State commission to rule on
Con Ed’s proposed double-digit rate hikes
Con Edison is proposing new rates for gas bills in January 2026 that would rise by more than 13 percent and electric bills that would increase by nearly 11.5 percent.
Con Ed said the additional funds are needed to invest in infrastructure to better withstand the growing frequency of extreme weather events. The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) will review the proposal and make the final decision on any rate hikes. PSC typically issues a decision on rate cases within 11 months.
Con Edison said with the recent extreme weather conditions, the proposed plan could hopefully prevent loss of power or service.
The utility said the proposed electric and gas rate plans will support economic growth and development in New York City and Westchester County by investing more than $21 billion over three years to build new infrastructure, like transmission, substation and distribution facilities to better serve customers, including those in disadvantaged communities, and help ensure compliance with New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Nominations extended for awards honoring women, Irish Americans
The City of Peekskill has extended the deadline for nominations for Women’s History Month and Irish American Heritage Month to Friday, Feb. 14.
The City of Peekskill would like to honor outstanding women and Irish American citizens in the community for their personal or professional achievements, civic contributions, or general good deeds that have favorably impacted our citizens.
To nominate someone for Irish American Heritage Month, fill out this form.
To nominate an outstanding woman, fill out this form.
Donate canned goods at
Field Library through Feb. 22
In honor of February being National Canned Food Month, The Field Library is accepting donations of non-perishable canned goods as part of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam 2nd Annual Canned Food Drive.
Drop off your canned goods through Feb. 22 to support local pantries in Westchester and Putnam Counties.
This observance takes place every February, highlighting the value of canned foods—affordable, convenient, and nutritious options for those in need.
The drive offers a meaningful way to give back to the community and help fight hunger. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to donate non-perishable canned goods at participating locations. The donations will be distributed to families and individuals facing food insecurity.
Free help with taxes at Neighborhood Center until April 11
Tax season has arrived. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is once again providing tax preparation services by appointment only on Fridays starting on Feb. 7 through April 11 at the Neighborhood Center at 4 Nelson Ave.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. You don’t need to be an AARP member to use the service.
Volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. You can choose to have an IRS-certified volunteer prepare your taxes or provide coaching so you can prepare them yourself.
To schedule an appointment, call (914) 440-3086.
Peekskill developer running for
Yonkers City Council president
Chuck Lesnick, a principal of a proposed housing development on Broad and Howard streets in Peekskill and a familiar figure in the business community here, has announced he is a candidate for president of the Yonkers City Council.
Lesnick served eight years as City Council president for Yonkers, which is New York’s fourth-largest city with a population of 200,000 and an annual budget of more than $800 million. He has also served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Yonkers, where he advocated funding the waterfront redevelopment and restoration of the historic Yonkers Recreation Pier, and as president of the Westchester Municipal Officials Association, where he assisted in the examination of tax assessment practices in 43 jurisdictions.
As an “of counsel” attorney with the law firm Marks DiPalermo Wilson, Lesnick focuses on real estate law, property management, Federal Opportunity Zones, historic tax benefits, and programs to encourage the adaptive reuse of older buildings.
Iron Devils robotics team competes with best in New York
Huge congratulations to the Peekskill High School Iron Devils and Coach Carlo Vidrini for their incredible performance at the Clarkson University Qualifiers in Potsdam, N.Y. on Feb. 1. They received the Control Award and secured 2nd place in the winning alliance — teams whose robots score highest in the elimination rounds — with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses.
In early January the Iron Devils took part in the NY Excelsior First Tech Challenge qualifier tournament at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, N.Y. and placed second in the qualification rounds out of 27 participating teams and brought home the prestigious “Control Award” and “Finalist Alliance Award” and have qualified for the state finals in Utica March 8-9.
This is the fourth time in the last five years PHS students have qualified to participate in the state finals.
MBK students recognized for organizing toy drive
Congratulations to Peekskill High School My Brother’s Keeper students who received certificates of recognition from Westchester County for organizing a toy drive this holiday season.
D’Andre South, Jeriacho Davis and Tony Monchinski attended our Board meeting on Tuesday night to receive their certificates.
Former President Obama began the MBK initiative in February, 2014 to address persistent opportunity gaps confronted by young men of color in order to make sure that all young men reached their full potential. This initiative seeks to establish a commitment from the community leaders to assist in reaching that goal.
