Peekskill To Renovate Fleischmann Pier

PEEKSKILL, NY — Peekskill plans to reconstruct the pier at Charles Point. The city won more than $3 million in state grants, and the work will go to the pier project plus designs for a waterfront trail and shoreline stabilization along the Hudson River and McGregory Brook, and round two of the city’s Microenterprise Program.

$2 million was awarded for the phase one reconstruction of Fleischmann Pier, a project which will also use $665,000 in matching funds from the city.

The 500-foot long pier was built in 1938 for Standard Brands (which had been formed by the merger of the Fleischmann Company with the Royal Baking Powder Company among others). One of a very few deep-water piers on the Hudson River, it was built long and narrow to handle molasses shipments piped from ocean-going cargo ships, according to a city press release from 2003.

On the Hudson River at Charles Point Park, the pier will provide docking for larger vessels and will also include a kayak dock, gangways, benches, lighting fixtures and viewing stations.

Officials feel the project will complement the city’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program with water-based recreational amenities and support tourism by creating docking for large vessels.

Plus, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative's local planning committee will consider having the state fund the phase two components of the reconstruction, which include floating docks and various park improvements, so that the entire project can be constructed at one time.

"I sincerely thank Governor Cuomo and the State for selecting Peekskill for almost $3 million in additional CFA funding and for recognizing the great potential Peekskill is successfully tapping into,” said Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey. “With local stakeholders working together as well as a forward-thinking administration, committed staff and City Manager, the City of Peekskill is continuously thriving. The reconstruction of Fleischmann Pier will increase opportunities for tourism. As the Governor mentioned, we're unique to have such an asset like the Hudson River. Peekskill is growing, and importantly, we're committed to sustainable tourism.”

In addition, Peekskill received $85,000 to prepare designs for the final segment of the waterfront trail and shoreline stabilization along the Hudson River and McGregory Brook in Riverfront Green Park.

The design will utilize bioengineering techniques to reduce erosion and address risks associated with climate change. The project will implement the city's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Southern Waterfront Trail Master Plan by developing the final link in the City's nearly three-mile waterfront trail system.

A third grant, for $200,000, was awarded to administer the second round of the city’s Microenterprise Program. Further details on the program will be announced in the spring.

"I am proud of Peekskill’s rich diversity and openness towards people of all faiths, nationalities and backgrounds," Rainey said. "The Microenterprise program will assist in giving everyone an opportunity to succeed."

The grants came through the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, one of 10 regional councils set up by the state. The REDCs and the Consolidated Funding Application advance the administration’s efforts to improve New York’s business climate and expand economic growth. The CFA, which streamlines and expedites the grant application process, marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs.

In addition to the CFA funds, the City of Peekskill also received a $750,000 grant through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation toward the reconstruction of a $3 million sewer line on Lower South Street, which is expected to preserve capacity and allow for future development.