CITY OF PEEKSKILL

Council to Vote on Authorizing Appointment of New Police Chief

The Common Council is slated to vote on a resolution on Monday, Dec. 8, authorizing the city manager’s appointment of Adam Renwick as chief of police, effective Dec. 9, and waive residency requirements for the newly appointed chief of police.

Renwick has been employed with the City of Peekskill Police Department for 11 years and has served as a City of Peekskill Police Officer, Police Sergeant, and Police Lieutenant.

The resolution states that throughout his employment with the city, Renwick has discharged his duties in an exemplary manner that demonstrates his ability to effectively lead and successfully accomplish the mission set out for the City’s Police Department.

According to the resolution, the City Council interviewed Renwick for the position of Chief of Police and determined that he is “highly capable” of performing the duties of Chief of Police. Renwick is eligible for a permanent appointment as Chief of Police of Peekskill based upon his ranking on the currently established Civil Service list for the position of Chief of Police.

Peekskill City Manager Matthew Alexander notified the Common Council of his intent to appoint Renwick as Chief of Police . With the permanent appointment, Renwick is subject to a mandatory probationary period of up to 52 weeks, pursuant to Civil Service Rules.

Ruling Authorizes Firefighter Payment for Time Not Worked

A state arbitrator’s ruling over staffing levels at the Peekskill Fire Department ordered the city to pay firefighters for hours they never worked.

The number of career firefighters required on each shift is written into the city’s contract with Local 2343 Paid Firemen of Peekskill. With 31 to 35 firefighters on staff, there have to be seven members on a shift. For up to 30 members, staffing is set at six firefighters.

In February 2024, the city used a federal grant to hire six firefighters who went directly to the county training academy before they could work. Adding those six firefighters brought the staff total above 30 and required adding an additional firefighter to each shift by contract, but that didn’t immediately happen. When those firefighters graduated in July, a seventh firefighter was then added to each shift. 

The union raised the issue of staffing with the city and offered to reach a settlement, but city officials declined talks, according to a source. Following a grievance motion by the union, an arbitrator was involved. 

The arbitrator wrote, “The city never contemplated that the grant would expose it to significant overtime.” The city argued, “Persons in the academy cannot perform as firefighters… Staffing levels [in the contract] contemplated persons who could be staffed.”

The arbitrator determined that the city violated staffing levels in the contract and ordered payment to union members for the shifts that weren’t staffed properly, namely a seventh member from February to July. 

The final settlement cost the city approximately $200,000 in payment to firefighters, the arbitrator, and lawyers who represented the city, according to the source. Officials from Peekskill did not respond to a request for comment.

– Jim Roberts

Person Jumps off Bear Mountain Bridge

Fire rescue boats and divers were searching for a person who jumped off Bear Mountain Bridge on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Rockland Fires, a group that promotes first responders in Rockland County via social media and the internet, posted that first responders were assigned to a male who was hanging over the railing, with responders requesting negotiators to the scene before the man jumped, according to the group.

Responding were Stony Point Fire Department, Piermont Dive Team, Stony Point EMS, Medic 1 and inter county mutual aid. Also responding was the Continental Village fire boat, which entered the water at Riverfront Green, where the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps (PVAC) also was present.

Assumption School Class of 1970 Marks 55th Anniversary

The Assumption School Class of 1970 gathered for its 55th-year class reunion on Nov. 22.  

The evening started with Holy Mass at Church of the Assumption in Peekskill, followed by a brief walking tour of the former school, including a stop in the kindergarten classroom (pictured).  

Assumption School was the “first home away from home” for students, where friendships began, going back almost 65 years.

A champagne toast was lifted to the newly renovated rooftop garden, now called St. Michael’s Hall, before the classmates headed to dinner at Taormina’s Restaurant. Assumption’s Class of ’70 arguably is the most “celebrated” grammar school class, having now gathered for seven class reunions.

– Submitted by John Isabella Jr.

Student Board Member Selected for United States Senate Youth Program

Peekskill High School student and Peekskill Board of Education student member Ella Morel was selected as a delegate for the highly competitive United States Senate Youth Program.

The Peekskill City School District announced on social media Friday, Dec. 5, that Morel will participate in Washington Week later this school year, serving as one of only two student representatives from New York. 

The US Senate Youth Program trip offers students from across the nation insights into government. The district wrote that students will have the opportunities to meet leaders and learn more about available scholarships during their time in Washington, DC.

“Please join us in congratulating Ella on this prestigious honor!” The district wrote. “She is a shining example of Peekskill pride, and we know she will represent our district and city with excellence.”

Peekskill in Lower Third of Tax Rates of New York Cities

There are few mysteries more baffling than a property tax bill in New York state. A recent article tries to unravel the process, and ranks cities from highest to lowest rates — and Peekskill ranks in the lowest third of taxes.

“The tax process starts with assessors estimating your home’s value on the open market,” wrote the Albany Times Union. “Then they would apply a standard percentage, known as the assessment ratio, set by the village, town, or city where your property is located, to convert the market value into a taxable assessed value. 

“Once local governments or taxing entities determine how much revenue they need for the year,” the TImes Union stated, “they calculate a tax rate based on the total assessed value of all properties in the municipality.”

In the list of 61 cities in New York state, Peekskill ranks 46th. The highest rate is New York City at 25.7%, followed by Elmira at 18.5%. The lowest rate among cities is Rye at 2.7%. Peekskill’s rate per $1,000 of taxable full valuation is 7.3%. The town of Cortlandt’s rate is 2.5%, according to the Times-Union.

You can read the full article by clicking here. 

