CITY
Law Day event with students held at Peekskill City Court
The City of Peekskill joined the nation in celebrating Law Day on May 1 at the Peekskill City Court.
The event hosted by the court and the Peekskill chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) saw over 20 Peekskill High School seniors attend and meet with a variety of law officials.
Speakers included Peekskill City Court Judge Sophia Trott, Mayor Vivian McKenzie, Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Mauricio, NAACP Criminal Justice Committee Chairman Jeffrey Faulkner, Sergeant Khalia Carter, as well as speakers from Peekskill City Court staff, Mount Vernon Police Department, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s office.
“Today we’re here celebrating, but we are in the midst of a constitutional crisis and we will probably be the last stop,” Trott said. “If the court does not stand up, who else is going to stand up? So I’m glad that we’re actually celebrating. This is being done for children. We want you guys to learn.”
Students learned about how law enforcement helps victims of crimes, and job and internship opportunities available in their community. April McKenzie, a court attorney, shared her career pathway and told students there were options for both those who liked public speaking and working behind the scenes.
“If you have a passion for becoming a lawyer, whether it be criminal lawyer or civil lawyer, I encourage you to do it,” McKenzie said. “… If this is your passion, go for it, 100 percent. Don’t let anyone discourage you from going after your dreams.”
Students also participated in a lesson based on a Supreme Court case and a Q&A session with Trott and other law officials. Students and officials discussed citizens rights, the necessity of bail reform, and navigating personal biases.
“Bias sometimes come into play. It’s just part of life, of who you are, how you were grown up, the type of person that you are,” Trott said. “But you have to try to be fair. To each person that comes in front of you, you have to try to be fair and give them the benefit of the doubt.”
– Eric Harvey
Councilman Robert Scott’s case adjourned to May 13
Peekskill Common Council member Robert Scott’s case was adjourned to May 13 after his appearance at White Plains City Court on April 30.
Exactly a year before that, on April 30, 2024, Scott was arraigned and charged with forging signatures on his election petitions.
Scott’s attorney Mayo Bartlett declined to comment when reached by the Peekskill Herald.
The Herald previously reported that Scott was offered a plea deal by the Westchester County District Attorney’s office that would reduce felony charges filed against him to a misdemeanor and allow him to continue to serve on the council until his term expires at the end of the year.
Scott was issued a desk appearance ticket in April 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 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.
– Eric Harvey
Peekskill man charged with endangering mountain bikers at Blue Mountain Reservation
A Peekskill man was charged last week with deliberately placing tree limbs and other debris along a trail way used by mountain bikers at Blue Mountain Reservation, potentially exposing bikers to serious injury.
Jeffrey Jarvis, 44, of Congress Ave., was charged with criminal nuisance in the second degree, a misdemeanor. He was booked at County Police headquarters in Hawthorne, New York, and released pending a May 19 appearance in Peekskill City Court.
A press release from Westchester County Police stated the arrest stems from an investigation that began in the fall of 2024. County police received several complaints that someone was placing tree limbs, smaller branches and other debris at the bottom of a descending rock face on a path frequently traveled by mountain bikers.
After receiving the complaints, county police officers, park rangers, and park personnel made regular inspections of the remote location where the incidents were occurring. An association of mountain bikers, at its own expense, placed a trail camera in the vicinity of the rock face, also known as a granite roller by mountain biking enthusiasts. A potential suspect was identified but there was insufficient evidence to bring a charge.
Based on video more recently captured by that trail camera, Jarvis was formally charged on April 29.
Blue Mountain Reservation is a 1,538-acre County park in Peekskill and Cortlandt. It features 20 miles of trails for mountain biking and additional trails for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study.
Resident showcases ‘Zip Code Exam’ for Peekskill
Life expectancy in the City of Peekskill is 80 years according to a zip code exam conducted by the Equality Health Foundation.
During the “citizens desiring to be heard” portion of the Common Council meeting on April 28, resident Penny Sharp presented data from that health outcomes analysis to the council.
The health report currently says that in Peekskill access to healthcare scored 61 out of 100, food environment 72 out of 100, education level 79 out of 100, employment 94 out of 100, housing cost burden 64 out of 100, and walkability 68 out of 100.
