CITY

Homicide Suspect Extradited from Mexico Appearing in Court on Sept. 10

Walter F. Bustos-Solis, the lead suspect of a fatal stabbing in 2024 who was extradited from Mexico this June, will appear before Westchester County Court on Sept. 10.

On June 10, 2024, at 3:40 a.m., Peekskill police officers responded to reports of an altercation on the 900 block of Main Street. Officers arrived and discovered a male victim, later identified as Carlos Rodriguez, 33, who had sustained severe lacerations to the lower part of his body.

Officers provided immediate medical attention to Rodriguez, who was then transported to the Westchester Medical Center by EMS. Rodriguez died on June 16 as a result of the injuries he sustained during the altercation.

Peekskill police detectives then identified Bustos-Solis as a suspect in the case and were actively attempting to locate him.

It wasn’t until June 12, 2025, that Bustos-Solis was apprehended by federal authorities in Puebla City, Mexico. He was extradited to the United States and brought into the custody of the Peekskill police, as well as the FBI. 

Bustos-Solis was charged with one count of murder, one count of manslaughter, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon.

His first appearance was an arraignment on June 20, then a conference on July 23. Another conference will be held on Sept. 10, followed by a determination of readiness on Sept. 24, which will determine if the prosecution is ready to proceed with a trial.

– Eric Harvey

Murder Trial of Hasseem Jenkins Scheduled for Sept. 29

The alleged killer of Westchester County social worker Maria Coto faces trial Sept. 29 in County Court that could send him to state prison for 25 years to life.

Coto was approaching retirement after years of working for the county. Westchester County prosecutors allege that on May 14, 2024, 33-year-old Hasseem Jenkins of Peekskill beat Coto senseless in an unprovoked attack in an apartment at 900 South St.

Coto died one month later at the Westchester County Medical Center after being removed from life support. Jenkins remains in custody at the Westchester County jail in Valhalla. 

At an Aug. 28 court hearing in White Plains city court, an existing order of protection for a witness in the case was renewed.

White Plains Linen Sold to Texas Investment Group

A Peekskill institution in the local business community, founded in 1938, has been sold to a Texas-based private equity firm. The transaction was valued at more than $50 million.

White Plains Linen, owned by members of the Botchman family since its founding, sold its White Plains Linen/LINENS à la Carte’s tri-state area linen business and two Peekskill properties to Surge Private Equity LLC, based in Dallas, in a deal announced on Aug. 13.

“As president of this family-owned business, I represent three generations of devoted service to the restaurant and hospitality industries,” said Bruce Botchman, president and CEO. “After many years of learning the business, in 1975, I became president and it was my goal to turn the company from a one-million a year entity to a multi-million linen company.”

Botchman will still own a percentage of the business and will continue to serve in a senior advisory role.

White Plains Linen, based at 4 John Walsh Blvd., operates a fleet of 60 vehicles delivering more than 1 million pounds of linens every week, including more than 1.75 million napkins, 500,000 bar mops and kitchen towels, 200,000 tablecloths and 110,000 kitchen garments. It also sells various products such as disposable gloves and chef coats in addition to its rental business.

Founded in 2017, Surge is a Dallas-based private equity firm that seeks majority investments in growing businesses with $4 million to $35 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization annually. Together with its lending partners, Surge provides entrepreneurs with liquidity and investors with higher yields and greater accessibility.

Driver Flees Scene After Hitting Assumption Church Wall, Police Say

Parishioners of the Church of the Assumption were met with an unusual sight on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 24. A traffic sign and a portion of the concrete wall bordering the church were toppled over. 

The culprit, according to Peekskill police, was a vehicle. A spokesperson for the department said that at around 11:09 a.m. that day, officers responded to the church on 920 First St. for a report of a leaving the scene motor vehicle accident that resulted in the wall being damaged. 

One resident reported to the Peekskill Herald seeing the damage as early as around 2 a.m. The incident is currently being investigated by police.

– Eric Harvey

Tireless Volunteer of Cleanup on Route 9 Announces Ending Efforts

Frank Goderre, the tireless volunteer who for the past ten years has kept the entries to Peekskill from Route 9 neat and tidy, has parked his riding mover and removed his bright yellow gear. 

