CITY OF PEEKSKILL

New York Secretary of State Visits Peekskill 

New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley, no stranger to Peekskill, was in the city Thursday, June 25, to check on the progress of Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grants and participate in a ceremony inaugurating the “Enlighten Peekskill”  Art Trail. 

Mosley, accompanied by Mayor Vivian McKenzie and members of Peekskill’s planning department, toured the wayfinding signs installed at different locations in the city, the downtown civic hub under construction, along with Monument and Pugsley parks. 

He ended his time in Peekskill at the ribbon cutting ceremony at The Central where dignitaries cut the ribbon and spoke of the value of arts, in this case, public art in the community. County Executive Ken Jenkins, state Assemblymember Dana Levenberg and Mayor McKenzie offered remarks along with Dr. Livia Strauss, co-founders of the Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art (HVMOCA).

Last time Mosley was in Peekskill was in August 2024 for a tour of the DRI sites and a panel at Hudson Valley Paramount on economic development.

• Regina Clarkin
  

  ---

   

California Man Sentenced for Role in Abduction, Extortion of Victim in Peekskill

Lewis Li was sentenced to six years in prison on June 25 by U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern for his role in the forceful abduction and extortion of a man in Peekskill, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced in a press release.

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this crime and the fear and trauma that Li inflicted on the victim,” Clayton said.  “Abducting a man in broad daylight, beating him up, and threatening him and his family is a grave offense that ravages the sense of safety that every community deserves.  Our Office remains committed to protecting the public and ensuring that those who endanger our communities face justice.”

The release stated that according to the charging instruments, other public filings, and statements in public court proceedings:

“On January 28, 2025, LI and his co-conspirators forcefully abducted and threatened their business partner (“Victim-1”) in an effort to obtain almost $1 million from Victim-1.  LI and his co-conspirators planned and prepared for the abduction for at least five days beforehand, taking steps that included purchasing and placing a GPS tracker on the underside of Victim-1’s car, surveilling Victim-1’s home, and digging through Victim-1’s trash.  At approximately 11:30 a.m. on January 28, 2025, LI and three co-conspirators followed and abducted Victim-1 outside of a grocery store on Park Street in Peekskill, New York, forcing Victim-1 into the backseat of a vehicle driven by one of the co-conspirators (“CC-1”) in broad daylight.  LI and his co-conspirators restrainedVictim-1 in the Jeep for approximately one hour and 45 minutes, before dropping Victim-1 off on the street in Elmsford, New York.  During that time, LI and his co-conspirators beat and used a stun gun on Victim-1 and threatened Victim-1 to return approximately $930,000 in cash that LI believed Victim-1 had stolen.

While Victim-1 was in the vehicle, LI and his co-conspirators also threatened Victim-1, in sum and substance, that the money belonged to people involved in organized crime, that Victim-1 owed them an additional $100,000, and that the lives of Victim-1 and Victim-1’s family were in danger unless Victim-1 paid the additional sum.  LI and the others also forced Victim-1 to record a video admitting that Victim-1 had taken the money.  As a result of the abduction, force, and threats, Victim-1 arranged for the disputed cash to be picked up by two of LI’s co-conspirators at a location in Peekskill, New York.  Only after the cash had been retrieved and counted did LI and his co-conspirators release Victim-1 from the vehicle, dropping Victim-1 on the street in Elmsford, New York.

In the days following the abduction, LI and CC-1 continued to threaten to harm Victim-1 and his family in an ongoing effort to extort $100,000 from him.  LI was arrested approximately one week after the abduction, before Victim-1 made any further payments.  In the apartment where LI was arrested, officers found, among other items, a stun gun and LI’s phone, which LI had hidden in the oven.”

In addition to the prison term, Li, 36, of Huntington Beach, California, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $910,000.

418 N. Division St. Housing Project Referred to Planning Commission

An application to build an affordable housing project at the former White Plains Linen site at 418 N. Division St. has taken another step forward as the Peekskill Common Council voted on a resolution on June 22 to refer it to the Planning Commission for their recommendation.

But the resolution took another form at the last minute, with a portion that would set a public hearing on the matter on July 13 removed after concerns were raised by a resident about the property being listed as a single building despite having four buildings with frontage on Highland Ave.

