CITY OF PEEKSKILL
Woman Sues City, Building Owner for Injury Sustained on Sidewalk
A Yorktown Heights resident is suing the City of Peekskill and SWS Owner LLC for an injury she claims she sustained when tripping and falling on a “defective sidewalk” in front of the vacant Peekskill Brewery on May 10, 2025.
Following filing her lawsuit on June 11, 2026, Karen Ireton testified in an Oct. 22 virtual hearing that the fall happened while she was walking with her boyfriend and her son back to her boyfriend’s car from a mother’s day craft fair by the train station in Peekskill.
“It was fast,” Ireton said according to transcripts. “We were walking and there was a pole coming in front of me that I had to go step around. I stepped around it… And when I put my foot down, there was nothing under it. It was just, like, empty air. And I just went down. And I was in the street so fast.”
Ireton said two days after the fall she sought medical attention after the pain got worse, and later that week was told by an orthopedist that she had a fracture. According to a report she made to the city about the accident, she had a broken right kneecap, bruising and soreness.
The accident allegedly caused Ireton serious severe and personal injuries, “all of which are permanent and lasting in nature,” and left her disabled, according to her June 11 petition. She said it impacted how she traverses steps, affects her ability to dance and drive for long distances, and prevents her from hiking.
While Ireton alleged the accident was caused by the negligence and carelessness of the City of Peekskill and SWS Owner LLC, the city filed a motion to dismiss the complaint saying it had no liability in part due to the city receiving no written notice of a dangerous or defective condition at the location of the accident before the accident occurred.
Court records filed by the city on July 21 stated the city code “explicitly bars civil action against the City for personal injuries sustained by any injuries caused by the existence of any defect on its sidewalks, crosswalks, streets or parking areas unless written notice of the existence of snow or ice was given to the Director or Acting Director of Public Works.”
Another city code states: “In the event that personal injury or property damage shall result from the failure of any owner or other responsible person to comply with the provisions of this section and § 505-61A above, the owner and such other person shall be liable to all persons injured, or whose property is damaged directly or indirectly thereby, and shall be liable to the City to the extent that said City is required by law or by any court to respond in damages to any injured party.”
City Attorney Kevin Cropsey wrote the city was entitled to an order granting summary judgement due to lack of prior notice and said that Ireton failed to demonstrate an exception to the prior written notice rule.
Ireton is represented by Ossining attorney Jeffrey Weiskopf. Her June 11 petition states she demanded judgement against defendants and each of them on each cause of action of the complaint in an amount which exceeds the monetary jurisdictional limits of any and all lower courts, which would otherwise have jurisdiction in an amount to be determined at the trial of the action, together with interest, counsel fees and the costs and disbursements of this action.
A response has not yet been filed by SWS Owner. The Peekskill Brewery permanently closed down in November 2023 after 15 years in business.
– Eric Harvey
A Dozen Community Members Appointed to Resident Advisory Committee
After receiving 114 applications, Interboro, the urban planning and design firm consulting the City of Peekskill with its comprehensive plan, has selected 12 people to serve on its resident advisory committee.
At the July 13 Common Council meeting, Director of Planning Carol Samol said the body is a diverse community-based group of residents that bring lived experience of Peekskill, their local knowledge, and a public perspective into the planning process. The comprehensive plan, last created 45 years ago, will guide future land use decisions and capital investments.
The residents (in alpha order) are Gabriel Berger, Elizabeth Castaldo, Nicholas Costa, Glyne Elcock, Ernest Faulkner, Justin Grayman, Juan Guzman, Leslie Harden, Maggie Leung, Julia Miranda-Roach, Tim Warn, Stephen Watts.
Berger is a lifelong resident and recent colleague graduate. Castaldo is an artist, educator, renter and parent. Costa is a software engineer and recent resident. Elcock is a retired attorney, immigrant and newer resident. Faulkner is a retired NYPD officer, mentor and community advocate. Grayman is a psychologist, artist, educator and business owner. Guzman is a Peekskill native working in business strategy and transformation.
Harden is a healthcare leader. Leung is a librarian and former Field Library staff member. Miranda-Roach is a lifelong Peekskill resident and young professional. Warn is a longtime Peekskill resident and community volunteer. Watts is an environmental professional.
