CITY

Fitzpatrick Sentencing Date Postponed to July 8

The sentencing of Conor Fitzpatrick, convicted of masterminding the sale of millions of stolen identity records through his internet forum, has been postponed to July 8 in federal district court in Alexandria, Va.

Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to three felony counts and received a sentence of time served (17 days) and two years of home arrest, followed by 18 years of supervised release along with restitution from federal Judge Leonie M. Brinkema in July of 2024.

However, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Eastern District of Virginia went to a federal appellate court in October 2024 and argued that, when compared to federal guidelines, Judge Brinkema was wrong to drastically downgrade the sentence Fitzpatrick received. The appellate court agreed with the government in its ruling this past January, ordering him to be resentenced. – By Jim Roberts

Robert Scott Case Adjourned to July 8

Peekskill Common Council member Robert Scott has had his case adjourned again after a June 12 appearance at White Plains City Court.

Mayo Bartlett, Scott’s attorney, made “one final request for adjournment” toJuly 8. Bartlett did not respond for comment.

On April 30, 2024, Scott was arraigned and charged with forging signatures on his election petitions.

The Peekskill 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. —  By Eric Harvey

Common Council Passes 15 Resolutions on June 9

The Common Council passed 15 resolutions at their meeting at City Hall on Monday, June 9.

Four separate resolutions were passed to accept public art donations, including a sculpture proposed by the front of The Field Library, a series of nine murals on the South Water Street arches, and two separate mural collages on the side of Baxter’s Pharmacy and Birdsall House.

The council also authorized the city manager to enter into a temporary funding agreement with the Peekskill Arts Alliance to pay for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)-eligible art installations for more than 15 murals and banner. The Alliance will reimburse the city 100 percent of any funds expended for the DRI “Making Connections” project  upon the Alliance’s receipt of funding as a sub-recipient from New York State of the half-million dollars in DRI grant funds awarded to the Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art (HVMOCA).

Another resolution passed was to accept a 2025 grant award in the amount of $32,602 and enter an agreement with the Westchester County Youth Bureau to implement a sexual risk avoidance education program operated by Peekskill’s Youth Bureau.

Two other resolutions passed related to the Department of Planning and Development’s ongoing negotiations of the waterfront transit-oriented development projects. One authorized the city manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Mintzer Mauch PLLC for legal negotiation services, while another authorized a professional services agreement with Kevin Dwarka LLC for economic analysis.

Other resolutions passed include authorizing the execution of a third amendment to lease with Verizon Wireless with respect to wireless telecommunications equipment at 181 Benefield Boulevard; authorizing a “guns to garden tool event” at 800 Main Street on June 28; and authorizing the first Mothapalooza event in the city at Depew Park on July 21.

A full list of resolutions can be viewed here.

Forty Youth Celebrated for Completing R.E.A.D.I. Training at City Hall

The City of Peekskill hosted a graduation ceremony for the Youth Bureau Project Elevate R.E.A.D.I. training participants on Monday, June 9.

Forty participants were presented with certifications for completing the five- week R.E.A.D.I. class, a youth employment training program to teach essential skills needed for personal and professional success.

The program launched in 2017 stands for Respect, Enthusiasm, Articulate, Dependable and Initiative.

“It’s an opportunity for us to teach our youth how to conduct themselves while they’re at work,” said Tuesday McDonald, executive director of the City of Peekskill Youth Bureau.

Participants were celebrated for doing 10 hours of training, which was conducted by McDonald and Matthew Benson. — By Eric Harvey

Two Peekskill High School Students Awarded $1,500 Scholarships

Peekskill High School students D’Andre South and Rachel Velasquez were among 10 outstanding local high school students awarded $1,500 scholarships each by the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 12.

A scholarship award ceremony was held at the Holy Mountain Franciscan Retreat Center in Garrison, N.Y., with scholarships aiming to support students’ continued education and skill development.

The event brought together elected officials, school administrators, and local businesses to celebrate students and the future they represent for the region’s economy.

A press release from the Chamber of Commerce said the cost of public four-year college tuition has risen by 141 percent over the past two decades, with private college costs climbing even higher.

“These scholarships reflect the Chamber’s commitment to investing in the next generation of local talent and leadership,” the chamber stated.

Other awardees included students from Croton-Harmon High School, Hendrick Hudson High School, Kennedy Catholic Prep, Lakeland High School, Putnam Valley High School, Walter Panas High School, and Yorktown High School. — By Eric Harvey

City Repairs Damaged Metal Rails on Riverwalk Boardwalk

Regular strollers on Peekskill’s beautiful Riverwalk along Peekskill Bay will notice on their walk that the eight-foot stretch of metal railing destroyed last summer has been repaired. 

Extensive damage was done to the metal fencing and rails at the far south end of the Riverwalk Boardwalk last July when Paul Dirito, 54, of Somers, smashed his Jeep Suburban into the fence while allegedly driving drunk.

