CITY OF PEEKSKILL
City, Insurer Battle in Court Over Policy Coverage
Attorneys for the City of Peekskill and Harco insurance company filed papers in federal court on Jan. 9 arguing whether Harco has to cover Peekskill in a lawsuit that could cost up to $15 million to settle.
Peekskill was sued in September 2021 by attorneys for Marc Douglas. Douglas served 14 years in state prison after a jury convicted him on burglary and assault charges in 2006. He won an appeal for a new trial in December 2020 and was released. The Westchester County District Attorney declined to prosecute the case again, and Douglas was free. His lawsuit against Peekskill claims malicious prosecution and denial of rights to a fair trial.
Peekskill officials failed to determine Harco was the city’s insurer in 2006 at the time of Douglas’ arrest because they lacked records to show which insurance firm they were using. Harco’s attorneys argue in court papers that the failure to make a claim in a timely fashion voids any coverage.
“The city asks this court to excuse its failure to have provided timely notice based on what it deems to be ‘unique’ challenges it faced in identifying the Harco policies. These challenges amount to nothing more than its own poor recordkeeping,” the Harco attorneys claim. “[The] courts of this circuit have long recognized that a lost policy does not serve as an excuse for an insured providing late notice.”
Peekskill attorneys counter that previous court rulings in other cases allow for reasons a claim might not be made in a timely fashion.
“The city… made concerted, good faith efforts to identify and provide notice to the city’s carrier for the 2006 policy year. As demonstrated in the city’s summary judgment moving papers, the passage of time, changes in city management and insurance carriers, and other factors made this extremely difficult, despite the city’s best efforts.”
Both sides are asking the court to rule in their favor. Peekskill attorneys also request that if the court doesn’t grant judgment in their favor that a jury make the decision at a trial.
– Jim Roberts
Peekskill Man Pleads Guilty to Repeated Sexual Abuse of Young Girl
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced on Friday, Jan. 16, that a Peekskill man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child under the age of 13 for more than a year.
Medardo Reyes, 44, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, a class B violent felony. He is expected to be sentenced to 12 years in state prison, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision, when he is sentenced by Judge Robert Prisco on Feb. 24. He will also have to register as a sex offender.
In a press release, Cacace said, “What the defendant subjected the victim to, in this case, is beyond comprehension. I am so proud of her for having the courage to report his abuse. Her bravery will ensure that Mr. Reyes will spend a significant amount of time behind bars for his disturbing conduct.”
She added, “We owe all children in Westchester County our greatest efforts to provide them a safe, nurturing environment to grow into adulthood. Apprehending those who abuse and exploit children remains my top priority in this office.”
Between June 2023 and October 2024, the defendant engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13 years old. The investigation was conducted by the Peekskill Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Baehr, of the special prosecutions division.
Civil Rights Attorney Michael Sussman Takes on Damar Fields Case
Michael Sussman, an attorney specializing in civil rights and constitutional law, has taken on the case of Damar Fields, a homeless man with emotional issues whose arrest at the Peekskill Riverfront on Dec. 3 sparked community outrage.
Fields recently entered a not guilty plea at the Peekskill City Court on Jan. 9. He was arraigned on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, public lewdness, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration.
In a phone call, Sussman told the Peekskill Herald he learned about the case after being reached out by members of both Fields’ family and members of a support committee for Fields.
“My job is to protect people’s civil and human rights,” Sussman told the Peekskill Herald in a phone call. “That’s what I’ve been doing for 48 years. The gentleman was treated in a barbaric manner, and people who are protecting the public can’t treat other people in a barbaric manner or they lose their legitimacy as public officials.”
Sussman said he did not see evidence of resisting arrest and expected that the “frivolous charges” would be dismissed.
“It’s difficult. We have people in our society — some of whom succeeded and some of whom haven’t quite succeeded in ways that we conventionally measure,” Sussman said. “But the latter group has no less rights than the former group. This gentleman has had hardships. Obviously, he’s someone who has struggled at times, but that’s not a license for the kind of behavior we saw on December 3.”
Prior to Fields’ arraignment, the Westchester County District Attorney’s office announced it was not pursuing criminal charges for any officers involved in the arrest, including one officer who was placed on paid administrative leave in connection to the incident. An internal investigation at the police department remains active.
An attorney representing the Peekskill Benevolent Association did not respond for comment as of this writing.