To date, Peekskill City School District has identified over 50 student mentees at the middle and high school levels. These young men have been paired with mentors that span from district employees to community partners and business owners. Community partners include Arts10566, Be First Boxing, New Era Creative Space, the Peekskill Chapter of the NAACP, and the Peekskill Youth Bureau.
Future leaders discuss issues in Albany at annual Youth Forum
The Ossining, Peekskill and Putnam County Youth Bureaus visited Albany last week for the Annual Youth Leadership Forum. Legislators spoke with these future leaders about issues affecting their communities and how they can help address their concerns at the state and individual level.
Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and Senator Pete Harckham met with Peekskill students to discuss critical issues that resonate deeply within the community including immigration, mental wellness and expanded family resources.
The annual Youth Leadership Forum in Albany is a free interactive leadership and educational conference offered to youth (ages 12 and older) and Youth Bureau personnel from across New York State.
During this two-day event, students convene at the Empire State Plaza to participate in seminars and workshops, and then meet individually with their New York State representatives regarding funding for key initiatives.
This year’s legislative priorities included expanded programming and infrastructure improvements for after-school, investment in youth employment opportunities and development of additional swimming facilities and programs.
Youth Bureau honors winners of MLK awards
Congratulations to Dr. Eudes S. Budhai on receiving the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award and Damare Walker for receiving the Darryl Francis Youth Award at the 6th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration event held last week at the City of Peekskill Youth Bureau.
The Youth Bureau expressed a special thank you to Skyla Houston for being the program MC, Joseph Goldwire for being this year’s Youth Keynote Speaker and all the community partners for their attendance and support.
Dr. Budhai is the assistant superintendent of the Peekskill City School District since August 2021. He previously served as superintendent of schools in the Nyack district from 2021 to 2022 and the superintendent of the Westbury UFSD from 2017 to 2021.
Gain experience in Summer Fellowship program
Westchester County is now accepting applicants for its Summer Fellowship Program.
County Executive Ken Jenkins’ Fellowship Program provides eligible high school and college students with the opportunity to gain professional experience, build leadership skills, work closely with experienced staffers and learn about county government.
To learn more about the program, visit the website. The deadline to apply is April 25, 2025.
High School Ski Club hits the slopes at Catamount
Last week the Peekskill High School Ski Club went to Catamount Mountain for a fun day on the slopes. Richard Flacinski is the Ski Club Advisor.
Catamount Mountain Resort is a four-season resort straddling the New York and Massachusetts border, located just 2.5 hours from NYC and conveniently located to Western Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley. Offering some of the most varied terrain in Southern New England, Catamount is suited for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau partnered with the club and sponsored the bus.
Lippolis named treasurer of Gateway Realtors association
The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) installed Vlora Sejdi as its 2025 resident, along with its new 2025 board of directors, at a January 30 Gala at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac.
This year’s theme, “Driving Change Together,” embodies HGAR’s mission to unite its members in shaping the future of real estate while fostering collaboration and growth within the communities it serves.
Executive officers installed were Rey Hollingsworth Falu of Hollingsworth Real Estate Group in White Plains as President-Elect, Joseph Lippolis of BHHS Rivertowns Real Estate in Peekskill as Treasurer; Tony Ruperto, of Ally Realty in Beacon as Secretary and Carmen Bauman of Keller Williams NY Realty in White Plains is the Past President.
The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® is a not-for-profit trade association consisting of over 13,000 real estate professionals doing business in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. It is the second largest REALTOR® Association in New York, and one of the largest in the country.
New Businesses
Filed with the Westchester County Clerk’s office
Alvarez Maintenance Co., 672 N. Division St., Peekskill 10566. c/o Jonathan Alvarez. Filed Dec. 23.
Expo Arte Ecuador, 219 Fremont St., Peekskill 10566. c/o Luis Roberto Potosi Canamar. Filed Dec. 24.
Yunguilla Rental Space & Events, 200 N. Water St., Peekskill 10566. c/o Angel Machisaca. Filed Dec. 10.
Yunguilla Sports & Events, 200 N. Water St., Peekskill 10566. c/o Angel Machisaca. Filed Dec. 10.
Dr. Spotless Touch Cleaning, 691 Marion Ave., Peekskill 10568. c/o Danilda Rodriguez. Filed Jan. 7.
