CITY
DA offers Councilman Scott new plea deal
Peekskill Common Council member Rob Scott has been offered a plea deal by the Westchester County District Attorney’s office that would reduce felony charges filed against him last April to a misdemeanor and allow him to continue to serve on the council until his term expires at the end of the year.
At a hearing in White Plains Court on Feb. 19, Scott’s attorney Mayo Bartlett told the judge that the District Attorney’s office will now accept a guilty plea to a misdemeanor along with community service to resolve the case. Westchester County Assistant District Attorney Sheila Horgan confirmed the offer at the hearing.
A spokesperson for the DA’s office told the Herald that Scott will not be required to step down as a Council member as part of the plea agreement and declined to comment further.
Scott was issued a desk appearance ticket in April of 2024 and charged with filing designating petitions containing forged signatures, a Class E felony, for a seat on the Westchester County Board of Legislators in the June 2023 Democratic primary election. He faced a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
The DA alleged that Scott’s petitions contained forged signatures of eight individuals who told DA Office investigators that they never signed a petition for the defendant.
In a published report in 2023, Scott denied forging signatures on his petitions and said that he was stunned to learn that his petition included the names of people who had not signed, including three dead people.
Scott’s attorney Bartlett declined to comment when reached by the Herald. Bartlett told the judge his client will consider the offer. The next scheduled hearing in the case is March 27.
– By Jim Roberts
Peekskill Plaza tenants see improved quality of life
Since cameras were installed at Peekskill Plaza apartments, there have been improvements in quality of life issues, some residents there told the Herald.
The building’s management, Marathon Development Group, installed several cameras in the courtyard, mailroom, and entrances and hallways of apartment complexes, which include 901, 903, 905, and 907 Main Street.
One tenant of 907 Main Street said though there are still “crackhead junkies” who sneak in, it is nothing like it was before.
A 901 Main Street tenant similarly said she believed a drug dealer residing in the apartment was recently evicted.
“I do feel finally that Marathon Development Corporation is taking this seriously,” the tenant told the Herald. [They’re] beginning to take this situation seriously and I do see progress.”
Marathon Development Group did not respond to a request for comment.
– By Eric Harvey
Another rally against President Trump, Musk in Peekskill
Another rally opposing President Donald Trump was held outside of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer’s Peekskill office on Park Place at 2 p.m. on President’s Day, Feb. 17.
About 400 people registered on the Mobilize app, including members of Northern Westchester Indivisible, Indivisible Westchester, Indivisible Ulster, Indivisible Rockland, Indivisible Yorktown, and Hudson Valley Strong Indivisible.
The demonstration was part of the Indivisible movement which called for members around the country to hold “organic rallies” at their electeds and senators offices, including Senate Minority Leader Schumer, and demand them to fight back and “protect democracy” from Trump and Elon Musk, according to the groups.
– By Eric Harvey
Workshop for first-time homebuyers at City School District
The Peekskill Parent Center of the Peekskill City School District will host a first-time homebuyer workshop in partnership with Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union on Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m.
The workshop, “Understanding your credit and how to buy a house,” will be presented by Melissa Colon, Mid-Hudson Valley Credit Union’s financial education expert. Learn about the home buying process and the programs available to first-time homebuyers.
The event will be held at the Resource Center at 400 S. Division St. To register, call Dr. Bridget Holloman at (914) 737-0201 ext. 7102.
ParentSquare coming to Peekskill City schools
The Peekskill schools district’s Communications and Technology Departments are partnering with ParentSquare, a simple school-to-home communication platform to help empower everyone within the school community to stay connected and informed.
ParentSquare is relied upon by millions of educators and families in 48 states for unified, effective school communications. The technology platform features extensive integrations with student information and other critical administrative systems, translates to more than 100
languages, and provides notifications via app, email, text, voice, and web portal access for equitable communication.
