CITY

Peekskill Joins County-Wide Police Mutual Aid Pact 

The County of Westchester has entered a five-year inter-municipal agreement with local police departments to provide mutual aid and emergency response assistance. 

Peekskill is one of the 29 participating municipalities that will share police resources during emergencies that exceed their individual capabilities — events that include terrorism, natural disasters, and public health emergencies. The agreements come at no cost to municipalities and take effect immediately through July 30, 2030.

“I am proud to stand by this legislation designed to enhance support for our local police departments by enabling assistance from county law enforcement officers during critical emergencies,” said County Legislator Colin D. Smith (D – Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown), chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee. 

“By fostering mutual aid agreements, this legislation strengthens our collective ability to address emergent threats, including public health crises and acts of terrorism, with greater efficiency and coordination.”

Broad and Howard Project Targets Fourth Quarter 2026

A member of developer Chuck Lesnick’s project team told the Planning Commission at its Aug. 12 meeting that the plan for 57 apartments at Broad and Howard streets is targeting the fourth quarter of 2026 to break ground on construction of the project.

Lesnick said financing for the project continues to be on track. State grants, low-interest loans, and tax credits all require commitments from Westchester County and a PILOT agreement with Peekskill’s Common Council. “We’re very close and moving on all cylinders,” Lesnick said. The goal, he said, is to provide affordable housing with blended incomes to mirror market rent prices in Peekskill.

Lesnick is addressing requirements of his special permit from the Planning Commission on matters including a study of storm water drainage, the impact of pile driving during construction, street lighting, and access for the fire department.

The project will need extensions from both the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board for variances.

– Jim Roberts 

Blood Drive Held in Peekskill Could Save 120 Lives

State Sen. Pete Harckham hosted a blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) at the Field Library in Peekskill on Aug. 21 and collected 40 pints of blood — enough to save up to 120 lives.

This is Harckham’s eighth blood drive since taking office in 2019 and his second since the blood center declared a blood emergency on June 2. 

A press release from Harckham’s office said a blood emergency means there is less than a one- to two-day supply of critical blood types across the region. This puts people at risk who are experiencing all kinds of medical and health emergencies and issues, from trauma victims and surgery patients to those undergoing cancer treatment or facing life-threatening complications.

“This blood drive was a great example of how community members can come together to help in times of a severe shortage in our blood supply,” Harckham said. “I thank our generous donors, the NYBC, and the Peekskill Field Library for responding to the blood emergency and making this drive a success.”

According to the release, just one donation can save three lives. One unit of blood can be separated into several components key to improving respiration, promoting blood clotting, and supporting cancer treatments, the release explained.

“Blood donations traditionally decline in the summer as many families are on vacation and schools are out of session, yet the need for blood never takes a holiday,” NYBC Account Manager Camilo Rubio said in the release.

90th Anniversary of Social Security Celebrated in Depew Park

A celebration of the 90th anniversary of Social Security being signed into law was held at Depew Park on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Advocates, union leaders, and Peekskill residents gathered for a “birthday party” and rally as part of the Protect Our Checks national day of action, which saw over 50 rallies held nationwide. A press release from Empire State Voices said the program is currently under threat by Congressional Republicans who would see its funding cut or administration privatized.

Resident Diane Volz, who celebrated her 102nd birthday in December, spoke in defense of the program at the rally.

“As a child, my father put us around the radio to hear the fireside chat of the president, FDR,” Volz said in a release. “He said: ‘My cabinet and I have decided that you do not want your elderly to die in loneliness and with a lack of survival. We have started a program we are calling Social Security. Social because it covers every single person.’ And we loved it.”

State Sen. Pete Harckham said that the program has been one of the most successful government programs of the last 100 years and provided hardworking Americans with a safety net after a long career of contributing to the economy.

Dylan Wheeler, NY-17 regional organizing director for Empire State Voices said that Rep. Mike Lawler has “repeatedly voted against the interests of his constituents.”

“Just this year, Rep Lawler has voted to cut Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and more in the interests of extending bigger tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires, and corporations,” Wheeler said. “With that shoddy track record, it’s no surprise that New Yorkers are starting to worry about the fate of Social Security, which is a critical lifeline that nearly 4 million New Yorkers and their families depend on.”

