Peekskill council authorizes RFP for downtown community hub master plan

City staff asked the Common Council to authorize a request for proposals to procure professional design services for a downtown community hub master plan that would include the Kiley Center, Lepore Park and the youth bureau. Staff said the city has assembled about $295,000 in legislative and Empire State Development grant funds and proposed using a modest slice to produce 30% design documents and community-engagement deliverables to support future capital funding.

"So the 1st step is to just do a planning study, very quick and defined, but 1 that would involve lots of interviews and meeting the city staff ... and partner agencies," staff said, adding the planning work would strengthen applications for the consolidated funding round in July. Council unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the RFP (Resolution J3). The authorization directs staff to solicit proposals and return to council with a recommended consultant and a scope of work and cost estimate.

Council members asked staff to also pursue short-term, practical repairs at the youth bureau — including temporarily fixing the Main Street steps — and staff said they would separately consult DPW about immediate fixes while the planning study proceeds. The resolution authorizes procurement of design services; final design work and construction would be subject to future funding and council approvals.