CITY OF PEEKSKILL
Robert Scott Disposition Results Are Delayed Due to ‘Technical Difficulties’
A disposition from Robert Scott’s grand jury case was delayed to Oct. 7 due to “technical difficulties,” according to Hon. Eric Press at the White Plains City Court on Friday, Sept. 26.
When asked about the disposition by the judge, Westchester County Assistant District Attorney Sheila Horgan said she did not remember about the case. She told the Peekskill Herald she had documents she could not file.
Since Scott was arraigned on April 30, he has had 14 appearances at the White Plains City Court, according to the New York State Unified Court System.
Scott and his attorney, Bartlett, declined to comment on the case at this time.
The Democratic Peekskill Common Council member was charged with filing false documents in April 2024. He was issued a desk appearance ticket at that time and charged with filing designating petitions containing forged signatures for a seat on the Westchester County Board of Legislators in the June 2023 Democratic primary election.
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 names who were deceased.
At a hearing in White Plains City Court on July 8, Bartlett and Horgan agreed to waive the case off the local calendar and move to a grand jury, where jurors would decide if there was enough evidence to bring an indictment.
Scott was set to return from grand jury on Sept. 19, but the case was adjourned to Sept. 26 due to Scott’s attorney going through personal matters.
A spokesperson for the county district attorney’s office previously said he was unable to provide comment on grand jury proceedings due to them being secret by law.
– Eric Harvey
School Bus Catches Fire with No Students Inside; Staff Safely Exited
A school bus with no students on board caught fire on Brown Street on the way back to the bus depot Friday afternoon, Sept. 26. All staff on the bus were able to safely exit the vehicle, the Peekskill City School District announced.
According to Peekskill Fire Chief James Seymour, “At around 4:15 on Friday afternoon (Sept. 26), a motorist approached the on-duty FD crew on the Fire Headquarters apron to report a bus fire on Brown Street. As we initiated a response, the Peekskill Police Department received a 911 call reporting the fire as well. Upon arrival, we found a fully involved school bus fire (mini-bus) on Elizabeth Street near Brown. The fire was quickly brought under control. After interviewing the bus driver and based on burn patterns, it is believed the fire originated in the engine compartment due to a mechanical issue.“
Field Library Ends Financial Sponsorship of Peekskill Film Festival
The Peekskill Film Festival (PFF), screened annually at the Paramount Theater, will no
longer be financially sponsored by the Field Library.
Founded in 2015, the festival takes place each June, showcasing independent films, shorts, animations, and documentaries with a focus on diversity. According to Dana Hysell, director of the Field Library, the idea for the festival began when a staff member “brought the idea forth,” and the library provided the resources to make it possible.
This year’s festival, held June 27-28, marked its tenth anniversary with two days of screenings, panels, and workshops. The program included films such as “Follower,” “Harlem Footsteps,” and “The Babysitter Murders: Timing’s Off.”
“For ten years it’s been staff time, creation of marketing and programming materials, contract negotiations, and financial support,” Hysell said. “The resources involved are incredible, and we want to focus more internally.”
As part of the library’s new strategic plan, financial responsibility for the festival will now shift to Festival Director Chris Fox. While the library will no longer be a sponsor, Hysell said it will continue to support the event through promotion and volunteer engagement. Fox did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Peekskill Herald.
– Mya Guardino
From Peekskill to Policy: Janira Martinez’s Summer with Hillary Clinton
After graduating in 2024 as salutatorian, Peekskill alumna Janira Martinez hasn’t wasted any time leaving her mark on the real world.
This past summer, the Columbia University sophomore — double-majoring in economics and political science with a concentration in business management on the pre-law track — stepped into one of the most formative experiences of her young career: an internship with former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. From late May through August, Martinez worked in Clinton’s New York City office, supporting the team on archival projects, short-term organizational tasks, and long-term initiatives.
Martinez told the Herald that the opportunity arose after she interned for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand during her 2025 spring semester at Columbia. There, she met a friend who had previously worked with Secretary Clinton and recommended her for the position. Out of hundreds of applicants, Martin
ez stood out as a freshman — an achievement she credits to that connection.
Inside Clinton’s office, she gained a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the machinery of leadership. She watched as countless drafts became finished pages of Clinton’s books, saw firsthand what it takes to run a high-profile office, and worked alongside senior staff who had been with the Secretary for decades.
A standout moment for Martinez was accompanying Clinton to a prestigious New York City event where she delivered a speech. “I got to witness the sheer amount of work it takes to coordinate a trip, both for security reasons and to ensure it runs smoothly,” she said.
