PEEKSKILL, N.Y. – A wide range of community concerns were aired during a spirited Peekskill Common Council meeting on Monday, July 14, with residents sounding off on issues ranging from deteriorating park conditions and downtown redevelopment to proposed cannabis and youth sports facilities.
Pugsley Park Conditions Spark Public Outcry
Among the most vocal concerns was the deteriorating condition of Pugsley Park, a popular downtown green space. Residents Rachel and Brian Bushner shared troubling reports of public defecation in the park, highlighting a lack of restrooms and trash receptacles.
“They’re defecating in Pugsley Park every single day,” said Brian Bushner. “Seeing human feces all over the side of a Presbyterian Church at a public park is a really bad look.”
Resident Jen Zawacki echoed those concerns, describing piles of trash, including empty beer bottles, left behind following a recent music event.
“Why didn’t someone from the city come and do a sweep of this park that morning so that these kids didn’t have to play in and around garbage and human feces?” she asked.
City Manager Matthew Alexander responded by noting that the city is considering installing port-a-potties and has already deployed more Department of Public Works staff for garbage pickup.
Civic Hub Project Faces Public Scrutiny
A group of residents also raised concerns over the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) project, particularly the planned Civic Hub and sculptural pavilion set to replace the existing gazebo at North Division Street and Central Avenue.
Resident MaryAnn McCarra Fitzpatrick criticized both the design and the plan to narrow Park Street, calling it impractical given persistent double-parking issues.
“Narrowing this street will only serve to exacerbate an existing problem,” Fitzpatrick wrote in a blog post.
Business owner Arne Paglia presented signatures from 16 neighboring business owners requesting the city pause the project for further discussion. Resident John Hodgins called the process lacking in public input and warned of traffic complications.
In contrast, Planner Peter Erwin defended the city’s outreach efforts, citing open houses in May and a community survey. Of 46 responses, 42% liked the pavilion design, 30% disliked it, and the remainder were neutral.
The Common Council unanimously voted to designate itself as the lead agency for environmental review, marking a step forward in the project’s planning process.
Public Hearings: Cannabis and Indoor Soccer Facility
Two public hearings were held during the meeting:
1. Cannabis Microbusiness at 710 Washington Street
The Grand Street Cannabis Co. seeks to establish a cultivation-only facility with no retail operations. Resident John Hodgins raised questions about security, which were addressed by Planning Director Carol Samol, who confirmed a full security plan has been submitted.
2. Indoor Soccer Facility by Westchester Sports Arena LLC
Brothers Edwin and Flavio Zhingri proposed transforming 18,000 square feet of a commercial building into a youth-oriented indoor soccer facility. The site would include three fields, office space, and 100 parking spots. The brothers already run a youth soccer academy with over 120 players.
“Let’s give the kids a place to play at home,” said Edwin Zhingri.
Mayor Vivian McKenzie praised the proposal, saying, “Soccer is a huge sport here… I think it’s a great idea.”
Momentum Project Moves Forward Amid Debate
The Council voted 5-2 to approve a consulting contract with Laland Baptiste for the city’s $20 million Momentum infrastructure initiative, which includes:
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Parking garage improvements
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Downtown street upgrades
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Riverfront Green Park enhancements
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Railroad Avenue improvements
The firm’s contract, capped at $1.3 million over five years, supports Peekskill’s acceptance of a $10 million Mid-Hudson Momentum Award from New York State, with the city matching funds to reach $20 million in total investments.
Council Members Dwight Douglas and Ramon Fernandez opposed the resolution, expressing concerns over project prioritization and public engagement. Resident Arne Paglia criticized the lack of review for the James Street garage expansion, warning that the entire project is risky until state funds are secured.
Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley assured attendees that each individual project under the Momentum umbrella will be reviewed and approved independently.
A separate resolution to award a structural design contract for garage repairs was removed from the agenda. Planning Director Carol Samol explained that costs had unexpectedly risen to $4.4 million, exceeding initial estimates.
Additional Resolutions Passed
The Council approved 19 resolutions, including:
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A $600,000 contract with Barton & Logiudice for flood mitigation planning
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Adoption of a refrigerant management plan for eco-friendly operations
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Appointment of Veronica Taylor to the Parks Advisory Board
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Approval of a street closure on First Street for the Feast of the Assumption Church Fair (Aug. 13–17)
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Issuance of a special use permit for a woodworking business at 898 Washington Street
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Authorization of a bid to Madeline Marine Inc. for repairs and modifications to Fleischmann Pier, including floating docks and kayak launch improvements
Conclusion
From public health and youth sports to infrastructure and community design, the July 14 Peekskill Council meeting revealed a community actively engaging with its local government. While tensions flared over some high-profile projects, city officials reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, public input, and careful stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Future meetings are expected to bring more clarity on the city’s long-term vision and the pace of ongoing development projects.
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