CITY
Depew Street fire extinguished Saturday night
The City of Peekskill Fire Department fought a two-alarm structure fire on Depew Street just after midnight on Saturday, March 15, with no injuries reported.
According to the department, the fire was extinguished within an hour of arrival and units cleared the scene around 4 a.m.
Firefighters observed smoke rising from the top floor of a single-family private dwelling upon arrival according to a social media post. On the transmission of a 10-75, additional resources were brought to the scene.
Upon entering the building at 131 Depew St., the crews encountered heavy fire in the back of the building extending from the basement to the attic.
Due to the intensity of the fire and need for additional personnel, a second alarm was transmitted. Those responding included the department [Peekskill Professional Firefighters Local 2343], Yorktown Fire Department and Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department.
A social media post from Firefighters Local 2343 said the smoke showed from the third floor, spreading to all floors of the structure. Additional off-duty firefighters were brought to staff engine 132.
The fire was the first structure fire for three of their newer members, Nick Russo, Colin Park, and Keith Walker.
“A huge thanks to all of our neighboring agencies that spent most of the night with us either assisting at the scene, or provided coverage for the City in our headquarters,” the department wrote. “We always appreciate the help!”
The fire was deemed to be unintentional and likely caused by a wood burning stove in the basement. According to county land records, the house is owned by Erich Paulsen.
County Board candidate drops out of race against Smith after 17 days
Previously declared Westchester County Board of Legislator candidate Jeffrey Roth has dropped his challenge against incumbent Colin Smith to represent District 1 in White Plains, ending a 17 day campaign.
That’s because on March 7 Mayor of New York City Eric Adams announced Roth’s appointment as deputy mayor for operations.
Roth, who previously told the Herald he moved to Peekskill in 2021, is required to live in New York City to hold the new appointment. According to The City, an Adams spokesperson said Roth had a home in Brooklyn but would not say which one was primary.
In a statement to the Herald on Friday, March 14, Roth said, “Running for Westchester County Legislature was an incredible opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter to me. While I’ve made the difficult decision to end my campaign, I remain deeply committed to public service.”
He, along three others, were appointed in place of four deputy mayors who resigned in protest after the Department of Justice moved to drop Adams criminal case charges.
“In my new role as deputy mayor for operations in New York City, I look forward to tackling complex challenges, improving city services, and making government work better for the people it serves,” Roth said. According to the press release, Roth started the position on Friday, March 14.
– By Eric Harvey
Career Fair March 20 at Peekskill Youth Bureau
Calling all out-of-school youth ages 16 to 24 looking for career opportunities, internships or resources to help you succeed.
The Ignite Your Path: Career & Resources Fair for Young Adults is a chance to meet employers and training providers ready to help you take the step in your professional life.
The fair takes place March 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Peekskill Youth Bureau at 828 Main St. For more information call Devon Mincey at 914-862-5347 or email [email protected] to register.
Calling all artists to design public art for riverfront arches
The Peekskill Arts Alliance and Hudson Valley MOCA (HVMOCA) are seeking proposals from professional artists or artist collectives interested in creating a design for a site-specific art installation as part of the Enlighten Peekskill Public Art Project.
The artwork will serve as a welcoming introduction to Peekskill and the project will be installed on a series of 10 arches located at the intersection of South Water Street and Central Avenue. The artwork will be printed on vinyl banners, fitted to the arches that support the Rt. 9 Overpass.
Funding is being provided from the Peekskill Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The grant included funding for a Public Art Project known as Enlighten Peekskill. The Enlighten Peekskill Public Art Project includes the Five Elements Arches mural, installed on the arches at Requa and South streets, four illuminated sculptures sponsored by HVMOCA, and Making Connections, a PAA-sponsored series of mural installations at 13 downtown Peekskill sites.
For more information and to apply by the Friday, March 21 deadline, please click here.
‘Engineering is Fun’ with Peekskill Girl Scouts March 28
The Peekskill Girl Scouts are holding the 17th Annual “Engineering is Fun” event on Friday, March 28, starting at 6:15 p.m.
All youth are welcome to participate and rotate through different stations to explore science, technology, engineering, and math activities. For more information and to register, please visit this website.
The event is sponsored by Peekskill Girl Scouts, Peekskill Youth Bureau, Home Depot, IBM, RJ Turner LLC, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Westchester Forensics Lab. A special industry expert will appear as the guest speaker.
For questions and to register, call or text Jennifer Turner at 914.299.5188. Registration fee of $15, location of the event revealed after registering.