Although her summer internship ended in August, Martinez remained involved with Clinton’s initiatives. On Sept. 24–25, she volunteered at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting, which convened world leaders, business executives, and activists to tackle urgent global issues — an experience she calls an “honor.”
The daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, Martinez grew up in Peekskill, where she served as class president for four years, led the Spanish Honor Society, volunteered more than 400 hours, and earned recognition from some of the nation’s most prestigious scholarship programs, including the Gates Scholarship, QuestBridge, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Scholarship for Business and Entrepreneurship.
Now at Columbia, Martinez is preparing for a future at the intersection of law and economics, with plans to pursue a dual MBA/JD degree and ultimately become a lawyer.
– Jeffrey Merchan
Late Redmond ‘Ray’ Bermingham Honored for Leadership and Service
The late Redmond “Ray” Bermingham, a pillar of the Irish American community in Peekskill, was honored at the 16th annual Hudson Valley Irish Fest on Saturday, Sept. 20, by State Sen. Pete Harckham.
Bermingham, who died on Aug. 11, was a successful business owner who emigrated from Ireland to the United States, served in Vietnam, and made significant contributions to his community.
He was also the co-chair of the Hudson Valley Irish Fest and helped establish the Peekskill 9/11 Memorial at the riverfront.
Harckham presented a posthumous New York State Senate Proclamation in Bermingham’s name for his “exceptional leadership and distinguished service” to Dan Dennehy, chair of the Hudson Valley Irish Fest, during the event.
An obituary for Bermingham can be viewed here.
Friends of Nor-West Donates $25,000 Toward New Bus
Friends of Nor-West (FONW), a volunteer nonprofit supporting Nor-West Regional Special Services, announced on Sept. 25 a $25,000 donation to help fund the purchase of a new transportation bus for Nor-West’s programs.
A press release stated the check presentation featured FONW co-residents Karen Conlon and Donna Malia awarding Nor-West Director Ed McKay with a ceremonial “big check” in recognition of the donation. The new bus will help Nor-West participants travel safely to and from recreational, social, and athletic programs for years to come.
“Transportation is more than just getting from point A to point B — it’s about connection, inclusion, and opportunity,” said Conlon. “We’re proud to help make this new bus possible so Nor-West can continue bringing people together for the programs they love.”
Nor-West serves individuals with differing abilities from four northern Westchester municipalities — the Town of Cortlandt, City of Peekskill, Town/Village of Ossining, and Town of Yorktown — as well as surrounding villages and hamlets. Reliable transportation is a cornerstone of these services, ensuring participants can attend events and activities safely and comfortably.
“This donation brings us one step closer to upgrading our aging bus fleet,” said McKay. “It’s not just a vehicle — it’s a vital link to the programs and friendships that make Nor-West so special. We’re deeply grateful to Friends of Nor-West for their generosity and ongoing partnership.”
Friends of Nor-West raises funds and awareness to enhance and expand Nor-West’s programs beyond what is funded through municipal budgets alone. Earlier this year, FONW hosted its annual Bowl-a-Thon fundraiser, which brought together over 150 participants and their family members, raising more than $20,000 to support Nor-West.
Firefighters Union President Will Be Honored by NAACP on Nov. 8
President Mark Carter, the leader of the Peekskill Professional Firefighters Local 2343, has been selected as an honoree for the Annual Freedom Fund Award Ceremony on Nov. 8 by the NAACP Peekskill chapter.
Carter will receive the “Unsung Hero Award” for his contribution to labor rights and dedication to uplifting the Peekskill area community at the Gospel Brunch, themed “The Fierce Urgency of Now” on Nov. 8 at the Bear Mountain Inn at 1 p.m.
In a letter to Carter, NAACP president Priscilla Augustin wrote, “You have been selected for the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ because you have broken a barrier in the Peekskill area community. Your recent quote, ‘Labor is fighting for our right to live freely and to be the voice for those who don’t have one,’ aligns with the mission and the vision of the NAACP. Recognized as a tireless advocate for equity and growth, you embody the service, integrity, and leadership this award represents.”
The Freedom Fund Award Ceremony is a fundraiser for the branch, as well as a tribute to those who dedicated their time and energy to education, social justice, economic development, health, voting rights, community service, and much more to the ideals, vision, and mission of the NAACP.
Dentist Building in Downtown Peekskill on the Market
Another commercial building in downtown Peekskill has been listed for sale.