Citing financial constraints and an aging body, Goderre announced Aug. 21 on Facebook that he was stopping the maintenance of the two triangular patches of land on the north and south sides of Route 9.

Goderre was honored by the NAACP in October of 2019 for his efforts to beautify the entrances to Peekskill. He said he spent his own money to build the signs that say “This Is Peekskill: A Friendly Town” and installed them on state-owned land. 

– Regina Clarkin

City of Peekskill Holding Waterfront Development Open House Sept. 6

The City of Peekskill Planning Department is holding a waterfront development open house on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Neighborhood Center located at 4 Nelson Ave.

Participants are encouraged to check out the proposed buildings, meet with the developers, help shape the streets and plaza, and share their concerns about the environmental study.

The city solicited Expressions of Interest for mixed-use development at three publicly-owned sites around the Metro-North Station. Three developers were selected from what the city described as a competitive field of qualified respondents.

“Importantly, waterfront development should contribute to a cohesive district that is forward facing yet sensitive to the existing historic character,” the city’s page on waterfront development reads. “The Waterfront Architecture Vision document envisions a vibrant mix of historic and contemporary buildings enhancing one another.”

The Cumulative Environmental Impact Report will provide an initial generic assessment of potential significant environmental impacts from waterfront transit-oriented development at the three sites. Written comments will be accepted by the Department of Planning and Development until Sept. 9, via email at [email protected], or in person.

The report outline can be viewed here.

– Eric Harvey

Vehicle Accident on Aug. 28

A motorized scooter struck a vehicle in the roadway on N. Division St. at the intersection with Diven St. on Aug. 28 at about 9:45 p.m., according to police. 

A spokesperson for the City of Peekskill Police Department said that the occupants of the scooter were transported to Westchester Medical Center in stable condition. No pedestrians were involved in the incident.

Commercial Real Estate News in Peekskill

Two commercial properties in Peekskill were sold recently, and a third has just come to market. 

Silvio M. Ramon of Mahopac purchased 17-19 Bank St. for $1.2 million from Praxis Holding LLC of Beacon. In another transaction, Angel M. Serrano of New York bought 510 N. Division St. for $525,000 from 510 North Division Realty LLC of Peekskill. Both deals were reported in the county clerk’s office in July.

In a new listing, the Oak & Avery Group holds an exclusive offering of 925 South St., a mixed-use retail and loft building between Union Avenue and South Division Street. The property totals approximately 6,220 square feet and is currently configured with a large ground-floor retail space and three upper-level artist lofts/studio units. All tenants are currently on a month-to-month basis. The asking price is $645,000.

County to Offer Household Recycling in Peekskill Sept. 7

Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities (WCDEF) will host three Household Recycling Day events this fall, offering residents convenient and safe opportunities to dispose of household waste.

The first date is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charles Point Resource Recovery Facility, 3 John Walsh Blvd. in Peekskill. Residents should place items in their trunk or backseat and remain in their vehicles while staff unload vehicles in the drop-off area.

Generally, the following items are accepted for safe disposal or recycling:

• properly labeled household chemicals, such as household cleaning products, most automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, but not motor oil)
• flammable liquids (kerosene, butane, lighter fluid, turpentine)
• metal, jewelry, and furniture polishes and waxes
• wood preservatives
• fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides
• photographic and swimming pool chemicals
• batteries — only vehicle, rechargeable, or button cell
• textiles — footwear, clothing, linens, leather, and handbags
• latex and oil-based paint, wood stains
• fluorescent light bulbs and CFLs
• fire extinguishers
• BBQ propane tanks (up to 20 lbs.)
• mercury-containing devices (thermometers and thermostats)
• electronic waste (TVs, computer monitors and towers)
• expired or unwanted medications, both OTC and prescription
• personal documents for shredding (limit of four file-size boxes per household)
• tires (with or without rims) up to four per household

Items that will not be accepted include non-rechargeable alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries (they can be safely discarded in the trash), motor oil, smoke detectors, cell phones, explosives (flares, fireworks, ammunition), construction debris and hypodermic needles. Waste from businesses, schools or other institutions will not be accepted.