According to the police report, at 8:30 p.m. on July 23, 2024, Dirito drove off the roadway at the Peekskill Yacht Club and struck the wooden fence just before the entrance to the Riverwalk Boardwalk. He then continued on the Riverwalk, causing damage to the Jeep’s rear passenger fender and front driver’s side mirror, as well as the sides of the vehicle as it “squeezed through the metal fencing that lined the walking path which was not meant to allow vehicles.”

Dirito then drove the length of the Boardwalk and crashed into the metal fencing at the right corner turn toward Fleischmann’s Pier, breaking through it and causing damage to the front end of the vehicle. Several pedestrians walking on the bridge said they had to jump aside to avoid being hit by Dirito. — By Jim Roberts

‘Stop the Billionaire Giveaway’ National Bus Tour to Kick Off in Peekskill

A “Stop the Billionaire Giveaway” national bus tour, seeking to highlight the “devastating” impact of the GOP’s budget and tax proposal, will be kicked off in the City of Peekskill on Saturday, June 21, at 10 a.m.

A 45-foot tour bus, wrapped in a giant trillion-dollar bill, will begin its three-week, 14-state journey at Riverfront Green Park, sending a message that “working-class families should not have to pay the price so billionaires and big corporations can get more tax breaks.”

The leaders behind the efforts are Fair Share America, Invest in ur New York (IONY), Unrig Our Economy, and several more partners.

Kristin Crowell, executive director of Fair Share America, stated, “New York families and businesses are fed up with Washington putting billionaires ahead of their basic needs and the public good. This tour is about showing up, speaking out, and giving people the tools to fight back for common sense and tax fairness.”

At each stop, organizers will call on U.S. senators and representatives to reject any budget bill that cuts Medicaid, SNAP food vouchers, and other essential services in order to fund more than $1 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthy, the group said.

Carolyn Martinez-Class, campaign manager of IONY, stated, “Here in New York, families are already struggling to keep up. Now, DC politicians want to make it worse by slashing Medicaid, food assistance, and more to enact even more tax breaks for billionaires. If these cuts go through, it’ll mean millions of people lose access to the health care they need, more kids go hungry, more pressure on families to make ends meet, and bigger gaps in already stretched municipal budgets.”

Crowell did not respond to a request for comment.  — By Eric Harvey

Peekskill Native and U.S. Army Veteran Joins Peekskill Police Department

The City of Peekskill Police Department welcomed its newest member, Police Officer Joseph Criollo, on Friday, June 13.

According to a social media post by the department, Criollo is a Peekskill native who brings two and a half years experience from the New York City Police Department. Prior to his time in law enforcement, he completed four years of service with the U.S. Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan. 

Criollo is currently conducting field training under the guidance of Field Training Officer Nalbandian. 

“Being born and raised in this beautiful City of Peekskill, PO Criollo has strong ties to the Peekskill community and is very excited to give back,” the department wrote. — By Jeffrey Merchan

TOWN OF CORTLANDT

Officials Address Traffic Issues at Croton Gorge Park

Cortlandt Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker has announced a series of steps to address large volumes of traffic along Route 129 at the entrance of Croton Gorge Park. 

With a significant increase in visitors coming from lower Westchester, as well as New York City, to visit the park, Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Brian Pugh and Dr. Becker met with County representatives to address the issue. 

The Westchester County Parks and Public Safety Department are taking the following steps, according to Dr. Becker.

• County Police are placing a variable message sign on the top of the dam (corner of Batten Road and Croton Dam Road), as well as “No Parking” signs along Rt. 129
• County Police are directing their patrols in the area to conduct strict enforcement in and around the park (they issued over 90 parking tickets in the area during the previous week)
• New York State Police troopers will assist County Police with additional patrols and enforcement in the area
• The County Parks Department has placed a prominent warning on top of their website and on social media accounts, which states that parking is very limited at Croton Gorge Park and there is no parking on Rt. 129, with violators ticketed or towed.
• The County Parks Department will place barricades to block the entrance to the park as soon as it is at capacity
• Additional County Seasonal Park Rangers have been deployed and more will be added soon, once they have completed training
• The County is in discussions with NYS DOT [New York State Department of Transportation] about additional signage on Rt. 129 and hopes to have an answer from the agency soon.

Croton Gorge Park is a 97-acre property at the base of the Croton Dam with impressive views of the dam and spillway. It’s a popular spot for fishing, picnicking and hiking, with direct trail access to New York State’s Old Croton Aqueduct. In winter, the park is a favorite spot for cross-country skiing and sledding.

Hen Hud School Board to Discuss Conduct, Safety

The Hendrick Hudson School District Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, June 18, will include a public hearing on the district’s code of conduct and district-wide safety. The public hearing will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Hendrick Hudson High School library.

The code of conduct will define expectations for acceptable conduct on school property and at school functions, identify possible consequences of unacceptable conduct, and ensure that discipline when necessary is administered promptly and fairly. 

