Antonia Arts at the Artist Spot, a performing arts studio located at 925 South St. in Peekskill, is preparing to vacate its space by April 30, following a lease termination and ongoing issues related to building use regulations.

During an interview with the Peekskill Herald conducted Tuesday, April 21, founder Scarlett Antonia said she received notice from the building owner, Robert Lepre of Avante Contracting, during the weekend of April 4 requiring her to leave. “It isn’t an eviction notice. It’s a requirement to leave,” she said, adding that she chose not to prolong the situation despite potential legal options. “I don’t want to… it’s too much stress, and I’ve been to court with them several times already.”

Antonia said her lease was not renewed for the 2026–2027 term and was instead shifted to a month-to-month agreement prior to the notice to vacate.

Antonia Arts has operated in Peekskill for 25 years, including 10 years at its current location. According to Antonia, the current situation stems from restrictions tied to the building’s certificate of occupancy, which limits the types of activities permitted in the space. While classes are allowed, events such as performances, showcases and gatherings are not.

“We have performing arts classes that end in a showcase,” she said. “And I can’t do that. I can only do classes.”

She said the issue came to light in late March after a city official, whom she was unable to name, cited a violation during an event involving a DJ. Antonia questioned why the restriction surfaced after years of operating without issue. “At that point, you’ve already been operating here for 10 years… and now this is coming up,” she said. “I don’t know why you suddenly need this certificate of occupancy.”

Antonia said the restriction has had an immediate financial impact, as events and showcases are a primary source of revenue for the studio. Without the ability to host them, she said sustaining the business has become increasingly difficult.

In addition to permit restrictions, Antonia described ongoing building maintenance concerns that contributed to a strained relationship with the building owner. 

She said water damage and mold issues in a rear section of the building date back several years, including an incident in 2025 when part of the floor collapsed. Antonia noted that she lost equipment due to the damage and pursued the matter in small claims court.

She also said the two parties went to court in 2025 over back rent, adding to a series of legal disputes between them.

Antonia stated that the building owner has not communicated directly with her about the current situation, instead relying on a lawyer. According to Antonia, the landlord declined to pursue a temporary certificate of occupancy that might have allowed limited continued operations. “He just wants me out,” she said.

Building owner Robert Lepre of Avante Contracting did not respond to a request for comment.

At an April 13 Common Council meeting, Antonia framed the situation as one with a larger community impact. “I’m being forced out of my studio space, and I need to leave by April 30. This is not because I failed to serve the community, but because I’m being restricted from operating fully due to building and permit issues beyond my control,” she said.

“This is not just about me. This affects local families and children who rely on affordable arts programs, seniors and underserved populations who find connection through this work,” she added. “We are losing not just the space. We are at risk of losing a community cultural asset.”

Antonia called on the city for assistance, requesting help “in navigating or resolving the certificate of occupancy issue,” as well as support in identifying a temporary or permanent space.

In response, Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie emphasized that while the city supports the arts, safety requirements must be upheld. “Building codes are for a reason. Safety is a paramount concern,” she said, directing Antonia to work with the city manager’s office to explore potential solutions.

Following the meeting, Antonia said she met with Matt Alexander, Peekskill’s city manager, and described the interaction as productive. “The city has been very responsive… we had a really good meeting,” she said, noting efforts to identify alternative spaces for programming. Alexander was unavailable for comment.

As she prepares to leave the South Street location, Antonia is continuing limited programming while searching for a new space. Some classes are being relocated to temporary venues, and community members have assisted with packing and moving.

She also offered advice to other arts organizations. “If you’re an arts space in Peekskill, or looking to be one, make sure you confirm with your landlord that all the proper certificates are in place so you can fully operate,” she said.

Antonia said supporters have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset costs associated with the transition, and community members have volunteered their time to assist with packing and relocating materials.

Despite the uncertainty, Antonia said she intends to continue her work. “I don’t want to quit. This is what I’ve been doing my whole life,” she said. “I’m just here to serve people. I want people to be who they are and be heard.”