Neighbors Fight Homeless Shelter Relocation In Peekskill

PEEKSKILL, NY — Opponents of the Jan Peek House's planned move are headed to the City Council Tuesday. They're fighting against the plan by Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) to move to a new location at 851 Washington St. in 2019-20.

CHHOP officials want more space for semi-private rooms instead of dormitory-style beds. They also want space where those in need of emergency services can stay during the day. CHHOP also wants a kitchen in which its many volunteers can cook, plus more space for daytime social drop-ins, which officials said builds trust and can lead to homeless individuals getting needed treatment and support services. (Subscribe to the Peekskill-Cortlandt Patch newsletter)

"The new space is immeasurably better than our current facility and will allow us to better serve our residents," said Executive Director Cynthia B. Knox.

Some residents of the Washington Street neighborhood don't want it nearby.

City Council Meeting TONIGHT!
Please join us on Tuesday, October 9th at City Hall @ 7:30pm (840 Main Street, Peekskill, NY) to make your voice heard.

Here's what you need to know : Jan Peek homeless shelter is trying to relocate into our residential neighborhood by moving into 851 Washington Street.
We have a reason to be concerned about safety if the shelter moves since the police are called over 100 times per year to various incidents at the current address (see screenshots below from the police calls)

The shelter is NOT in foreclosure, the shelter is NOT being forced to move, the shelter will be offered a lease renewal for their current location

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef gave Jan Peek funding for the relocation. You can email her at galefs@nyassembly.gov to let know you do not agree with the relocation. She is up for re-election next month.

Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey and Councilwoman Vanessa Agudelo have been supporting the relocation. Both of their names are on petition supporting the move. You can email them at Arainey@cityofpeekskill.com and vagudelo@cityofpeekskill.com.

1.) According to the City of Peekskill, annually the shelter calls the police over 100 times. In many cases, it’s multiple calls in 1 day and many at all hours of the night. The nature of those calls are disputes, altercations, suspicious activity, emotionally disturbed persons, or an unwanted party that would not leave.

2.) Philip Miller is the current owner of 200 N Water Street where the homeless shelter is located.

Although the shelter has claimed in the media that they are being forced out due to foreclosure, Mr. Miller clarifies in a social media exchange they are NOT in foreclosure, the shelter does NOT have to move, and he plans to offer a lease renewal sometime next year.

3.) On September 5th, the shelter announced funding from State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef to help with predevelopment costs to move toward 851 Washington Street. Sandy Galef is up for re-election next month. Email her at galefs@nyassembly.gov

4.) Mayor Andre Rainey signed the petition SUPPORTING the move of Jan Peek homeless shelter into the residential neighborhood at 851 Washington Street. Ask him NOT to support this. Email him at: Arainey@cityofpeekskill.com

This project WILL come up for a vote before the Peekskill City Council, it's important the City Council and Mayor hear your voice.
SIGN THE PETITION OPPOSING THE MOVE: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/washington-street-homeless-shelter

SEE: Jan Peek House/CHHOP Planning a Move

Image via Google Maps