CITY
In separate arrests, two Peekskill residents jailed on drug charges
Peekskill police made two more arrests in late March as part of their ongoing investigations to remove drug dealers from the city’s streets.
Peekskill detectives, with the assistance of the Westchester County Police Narcotics Unit, executed a search warrant on March 24 at a residence on Main Street and arrested Peekskill resident Michael Stokely. Stokely was charged with felony criminal possession of precursors of a controlled substance and two drug-related misdemeanors. After arraignment in Peekskill City Court, he was remanded to the custody of the Westchester County Jail.
Police seized a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, along with precursors necessary for the manufacturing of controlled substances.
Then on March 28 a search warrant was executed at a residence on South Division Street where police seized a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Peekskill resident Christopher Holmes was arrested and arraigned in Peekskill City Court, charged with two felony counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and felony fourth-degree criminal possession of a narcotic drug. He was released on his own recognizance.
In November of 2024 four buildings in Peekskill suspected to be part of a narcotics packaging and distribution operation were raided by federal law enforcement officials. The arrested suspects were Jerome Reed, Jason Tinsley, Miesha Cato, Gary Burkett, Lamar Kingwood, Rakim Mayo, and Thomas Ryan.
Chief Leo Dylewski told a meeting of the Common Council at that time, “This investigation was started because of quality of life issues in the downtown area.
“We heard you, we knew what was going on. We made sure that we did this. This is not over. We ain’t done yet. We haven’t finished. It’s going to continue,” Dylewski said.
– Jim Roberts
Peekskill restaurant seized for unpaid taxes
El Alamo Restaurant was seized for nonpayment of taxes and is now in the possession of the State of New York according to several signs posted on the establishment on Wednesday, April 2.
A warrant issued by the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance cited Article(s) 28/29, Section 1141B of the Tax Law, which respectively involve sales and compensating use taxes, and taxes authorized for cities, counties, and school districts.
Unless otherwise satisfied, the warrant allows the commissioner to sell the right, title, interest, and all personal property at 224 N. Division St as directed by law.
– Eric Harvey
Water Department to perform hydrant flushing April 1 to May 2
The City of Peekskill Water Department will be performing hydrant flushing April 1 thru May 2 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“You may notice discoloration in your water, however do not be alarmed,” the department said. “Run your cold water for a short period of time and it should clear up.”
The department encourages residents to check the city’s website for flushing schedule updates. If the discoloration persists, they ask residents to notify the Water Department at 914-734-4110.
– Eric Harvey
Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Franklin Park April 12
The City of Peekskill Recreation Department is inviting the public to participate in its annual Easter Egg Hunt.
The event will be held at Franklin Park on Saturday, April 12 at 10:30 a.m. Registration is at the Recreation office for $5 or online with Community Pass.
Participants are classified by age: four and under, five and six, seven through ten.
More information is on the Peekskill Parks and Recreation Instagram page.
City seeks artists for Water Street arches project
If you are a professional artist or part of an artist collective, the Peekskill Arts Alliance and Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art are seeking design proposals for a site-specific art installation as part of the Enlighten Peekskill Public Art Project.
The project, funded by the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, is meant as a high-profile visual introduction to Peekskill. Artwork will be installed on a series of 10 arches at South Water Street and Central Avenue. Application deadline is April 12. For more information, click here. – Eric Harvey
Early Childhood Resource Fair to be held May 17
Peek-A-Boo Family Music will be hosting an Early Childhood Resource Fair on May 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 50 Dayton Ln, Peekskill.
The event will provide parents and caregivers with resources to support their children’s early learning and development.
“The early years are a time of learning and discovery, and we’re thrilled to bring together a variety of resources to help families support their little ones,” said Alexia Tate, Director of Peek-A-Boo Family Music.
It will feature expert presenters: Dr. Yelena Bregman, Inspiration PT, Pediatric Physical Therapist, Natalie Homem, Sleepy on Hudson, Pediatric Sleep Consultants, Diane Brescia, Small Talk Therapy Partners, Speech-Language Pathologist.
Experts will share insights on early childhood development, covering topics such as motor skills, speech and language, infant sleep, and postpartum support. Attendees will be able to connect with experts, meet other new or expecting parents, and learn about local services dedicated to nurturing young children’s growth.
The event is geared toward adults only and is limited to 50 attendees. Tickets are $20 and include a complimentary gift bag for all participants. Tickets may be purchased here.
– Eric Harvey
City highlights Kerry Scardino for Women’s History Month
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the City of Peekskill highlighted Kerry Scardino, owner and zen-guru of Skinchanted CBD.
The recognition was the last of four, issued weekly and honoring women-owned and women-led businesses and organizations posted on social media.
According to the city, Skinchanted opened its doors in Peekskill as a holistic day spa, focused on facials, oncology-trained skincare, waxing, and body treatments. While the spa closed in November 2024, Scardino shifted her focus to organic CBD, creating Skinchanted CBD in 2022.