Due to the popularity of the events, residents may experience extended wait times. You can schedule an appointment at the County’s Household Material Recovery Facility (H-MRF) at 15 Woods Road on the Grasslands Campus in Valhalla. The H-MRF accepts the same items as HRDs and is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit this link or call (914) 813-5425.

Hudson Valley Gateway Announces Incubator Program

The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce announced the Gateway Innovation Incubator Program in a press release on Aug. 27.

The new initiative pairs new business leaders with experienced entrepreneurial veterans in the region to help jump-start their growth. By pairing new entrepreneurs with seasoned leaders who’ve been in their shoes, the chamber seeks to create an invaluable feedback loop, passing down proven strategies and insights to the next generation of local business trailblazers.

“The Hudson Valley is a hotspot for new business, and we want to be a resource entrepreneurs just starting out can rely on,” said Carole Voisey, executive director of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community — that’s why we’re investing in their growth so our region continues to lead as a commercial center.”

The chamber stated via a one-time fee of $200, new businesses gain access to a six week course with structured lessons and materials, valuable business contacts and mentorship opportunities, and a one-year Basic Connect Level Membership with the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce.

Through weekly workshops, one-on-one sessions, the chambers says new business owners will discover how they can bring their organizations to the next level. 

“Having a mentor can mean the difference between surviving and thriving for a new business,” said Tim Warn, Hudson Valley Gateway board president. “When seasoned entrepreneurs share their insights, guidance, and experience, they empower the next generation of business leaders to avoid common pitfalls, build smarter strategies, and ultimately, succeed faster.”

To learn more about the program, or to speak with someone about becoming a mentor or participant, visit hvgatewaychamber.com or contact the Chamber directly at [email protected]. Applications are open now, and interested businesses and seasoned entrepreneurs are encouraged to get involved in shaping the future of the Hudson Valley’s thriving business community.

TOWN OF CORTLANDT

Jackie Gleason’s Cortlandt House for Sale at $5.5 million

Peekskill children of the 1960s might recall watching the Jackie Gleason show each week and waiting for the credits to roll at the end to cheer for the final line — “A Presentation of Peekskill Productions.”

Visitors to the popular downtown restaurant Gleason’s might know that it is named after Gleason, a major television and movie star for decades, known still today for re-runs of the hit TV series “The Honeymooners.”

Gleason is also remembered locally for the amazing house built for him in Cortlandt Manor to resemble a spaceship. That house is now offered for sale at an asking price of $5.5 million through listing agent Heidi Henshaw of Corcoran Legends Realty. 

The house, tucked away on 8.6 wooded acres off Furnace Dock Road, was designed and constructed by Robert Cika for Gleason in 1959. A second, smaller “spaceship” on the property has been used as a bunkhouse and for glamping.  Floors and fireplaces are made of Italian marble said to have come from a quarry Gleason purchased to ensure its quality. The property includes a cultivated and fully fenced vegetable and herb garden with a gardening shed. 

You can see the listing of the house by clicking here.

COUNTY

Gas Line Inspectors Charged with Faking X-Rays of Welds

An inspector from Mahopac is one of two men facing federal criminal charges after they allegedly carried out a scheme to defraud a regulated utility company in connection with fraudulent safety inspections of natural gas pipelines installed throughout New York City and Westchester County.

Michael Vasconcellos, 44, of Mahopac and Liam Treibert, 30, of Wendell, NC, lied about having inspected hundreds of welds between at least 2016 to 2023 that they never actually reviewed and createing fraudulent records to cover up what they had done, according to the charges brought by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Treibert was arrested in North Carolina and Vasconcellos in New York.

During the alleged period, while performing radiographic testing for the utility, the two men repeatedly engaged in a practice referred to in the non-destructive testing industry as “radaring.”  Radaring typically involves radiographing the same weld twice and then passing off one copy of films as having come from a second weld. 

“When deliberate misconduct — as alleged here — puts entire communities at risk, those responsible must face swift and decisive consequences,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “These arrests, made in partnership with the Southern District of New York, demonstrate my agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and pursuing accountability on behalf of all New Yorkers.”

Each man is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

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