PFDC approves $4,000 toward downtown waterfront shuttle pilot

The Peekskill Facilities Development Corporation on June 18 authorized a $4,000 contribution to a downtown waterfront shuttle pilot aimed at improving access between the train station, cruise-ship drop-off and downtown businesses.

The action followed meetings among the IDA, the BID, the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce and local businesses in which the BID agreed to contribute $4,000, and several businesses along the route indicated they would provide additional support or sponsorship, Chair (speaker S1) said. Chair said the city would pay for the bus wrapping, which had been estimated at $13,000–$15,000.

S3 (Dean) moved the allocation. After a second and brief discussion about using an MOU to transfer funds and limiting PFDC’s exposure, the board approved the motion by voice vote. "I really, really don't want to spend more than the $4,000," Chair said during debate, emphasizing limits on PFDC spending.

Supporters said the pilot — now entering its third year — will collect usage and demographic data to build a case for county funding and reduce year-to-year funding uncertainty. S1 said participating businesses would receive signage on the shuttle as a sponsorship benefit.

The board instructed staff to prepare any required paperwork and a simple agreement with the city to enable the transfer of funds. The PFDC will monitor results from this summer’s pilot to inform whether additional funding or structure is needed.

The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded dissent; the board confirmed the allocation would be taken from PFDC’s unrestricted fund balance.