To the Editor:
Peekskill is embarking on a comprehensive planning process. This is an opportunity for residents to envision Peekskill’s future. One element we would like to see, which complies with best practices from cities our size around the country, is infill development and local entrepreneurship – – small lots being brought back to life by local residents who can build generational wealth, a stark contrast to (but not necessarily exclusive of) high rise development by distant landlords.
The City’s recent decision about a small house on Second Street is troubling. After letting the house and surrounding lot sit, without maintenance, for more than 10 years – in which it has become an unattractive nuisance – the City is planning to sell the lot to the highest bidder. This is despite serious expressions of interest from Peekskill resident Tanya Dwyer. The City’s decision only makes financial sense in the short term: an auction maximizes the amount of one-time cash for the City.
In the longer term, even a few years longer, the decision makes little sense. A local resident will immediately be contributing to Peekskill’s tax rolls, while investors regularly seek to make use of tax abatements that can last up to 20 years. A local resident has every incentive to move quickly to rehabilitate the property, while an out-of-town investor may wait for interest rates or labor market conditions to change. Dwyer is a recognized affordable housing advocate who will keep the property at a reasonable rent; investors only maximize rent, often leading to vacancies and high turnover. Local landlords and owner-occupants keep properties beautiful and functional, with durable materials and frequent maintenance. Distant landlords cut costs, and it shows. (See “Park Place Tower Tenants Report Ongoing Problems,” Peekskill Herald 4/15/2026).
No one wants to live near abandoned properties. The City has owned, and neglected, the Second Street property for many years. It has the chance to do the right thing at this stage. Without a comprehensive plan in place, it may be more difficult to convince the City that this is what residents want. But it’s not impossible. The Common Council will meet on April 27. We hope our neighbors will turn out. There are so many good reasons the City should ‘go local’.
[Editor’s Note > The following residents of Peekskill, NY, signed the above letter.]
Tina Volz-Bongar
Jacqueline Gares
Antonio Knott
Chris and Bethany Larsen
Amanda Leith
Anna Long
Joseph Nicotra
Alexis Perrotta
José Rivera
Marcus Ryan
Courtney M. Williams