“These are not abstract figures,” Sharp said. “They represent clear opportunities to improve the health and longevity of our citizens and the entire community. And now that the data is available, we have a clearer picture of where the gaps are and the opportunity to do something.”
Sharp asked the council to review the data and consider prioritizing the city’s future planning, budgeting, and development decisions in terms of healthcare access, housing affordability, and neighborhood infrastructure.
(Several scores presented by Sharp at the council do not reflect the 10566 zip code assessment current as of this writing.)
Data in the exam comes from public sources, including Census Tract Data (2009 to 2020), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Department of Health and Human Services) Social Determinants of Health Database, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Determinants of Health non-medical factors, the Economic Research Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture), and Walkscore.com.
The Equality Health Foundation notes that the exam is not meant to provide an exact snapshot. It aims to raise awareness about how individuals’ surroundings can impact their health and well-being, and encourage them to explore further and take action.
– Eric Harvey
Board of Education executes three stipulation of settlements
The Peekskill City School District Board of Education approved three stipulation of settlements on April 8.
Information on one settlement obtained by the Peekskill Herald stated the district shall reimburse the guardian of a student $32,500 toward the out-of-pocket costs for the student’s tuition at a private school after a due process complaint was made by the student’s guardian.
Another settlement stated the district will pay a student’s tuition in the amount of $101,750 after a due process complaint against the district seeking inter-alia tuition reimbursement for the unilateral private school placement of their student. The district will pay it subject to proof of tuition, proof of attendance and delivery of services, and proof of residency in the district during the 2024-2025 school year.
A third settlement involved a student who was suspended from school for violation of the Peekskill City School District’s code of conduct. The student pleaded no contest to the charges from the Superintendent of Schools to the parents and the charges were deemed resolved.
– Eric Harvey
Park Place Tower is 95 percent leased
Park Place Tower, at 1108 Brown Street, is close it 95 percent leased, as the building’s leasing agent, Steven Irizarry, said on May 1. He said four retail spaces are still available.
“We are looking for a restaurant to take the corner space,” Irizarry told the Herald. “That would be a great location for a restaurant. That space has access to its own outdoor dining area on its rooftop. We have over 200 occupants in the building that would love a restaurant there.”
Irizarry said residents are enjoying living in the building with high-intensity training classes, yoga, and happy hours for residents. He hopes to have a celebration event when the building is fully leased.
– Eric Harvey
Board of Education meet the candidates forum to be held May 13
There are three seats open on the Peekskill City School District (PSCD) Board of Education, and four candidates who have thrown their hats in the ring for those seats.
Those candidates are incumbent Jillian Villon, Frank Robinson Jr., Mary Angel Flores, and Hilda Kinga Portik-Gumbs, according to school district spokesperson Laura Belfiore.
Those with terms expiring in 2025 include the board’s president Michael Simpkins and trustees Eric Rekeda, who are not running for reelection, and Villon.
The Peekskill Parent-Teacher Organization will be hosting a meet the candidates forum on May 13 at 7 p.m. in the PCSD Administration Building. Those interested in submitting questions via email may do so at [email protected]
– Eric Harvey
Town of Cortlandt launches 311 app
The Town of Cortlandt announced the launch of the Cortlandt 311 App on April 24.
In a press release, the town stated it was the first municipality in Westchester County to introduce a custom-built platform designed to streamline communication between residents and town departments.
The town said the tool is part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing public service and fostering more accessible, efficient local government. The app allows users to submit service requests, report issues, and access town services directly from their smartphones or computers without requiring a phone call or in-person visit.
Dr. Richard Becker, Town Supervisor, said, “The Cortlandt 311 App is a huge step forward in making local government more responsive, more transparent, and easier to interact with. Whether it’s reporting a pothole, requesting a missed sanitation pickup, or paying a tax bill through the Tax Receiver’s office, this app puts Town Hall in your pocket.”
Residents can use the app to communicate directly with the Highway Department, Sanitation Department, Water Department, Town Clerk’s Office and Receiver of Taxes. They can track the status of their submission requests in real time, with assurance that their personal data will never be shared, the town said. A web-based version is also available for those who prefer not to download the app.
“This platform was built with our community in mind,” Becker said. “It’s secure, easy to use, and designed to meet the evolving needs of our residents. As always, we remain committed to making Cortlandt a place where life works.”