‘Best of Peekskill Film Fest’ shorts to screen at Field Library
In celebration of ten years of incredible cinema, The Field Library is hosting a special screening of the ten best award-winning short films that the Peekskill Film Festival has showcased.
This special screening event will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and enjoy an afternoon of unforgettable storytelling from incredible filmmakers.
Founded in 2015, the Peekskill Film Festival (PFF) screens a first-rate mix of features, shorts, documentaries and animation. In addition to screening the best and brightest in indie film, the PFF hosts workshops with Emmy-Award winning artists and filmmakers, parties, panel discussions, and an entire day dedicated to student film, all centered in the historic Hudson Valley Paramount Theater.
The Iron Devils robotics team advances in competition
The Peekskill High School Iron Devils competed in the First Tech Challenge First Inspire State Finals held in Utica from March 8 to March 9. The top 32 teams in the state battled it out over two days of competition.
The team, Iron Devils 4243, gave it their all, presenting to the judges and competing in multiple rounds to win the Connect Award. This award recognizes teams that build strong connections between STEM, their community, and the world of engineering.
Winning this award means the team has earned a spot at the brand-new Premier Championship, an international competition just one step below the World Championship in Houston. They now have the opportunity to compete at locations across the world, including Mexico and the Netherlands.
“This achievement is a testament to our students’ dedication, technical skills, and outstanding presentations,” said PHS Robotics Teacher Mr. Carlo Vidrini. “Their hard work on engineering portfolios, poster boards, and public speaking skills truly paid off.”
Community Hub Newsletter offers latest on city programs
Stay informed about programs, events and opportunities from Peekskill’s Parks & Recreation, Senior & Nutrition Services, and the Youth Bureau by subscribing to our Community Hub Newsletter.
Whether you’re looking for family friendly activities, senior wellness programs, or youth development initiatives, the newsletter keeps you informed.
- Parks & Recreation: Discover fun community events, seasonal programs, sports leagues, and outdoor activities for all ages.
- Senior Programs & Nutrition Services: Learn more about meal programs, wellness resources, social activities, and essential services for older adults.
- Youth Bureau: Explore after-school programs, leadership opportunities, career development, and engaging activities designed to empower Peekskill’s youth.
Be sure to check your inbox for the latest updates, special announcements and upcoming events.
To subscribe, click here.
Peekskill City School District honors four for Black History Month
Four community members who could not attend a Uriah Hill Black History Month celebration were recognized for their contributions to the community at Tuesday’s Peekskill City School District (PCSD) Board of Education.
Honorees received certificates of appreciation from interim assistant principal at Uriah Hill Amanda Cardona on the behalf of principal Melissa Russo.
Those recognized were Priscilla Augustin, president of the Peekskill chapter of NAACP, Tuesday McDonald, executive director at the City of Peekskill Youth Bureau, Katrina Harris, who has supported and provided for several school events, and Dr. Margie Daniels, Equity and Diversity Administrator at PCSD.
“She greets all of our students every morning with the biggest smile and brings so much joy and energy to Uriah,” Cardona said of Daniels who was not able to attend the previous honors celebration due to hosting high school student’s at the Black History Museum and HIspanic Heritage Museum.
Peekskill Firefighters train in Ice Rescue techniques
During the month of February, seven members of the Peekskill Fire Department participated in an Ice Rescue course taught by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
The two-day training focused on understanding conditions that lead to the need for this type of rescue and various techniques for removing victims from sub-freezing water and ice.
A special thank you to the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control for providing our Fire Department with this training.
Peekskill Parade gets $1,000 from NY Knights of St. Patrick
Many supporters step forward each year to help pay for the annual Peekskill St Patrick’s Parade. One of those loyal patrons is the New York Knights of Saint Patrick.
This year a $1,000 donation was handed over at the Peekskill Grand Marshal and Aides Installation Reception at The Abbey on March 8. Presenting the donation to the 2025 Peekskill Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal George Oros, Knights of Saint Patrick representative Dr. James McLaughlin paid tribute to the group’s commitment to keeping Irish heritage and culture alive in Peekskill.
Since 1988, the Knights of Saint Patrick have dedicated their efforts to supporting the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, providing over $1.8 million in financial contributions. These ongoing donations have been pivotal in ensuring the parade’s continued presence on Fifth Avenue.
In this year’s initiative, the Knights are delighted to extend their financial support to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and eleven local St. Patrick’s Day Parades, encompassing events in Brooklyn, Bay Ridge, Queens County (Rockaway Beach), Richmond County (Staten Island), Mineola, Rockville Centre, Yonkers, Pearl River, Peekskill, Northern Westchester and Warwick.