The Stagg Group seeks to turn the vacant site between Highland Ave and North Division into a mixed-use multi-residential building with 158 units on six floors. The project has seen some concerns raised by residents over its scale, parking congestion and aesthetic.

Leslie Lawler, who spoke at a community meeting on the project last summer, said she found it misleading to put the resolution forth to the public as it was written without the other properties listed.

“This is a project that, as you know, is going to be an incredibly important but monster project,” Lawler said. “There are zoning changes that are going to require permits. Ultimately, neighbors are going to have to be notified of public hearings, and we’re stepping off on the wrong foot by not putting the proper information out to the public.”

In response to the public comment, the council initially moved to pull the resolution entirely but ultimately motioned to amend the resolution. The amended resolution removed setting a public hearing for July 13, still referring to the Planning Commission for their recommendation but with all the tax lots and appropriate addresses.

Addressing parking concerns, Director of Planning Carol Samol said developers are providing the required parking, saying it is about 1.25 spaces per unit, as well as required commercial parking that would be underground and off street.

• Eric Harvey

City Requests Bids for Purchase of Contentious Dilapidated Home

Several community members call for there to be an exclusive sale of the city-owned property on 946 Second St. to resident Tanya Dwyer, which has ended with the the City of Peekskill putting out a notice for request for bids.

On Monday, June 22, the Peekskill Common Council unanimously voted to declare the vacant building as surplus and unneeded, and authorize a request for bids as the method of sale for the property. It comes two weeks after the council voted to adopt a policy for the transfer of unneeded and surplus city-owned real property.

At prior council meetings, several residents argued the benefits of Dwyer’s vision as an affordable housing advocate to transform the property into a two-family home. They argued it outweighed getting the highest dollar amount. Dwyer previously told the Herald she has not developed a building by herself before but grew up watching her contractor father build houses from scratch.

According to the recently adopted policy, “surplus” means the parcel serves no current municipal purpose. The policy states the city has a fiduciary duty to obtain the highest value for surplus real property, consistent with New York State case law and NYS Comptroller guidance. However, “highest value” does not always mean the highest dollar amount. Per the case law, municipal officials must secure “the best price obtainable in their judgement or the most beneficial terms in the public interest for any lawful use.”

The policy states that awards for bids shall be made to the highest responsible bidder, unless it is documented and determined that there is a valid public-interest basis for selecting a different offer consistent with the city’s fiduciary duty to obtain the highest value for the parcel.

• Eric Harvey

BOE Meeting Adjourns in Memory of Student Who Died in Fire

The final Peekskill schools Board of Education meeting of the school year on June 23 was adjourned in memory of out-of-district student Tremel Lamar Taylor Jr., who died in a house fire on June 4.

The motion, read by Board President Jillian Villon, said Taylor brought joy to everyone who met him and had the pleasure to work with him. Taylor attended the Westchester School for Special Children. He enjoyed sports, music and learning.

“Tremel loved his family and was revered by everyone who knew him,” Villon said. “Therefore, be it resolved that Tremel’s spirit will live on and always be remembered as a Peekskill City School District student.”

Villon also commended Superintendent of Schools David Maurico and Principal Jenna Ferris, who, when word of the fire spread, stopped what they were doing at an out-of-town school event to make phone calls to different school leaders to figure out what they could do to help.

“As soon as they heard that one of our families for an out-of-district student was impacted, David hopped on the school bus, made [the driver] take him back to Peekskill and got right into action to handle everything while the principal, Jenna Ferris, stayed with the students to keep them calm and enjoying the evening.”

Latoya Scott, mother of Tremel, started a GoFundMe page for a foundation she is creating in memory of her son. She explained that there is a need to be more proactive about the overall safety for children with autism and special disabilities to know about emergency and fire training.

“Enduring this tragedy has made me realize there isn’t enough life-saving training and plans for autism families. We’re so busy trying to create comfort and routines that a lot of the time life-saving plans get pushed aside. Which is why I want to start Poppa’s Foundation, to help provide fire safety and emergency planning for kids with autism and all children with disabilities.”

The GoFundMe has received over $1,300 of a $16,000 goal. Another GoFundMe to support the Taylor family and Taylor’s father, Tremel Taylor, who received injuries from the fire, has received over $63,000 out of an $80,000 goal.

