(Peekskill, NY) – New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Senator Pete Harckham announced Friday that $1 million in State Senate funding has been secured for a mixed-use, mixed-income development sponsored by Children’s Village in downtown Peekskill.

A press conference for the announcement was held at the site of the development, formerly the New York State Workers’ Compensation building, at 41 N. Division Street, Peekskill, NY. Joining the state legislators at the event were Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie and Children’s Village President and CEO Jeremy Kohomban.

To see a video of Friday’s press conference, click here.

Plans for the historic Workers’ Compensation building include 22 apartments, 10 of which will be set aside for young adults between 18 and 25 years old who have aged out of foster care.

“It is my pleasure to deliver $1 million in state funding to support Children’s Village’s vision to create 22 affordable units here in northern Westchester, several of which will support young adults under 25,” said Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins. “Today’s announcement is made possible by the success of the public-private partnership, fostered by Children’s Village and supported by officials including myself, my friend and colleague Sen. Pete Harckham, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Mayor Vivian Mckenzie of the City of Peekskill. As leaders, we understand that affordability in housing is the key. It’s where you launch your dreams, have your stability and safety, and it’s where we as a community live and grow. I can’t wait to see this amazing project completed and serving our community here in Peekskill.”

“The project is coming to fruition because of Children’s Village President and CEO Jeremy Kohomban and his focus on helping to meet the housing needs of young people aging out of foster care, and because Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins recognized the importance of creating this housing and eagerly supported it,” said Senator Pete Harckham. “The City of Peekskill is a perfect municipal partner—Mayor Vivian McKenzie knows that this project will enhance the fabric of her community and serve as a model of inclusive care for underserved and at-risk young people.”

Harckham added, “I was humbled to be a part of this brilliant collaboration. By bringing together public investments from Westchester and New York State with private investments, Children’s Village will be providing housing that is 100% affordable. But best of all, it creates quality housing that is affordable for young adults who risk homelessness without a place to go.”

Jeremy Kohomban, President and CEO of Children’s Village, said, “Where you live—and where your children go to school—remains the most reliable predictor of both personal success and second-generation success. We are deeply grateful to the New York State Senate, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Senator Harckham for their support to help Children’s Village and the City of Peekskill transform this long-vacant but beloved, historically landmarked building into 22 beautiful homes and a hub of commercial activity. Our vision is to create a space that brings the community together in the heart of Peekskill’s Restaurant Row. Thank you again to the New York State Senate for your trust in our model of location-specific, beautiful, affordable housing,” said Jeremy Kohomban, President and CEO of Children’s Village.

The former Workers’ Compensation building is a historic property being acquired by Children’s Village, thanks to a $3.4 million bond approved by the Westchester County Legislature. Along with the 22 one-bedroom apartments, plans for the development include 10,000 square feet of commercial space and a rooftop garden. The project is being designed by Joseph Thompson Architect of Peekskill.

The services for the young people coming out of foster care will be provided by our strategic partners Bravehearts M.O.V.E. New York, a youth-led non-profit that empowers young adults by the child welfare system. Children’s Village’s vision for the Workers’ Compensation building is to expand its proof of concept from two already successful projects in New York City and show what can be done on a smaller scale in neighborhoods outside of the city.

Located within the Peekskill Downtown Local Historic District, the development is near essential amenities, such as grocery stores, schools, cafés, and restaurants. Additionally, within walking distance of the site, residents will find convenient access to six different bus routes and the Peekskill Metro North station.

A new report from the Center for Fair Futures shows that hundreds of New York City area young adults in foster care are aging out of their facilities.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Affordable housing is essential to the long-term growth and vitality of our communities in Westchester. I want to commend Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Senator Pete Harckham for securing this critical funding for Children's Village, which will transform a historic site in Peekskill into new housing opportunities for residents, including young adults transitioning out of foster care. This project demonstrates the power of collaboration across levels of government, and I thank our state and local partners for addressing housing needs to help strengthen the foundation of our County.

Children’s Village is a nonprofit organization founded in 1851 that helps vulnerable children and families by providing residential treatment, foster care, and community-based programs for mental health, substance abuse, and transitions to adulthood. The organization aims to strengthen families, advocate for human rights, build community partnerships, and offer resources to ensure children become educationally proficient, economically productive, and socially responsible adults. The organization operates a campus in Dobbs Ferry, NY, and provides services across the metropolitan area

City of Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie said, “Peekskill is excited for the reactivation of 41 No Division, an historic anchor building in the heart of our city. And we are also pleased to weave youth and families into the fabric of our downtown and welcome them with respect and dignity into the City of Peekskill.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2025 | Contact: Gregory Totino, Office of NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; (518) 391-5107; totino@nysenate.gov | Contact: Thomas Staudter, Office of New York State Senator Pete Harckham; (914) 419-5221; staudtersd40@gmail.com