22 North Division St. is a two-story renovated medical office building NNN leased to a private equity dental group with full corporate guarantee (Planet Smile Partners).
The first floor has an open reception area with three treatment rooms. The second floor includes an additional reception area, waiting area, laboratory space, and four more treatment rooms, with a modern X-Ray facility, storage, and office suites.
The asking price is $1.65 million. The portfolio includes a second dental building at 111 East Main St. in Mount Kisco, a 9,000 square-foot freestanding medical building at an asking price of $3.35 million.
TOWN OF CORTLANDT
Off-Duty State Trooper Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated
The New York State Police announced on Sept. 22 the arrest of Trooper Jennifer Alvarez following a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Cortlandt.
On Sept. 21, around 4:54 p.m., troopers responded to a reported hit-and-run crash in the vicinity of Roa Hook Road and State Route 9.
An investigation determined that a 2021 Toyota SUV struck another vehicle stopped at a red light and left the scene. Witnesses reported the vehicle continued south on Route 9, traveling the wrong way and striking additional cars before stopping at a residence in Ossining.
Responding members identified the driver as Trooper Alvarez, who was off duty at the time of the incident. Indicators of intoxication were observed, according to police, and standardized field sobriety tests were administered.
Alvarez was subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to State Police Cortlandt for processing. She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Cortlandt Court on October 8 and released to a third party.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crashes. The investigation is continuing.
A release from the New York State Police stated it will initiate an internal investigation and will take appropriate administrative action in accordance with department policy.
The agency noted that the arrested Trooper Jennifer Alvarez is assigned to Troop K and is not the same Trooper Jennifer A. Alvarez who serves as the Public Information Officer in Troop F.
Apartment Building in Buchanan for 55+ Pre-Leasing Now
For anyone who’s driven by Buchanan Hardware and wondered about the structure rising in record time — the answer has arrived.
Sylvan Woods Westchester is now taking pre-leasing applications for one- and two-bedroom units at its market rate 55+ residential community on Route 9A in Buchanan.
The developer, Fort Lee-based AMS Acquisitions LLC, lists a series of amenities at the building on its new website.
They include stainless steel appliances, chef’s kitchens with islands, designer cabinetry, quartz countertops, vinyl plank flooring, and spa-like bathrooms.
Basic monthly rents range from $2,792 for a one-bedroom, one bath, 759 sq. ft. unit to $4,050 for a two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,190 sq. ft. apartment. Additional monthly fees will apply.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY
Senior Law Day Planned for Oct. 9
Westchester County will be presenting a Senior Law Day on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westchester County Center.
The free annual event will provide older community members with access to valuable resources and expert advice on elder law and other important topics.
Topics include estate planning and elder law, Medicaid/Medicare, Social Security, and solo aging. There will also be free workshops and consultations with attorneys, certified financial planners, and Medicare/geriatric care specialists.
There will be free parking at the Westchester County Center, located at 198 Central Avenue, White Plains.
Registration is recommended at (914) 813-6300. For more information, click here.
NEW YORK STATE
Inflation Refund Checks Being Sent to 8.2 Million New York Households
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Sept. 26 that New York State’s “first-ever” inflation refund checks up to $400 are now being sent to 8.2 million households statewide.
Checks will be mailed directly to eligible state residents, with deliveries to continue throughout October and November. There is no need to apply, sign up, or do anything to receive a check.
A press release from Hochul’s office stated the governor secured and enacted the initiative as part of her commitment to putting money back into the pockets of New Yorkers.
“Starting today, we’re sending inflation refund checks to over 8 million New Yorkers because it’s simple — this is your money, and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” Hochul said. “I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living — and that’s why I also delivered on my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the child tax credit, and ensure free school meals for every student.”
Those eligible for the checks had to file in tax year 2023 a Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return, reported income within the qualifying thresholds, and were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check. Joint tax fliers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check. Single tax fliers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check. Single tax fliers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.
According to the release, there are 924,000 recipients for the inflation refund checks in the Mid-Hudson region.
Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg celebrated the announcement in Hochul’s press release.
“While President Trump’s policies cause prices to skyrocket, his GOP-led Congress is doing nothing to help struggling families,” Levenberg said. “I’m proud that my colleagues and I in the state legislature were able to partner with Governor Hochul to provide these relief checks for New Yorkers. We will continue doing whatever we can to serve as a buffer against the chaos coming from Washington.”
For more information about the inflation refund checks, click here.
