Page 19 - 2020 Westchester Economic Development Guide

Opposite: A panaromic view of Peekskill.
Top Left: The recently opened Abbey Inn and Spa is a 42-room boutique hotel located in Fort Hill.
Top Right: Taco Dive Bar serves Mexican and American fare.
Above: Peekskill’s scenic Main Street.
“Peekskill is really working its way up to being one of the greatest cities
on earth.”
–Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey
We spoke with Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey regarding the city’s rebirth and revitalization efforts.
WHAT MAKES PEEKSKILL A GOOD PLACE TO DO BUSINESS? We’re a diverse city that recognizes everyone. In the last two to four years that I’ve been on board, we’ve been able to restore Peekskill’s financial stability. Moody’s financial upgrade of Peekskill’s credit rating to Aa3 will lower the city’s cost of doing business. We were also winners of the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative of $10 million. Our riverfront is an asset and many are coming to Peekskill for these reasons and more.
WHAT DEMOGRAPHICS ARE DRAWN TO PEEKSKILL?
We currently have approximately 23,600 people. The 2020 Census count is approaching in April 2020. When last recorded, the racial makeup of the city was 36.9% Hispanic or Latino, 35.8 percent White, 21.4 percent Black, 0.2 percent Native American, and 2.9 percent Asian. We continue to grow daily!
WHAT ARE SOME NOTEWORTHY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS?
Many of our local employers hire peo- ple from Peekskill to fill their capacity. The Lanza Foundation hires in different businesses, with numerous employ- ees from Peekskill. White Plains Linen and Hudson River Health Care are a couple of others.
ANYTHING NOTEWORTHY ON THE HORIZON FOR 2020
(AND BEYOND)?
Our riverfront and train station area are the focuses of a great proposal. Another resident is working on build- ing an Art Center in Peekskill as well. Fleischmann Pier is a $3 million recon- struction project [at Charles Point Pier Park], is about to begin. And my per- sonal favorite, our Youth Bureau, has rebranded and become more of a pillar in this city than it’s been in almost a de- cade. There are also plans for new resi- dential buildings, a new DPW building and a Boys & Girls Club that will soon be here in Peekskill.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE?
Peekskill is really working its way up to being one of the greatest cities on earth. These changes are thanks to our wonderful staff, our wonderful boards and commissions and our wonderful community. Come visit!
Learn more about Peekskill at www.thebcw.org/data.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 17
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© Kenneth Gabrielsen Photography