The City of Peekskill learned last week it had been awarded three state grants totaling $425,000 for projects designed to enhance the city’s downtown historic district and waterfront.
The funding was secured through the efforts of state Senator Greg Ball (R/C-Patterson), Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state’s Regional Economic Development Councils.
“We didn’t get every penny we fought for, but we got a good share and we will continue to lobby for an even greater share as the process moves forward,” Ball said.
Mayor Mary Foster was thrilled to receive funding to help Peekskill renovate buildings in the downtown, design the southern portion of the city’s Riverwalk and update the Waterfront Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan.
“This is another positive step for economic development in Peekskill,” Foster said. “We view these grants as a wonderful opportunity to accelerate our efforts to bring new investment and more job opportunities to Peekskill.”
The largest of the three grants, $250,000, will be utilized to assist property owners in downtown Peekskill on Bank Street and South Street from South Division to Nelson/Union Avenue and Main Street for building renovations. Funds will be used for streetscape improvements on South Street from South Division to Nelson/Union Avenue as part of a comprehensive sidewalk, lighting and infrastructure improvements project.
The project anticipates participation by six or more property owners in the area with approximately four residential units and six commercial units slated to be assisted. All buildings being proposed for assistance are contributing to the downtown historic district.
“The city lobbied virtually every resource for the funds necessary to restart our successful Main Street Grants Project,” Foster said. “We look forward to once again working with our downtown property owners to create a more vibrant business and arts district.”
A separate $125,000 grant will be used to create a multi-use waterfront trail and related amenities along the Hudson River shoreline from Charles Point Pier Park to Charles Point Marina. The trail will lengthen Westchester County’s planned Riverwalk in the city.
Meanwhile, another $50,000 grant will be used by Peekskill to refine its vision for the waterfront area. A planned update of the 2004 Local Waterfront Revitalization Program will incorporate a waterfront “Blue Plan,” which will focus on issues and opportunities extending beyond the city’s shoreline and into the Hudson River.
“With its diverse community assets and key cultural attractions, the City of Peekskill is already attracting new businesses and interested developers,” Foster noted. (ARTICLE [2])