In a press release celebrating Social Security’s 90th anniversary, Lawler said he was committed to protecting the program for current recipients and future generations. He noted he sponsored the Social Security Fairness Act, which he said ensures the program treats all retirees fairly and strengthens its long-term stability.

“I will never vote to cut benefits, and I do not support privatising the program,” Lawler said, adding he supported efforts to reopen the West Nyack Social Security office after renovations. 

He continued, “I’ll keep working to ensure Social Security remains strong, accessible, and reliable, keeping our promises to those who need it most.”

– Eric Harvey

HV Gateway Chamber Seeking Vendors for Fall Festival Oct. 12

The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce is inviting all businesses to become a vendor at the Chamber’s 2025 Fall Festival at the Jefferson Valley Mall.

This year’s festival will include a Road Knights Car Show, a senior lunch, children’s rides and crafts, live performances, a beer garden, food trucks, and other vendors.

The festival will be held on Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chamber members and non-profits will receive a discount. For more information about becoming a vendor, contact the Chamber at (914) 737-3600 or [email protected].

‘Halfway to St. Pat’s’ Cruise Sails Sept. 13 from Fleischmann Pier

Ireland on the Hudson is coming this September when the Peekskill St. Patrick’s Committee presents the “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Cruise” on the enchanting “Emerald Princess” out of Fleischmann’s Pier.

The Sept. 13 fundraiser cruise boards at 2:30 p.m. and returns to port at 6 p.m. The fun-filled St. Patrick’s Parade fundraiser includes light refreshments, music, and a cash bar.

You’ll sail up the beautiful Hudson River Valley and raise funds to support the 2026 parade through downtown Peekskill that will feature Grand Marshal Lou Panzanaro Jr. and his Aides John Berlow, Fiona Brennan, Dana Dapson, and Fr. Esteban Sanchez.

Tickets to take part in the Mary Alice and Jack Murphy Memorial event are $70 per person. To order, go to www.peekskillstpatscommittee.org.

Local Businesses Voted ‘Best of Business’ Award Winners

Several local area businesses turned out as winners in the seventh annual poll conducted by local business magazine 914INC.

The September/October issue of the magazine recognizes Westchester’s leading local businesses at the annual Best of Business Awards. Winners across 40+ categories will be honored at an elegant cocktail and networking event on Sept. 11 at the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers.

The local area winners are: 

• Best Corporate Event Planning: Events To Remember + PR To Remember & Divisions of Events by Chereese Inc.
• Best Team Building Experience: Spins Hudson
• Best Restaurant to Take a Client for Dinner: Fin & Brew
• Best Commercial Property Management: Diamond Properties LLC
• Best Web Development & Best Commercial Videography: Enormous Creative
• Best Commercial Photography: John Vecchiolla Photography

COUNTY

Job Growth Holds Steady, Unemployment Rate Rises

Private sector jobs in the Hudson Valley rose by 11,400, or 1.4%, to 850,600 in July 2025 compared to one year ago. Growth was centered in private education and health services (+6,300), or 2.8%, to reach 229,700 jobs.

Other job sector figures include: leisure and hospitality (+3,000), professional and business services (+1,300), other services (+900), financial activities (+500), trade, transportation and utilities (+500), and manufacturing (+400). Losses were greatest in mining, logging and construction (-800) and information (-700). Private sector job growth increased by 1.2% in Westchester County.

The July 2025 unemployment rate for the Hudson Valley Region is 3.5%. That is up from 3.0% in June 2025 and down from 3.7%in July 2024. In July 2025, there were 43,500 unemployed in the region, up from 37,400 in June 2025 and down from 46,100 in July 2024. Year-over-year in July 2025, the labor force decreased by 4,400 or 0.4% to 1,236,100. The Westchester County unemployment rate was 3.4%.

Feeding Westchester Seeking New CEO After Erren Departs

Feeding Westchester is searching for a new president and CEO. Karen C. Erren, who led the organization through significant growth and expansion, has stepped down by mutual agreement.

Under Erren’s leadership, Feeding Westchester doubled in size, reached new heights in nutritious food distribution, and broadened its footprint and impact across the county. The board of directors expressed deep gratitude for her leadership and contributions to the organization’s success over the past five years. 