The committee is composed of five women, six men, and one non-binary or non-conforming resident. The age range includes two 18-24, three 25-34, two 35-44, two 44-54, two 55-64, and one 65 or older. Of the residents, three have lived in Peekskill for zero to five years, three for six to 10 years, one from 11 to 15 years, and five 21 plus years.
Demographics include Asian, Black, African American, African, Hispanic, Latinx, and white. Living situations include four who own the place they live, six who rent from someone else, and two who stay with family or friends.
The full biographies of members can be found by clicking here.
– Eric Harvey
TOWN OF CORTLANDT
State Grant Helps Complete Firehouse Roof Replacement
A $100,000 state grant secured by state Sen. Pete Harckham for the Verplanck Fire Department helped complete a long-needed roof replacement project at the department’s firehouse, Harckham announced in a release July 23.
According to the release, the project will address significant structural concerns caused by an aging roof, ensuring that the firehouse, built in 1962, remains safe, functional and accessible for firefighters and the broader community. The new roof will improve the building’s structural integrity and reduce ongoing maintenance concerns. It is expected to generate long-term cost savings through improved resilience while enhancing the department’s overall operational efficiency.
“The Verplanck Fire Department’s new roof on its firehouse and headquarters is a critical investment,” Harckham said. “Our firefighters deserve safe, reliable spaces where they can gather, work and ready equipment in service to the community. This funding helps ensure that the VFD can serve the community without disruption.”
The release said that the Verplanck Fire Department, a volunteer firefighting organization and EMS agency, provides fire protection and basic life support emergency medical services to the hamlet of Verplanck within the Town of Cortlandt. The Verplanck Fire District also encompasses the former Indian Point Nuclear Facility, the Continental Gypsum Plant in neighboring Buchanan and several other commercial sites. The department answers about 265 calls a year, including boating accidents and emergencies on the Hudson River, and provides mutual aid to other area fire departments as well, the release said.
Verplanck Fire District Commission Chair Charlie Eichler emphasized the importance of the replacement project in the release.
“Replacing our roof was essential to protecting our firehouse and ensuring we can continue serving our residents and business owners throughout the Verplanck community and beyond without interruption,” Eichler said. “This investment not only strengthens our facility for the long term but also allows us to confidently house our fire engines and equipment, expand our outreach efforts, and remains a dependable gathering place for years to come.”
Home Depot Larceny Investigation Leads to Felony DWI Charges
Two Peekskill men and one Cortlandt Manor man were arrested in connection to a larceny incident in the Town of Cortlandt last week.
In a press release, New York State Police said that on July 21 at about 12:31 p..m., its troopers in Cortlandt responded to a reported larceny at the Home Depot located at 3051 Main Street in the Town of Cortlandt.
Upon arrival, Home Depot Loss Prevention personnel advised that three possible Hispanic males had left the store and were traveling westbound toward Peekskill, according to police.
Troopers canvassed the area and said they located three individuals matching the descriptions provided on Bank Street in Peekskill. An investigation determined that Christopher Gaguana-Uzho, 19, of Peekskill and Santiago J. Quinatoa Osorio, 24, of Cortlandt Manor, attempted to steal more than $500 worth of merchandise from Home Depot.
During the investigation, police say the driver of the vehicle, Jonathan Maldonado, 27, of Peekskill, exhibited signs of intoxication. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered, after which he was taken into custody and transported to State Police Cortlandt for processing. Maldonado subsequently submitted to a chemical breath test, which according to police yielded a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.35 percent.
Caguana-Uzho and Quinatoa Osorio were each arrested and charged with petit larceny. Both were issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Cortlandt Court on Aug. 24 at 10 a.m.
Maldonado was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated (three prior convictions), driving while intoxicated (three prior convictions) and aggravated unlicensed operation, police said. He was arraigned in the VIllage of Buchanan court and remanded to the Westchester County jail.
Levenberg Senior Forum Held at Morabito Center
Local seniors were welcomed at the Town of Cortlandt Morabito Center for Seniors on July 22 for Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg’s fourth annual senior forum, themed “Sustaining our Seniors: Whole Body Wellness.”
