CITY

Peekskill Painter-for-Hire Pleads Guilty to Rape of 11-Year-Old Girl

A painter-for-hire in Peekskill pleaded guilty Tuesday, Sept. 3, to rape in the first degree, a class B felony, of an 11-year-old girl in 2024.

Anselmo Yambay Pena, 60, of Peekskill, was promised a sentence of 17 years in state prison in exchange for admitting to his criminal conduct, among other conditions.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 7 before Judge Robert Prisco. Pena remains in custody at the Westchester County Jail, according to a press release from the office of county District Attorney Susan Cacace.

“I can only imagine the grief and horror experienced by the victim in this case because of this defendant’s depravity,” Cacace said. “A guilty plea now provides her and her family with finality, without having to subject her to the difficult process of trial and preparation. I am humbled by her courage and her resilience in the face of this disturbing abuse, and my office will continue to provide her with supportive services.”

On Feb. 15, 2024, Pena was hired to paint apartments at a residential building in Peekskill. In one apartment belonging to the victim’s family, the defendant raped the victim, who was then 11 years old.

Upon learning of the incident, the child’s parents reported it to the Peekskill Police Department, who conducted an investigation and arrested Pena on Sept. 10.

The investigation was conducted by the Peekskill Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Baehr of the Child and Elder Abuse Bureau.

Revenues and Net Expenditures in Peekskill Under Budget

Revenues and expenditures are both under budget in the City of Peekskill.

Peekskill Comptroller Toni Tracy presented the second quarter budget to actual summary at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2. 

The revenue and approved fund balance were reported as being $2,606,307 under budget.

Interests and penalties saw a shortage of $354,849 and sales tax a shortage of $350,000. Dispensary sales tax was projected at $390,000 less than budgeted, attributed in part to it being a new source of revenue for the city. Code enforcement fees had a reported shortage of $150,000, attributed to residents not responding/going to court. Mortgage tax had a $100,00 shortage, a decrease attributed to the economy.

Net expenditures were reported being $2,609,305 under budget, with several categories over budget. 

Those expenditures over budget included legal outside counsel at $338,275, insurance outside counsel at $493,296, and police staffing at $176,556.

Expenditures under budget included fire supplies at $199,382, street administration staffing at $117,946, and recreation staffing and bus rental costs at $112,210, in part due to now owning a bus.

The last item, health insurance for employees and retirees, had expenditures under budget in the amount of $3,187,894. The high number was attributed in part due to a projected premium cost not increasing as expected. It was projected to come in at an about 12 percent increase for 2025, but the family plans for that insurance had little increase, Tracy said. A significant increase in the 2026 premium is expected.

“It’s a little discouraging, I guess I would say, that the revenues are down,” said Councilman Dwight Douglas. “We have a windfall in [that] the health insurance payments turned out to be far less than expected. Otherwise we’d be in trouble.”

Tracy said the city initially planned to use $350,000 of appropriated fund balance in order to balance the budget, but in the end did not use those funds.

“It’s great that we have not managed to spend the money that we have put aside from fund balance for this to balance the budget,” said Councilwoman Kathleen Talbot. “So that’s in the back pocket, so to speak, should these big raises come from the insurance next year.”

The full list of revenues and expenditures can be viewed here.

– Eric Harvey

Two New Fire Lieutenants and Probationary Fighter Sworn In

Two new fire lieutenants and a probationary firefighter were sworn in by Mayor Vivian McKenzie on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the City of Peekskill Fire Department headquarters.

A Facebook post by the department wrote that the first part of the ceremony was to swear in probationary firefighter Dominick Marinello. He began his career Sept. 4 and spent the following day at orientation. He was assigned to the Westchester County Career Fire Academy for the next 20 weeks.

In the second part of the ceremony, firefighters Chris Rimm and Patrick McGinnis both took oaths and were promoted to lieutenant. Both new lieutenants will be assigned as relief officers, filling vacancies on shifts.