– Jim Roberts

TOWN OF CORTLANDT

Indian Point Decommissioning Board Meeting Slated for Dec. 11

The Indian Point Decommissioning Oversight Board (DOB) will hold an in-person and virtual meeting on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at the Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School at 160 Westchester Ave in Buchanan.

On Dec. 31, 2020, the New York State Department of Public Service was directed to establish the DOB. The Board is charged with providing a forum for information-sharing among involved agencies, identifying issues for relevant oversight agencies to address, and helping to inform the public about decommissioning and spent-fuel management.

Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include presentations and updates regarding the decommissioning of Indian Point.

Any person wishing to deliver a statement during the meeting must pre-register by noon on Dec. 9, 2025. Any person who plans to attend the meeting but does not wish to deliver a statement is kindly asked, but not required, to pre-register to inform meeting hosts of seating capacity needs. 

For more information including how to pre-register click here.

Teens for Hire in Cortlandt

The Town of Cortlandt’s Youth Employment Services (Y.E.S.) can help find local high school students ages 14 to 18 who want to work short or long term.  

Looking for a babysitter? Someone to walk your dog or feed your pets while you’re away? Help with organizing/cleaning?  

Provide the details of your job and you’ll be connected to a teen. Personal information is kept private.

Text the keyword “HIRE” to 833-343-0298 or click here to get started.  

Buchanan Luxury Apartment Rentals Open for Business

Sylvan Woods Westchester in Buchanan, a luxury addition to Westchester County’s Active Adult 55+ rental market, is now pre-leasing.

“The arrival of Sylvan Woods to Upper Westchester County marks an exciting milestone for our brand,” said Ari Mitnick, director of acquisitions for AMS, the developer. “Designed for those 55 and over, the community offers a simplified lifestyle with the comfort, connection, and vibrancy of a resort-style environment centered on wellness.”

The community has more than 10,000 sq. ft. of amenity space with a 19,000 sq. ft. courtyard. Residents will have access to a movie room, art studio, game room, private dining areas, and a great room, as well as a health and wellness area with steam and spa rooms and a gym. Outdoor amenities include a pool, BBQ stations, a fire pit, and a gardening area. 

In addition, residents can expect to participate in activities such as fitness classes, book clubs, social hours, paint-and-sip sessions, poker tournaments, and technology exploration workshops.

First move-ins are tentatively slated for May 2026. For more information, click here.

Off-Duty New York State Police Investigator Arrested for DWI

An off-duty investigator was the subject of an investigation of the New York State Police for allegedly driving while intoxicated on Dec. 4 

Police announced in a press release that on Dec. 4 at about 8:07 p.m., troopers responded to Hudson Valley Hospital for a report of a hit-and-run collision that took place in the vicinity of East Main Street in the Town of Cortlandt.

The investigation determined that a 2017 Chevrolet sedan struck the rear of a vehicle that was stopped at a red light and subsequently fled the scene. A witness reported that the vehicle continued south toward Crompond Road before parking in the Hudson Valley Hospital parking lot.

Responding troopers identified the operator of the offending vehicle as Investigator Richard Miller, 51, of Putnam Valley, an investigator assigned to Troop NYC. Indicators of intoxication were observed, and Miller was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated. He was transported to State Police Cortlandt for processing.

Miller was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Cortlandt Court on Jan. 5 at 9 a.m. and was released to a third party.

There were no injuries as a result of the crash, and the investigation remains open, New York State Police said.

Sewer District Roadwork Suspended for Winter

The Furnace Woods Sewer District project along Furnace Woods Road, Maple Avenue and Lafayette Avenue is currently in winter shut-down. The work within the road areas will resume spring 2026.  

The only work that may take place during the winter months, and is weather-dependent, would be within the Yeshiva site on Furnace Woods Road, where the proposed pump station is to be located.

The sewer line project will connect the Yeshiva to the Westchester County sewage treatment plant in Peekskill and replace the Yeshiva’s failing septic system.

Any issues noticed regarding the project area, such as pot holes or pavement settling, should be reported to the Town of Cortlandt Engineering Division at (914) 724-1060.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY

County Board Cuts Property Tax Hike Proposed by Jenkins

The Westchester County Board of Legislators cut a proposed increase for the 2026 county property tax rate after a series of public hearings and will hold a vote on their plan Dec. 8.

County Executive Ken Jenkins asked for a 5.27% increase in his plan, but the board reduced that increase to 3.7%. The board will vote at a 10:30 a.m. hearing Dec. 8 at the legislative chamber in White Plains.

“I’m deeply grateful to the public for helping shape this budget and to my colleagues who worked tirelessly through this process,” said Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D – New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown). “Our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility, compassion, and effective local governance has guided us every step of the way. This budget hasn’t been easy, but we’re standing up for working families, small business owners, and neighbors across Westchester.”

County Executive Jenkins’ budget calls for $2.5 billion in spending. To address a projected budget gap of $197.7 million, Jenkins proposed a hiring freeze and elimination of 180 positions to save $28 million; reductions in contracts, technical services and expenses, saving $34.5 million; reductions in overtime and hourly costs to save $11.6 million; right-sizing social services relief at $5.2 million; reductions in equipment to save $4.5 million; and reductions of materials and supplies at $2.6 million.

The main contributors to rising expenses, according to Jenkins, are: healthcare costs ($65 million); pension growth ($22 million); increased social services relief ($21 million); transportation and utilization for children with special needs ($10 million); and an increase in debt service ($8 million).

– Jim Roberts

Tip Line Is Always Open at Peekskill Herald

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