the remainder of Latimer’s term that ends in 2025. An election will be held in November for the regular four-year term starting in January 2026.
Police recover body from Bear Mountain Bridge jump
A State Police Underwater Recovery Team has recovered the body of a man who jumped to his death from the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The victim, identified by police as a 32-year-old man, jumped at about 11:12 a.m. on Dec. 28.
Troopers said the preliminary investigation revealed the man parked his vehicle on the east side of the bridge and jumped.
The recovery team responded and located the victim in the Hudson River.
Authorities said after jumping, the victim was seen for a few minutes treading water before disappearing beneath the surface of the Hudson.
Emergency responders from Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, and Orange counties were notified and all responded with divers and rescue boats. However, later in the day, police said the operation had been canceled and State Police were in a recovery mode.
Editor’s Note: The first reference to this item referenced a wrong date. It was updated at 2:18 p.m.
The tip line is always open at the Peekskill Herald
Have a story idea that you’d like to see a reporter from The Herald check out? Ever think of a question that you wish someone would answer?
We always want to hear from our readers and here’s your way to reach us. Whether it’s a question regarding a specific event, an economic development project, or just a trend you’ve noticed, we want to hear it.
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].
Hen Hud ‘s Bailey inducted into Coaches Hall of Fame
Hendrick Hudson High School’s track and field coach Marcia Bailey was inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame on Dec. 21 at the Nike Track & Field Center at the Armory in New York City.
Coach Bailey, otherwise known as “Bails” to her Hen Hud athletes and students, has coached track and field at Hendrick Hudson High School for over 50 years. She began her teaching and coaching career in 1974 and retired as a math teacher in 2018. Even after her retirement, Bailey continued to coach the Sailor track and field and cross-country teams. She has coached thousands of athletes in the sport, providing student-athletes with a vast array of experiences.
During her tenure, Bailey coached the Sailors to numerous league titles and county championships. She’s had hundreds of individual athletes win sectional and county championships and qualify for state meets. Bailey also coached two athletes to New York state championships: Kim Fogarty won the state title in the pentathlon in 1999 and Kevin Alford captured the 2000 state title in the same event.
“To have a coach make the impact that she has made on our community for over five decades is unheard of,” Hendrick Hudson Athletic Director Tom Baker said. “She is a true Sailor! What I find most impressive about her is her commitment and dedication to the entire Hendrick Hudson community.”
LUCA scholars receive QuestBridge full scholarships
Three outstanding LUCA (Latino U College Access) scholars earned four-year full scholarships through the QuestBridge Match program to some of the most prestigious universities in the country.
They are: Jemell A. – Wesleyan University (Peekskill High School); Christian G. – Tufts University (White Plains High School) and Daniela C. – University of Pennsylvania (Ossining High School).
This success is an example of what dedication, resilience and hard work can achieve. Congratulations to the interns and a heartfelt thank you to their mentors for inspiring excellence every step of the way.
Latino U College Access was founded in 2012 to close the college-degree gap by helping Latino students overcome systemic barriers on their journeys to and through college. LUCA is one of the only college-access organizations whose mission specifically supports Latino students and their parents with culturally relevant, family-centered and bilingual programming.
LUCA’s groundbreaking Scholars Program works in collaboration with eight high schools in Westchester County to help high-achieving Latino students prepare for and succeed in college. All of LUCA’s partner schools serve economically disadvantaged students and have a high Latino student population of over 50 percent.
Students are nominated for the program in their junior year of high school by school counselors, based on academic qualifications. Scholars are then paired with one of LUCA’s highly trained volunteer College Coaches, who guides them through the complex process of college admissions and financial aid. Coaches and the LUCA team also help students and parents make informed choices about college selection, academic fit and more. Once enrolled in college, LUCA continues to provide assistance and mentorship to help ensure Scholars graduate on time and are career ready.
Calling all girls flag football referees
The fastest-rising sport in Section I is seeking new officials. A Girls Flag Football Spring 2025 officials Training School will be held prior to the season.
For those who want to get involved, the training dates are: orientation meeting via zoom: Feb. 26, 7 p.m. training session #1 at Byram Hills High School: March 6, 7 p.m. training session #2 at Byram Hills High School: March 11, 7 p.m.
For more information, please contact Randy Reamer at [email protected] or (845) 803-3964 or George Greiger at [email protected] or (914) 671-2406
Voisey named as ‘Trailblazer in Economic Development’
Carole Voisey, executive director of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, was named in the City & State New York’s 2024 Trailblazers in Economic Development list.
City & State’s inaugural Trailblazers in Economic Development puts a spotlight on 100 New Yorkers who are on the front lines, creating jobs and spurring economic growth at the local, state and national level. (This list replaces Economic Development Power 100, which will return in 2025).
From offices in downtown Peekskill, Carole Voisey leads the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce in promoting and advocating for the small-business community in northern Westchester County. The chamber also serves as the regional tourism information center, a key industry in that region of the state. The chamber’s vision statement establishes the organization as a key resource hub for the Hudson Valley gateway, including the promotion of the local economy as well as driving tourism and economic growth in the region.
Lt. Bielomyza retires from Peekskill Police Department
Please join in congratulating Lieutenant Susan Bielomyza on her retirement from the City of Peekskill Police Department, effective, Dec. 27, 2024.
Lt. Bielomyza served both the City of Peekskill Police Department and the New York City Police Department for nearly 22 years. During that time, she rose through the ranks serving as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant and most recently as Lieutenant Commander of the Patrol Division tasked with overseeing daily police operations.
Congratulations Lt.Bielomyza, and may you have a long, healthy retirement filled with peace and happiness.
Peekskill Police calls Dec. 23 to Dec. 29
Peekskill Police responded to nearly 700 calls during the period from Dec. 23 to Dec. 29. Here are some of those calls.
