The City of Peekskill had retained ADL III Architecture PC of Northport, NY and Seth Harry Associates Inc. as ADL’s sub consultant, to conduct a study of Central Avenue/South Water Street Corridor (Study Area) in order to develop strategies and framework for development which would encourage mixed use consistent with the historic nature of the surrounding community. The City had received a grant to fund the project from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign (TSTC) and One Region Funders’ Group that supports transit-oriented development, or mixed-use development within a quarter to a half mile of train or bus stations.
 

The Central Avenue/South Water Street Corridor is a critical link between the Peekskill’s waterfront/train station and the downtown. It is currently underutilized with numerous City-owned parking lots, vacant parcels and partially occupied historic buildings. The City of Peekskill has rezoned the Central Avenue/South Water Street Corridor to accommodate mixed use projects comprising of retail and residential projects, however, recent site plan and building applications have been unsatisfactory because they were not sensitive to the historic nature of the community, existing businesses, river views,
and local traffi c concerns. This study’s intent is to provide recommendations to assist the city in their efforts to develop a plan and strategies with both vision and policies at hand, structured to enhance the attractiveness and function of the Corridor and the surrounding community, and to support the efforts of the community to plan and implement projects focused on mixed use and transit oriented development.