“As we work to streamline our communication efforts, our district and school websites will also be updated with ParentSquare’s Smart Sites. Training tools will be available for staff and families before our launch in the 25-26 school year,” said Superintendent Dr. David Mauricio.
More information is available here.
Peekskill’s Farmers Market applications being accepted
The Annual Peekskill Farmers Market gets underway on Bank Street on June 7 and runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, through Nov. 22, offering fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, a variety of prepared foods, and various artisan goods.
The Peekskill Business Improvement District (BID) supports downtown public markets because they improve the quality of life for Peekskillians, provide important healthy alternative food sources and introduce visitors to all that downtown has to offer – small local businesses stocking items not found in big box stores, amazing restaurants and cafes, loads of talented artists and musicians, and a downtown where knowing one’s neighbor still matters.
Local businesses may support the market. The BID has a variety of levels of sponsorships. If interested in supporting the Peekskill Farmers Market, please check out the sponsorships page.
Follow the market on Facebook for weekly vendor participation. More information is available on the website.
Calling all marchers to Peekskill St. Pat’s parade
Applications for the 2025 St. Patrick’s Parade are now being accepted by the Peekskill St. Patrick’s Committee.
For those who would like to participate in this year’s parade, please complete the application by March 1.
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 15 through downtown Peekskill. For any questions, please contact Peekskill Saint Patrick’s Parade Chairman Robert Boddie at (914) 497-3453.
The reception will be held at The Abbey on March 8 from 3 pm. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 each and seating is limited.
Tickets for the Grand Marshal and Aides installation reception are available here.
Candidates invited to join board at Peekskill Dog Park
Nominations are now open for the Friends of the Peekskill Dog Park Board Election.
Do you love the Dog Park and want to make a difference? The all-volunteer group is looking for dedicated members to join the Board for the 2025 election year. Open positions are Board President and at-large board members. The final elections will be held at 2 p.m. on March 1 at the Dog Park.
If you would like to join the board and are interested in making a difference, please email [email protected] by Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Taco District celebrates one year on Restaurant Row
Congratulations to Taco District at 20 N. Division St. on their one-year anniversary celebration.
The City of Peekskill honored Taco District with its Business Recognition Day this month. “We just want to say congratulations and how excited we are to have you here in the City of Peekskill,” said Mayor Vivian McKenzie.
“Thank you for bringing a beautiful investment into our city and along with the quality of food and service you’ve added to Restaurant Row,” said Peekskill City Manager Matt Alexander.
“I can’t believe you guys have only been here for a year,” said Council Member Brian Fassett. “You have become such a fabric of our downtown community and we’re so happy that you’re here.”
A video of the celebration is available here.
COUNTY
Waste reduction study topic of public meeting Feb. 26
Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) will host a public meeting on waste reduction on Wednesday Feb. 26, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the County Center in White Plains.
The meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to share thoughts and comments as DEF works with consulting firm Barton & Loguidice on a Waste Reduction Study. The study will serve as a guide for reducing waste generation and disposal over the next decade and beyond.
DEF and Barton & Loguidice will outline the study’s goals, and attendees will have up to two minutes each to provide input. As the meeting is limited to two hours, those wishing to speak are strongly encouraged to pre-register here. Residents who cannot attend will be able to submit written comments through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, via this form.
In December, DEF released a Waste Reduction Survey for County residents as part of the Waste Reduction Study. That survey is still available here.
The study is also seeking input from businesses throughout the county. Owners and managers of commercial businesses located in Westchester can participate in the study by using this link.
County summer basketball camp accepting applications
Slam Dunk Basketball Camp returns to the Westchester County Center this summer with registration beginning earlier this month.
Slam Dunk Basketball Camp provides instruction for children entering grades 3 to 9 (as of Sept. 2025). Over five weeks, campers will expand their understanding of the game and enhance their basketball skills. Five one-week sessions start Monday, July 7 through Friday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fees for Westchester residents are $375 per camper, per session; non-residents are $400 per camper, per session. Both include lunch. Sibling and multi-week discounts are available.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “This July and August, Westchester County Parks will once again host the Slam Dunk Basketball Camp, offering young athletes an opportunity for growth both on and off the court. This camp is designed to build self-confidence and determination while promoting emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Through organized sports like basketball, campers develop essential social skills and resilience—valuable traits that will benefit them throughout their lives.”