Peekskill resident joins defense litigation firm
Peekskill resident Adam Greenberg has joined the Tarrytown office of Coffey Modica LLP, a leading defense litigation firm representing businesses and insurance companies in liability claims, excess property and casualty, medical malpractice, nursing, and other professional industries.
Greenberg comes to the firm with 25 years of experience in insurance defense litigation, both first-party and third party claims and coverage issues. He has handled a variety of complex tort and product liability matters, with a focus on construction accidents, general accidents involving premises liability claims, automobile accidents, First Amendment issues, and product liability cases. He also has significant trial experience in litigating toxic tort claims of lead poisoning, mold and benzene exposure. Greenberg is a graduate of Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Adam join our firm,” said founding partner Robert Modica. “I first met Adam over 20 years ago when we were both associates at a large national firm. Adam is a fierce litigator and an exceptional trial attorney and his addition to the firm serves to enhance our continued commitment to providing our clients with top notch legal representation.”
Hot dog truck owner says thanks to loyal customers
A Peekskill institution in fine summer dining is closing up shop. The familiar site of the American Dogs hot dog silver truck is no more as the owner is moving on. In a post, Annie Denet wrote:
“To my American Dogs family – It is bittersweet that I am writing to let you know that after 9+ years, I will be closing American Dogs. Not because I have to but because I decided to explore a new opportunity that has presented itself to me recently.
“I would like to take this time to express my gratitude and love to all of my customers who have become my family and friends. So, with that being said, I hope this isn’t goodbye, but rather, I will see you soon. Thank you all for all of the great years and memories. Love, Annie.”
COUNTY
County promotes tourism as nation’s celebrates 250 years
Westchester County Tourism & Film was awarded a $250,000 grant through Empire State Development’s Market New York program to support the creation of the “Rooted in Westchester” initiative for the 2026 anniversary of the country’s independence.
Westchester County has committed to a 50 percent match, and the tourism effort will be a county-led complement to national and state-wide engagements like America 250 and the New York State 250th American Revolution Commemoration Commission, all working to engage every American in the 250th anniversary of the United States. This funding will help highlight the County’s rich and authentic history and heritage, highlighting its integral role in the American Revolution.
The grant funding will support two immersive, two-day events in 2025 and 2026 at select Westchester County Parks, showcasing the pivotal roles of Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and New York State in the Revolutionary War.
Additionally, the funding will enable the creation of dynamic website content to educate visitors about Westchester’s history and heritage – key areas of interest identified in tourism recovery research by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Rooted in Westchester will be organized in coordination with key partners, including Westchester-based historical organizations, local committees, and Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250), a local nonprofit organization whose ongoing efforts commemorate Westchester’s important part in the Revolutionary War.
The grant announcement coincides with broader plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026. Westchester County Tourism & Film will work alongside RW250, historic organizations and key local thought leaders on a series of regional events and activities fit for the occasion.
With spring in the air, it’s time for golf on county courses
Time to get the golf clubs out of the basement and head to the links.
Dunwoodie and Sprain Lake in Yonkers, Maple Moor in White Plains and Saxon Woods in Scarsdale opened Wednesday, March 12, and Hudson Hills in Ossining and Mohansic in Yorktown Heights will open Wednesday, March 19, weather and conditions permitting.
Tee time reservations can be made online (non-Park Pass holder) or by phoning the individual courses. Walk-up reservations will also be accepted. All of the courses have onsite restaurants, halfway houses, and full-service pro shops. Driving ranges are available at Dunwoodie, Mohansic, Saxon Woods and Sprain Lake.
Any available E-Z Reserve spots will be sold at the courses. E-Z Reserve lets golfers with a Westchester County Park Pass block out a regular Saturday or Sunday tee time for a period of 30 weeks.
“Westchester County’s six public golf courses offer scenic fairways, challenging layouts and top-notch facilities for all skill levels,” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said. “Enjoy beautifully maintained greens, stunning landscapes and affordable play. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, a great round awaits.”
NEW BUSINESS NAMES
Bellas Taxi, 219 Fremont St., Peekskill 10566. c/o Bella Leticia Orellana Cabrera. Filed Jan. 21.
E-Z Street Mobile Detailing, 245 Coachlight Square, Montrose 10548. c/o Michael Joseph Osborn- Glennon. Filed Jan. 14.
Shand Architecture Studio, 104 Watch Hill Road, Cortlandt Manor 10567. c/o Joseph Shand. Filed Jan. 15.
Yunguilla Rental Space & Entertainment, 210 N. Water St., Peekskill 10566. c/o Angel Machisaca. Filed Jan. 13.