• Eric Harvey

Senate Funding Distributed to Two Peekskill Community Groups

Two Peekskill community groups are the recipients of New York Senate grant funding. 

State Sen. Pete Harckham announced in a press release on June 17 that he secured over $474,500 in an end-of-year resolution in the State Senate for additional grant funding distributed to 13 different recipients and aimed at a variety of community-based programs and initiatives.

Peekskill recipients included the City of Peekskill’s Community Violence Intervention program ($50,000 for operational funding to provide vocational and recreational programming aimed at deterring violence among youths) and the Peekskill Hispanic Community Corp. ($22,000 for operational funding to support community initiatives for Spanish-speaking constituents).

“These investments provide crucial support to organizations that are providing services and opportunities to our most vulnerable residents,” Harckham said. “Many of these nonprofits operate on shoestring budgets and rely on the help of volunteers yet accomplish so much. This is funding that will empower residents in many ways.”

Peekskill City Manager Matthew Alexander said the city was honored to receive funding in support of youth engagement with “credible” mentoring, workforce development and community violence prevention.

“The city has put together a team from its Youth Bureau, Workforce Development Program and the Police Department, which will work with participating youth in a program that stresses mentorship and empowerment through community connections,” Alexander said. “By investing in these positive pathways for our young residents, we can help build safer neighborhoods, foster stronger community relationships and create opportunities that deter violence before it occurs by filling our youth with hope and support.”

He continued, “We look forward to using these resources to make a meaningful and lasting impact throughout Peekskill.”

Other recipients from the funding include Hope’s Door, Inc., Medicare Rights Center Inc., My Brother Vinny Inc. Neighbor’s Link, Open Gate Inc., the Ossining Micro Fund Inc., the Prevention Council of Putnam Inc., Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center, Support Connections Inc., and Westchester Youth Alliance Inc.

Man Arrested for Felony DWI with Child in Vehicle

A Peekskill man was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle on May 31.

Sheriff Brian Hess of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Fausto Elizo Guerrero Benalcazar, 26, of Peekskill, following a traffic stop that resulted in felony driving while intoxicated charges.

On May 31, at about 1:43 a.m., police conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle cross over the double yellow center line on Route 22 in the Town of Southeast. During the investigation, deputies determined that the operator of the vehicle was intoxicated. A six-year-old child was also found to be a passenger in the vehicle. Guerrero Benalcazar was taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Correction Facility for processing.

He was charged with:

• Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger Under 16 (Leandra’s Law) – Class E Felony
• Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (BAC .18 percent or Higher) – Misdemeanor
• Driving While Intoxicated – Misdemeanor
• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 percent or Greater – Misdemeanor
• Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device – Infraction

Benalcazar was arraigned in the Town of Southeast Justice Court and released on his own recognizance.

Peekskill Resident Honored During Caribbean American Heritage Month

A Peekskill business owner and a former Mount Vernon City Court judge were honored during a Caribbean American Heritage Month celebration on June 15.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators honored Lyndon Williams, a distinguished jurist, Mount Vernon community leader, and Chairman of the Westchester County Charter Review Commission, and Ted Bitter, a veteran of the war in Vietnam, Peekskill business owner, and youth sports mentor.

Mount Vernon legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels presented the proclamation to Williams while Peekskill, Cortlandt, and Yorktown Legislator Colin Smith presented the proclamation to Bitter.

In a press release, Chairman Vedat Gashi, who convened the ceremony, said Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrates the rich traditions and impact of Caribbean Americans who have shaped communities in countless ways.

“Judge Lyndon Williams and Coach Ted Bitter exemplify this proud legacy through lives dedicated to service and leadership,” Gashi said. “Judge Williams built an extraordinary career serving the people of Westchester as a 12-year member of the Board of Legislators, Mount Vernon City Council President, respected attorney and City Court Judge.”

He continued, “Likewise, Coach Ted’s journey reflects a lifetime of commitment to public duty, from his military service in Vietnam to decades of mentoring young athletes and building community with the Westchester Striders and the BeanRunner Café. Through their accomplishments and commitment to others, these remarkable men have left an enduring mark on Westchester.”

Police Officer Matthew Rivera Promoted to Sergeant

The Peekskill City Police Department welcomed a new sergeant at a promotion ceremony at City Hall on Monday, June 22, after Officer Matthew Rivera was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Chief of Police Adam Renwick said Rivera will be assigned to supervise the patrol division and that he’s been a police officer in the city for eight years.