Rimm is a 10-year veteran of the department and has served several roles within the department; including municipal fire instructor, IT/software, and radio communications coordinator.

McGinnis is a 21-year veteran of the department. He has served a number of roles as well, including municipal fire instructor, building maintenance, and supply coordinator.

Police Arrest Alleged Bike and Garbage Can Thief

The Peekskill Police Department is currently seeking potential victims in an ongoing larceny investigation.

Early Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, police took a suspect into custody for theft, and during the course of investigation that suspect was found to possess several stolen bicycles and several stolen garbage cans.

Those missing a garbage can or bicycle are encouraged to contact the Peekskill Police Department at (914) 737-8000. Callers will be requested for proof of ownership, photos, documentation, and description of property.

“We want nothing more than to return the recovered property to its rightful owner, and will entertain pursuing additional charges at the request of the property owner,” the department wrote in a social media post.

Peekskill Community Kitchen Holds Graduation Ceremony on Aug. 28

The Peekskill Community Kitchen held its graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Neighborhood Center.

Community members participated in an eight-week food handling and operations learning program with the city’s Nutrition Department Chef Greg Gilbert and Nutrition Site Manager and Community Hub Director Johnathan Zamora. Participants learned safe food handling, preparation, and service skills.

A release stated the program’s purpose was for participants to become aware of how they might start to focus on a path to success after high school and learn the safe and approved methods for operating a commercial foodservice operation. 

Participants in the program received their safe food handling certificates and prepared a menu for guests that included elote, birria tacos, apple caramel empanadas, and classic ricotta cannoli. 

Engage and Elevate Meeting Being Held on Sept. 18

The second Engage and Elevate meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Peekskill Youth Bureau (828 Main Street).

The meeting seeks to unite communities by breaking down silos and fostering collaboration to empower youth with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Its goal is to create a sustainable partnership model where community members collaborate, share resources, and actively support youth growth and success.

All youth and adult leaders must register and choose a committee that they would like to serve on. Those interested can click here. 

Participants are encouraged to jump into one of five “common ground” committees — mental health, collaboration, safe spaces, youth leadership, and digital and social media impact — to turn shared goals into action.

Those with questions are encouraged to contact the bureau’s executive director, Tuesday McDonald.

City Seeking Public Input on City Logo and Branding Efforts

The City of Peekskill has launched a survey on the design of its new logo and brand story, it announced in a social media post on Friday, Sept. 5.

Trajectory Brands, a Toronto firm, was approved on Jan. 27 by the city council to design a new logo and brand as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) state grant awarded to Peekskill in August 2019.

Following several interviews with local stakeholders and surveys, the marketing firm unveiled four designs for the logos on Aug. 18.

The new survey aims not to select a winner but rather to refine the designs.

Those interested in sharing their input can click here.

Optimum TV Subscribers Experience Whiplash with Government Channels

In late August, subscribers to Optimum TV were informed by the cable service that their Local Access, Public Education and Government channels had moved “to new locations in your channel lineup” — and could be found in a new block in the 1300s, far from their long-standing homes on channels in the 20s and 70s. For Peekskill, that meant the government channel — broadcasting such content as Common Council meetings — had moved to channel 1319, from 78. 

But wait, not so fast, there’s more! On the heels of that channel change, Optimum abruptly did a 180, notifying subscribers by email, “…these channels will be returning to their original channel locations” by September 15, 2025. No official reason was given by Optimum for either end of the switcheroo, but reportedly it canceled the channel move in response to “significant public outcry.”  

Is that the end of Optimum’s musical chairs of public access channels? Stay tuned. 

TOWN OF CORTLANDT

Senior Resource Fair Being Held on Sept. 12

A senior resource fair hosted by State Sen. Pete Harckham will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Muriel H. Morabito Community Center (29 Westbrook Drive). Light refreshments will be provided.

Harckham’s office stated that due to attendance expected to be strong, participants are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus from the Kohl’s parking lot at 3008 E. Main Street.