For more information or to register, visit Slam Dunk Basketball Camp or call (914) 231-4645. Dates, times and fees are subject to change.
STATE
Poughkeepsie drug ring busted by state, local police
A Hudson Valley drug trafficking ring that illegally sold cocaine, powdered fentanyl, and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl across Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange Counties was taken down by state and local public safety officers this month.
An investigation led by the Office of the State Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) recovered two and a half kilograms of cocaine worth approximately $45,000, thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl worth over $500,000, and three and a half kilograms of powdered fentanyl worth over $200,000. Five illegal handguns, including two ghost guns, and four high-capacity magazines were also seized during the operation. The narcotics were stored in various stash locations in the residential areas of Poughkeepsie and often sold in parking lots.
A 122-count indictment charging four individuals for their roles in the drug trafficking network was unsealed in Dutchess County Court. Those charged are: Xavier Grant a/k/a “X,” 22; Antawone West, 25, Michael Jones a/k/a “Slime,” 33, all of Poughkeepsie; and Kenyi Torres, 45, of Middletown.
Jones and West were charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the first degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, respectively. Each carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Additional charges include various counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance (Class B felonies) and criminal possession of a controlled substance (Class A-II and B felonies), as well as conspiracy to commit those crimes.
Grant and Torres are each charged with, among other things, multiple counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, a class A-II felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“Drug traffickers who distribute lethal amounts of opioids put communities throughout our state in danger,” said Attorney General Leticia James. “Not only did these individuals sell deadly narcotics, they disguised fentanyl in fake prescription pills, putting the lives of their customers at even greater risk. I thank our partners in law enforcement for their collaboration in this effort to take a dangerous criminal organization off our streets as we continue to work to keep New Yorkers safe.”
The takedown was the result of an eleven-month joint investigation led by OCTF and the New York State Police’s (NYSP) Special Investigations Unit – Hudson Valley (SIU-HV) and Troop K – Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (K-VGNET).
This marks the latest major drug bust in OAG’s Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (SURGE) Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New York’s heroin, opioid and narcotics trafficking networks. Since launching in 2017, SURGE has taken 984 alleged traffickers off the streets.
REAL ESTATE
Recent transactions
107 Bannon Ave LLC, Buchanan. Seller: Stuart H. Ricket, Buchanan. Property: 107 Bannon Ave., Cortlandt. Amount: $475,000. Filed Jan. 21.
Catalano, Samantha, Mount Kisco. Seller: 1926 83rd Realty Corp., La Habra Heights, California. Property: 104A Maple St., Cortlandt. Amount: $538,000. Filed Jan. 21.
Guaman, Diana, Peekskill. Seller: Hudson Realty Investors LLC, Buchanan. Property: 104 Osborne Ave., Peekskill. Amount: $110,000. Filed Jan. 15.
Villa, Maita Jorge R., White Plains. Seller: Cochapamba LLC, Woodhaven. Property: 431 N. Division St., Peekskill. Amount: $435,000. Filed Jan. 14.
Recent listings
3 Woods End Cir Unit N, Peekskill, 2 Beds, 1 Bath, 900 square feet. $316,900.
1840 Crompond Rd Unit 2C1, Peekskill, 2 Beds, 1 Bath, 1,036 square feet. $199,000.
3 Woods End Cir #0, Peekskill, 1 Bed, 1 Bath, 700 square feet. $260,000.
20 Roma Orchard Road, Peekskill, 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,720 square feet. $799,000.
1 Lakeview Drive Unit 3J, Peekskill, 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,168 square feet. $275,000.
227 Highridge Court, Peekskill. 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,264 square feet. $499,000.