Dec. 23 – Larceny calls at 7:54 a.m. on Main Street, 1:39 p.m. on Main Street and 4:22 p.m. on South Division Street. A motor vehicle accident with personal injury on Park Street at 7:49 a.m. A welfare check at 9:57 a.m. on Depew Street. Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident at 3:11 p.m. on Central Avenue. An assault on North James Street at 4:25 p.m. An unwanted party on Main Street at 5:04 p.m. A domestic incident on Paulding Street at 5:29 p.m.
Dec. 24 – A series of ongoing special checks (officers conducting a check of a specific area for any unlawful activity, usually as a result of community complaints) from 12:29 a.m. to 11:13 p.m. on numerous streets throughout the city. Medical aid, DOA at 10:15 a.m. on Hudson Avenue. A domestic incident at 11:18 a.m. on Hollow Brook Road. Harassment at 11:40 a.m. on Washington Street. From 1:16 p.m. to 2:12 p.m. on Main Street – animal complaint, welfare check, follow-up investigation and altercation. Subpoena service on Frost Lane at 5:07 p.m.
Dec. 25 – Special checks and a police investigation on Main Street from 12:30 a.m. to 12:57 a.m. A special check at Ofori’s at 1:39 a.m. An altercation on Washington Street at 3:40 a.m. A police investigation on Smith Street at 6:39 a.m. Special checks from 9:509 a.m. to 10:53 a.m. on Main Street, Crompond Road, Highland Avenue, Hudson Avenue and Park Street. A missing person call at Chateau Rive at 1:22 p.m.
Dec. 26 – A fire call on North Water Street at 1:12 a.m. A domestic incident on Maplewood Avenue at 2:05 a.m. Larceny calls on South Division Street, 10:14 a.m., Boulevard Avenue at 12:14 p.m. and Wells Street at 12:14 p.m. Identity theft at 3:41 p.m. on Lakeview Drive. A medical call at 7:44 p.m. on Main Street. K9 activity on Horton Drive at 10:22 p.m.
Dec. 27 – Special checks beginning at 12:11 a.m. through 2:20 a.m. at Main Street, Highland Avenue, Robin Drive, North Division Street, South Division Street, Washington Street, John Walsh Boulevard, North Division Street and Railroad Avenue. Suspicious activity at 9:10 a.m. on North James Street. An animal complaint on Constant Avenue at 9:50 a.m. A quality of life city code violation at 2:32 p.m. on Park Street. Suspicious activity at 7:03 p.m. on Main Street.
Dec. 28 – Vehicle and traffic law enforcement as a result of community complaints at 1:43 a.m. on South Street. A fire on Cortlandt Street at 4:42 p.m. Traffic stops from 6:51 p.m. to 9:46 p.m. on Franklin Street, Park Street, Main Street, Washington Street, Nelson Avenue and Hudson Avenue.
Dec. 29 – A dispute on Liberty Street at 1:09 a.m. A disorderly person on North Water Street at 5:31 a.m. A police investigation on Lakeview Drive at 9:33 a.m. An unwanted party on Bank Street 1:02 p.m. An intoxicated person on Constant Avenue at 3:22 p.m. Special checks from 4:47 p.m. to 6:24 p.m. on Horton Drive, Elm Street, Hudson Avenue, Robin Drive, Main Street, John Walsh Boulevard, Smith Street and Highland Avenue. Disputes at 9:01 p.m. on Harrison Avenue, 9:08 p.m. on South Street and 11:22 p.m. on Washington Street.
You can read the full activity report here.
Obituaries
Bradamante Siniscalchi
Bradamante Siniscalchi, 81 of Peekskill passed away on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on Oct. 9, 1943, in Lauro Italy, to Carmelo Schiavone and Rachele Graziano, Siniscalchi was the middle of three children.
In 1958, she met the love of her life, Biagio Siniscalchi, when he returned back to Italy. Within six weeks of meeting, they were married on Feb. 15, 1959. Biagio then left Italy to come to America to prepare the way to receive his beautiful bride. In May 1959, around Memorial Day, Bradamante left her family and hometown to start a new life with her husband in America. They settled in Peekskill. With only a fourth-grade education, she was determined to learn English and taught herself how to speak, read, and write. In 1960, they started their family.
Together they had four daughters and a son: Assunta Marie, Rachele Luigia, Louise, Carmela, and Giuseppe.
In 1960, Bradamante along with Biagio started their own business and years later established Benny Siniscalchi Paving, Inc. She was the president of the company and successfully ran it up until the day of her illness. Her employees loved her and would call her Mamma.
Bradamante loved to be surrounded by her family, but especially loved babies. She would be the first to hold a baby. Her infectious laugh would make everyone smile. She loved to cook for her family and made many delicious meals. She had many names but loved to be called Mommy and Nonna.
Bradamante is survived by her longtime love of 65 years, Biagio, and their children Rachele Siniscalchi, Louise (Andre) Vermandois, Carmela Siniscalchi Frattellone; Giuseppe (Anny Martinez), her brother Rocco Schiavone and niece Rachele Schiavone both of Italy, her 10 adoring grandchildren: Marie-Louise Olsen, Rachele Santiago, Charles Rice Jr, Giuseppe Rice, Christopher Olsen, Mario Rice, Jacques Vermandois, Biagio Vermandois, Nicolette Frattellone, Biagio Siniscalchi, and six loving great-grandchildren: Jackson Santiago, Alexander Gerka, Benjamin Santiago, Augustus Gerka, Sofia Gerka, and baby Rachele Rice.
She is predeceased by her parents Carmelo and Rachele, sister Maria Carmina, and daughter Assunta Olsen.