Along with a breakfast sponsored by NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, the event provided seniors with resources and inspiration for staying mentally, physically and socially engaged while aging. A press release said the program began with a warm welcome from Cortlandt Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker and Levenberg.
“It is so important for us to help our seniors enjoy well-rounded lifestyles that support good health,” Levenberg said. “This year’s forum was a celebration of the many ways older adults can thrive in their later years.”
Seniors received a variety of presentations including on the benefits of the proposed New York Health Act, information on forming healthy sleep habits, and mentorship and trusting relationships between older and younger people. Seniors also partook in a live cooking demonstration and celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The forum also featured presentations on scam prevention and legal matters from Kate Martin, Assistant Attorney General from the Westchester Regional Office of the New York State Attorney General and Gwen Galef, Assistant District Attorney from the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney. Gabi Madden, Hudson Valley Regional Director from the Division of Intergovernmental and Community Affairs in the State Comptroller’s office, shared information about programs administered by the Comptroller’s office, including how to access unclaimed funds.
Those who were unable to make it to the event can find the presentation and other resources from the July 22 senior forum on Levenberg’s website by clicking here.
Public Asked for Assistance in Cortlandt Burglary Investigation
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating three residential burglary-related incidents reported on July 15 and 16 on Colabaugh Pond Road in the Town of Cortlandt.
A press release said the suspect is described as a white male, approximately six feet tall, in his 20s to 30s, wearing a black or dark-colored sweatshirt.
Anyone with information, no matter how minor they believe it may be, regarding these incidents or who may have observed suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact New York State Police at (914) 769-2600.
The public is also requested to remain vigilant by locking their doors and windows and reporting any new suspicious activity even if it is believed to be minor in nature.
NEW YORK STATE
Lawler, Other Electeds Weigh in on Gov. Hochul’s ‘Local Cops, Local Crimes Act’
U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler was joined on Friday, July 24, by Assemblyman Matt Slater, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, local elected officials, and Jessica and Tom Gorman of Yorktown Heights for a press conference at the Yorktown Police Department, where they criticized what they described as Albany’s “new sanctuary mandates” on local law enforcement.
According to a press release from Gov. Kathy Hochul, the new “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act” prohibits local governments and law enforcement agencies from using local resources to detain people for federal immigration violations. Hochul said this ensures that local law enforcement resources are directed toward local public safety priorities, rather than “the federal government’s mass deportation agenda.”
Lawler and other electeds blasted the legislation, with Lawler describing it as a “disastrous” law that ties the hands of local police. He called on Hochul to listen to the Gormans, whose daughter, Sheridan, an 18-year-old Yorktown High School graduate and Loyola University freshman, was shot and killed in March in Chicago, a sanctuary city, while walking with friends near campus. The man charged with her murder was accused by the Department of Homeland Security of entering the country illegally in 2023.
“This so-called ‘Local Cops, Local Crimes Act’ does exactly the opposite of what its name suggests,” Lawler said in a release. “This bill prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities and threatens to withhold state law enforcement funding from departments that refuse to comply. In plain English: Albany is trying to pressure our police departments.”
Ahead of the press conference, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg released a statement describing the “attacks” on the new state law as misleading. She said that if ICE were serious about rounding up the “worst of the worst,” nothing in the new laws would prevent them from securing a judicial warrant and the legal right to state and local cooperation.
“It appears that Mike Lawler is once again fear mongering about immigrants to deflect from his own disastrous record in office,” Levenberg said in a release. “Instead of passing comprehensive immigration reform that keeps families together and enables the US to continue to benefit from the economic contributions of immigrants, the Trump administration — enabled by Mike Lawler — is pursuing the worst possible version of immigration enforcement. Every day, good, hard-working people and their children are swept into ICE’s violent dragnet with no due process, and left to languish in deplorable conditions — if they aren’t killed outright on the street.”
The City of Peekskill recently adopted its own immigration enforcement and discrimination policy, which prevents the Peekskill Police Department and other city departments from using their resources to assist in federal immigration enforcement, except for cases where a judicial warrant is issued by a federal judge. Employees who violate the policy can be subject to disciplinary measures.
– Eric Harvey
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