Feeding Westchester is the County’s food bank providing over 21 million pounds of food annually to 175 food pantry partners. Chief Operating Officer Tami Wilson will lead Feeding Westchester during the search period. 

“Feeding Westchester is entering a pivotal moment in its history. The board is committed to finding a CEO who will amplify our mission and guide our organization confidently into the future”, said Vinay Rao, Feeding Westchester Board Chair. “We are partnering with DSG Koya, a well-regarded executive recruitment leader, to conduct a thorough national search for a new CEO.”

Feeding Westchester, a non-profit 501(c)(3), received a total of $36.75 million in gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees in 2023, according to public documents.

Erren received total compensation of $367,108 in 2023 as president and CEO. Other top salaries went to: Jenine Kelly-Morledge, VP Development, $231,149; Ryan Brisk, VP Operations and Procurement, $226,343; and Toby Pidgeon, VP Business Solutions, $176,7290. 

The top three independent contractors received the following payments in 2023: NYIP Owner I LLC, $1.18 million (rent); Allegiance Group, $587,018 (direct response marketing); and Anne Lewis Strategies LLC, $418,275 (advertising).

– Jim Roberts

STATE

Harckham Hosts Back-to-School Drive to Help Empower Academic Success

State Sen. Pete Harckham announced on Aug. 20 that his back-to-school drive in partnership with the United Way of Westchester and Putnam has concluded, netting hundreds of essential school supplies to support local students in need.

Collection sites were set up at Harckham’s office in Peekskill, as well as the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak and the Reed Memorial Library in Carmel. The drive brought in 200 notebooks, hundreds of pens, pencils and crayons, more than a dozen backpacks, and other assorted school supplies.

The drive ran from July 1 through Aug. 20, with the donated items going to families whose children qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches. Distribution will be handled by United Way’s nonprofit partners.

“Many families in our communities are facing financial challenges due to ongoing economic uncertainty,” Harckham said. “This drive is one way we can help ensure every student has the tools they need for a successful school year.”

A press release stated the drive was the latest in Harckham’s efforts to support students in the 40th Senate District, having also helped secure more than $250 million in increased school funding for the district. He also partnered with Madison Square Garden to distribute 300 backpacks to students in the Peekskill City School District and has collaborated with the district to host multiple career fairs aimed at preparing students for success after graduation.

NATIONAL

Lawler Introduces Bill Protecting Airplane Passengers from Toxic Fumes

The bipartisan Safe Air on Airplanes Act was reintroduced by US Reps. Mike Lawler (NY), Maxwell Alejandro Forest (FL), and John Garamendi (CA), a press release on Aug. 21 announced.

The act seeks to secure clean air on airplanes to ensure the safety of the nearly 3 million people, including flight crews and passengers, who fly daily. It would work to phase out bleed air systems, which currently exist on almost all commercial aircraft and supply the air through the engine’s compressors.

“When folks get on a plane, they shouldn’t have to worry about the air they’re breathing,” Lawler said. “But right now, outdated bleed air systems are putting pilots, flight attendants, and passengers at risk.”

The act would end the use of bleed air systems for ventilation in new commercial aircraft design, require filters on bleed air systems to effectively keep oil particulates out of the fight deck and cabin air within seven years, and totally phases out the use of bleed air system for ventilation in existing commercial aircraft designs in the coming years, according to the release.

The release stated that inhaling fuel or toxic fluids leaked from the engine or other systems can lead to chronic illnesses, difficulty breathing, dizziness and vomiting, irregular heart rate, and memory loss. The Boeing 787 model is currently the only airplane that does not use a bleed air system, the release said.

The act has been endorsed by the Association of Flight Attendants–CWA, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Transport Workers Union of America. Association of Flights Attendants president Sara Nelson said that everyone who boards a plane should be able to trust that the air is clean and safe.

“We have known for decades that current bleed air systems can dump toxic chemicals and fuels into the aircraft cabin, poisoning the air for everyone on board,” Nelson said. “Instead of making simple changes to protect us, manufacturers and airlines have prioritized corporate profits.”