Sussman declined to comment if the case was taken on a pro-bono basis, saying, “It’s not really something that’s public or should be, in my view, public; what he’s doing, how he’s paying, if he’s paying. That’s really irrelevant to the underlying charges, which is what is relevant.”
– Eric Harvey
Heat Restored in Park Place Tower
After four consecutive days without heat or hot water, according to tenants, a manager representing Park Place Tower confirmed to the Herald in a phone call that heat was restored to the building on Monday, Jan. 12.
An email from management of the relatively new apartment building was shared by a tenant on social media. It provided residents with an update on the issue on Friday, Jan. 9, and an apology for the continued inconvenience: “The problem has been traced to the boiler controller, which requires a custom special-order replacement part,” the email read. “This part has already been ordered, and we are working closely with our service provider to expedite delivery and installation.”
The repair of the boiler part was set up on Jan. 12. It followed some complaints from tenants on social media, to the Herald, and to Mayor Vivian McKenzie, who said she got a call about lack of heat in the building.
“For anyone who doesn’t know, you can contact our Building Department for code enforcement and make a complaint,” McKenzie said speaking generally at a council meeting Jan. 12. “But if it goes for a period of time, you can also contact Westchester County Department of Health. So if you have anything that is an issue, that is a detriment to your health, like not having heat for a period of time, not having hot water, you can contact those facilities or those organizations.”
She added, “We don’t have jurisdiction over private owners. [Park Place Tower]’s a privately held building, but we can go in with code enforcement to see what is happening and direct it to the landlord. But don’t be afraid to make those issues known.”
– Eric Harvey
Mayor McKenzie Gets a Cameo in Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address
On Jan. 13, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the state legislature and featured a video of leaders from around New York speaking of the support the governor has offered their municipalities.
Mayor McKenzie was filmed sitting in the captain’s chair aboard the “Emerald Princess,” which is permanently docked at Fleischmann Pier. “She’s helped small cities like Peekskill flourish,” said McKenzie in the video that was played as part of the governor’s hour-long State of the State address.
Laura Adam of the “Emerald Princess” said that they were asked if the boat would be available on Friday, Jan. 2, because the mayor was looking to film a few video segments at the request of Governor Hochul.
The date was confirmed with City Manager Matt Alexander and his executive assistant Stephanie Romero at the swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 1. Captain Frank Adam took the boat out into the bay and kept circling around to get the right angles to highlight the pier and Peekskill in the background. The hourlong filming trip included Frank and Laura Adam, Joshua Stevens — the first mate aboard — Mayor McKenzie, and the city’s videographer aboard.
“Frank and I were honored to be able to do this for the City of Peekskill. We knew the video was going to be featured in today’s State of the State address, but it is still so awesome to see the mayor of our great city aboard our boat during such a meaningful event. It was a very proud moment for Frank and I,” said Laura.
– Regina Clarkin
Council Settles Tax Certiorari, Reappoints City Attorney, and More
The Peekskill Common Council passed nine resolutions unanimously at its meeting on Monday, Jan. 12. One council member, Darren Rigger, was absent due to a death in the family.
One resolution authorized the settlement of tax certiorari proceedings with Hudson View Peekskill in the amount of $49,967.99.
Other resolutions passed included the extension of the closure of Esther Street, the reappointing of Keane and Beane as city’s attorney, and the termination of Westchester Power electronics services agreement.
Members also voted on resolutions accepting three grants related to kids programming in the Peekskill Youth Bureau, including Invest in Kids programs ($55,556 with a 10 percent match from the city at $5,556), Rising Tide Boat Building program ($5,7,81), and the Advancing Leadership Initiatives for Teens program ($12,166).
A full list of resolutions can be viewed by clicking here.
– Eric Harvey
PHS Class of 2015 Alumna Named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30
Johanna Hayward, a 28-year-old Peekskill High School class of 2015 alumna, was named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30, an annual list showcasing young entrepreneurs and artists across various industries in the United States.
Hayward was listed under the sports category and was evaluated by four judges. Her bio reads as follows:
“Johnna Hayward is a senior director of brand marketing at powerhouse agency Excel Sports Management. Previously, she served as senior director of partnership marketing and strategy for the WNBA’s New York Liberty, working with brands including Nike, American Express, Fenty, and New Jersey Patch sponsor Liberty Mutual. After joining Liberty’s parent company BSE Global in 2019, Hayward helped grow the franchise’s corporate partner roster from one to more than 50, bringing Pinterest into women’s basketball with its first-ever sports partnership.”