Interested residents will be able to join Harckham and local partners to learn about various health and community resources that cater to the senior citizen population in Senate District 40, including:

• health and wellness counseling
• Support for finding lost and unclaimed funds with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office
• Blood pressure checks
• Covid-19, flu, and pneumonia vaccines (bring medical insurance cards)

Lane Reductions Expected Along U.S. Route 6

Drivers in the Town of Cortlandt will be impacted by new lane reductions.

The New York State Department of Transportation is advising Westchester County motorists that U.S. Route 6 (Main Street) between Millington Road and Westbrook Drive in the Town of Cortlandt will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

The lane reductions, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 9 a.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 26, are meant to facilitate a culvert replacement, weather permitting.

COUNTY

Bridge Authority Hosting Virtual Meeting on Bear Mountain Bridge

The New York State Bridge Authority is inviting participants to a virtual public meeting to learn about project progress of the Bear Mountain Bridge, including design updates and the timeline for construction, on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

The Bear Mountain Bridge deck replacement project seeks to replace the aging bridge deck to enhance safety and extend the bridge’s lifespan, widen sidewalks for improved accessibility, and improve barriers and enhance scenic overlooks for safe, accessible viewing areas.

Those interested in joining or sharing their thoughts can learn more or register to attend by clicking here.

Those with questions or those who have a request for interpretation during the public meeting can email [email protected].

There were five suicides at the bridge in 2024, as well as five emotionally disturbed persons. The bridge authority previously told the Peekskill Herald about its suicide prevention measures at the bridge, which included the deck replacement project.

Free Rabies Vaccines for Westchester Pets

Westchester County residents can bring their dogs, cats, and ferrets for free rabies vaccinations on Sunday, Sept. 14, or Sunday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stamen Animal Hospital, 61 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle.

To reserve a vaccination, call (914) 632-1269. Pets will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. An adult must supervise each pet. Owners should bring proof of prior rabies vaccinations. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers, dogs must be leashed, and aggressive dogs must be muzzled. No exams will be given.

Westchester County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said, “Vaccinating your pets against rabies will protect your pet and your family in case of contact with a rabid or potentially rabid animal.”

To learn more about rabies and its prevention, visit the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

STATE

Press Conference Held on State and Local Impact of Federal Budget

About 30 activists, community leaders, and Westchester County-area elected officials held a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 4, outside Ossining Village Hall to highlight what they describe as the “devastating” impacts of Trump’s federal budget on state and local government budgets.

Those in attendance included Assemblymembers Dana Levenberg and MaryJane Shimsky, Town of Nyack Deputy Mayor Pascale Jean-Gilles, Village of Tarrytown trustee Kenny Herzog, and organizers from New York Working Families Party, Citizen Action New York, Make the Road Action New York, and the Invest in Our NY campaign.

Organizers wrote that the bill will strip 1.5 million New York residents of their healthcare and over half a million residents of food assistance, cause over 200,000 residents to lose their jobs, close hospitals, increase premiums, and “force” state and local governments to carry $1.4 billion in additional costs.

Assemblywoman Levenberg said the bill puts a massive hole in residents’ social safety net while sending billions to help masked ICE agents “terrorize” 95th Assembly District communities such as Ossining and Peekskill. She said they needed to pass legislation to raise the tax on billionaires and restore federal cuts. She called for Speaker Carl Heastie and Gov. Kathy Hochul to bring assemblymembers back to Albany for a special session.

“Let’s not wait until January,” Levenberg said. “There is too much at stake for our communities, for our people, for our residents in Peekskill, in Tarrytown, up and down the Hudson and throughout our wonderful state of New York. Let’s do what we need to do and protect New York now.”

– Eric Harvey

What Are You Hearing Out There? Here’s Your Chance to Let Us Know

Have a story idea you think the Peekskill Herald should follow up on? 

Whether it’s a tidbit you want to share with us or a trend you’ve noticed, we always want to hear from our readers. All submissions remain confidential. 

You can contact us at [email protected].