The district-wide safety plan will address response to emergencies in schools defined as undesirable events that occur and have the potential to cause injury or illness. They range from acts of bullying or harassment to catastrophic natural or man-made events. Preventive measures and good planning can reduce the likelihood that emergencies will occur.

The regular board meeting starts at 7 p.m. To watch the meeting online, click here. 

Blood Drive for Frank G. Lindsey Student

Members of the Hendrick Hudson community are being asked to donate blood on Thursday, June 19, in support of fourth grader Ryan Snyder, who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. The blood drive will take place from 1-7 p.m. at the Montrose Fire Department, located at 2143 Albany Post Road in Montrose, N.Y..

According to an event flier, Ryan recently began a different treatment that has increased her need for blood transfusions. Donations are critical in helping her manage the side effects and continue her fight. 

“By donating blood, you’re offering Ryan – and others like her – a lifeline of hope and healing,” the flier states.

Prior to her diagnosis, Ryan was an active child who regularly participated in competitive soccer and gymnastics. Hen Hud sports fans may remember her as the young girl who formed a special bond with the varsity girls basketball team this past winter (as highlighted by the district here). She joined the team on the bench during home games, stood for the national anthem, participated in locker room huddles, and cheered on the Sailors – becoming an honorary member of the team.  

For those who wish to donate, organizers ask that donors eat and drink beforehand and bring a donor ID card or a photo ID.  — By Jeffrey Merchan 

COUNTY

Faith Leaders Urge Passage of Bill to Expedite Affordable Housing

With housing costs soaring and Westchester County residents struggling to find affordable homes, faith leaders, housing advocates and county and local elected officials gathered in White Plains in early June to call for immediate action on the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act. During a symbolic Faith Walk hosted by Welcome Home Westchester and New York Faith Housing, religious and government leaders emphasized the need to address the county’s housing shortage.

The bill is intended to provide new avenues for faith institutions to serve their communities, unlocking over 60,000 new homes statewide over the next decade on extra land owned by faith-based organizations. 

“Because we did it, other churches can do it. This bill will [allow] an opportunity for other faith-based institutions to do what we have done,” said Rev. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, senior pastor of Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church in White Plains, which is currently developing 56 units of affordable housing for seniors adjacent to the church in a converted parking lot.

The Mt. Hope Plaza approval process lasted eight years. According to Ron Abad, CEO of Community Housing Innovations and a member of Welcome Home Westchester’s Policy Advisory Committee, the development is expected to be completed within two years. Supporters of the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act are hopeful that the bill will allow similar projects to get off the ground more quickly and efficiently.

The Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act would streamline the often costly and lengthy approvals process needed for faith leaders to build affordable homes on excess and underutilized land. The bill is projected to house as many as 180,000 New Yorkers and is supported by a broad coalition of over 300 faith leaders, housing advocates and community groups according to Welcome Home Westchester, an advocacy group promoting affordable housing. 

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “There are so many of our faith-based institutions that have property, and they want to continue their missions: to be able to serve their community. This example [Mt. Hope Plaza] allows for the advocacy, at the state-level, of all of us being here together.”

KinoSaito to Host Two Artists in Fall Residency Program

The KinoSaito Residency Program is designed to provide artists with the space and time necessary to focus concentrated attention on any part of their practice they feel is ripe for development. 

KinoSaito will host two artists for a one-time, four-week session to be held Nov. 12 to Dec. 7. Each selected artist will be awarded a 900-square-foot studio at KinoSaito in Verplanck, with large windows and high ceilings, a loft living quarters, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom, for the duration of their residency. KinoSaito provides a $1,500 stipend to the accepted artists to use at their discretion for living costs and supplies during their residency. 

The selected artists will be chosen by a jury of arts professionals based on the quality of the submitted work and the artworks’ alignment with KinoSaito’s mission.

Artists working in all mediums may be accepted. Artists are required to be available for the complete residency period and must be able to transport themselves and their supplies to and from the residency site. Open to professional working artists only. Currently enrolled students are not eligible.

The application deadline is July 17. For more information and to apply, click here. 

STATE

Westchester DA Urges Closing of ‘Voluntary Intoxication’ Loophole

Under New York State law, an individual accused of rape can use intoxication as a defense when victims voluntarily become intoxicated or inebriated.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace released a statement on June 13 calling for the passage of a bill pending before the New York State Assembly that would close the “voluntary intoxication” loophole.

“Under current law, survivors of sexual abuse are penalized for being assaulted if they consume alcohol or other intoxicants before their assault,” Cacace said. “This status quo relies on outdated notions of consent and victimhood that have rightfully been relegated to the dustbin of history.”

Cacace urged Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to bring the bill to the floor for a full vote before the Assembly. The bill, first put to the floor in 2020, has seen several bumps preventing it from passing over the last few years. — By Eric Harvey