The Cortlandt 311 App is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Peekskill City Manager Updates Residents
In his “Spring Update from Peekskill’s City Manager,” published on the website of River Journal North, Matthew Alexander updates residents on activities at The Community Hub, Department of Public Works (DPW), and Planning and Development.
The Community Hub has joined with the YWCA this summer to host its Freedom School for ages 5-10 and Camp Funkist for ages 4-those entering 6th grade. There are other camps mentioned as well.
Alexander points to the DPW’s new 24/7 Food Scraps program, as written about here in the Peekskill Herald.
In Development, the city manager shares that 1 Park Place is fully leased, although the building’s leasing manager says it’s about 95 percent occupied.
The complete Spring Update from Peekskill’s City Manager is available here. The May issue of River Journal North is available here.
COUNTY
Open house to be held for Bear Mountain Bridge deck replacement project
The New York State Bridge Authority is hosting an open house for the Bear Mountain Bridge deck replacement project at the Field Library on May 21 at 6 p.m.
The open house will be an opportunity to learn about the project, see early concept designs, and talk with the project team. Stakeholders are encouraged to stop by anytime during the event to ask questions, share feedback, or just learn more about what is planned.
The project includes a new bridge deck to enhance safety and durability, wider sidewalks for better accessibility, and improved scenic overlooks and safety barriers.
For more information or to RSVP (optional) click here.
Those who have questions or need interpretation can email [email protected].
The Bridge Authority previously told the Herald that a final decision for the deck would be chosen later this year. They anticipate putting the project out to bid in winter 2025-2026. It is one example of suicide prevention measures taken by the Bridge Authority at the bridge where five took their lives in 2024.
– Eric Harvey
County Solid Waste Commission expanding small business program
Westchester County plans on expanding its Small Business Incentive Program in an effort to further level the playing field for small and local haulers.
The second phase of the program, launched by the Solid Waste Commission, will allow additional eligible companies to benefit from reduced licensing and vehicle fees, which they say will remove a financial barrier that has kept many from entering the industry or achieving compliance.
The county stated last week that the first phase of the program, introduced in 2024, provided discounted fees to C-2 haulers operating with one truck and no container business. In Phase II, the Commission is expanding access to cover a second group of small haulers, including those specializing in cleanouts and household removals.
According to the county, these businesses often lack the resources to pay the standard license application costs, which are the same cost for much larger haulers.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Small businesses are the backbone of Westchester’s economy, and we must ensure they are not shut out of opportunity due to financial constraints. By expanding this program, we are helping ensure that local entrepreneurs — especially those operating on a small scale — have the support they need to comply with regulations and grow responsibly.”
STATE
State Sen. Harckham calls for ban of toxic sewage sludge on farmland
A ban against toxic sewage sludge (“biosolids”) on farmland was called for by state Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblywoman Anna Kelles, as well as environment advocates, a bipartisan group of elected leaders, and farmers across the state.
During a press conference on April 30, speakers discussed Harckham and Kelles’ legislation which would place a five-year moratorium on the land application of biosolids, the byproducts of wastewater treatment, on New York farmland. It would also implement other measures to protect public health.
Harckham and Kelles also called for actions to safeguard agricultural lands and fragile drinking water supplies from per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often described as “forever chemicals.”
“The time to find a way forward with PFAS is right now because the environmental and public health risks are too enormous to do nothing,” Harckham said in a release. “Make no mistake: we are facing a real crisis here. PFAS continue to enter our food chain and fragile drinking water sources.”
Harckham continued that the state already knows the risk of the chemicals because they are banned in food packaging and clothing. The state previously passed a law to reduce the use of PFAS in fire fighting activities. Harckham added that the allowable limit for PFAS in the state’s drinking water is 4 parts per trillion, but that there is no regulation or allowable limit for the amount of PFAS in biosolids that are being spread directly on farmlands.
“And that’s how PFAS end up in our fresh vegetables and tap water,” Harckham said. “If we continue to spread PFAS contaminated biosolids on our farmland, the land will become too toxic to use—and the cleanup will cost billions.”
The legislation seeks to ban the spread of biosolids unless they have been treated to meet New York’s safe drinking water standards. This would require soil and groundwater testing where the sludge has been applied and require PFAS testing in wastewater treatment plants. The legislation would also create a program to help farmers whose land has been contaminated by biosolids.