“What started as a personal discovery with her beloved 15-year-old pup BooBoo Bear in 2021 became a new mission: finding relief through high-quality CBD for pain, arthritis, and mood support,” the city said. “But not all CBD is created equal–so Kerry did the research so you don’t have to. Her passion for product integrity and commitment to helping others live well is reflected in her motto: ‘Feel better soon-er.’”
Those previously honored were Marilyn Berisiartua, owner and operator of the Beris Agency; Cynthia Del Rosario, co-owner of Whiskey River; and Joan King, owner and CEO of Little Kings and Queens Daycare.
– Eric Harvey
Pickleball courts at Depew Park now open
The City of Peekskill announced that the pickleball courts at Depew Park opened on Wednesday, April 2. Those seeking more information can contact the Parks and Recreation office at (914) 734-7275.
As for how to play, the city shares these tips…
- Serve Underhand – The game starts with an underhand serve, hit diagonally into the opponent’s service box. The ball must bounce once before being returned.
- Double Bounce Rule – After the serve, each side must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. After that, volleys (hitting the ball in the air) are fair game–just stay out of the “kitchen” (more on that below!).
- Stay Out of the Kitchen! – The “kitchen” (a.k.a. non-volley zone) is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You can’t volley the ball while standing inside it–no smashing near the net!
- Scoring – Only the serving team can score. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2. If you lose the rally, the serve goes to your partner (in doubles) or to the other team.
- Keep It Fun! – Pickleball is all about friendly competition and having a great time, so grab your paddle, hit the court, and enjoy!
– Eric Harvey
Graduation ceremony held for Homeless Remedies, Inc. Jobs Program
Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith shared on social media he attended the graduation ceremony for the first class of the Homeless Remedies, Inc. Jobs program on Tuesday, April 1.
“This bilingual initiative provides individuals with valuable skills to help them pursue a career and secure employment opportunities,” Smith said. “It was truly inspiring to speak with the students and hear their personal stories.”
Smith thanked Alicia Simmons, chief executive officer at Homeless Remedies, for her unwavering commitment to the community.
The upcoming program starts on April 22. For more details, contact Simmons at [email protected].
– Eric Harvey
Comedian Vic DiBitetto gives Peekskill restaurant seal of approval
Before heading to his “sold-out” show at the Paramount Theatre comedian Vic DiBitetto paid a visit to what he described as his “go to place,” Italian restaurant Taormina Trattoria.
DiBitetto and fellow comedian Steve Rinaldi ate fried calamari, juicy baked clams, pappardelle with bolognese sauce, lambs, escarole and beans, and crème brúlée.
On a video posted to social media last Wednesday, DiBitetto was impressed to learn Jackie Gleason used to eat at the bar, saying Gleason was his idol, whose TV persona Ralph Kramden was a bus driver from Brooklyn like him.
“I’m going to smell that chair after I eat,” DiBitetto joked. “Jackie Gleason sat in that chair. Wow, that made my night. That made my night more than a sold-out show at the [Paramount Theatre].”
– Eric Harvey
Beauty bar selecting two high school seniors to help with prom costs
The Pretty in Pink Brow and Beauty Bar is looking to give back to Peekskill by helping two Peekskill High School seniors with their prom expenses.
The beauty bar will select one female senior and one male senior from Class of 2025 to assist with their prom expenses. Students can either nominate themselves or a fellow student and are encouraged to send a short story about the student.
Those interested can contact via direct message on instagram @Prettyinpinkbrows, on Facebook at JaQuitta Ann.
Winners will be picked and notified April 20.
– Eric Harvey
Peekskill Police bid farewell to 21-year-career Sergeant Nicholas Franco
The City of Peekskill Police Department congratulated Sgt. Nicholas Franco on his retirement from the department after a 21-year career.
“This farewell is bittersweet, as we are losing one of our most dedicated members, one who brings a wealth of invaluable experience, one who put his heart and soul into Community,” the department posted on social media April 1.
Franco began his career at the department as a patrol officer, making connections with community members, as well as with Peekskill youth as a DARE instructor in both the Peekskill City School District and the Town of Cortlandt’s Hendrick Hudson School District.
He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2021, marking the beginning of what the department said could only be described as “influential leadership and a continuance of community dedication.”
“You are truly one of a kind, a true friend, who always took care of the crew, while remaining true to yourself and who you are,” the post reads. “I have always admired your tremendous spirit and your ability to maintain your character, which we all know can get lost in this crazy life of blue.”
Franco’s retirement was effective March 31, 2025.
– Eric Harvey
SPCA Westchester provides update on condition of three abused dogs
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Westchester provided an update on three dogs who were rescued after a Peekskill woman was charged with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
The Humane Law Enforcement Unit rescued the trio, which has been receiving medical attention and “tender loving care” ever since, the group shared on social media. Now the three are ready to meet with potential adopters.
“Please note, Gracie, Giru and Lana need quiet adult-only homes as they heal from their trauma,” the group stated. “It will likely take more than one visit before each can go to their new home as they need time to trust and warm up. Once they do, they are all incredibly sweet and affectionate.”
Those interested in learning more can email [email protected].
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