“He’s only been a police officer here with us,” Renwick said. “We hired him, sent him to the academy and he has done an excellent job as a patrol officer. Matt grew up here in Peekskill. He still has a lot of family that live and work in the community here. He has served professionally and has been a great officer for those eight years.”

Renwick said Rivera has served as one of the department’s primary field training officers for about the last four years, where he’s been “instrumental” in teaching a lot of the department’s newly hired officers on how to do their job in Peekskill. 

“He’s earned this promotion here today and he’s going to do a great job as a sergeant,” Renwick said.

• Eric Harvey

Council Authorizes Comptroller to Submit 2027 Multi-Year Capital Plan

A multi-year capital plan, which will bring million dollar renovations for some of the City of Peekskill’s most important facilities, was accepted by the Peekskill Common Council unanimously on Monday, June 22.

Members authorized Comptroller Toni Tracy to submit for acceptance the update 2027 multi-year capital program as required by the city charter code, which states that a five-year capital plan must be submitted three months prior to the final budget submission.

The proposed estimated costs are $208 million for the general fund, $18.3 million for the water fund, $28.7 million for the sewer fund, and $15.4 million for planning/other, for a grand total of $270.6 million.

Buildings identified as needing renovations include the court building (estimated $7 million), the police station (estimated $1.95 million), the Neighborhood Center (estimated $5 million), city hall (estimated $500,000), the Youth Bureau building (estimated $7 million) and Depew Park’s Veterans Memorial Pool (estimated $12 million).

• Eric Harvey

Student Choreographer Wins Westchester County Metro Award

Nathaly Ortega, a Peekskill High School student, won a Metropolitan High School Theater Award for her choreography work on “Once on This Island.”

Superintendent of Schools David Mauricio said at the June 16 Board of Education meeting that the award is akin to Emmys and Grammys, which adults working on Broadway can receive, but for high school students.

“We have not had someone from Peekskill win a Metro, at least since I’ve been here,” Mauricio said. “We are really excited about this award opportunity that she had received at this event this week.”

The annual regional competition shines a spotlight on exceptional musical theater productions, talented actors and actresses and creative teams who take to the spring in high schools in Rockland, Westchester, Putnam and Bergen counties. The full list of winners and nominees can be viewed here.

• Eric Harvey

City Allows Parking Payment via Smartphone App

The City of Peekskill announced it is offering the Passport Parking application, which it describes as a convenient and secure way to pay for parking using a smartphone. 

The app allows users to start, extend and manage parking sessions with returning to their vehicle. Residents and visitors can pay for parking, receive reminders before their session expires and access parking receipts directly from their mobile device.

Users must download the Passport Parking app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, create an account with their mobile phone number or email address, park anywhere they see Passport Parking app signs and decals, pay for their parking session from their phone, and extend their time remotely if they would like to stay longer.

At the June 22 Common Council meeting, City Manager Matthew Alexander said while the old system is currently working, the city will be switching over to the new Passport app. “Everybody should start uploading Passport Parking into their phones and start using that system instead of the old system.”

For more information about Passport Parking read the City’s release by clicking here.

Board of Education Recognizes Ex-Officio Student Board Members

The Peekskill Board of Education recognized its two ex-officio student board members at the last board meeting of the school year on Tuesday, June 23. The two students, who both joined the board as some of the first student board members with the district on Sept. 9, are Thalia Martin and Ella Morel.

Martin is a graduating senior heading to Howard University in the fall, while Morel is currently a junior who will stay as a board member in the fall. Both highlighted their experiences in a video that was shown to the board.

“What we really want to emphasize is just how impactful this position has been to us,” Morel said. “We’ve been able to coordinate with programs at our school, such as the superintendent’s youth advisory council, to make a true change in our school. This year, we were able to advocate for two new AP classes, so now we have AP environmental and AP psychology.”

Morin gave gratitude to her fellow board members for their support.

“I’d also like to highlight the members of our board for truly encouraging us to embody this role in full effect and just stepping outside of our comfort zone, always being there to educate us on something we might be unfamiliar about. And truly, I don’t think this experience could have been as great as it is without them and their encouragement.”

• Eric Harvey

Tip Line Is Always Open at the Peekskill Herald

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].