Peekskill names 12-member resident advisory committee to guide comprehensive plan

Carol Samuels, Peekskill's director of planning, told the Common Council on July 13 that the city has launched a multi-part comprehensive planning process anchored by a steering committee and a 12-person resident advisory committee.

"We had 114 applications, which is a really good number," Samuels said, and described a selection process led by consultant Interborough that removed ineligible applicants and used a weighted, anonymous review to assemble a geographically and demographically representative panel. Samuels said the resident advisory committee will provide feedback, act as a sounding board and help the city reach broader constituencies as the plan moves forward.

Samuels outlined the committees' roles: the steering committee will provide technical guidance and policy alignment, while the resident advisory committee will bring lived experience, local knowledge and community perspective to the planning effort. She said thematic working groups will focus on housing, economic development, sustainability and transportation and that community ambassadors will support neighborhood outreach.

Samuels said the advisory committee and steering committee will begin work in August, with larger visioning workshops for the public planned in September and October and follow-up events (housing workshops, transportation audits, walking tours) to continue through the fall. She noted the city currently has 18 people signed up as community ambassadors and said staff will maintain contact with the 114 applicants to encourage broader participation.

Why it matters: The comprehensive plan will set long-term direction for land use, transportation and housing in Peekskill; engaging residents early is intended to surface local priorities and reduce friction when zoning and regulatory changes are proposed. The council asked about youth engagement and environmental expertise; Samuels said those perspectives will be included in thematic working groups and outreach planning.

Next step: Materials and full committee bios will be posted on the city's website; staff said the public can expect the first major public workshop in the fall.