The Peekskill Herald previously featured Hayward in its series “Where Are They Now,” which can be read by clicking here.
Peekskill School District Leader Dr. Kern Mojica Honored by Black Educators
The Peekskill City School District’s very own Dr. Kern Mojica received an award from the Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators (WABSE), the district announced on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Mojica, the director of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), was recognized for exemplary leadership and commitment to educational excellence and equity at a ceremony in White Plains on Jan. 11.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by WABSE for the work I’ve been involved in throughout Westchester County,” Mojica was quoted in an article by district communications director Laura Belfiore. “I feel deeply humbled to be part of this extraordinary journey in the Peekskill City School District. Together, we’re not just educating children, we’re transforming futures.”
According to the article, Mojica has made a lasting mark on the district’s instructional landscape since joining Peekskill schools in 2023. He is credited with strengthening teaching and learning practices throughout the district and expanding access to high-quality STEAM opportunities for children in grades pre-K through 12.
The full article by Laura Belfiore can be read by clicking here.
More Electric Vehicle Charging Ports Coming to Peekskill
The City of Peekskill is acquiring 32 new electronic vehicle charging ports through a Westchester County program, City Manager Matthew Alexander said during a quality of life report on Monday, Jan. 12.
The county previously announced the initiative on July 16, noting it had a goal to boost electric vehicle infrastructure across 24 communities, including Peekskill.
The first eight were installed adjacent to the James St. garage during the week of Jan. 12. The sites also include Lot K, Lot F, and Riverfront Green Park. Alexander said the city will advertise information about usage and fees shortly. He also said the reasons for a fee system include the fact that the charging ports are replacing regular parking space fees and as an incentive for people to move their vehicle when they’re done charging.
– Eric Harvey
Democratic City Committee Chair Endorses Cait Conley in NY-17 Race
Cait Conley, one of seven Democrats seeking to unseat Republican US Rep. Mike Lawler from New York Congressional District 17, was endorsed by Peekskill Democratic City Committee Chair Steve Kollias.
“I’m proud to endorse Cait Conley,” Kollias stated on Jan. 15. “I know she will bring her leadership background to DC and will be a true representative of the values that so many in Peekskill and throughout CD 17 stand for.”
He added, “We need a member of Congress that represents all the people that live in our community, and Cait is that person. By electing Cait, the residents of Peekskill, and all of CD 17, will help flip the House of Representatives back into Democratic control.”
Conley, a special ops combat veteran, shared on social media that she was honored to receive Kollias’ support.
“I’m grateful for his leadership and his commitment to public service, and am proud to stand alongside him as we work to create real change and deliver for the people who put their trust in us.”
Conley also recently received endorsements from the Democratic US Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18) and the Lewisboro Democratic Committee.
School District Holds Technology/AI Parents Survey
The Peekskill City School District’s technology department is gathering input to guide technology planning for the coming school years.
Dr. David Mauricio’s superintendent’s letter stated the survey focuses on three key areas: cybersecurity, family engagement, and artificial intelligence (AI). The district said the feedback will help it to strengthen data privacy and online safety, help improve communication between the school community, and develop responsible and equitable uses of AI for teaching and learning.
Parents interested in taking the survey can click here.
TOWN OF CORTLANDT
Seeking Historic Sites in Cortlandt
In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Town of Cortlandt is creating a weekly series of postings about historic sites within the town. Cortlandt was founded 12 years after independence, in 1788. But the original settlers came much earlier, in the 17th century. The Town of Cortlandt played a major part in the fight for freedom and the founding of our country.
Each week, Cortlandt will showcase a different location within the town, providing the historical significance of each with photographs and descriptions.
If you know of historically significant areas in your part of town, please let the town know. Send the locations and what you know about them. Provide information and photographs. One area will be highlighted each week. Send your suggestions to [email protected].
The town is grateful for the input of the Van Cortlandt Historical Society’s Jeff Canning and Hendrick Hudson’s living history teacher Joseph Ryan for their professional assistance.
Tip Line Is Always Open at the Peekskill Herald
Have a story idea that you’d like to see a reporter from the Peekskill Herald check out?
We always want to hear from our readers. We’ll review and evaluate the submissions and select those that may lead to a story we publish. You can reach us at [email protected].
