As residents of Peekskill, NY, we are deeply concerned about the proposed development at 1130 Frost Lane.

To our fellow neighbors residing near Frost Lane, Carhart Avenue, Bear Mountain Parkway, and Frost Lane and N Division Street, we urgently call upon your support and solidarity regarding the proposed project for a Cluster Home Development at 1130 Frost Lane consisting of 28 Two and a Half story Dwelling Units.  As residents of this community, we are deeply concerned about the adverse impacts this development would impose on our neighborhood's infrastructure, safety, and quality of life. Our community is already struggling with water management issues and infrastructure that barely supports our current population. We fear that this high-density cluster project will irreversibly change the landscape of our community without providing any tangible benefits for those who currently live here and instead only exacerbate the issues we currently face.

The proposed addition of 28 homes to our already strained infrastructure presents a myriad of alarming issues:

Infrastructure Strain: Our infrastructure is currently inadequate in supporting the current residents and this development will place further strain upon it.  Residents of this neighborhood have experienced water and flooding issues for years (many going unaddressed by the city); there has been sewage backup due to the growing population and disturbing the steep slopes will inevitably lead to increased stormwater runoff and flooding. More people, loss of permeable land due to development, and building in an area that is currently always full of standing water, will adversely affect our quality of life.

Environmental Concerns: The development's proximity to the Reservoir and Water Treatment Facility raises serious environmental apprehensions, including potential damage to the ecosystem, loss of wildlife, and disruption of steep slopes through construction activities.

Traffic and Safety Hazards: The traffic situations at Frost Lane and Bear Mountain Parkway and Frost and Division Street continue to put motorists and pedestrians in danger.  Vehicular traffic will increase significantly and become unmanageable with the addition of residents in 28 homes and their guests. Safety hazards and the potential for accidents will be much greater and the level of service at intersections will be diminished. We are already dealing with dangerous intersections, an extremely narrow street with no sidewalks or parking, and a blind curve.  This makes it extremely dangerous for residents walking, especially children on their weekday walks to both the Middle and High School.  Frost’s narrow street also supports all traffic from Stuhr Gardens and all neighboring houses from Oakwood, Vail and Ridgewood.  Frost Lane is also the emergency road/detour taken when the Bear Mountain Parkway is closed.

Overcrowding and Over-saturation: Introducing 28 additional homes represents a 75.67% increase in housing density on Frost Lane alone where there are currently 37 houses, rendering the street overpopulated and unsustainable for our community's well-being.

Impact on Quality of Life: The proposed development threatens to diminish our quality of life as residents, with immense safety concerns and further strain on already deficient City Services.

We understand the need for housing in Peekskill but believe that any development should be done responsibly in a way that respects both the needs of existing residents and the capacity of local infrastructure. There are already numerous problems in this area that are being addressed by the city in an unsatisfactory manner, if at all. The Planning Board has also made it clear that the “City’s coffers are empty” and they will struggle to assist with further water issues, including any impacts felt in the proposed new development. On March 22, 2024, the Peekskill Herald reported that the City had failed to collect over $1.4 million in overdue property taxes and that the City’s financial health is extremely fragile. Given the City’s deficient financial situation, we do not feel the City can adequately address the current infrastructure and environmental issues, let alone assure us the new development will not worsen and create even more problems.

The plan to build 28 dwelling units is not only excessive but also poses a major risk to our community's infrastructure and quality of life.  We urge the Planning Commission, Developers, and the City to reconsider their plans for 1130 Frost Lane and reduce the number of dwelling units to a more reasonable and sustainable level. These plans should be considered not only for our neighborhood’s sake but all of Peekskill. There are many new apartments downtown built or due to be built and the City’s total population is rapidly increasing leading to increased litter, safety hazards, crime, and traffic violations. It’s time to get serious about responsible development!

We implore you to stand in solidarity with us by signing this petition, sending a clear message to the Developers Planning Commission and City Authorities that we vehemently oppose over-development in Peekskill. Our neighborhood's safety, and livability are at stake, and your support is crucial in preserving our community's integrity. It's not just about preserving what we have now but ensuring that future changes are sustainable and beneficial for everyone in Peekskill.  Please help us preserve our neighborhood’s quality of life while ensuring its infrastructure can safely support us all.

Let us unite to safeguard our neighborhood's future, promote responsible growth, and ensure its sustainability for generations to come.

Your voice matters! Please share this petition with your neighbors and community members affected by this development proposal. Together, we can make a difference.