– Eric Harvey
Harckham call on PSC to maintain rooftop and community solar funding
State Sen. Pete Harckham joined colleagues from the State Legislature and several clean energy advocates in calling on the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) to reverse its recent decision to eliminate $271 million in previously authorized funding from the state’s rooftop and community solar program.
Harckham’s office stated on April 28 that because the NY-Sun Solar Program reached its goal of installing six gigawatts of distributed solar energy projects a year earlier than its 2025 goal, the PSC decided to reallocate unspent funding.
According to the release, the PSC noted the state was on its way to installing ten gigawatts by 2030 and that the state should expect more clean energy investments as part of the federal Inflation Reduction Act. However, that act is now being rescinded and defunded by the Trump Administration, Harckham’s office stated.
“The NY-Sun program, which is largely responsible for advancing the implementation of solar energy systems statewide, including in underserved, low-income communities, deserves as much funding as possible,” Harckham said. “Putting the brakes on this clean energy momentum, which is creating thousands of green jobs and saving ratepayers millions of dollars, makes no sense at all.”
He continued that the state should be doubling down on the program’s success and ramping up gigawatt goals rather than “congratulating ourselves on a job well-done in the middle of our climate crisis.”
Harckham, the chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, recently introduced the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act which would raise the state’s rooftop and community solar goal from 10 to 20 gigawatts by 2035. It would also direct the PSC to implement what is described as common sense reforms to the utility interconnection process to lower costs and accelerate deployment.
– Eric Harvey
A.G. James defends Haitian immigrants’ legal status under TPS
New York Attorney General Letitia James and 18 other attorneys general oppose the Trump administration’s attempt to strip thousands of Haitian immigrants of their legal status under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
This program, James’ office said, protects individuals from returning to countries deemed unsafe due to ongoing armed conflicts, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions preventing their safe return.
James and the coalition said the elimination of TPS for Haitian immigrants would put them in danger, tear families apart, and hurt local economies. She asks the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York to keep TPS in place for Haitian immigrants.
“Revoking Haitians’ legal immigration status that has kept them safe with their families in the U.S. is cruel and dangerous,” James said in a release. “Haitian immigrants have contributed immensely to our communities, neighborhoods, and local economies, and without them New York and this nation would not be the same.”
According to the release, Haitians were provided the opportunity to apply for TPS protection after an earthquake devastated the island in 2010, and the U.S. has continued to extend TPS protections for Haitians since 2011.
The coalition stated the changes to TPS were made without considering perilous conditions in Haiti and, if allowed to take effect, would upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of TPS holders and their families. Such terminations would decrease the amount of time Haitian TPS holders are allowed to stay in the U.S. with work authorization and subject them to risk of deportation, the coalition stated.
– Eric Harvey
NATIONAL
Lawler introduces bicameral bill to return stolen SNAP benefits
Last week, U.S. Reps. Mike Lawler and Grace Meng, and U.S. Senator John Fetterman introduced the Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act, legislation that seeks to allow SNAP agencies to reimburse SNAP recipients for benefits stolen through skimming, a form of fraud, or other methods.
Lawler’s office stated skimming uses illegal devices attached to card processing machines to collect individuals’s data. Criminals can copy card and PIN information from EBT cardholders, then use the data to spend SNAP and cash benefits. The release stated thousands of Americans have lost millions of dollars in benefits since mid-2022 due to this scam. (In 2022, the budget for the SNAP program was close to $120 billion.)
Lawler, a Republican who represents Peekskill, said, “No family in America should go hungry because criminals are stealing their SNAP benefits through skimming. This bipartisan bill will give states the tools needed to make victims whole and ensure tax dollars support hardworking families, not thieves.”
The legislation allows replacement of benefits stolen between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2024. It limits replacement to either the full amount stolen or two months of benefit depending which is less. It would permanently extend the provision to ensure state agencies continue to replace benefits and lift the cap on repayment to ensure the replacement is for the full amount stolen.
Fetterman, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania, said, “It is despicable that thieves are targeting hungry families, literally taking food from a baby’s mouth. We can’t let vulnerable children go hungry because of these criminals.”
– Eric Harvey
