PEEKSKILL, NY -- The city has hired a new economic development specialist to help attract commerce and tourism.James Slaughter started his new job on Sept. 12. Slaughter has worked in both the municipal and private sectors over the last twenty years and for local governments in New Jersey and as a consultant in New York.Slaughter specializes in historical preservation, riverfront analysis, land use planning, facilities planning, project management and special event planning. He also has experience is urban, downtown and riverfront development.Most recently, Slaughter served as President of The Slaughter Group, Inc. which focused its efforts on economic development, housing production and technical projects for the revitalization of rural, suburban and urban areas.Slaughter replaces Christopher Marra, the City's previous specialist, who left to take the Executive Director's position for the Secaucus Housing Authority in New Jersey. The city conducted an extensive search, receiving more than 35 resumes over the summer to find a qualified replacement."James Slaughter's skills and proven track record in the public and private sectors will enable the City of Peekskill to move forward with several projects that are critical to the City's future growth," said Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster. "We have several key areas being redeveloped and revitalized--the downtown, lower South Street, and the river front--and important recommendations from the retail consumer study and the cultural tourism strategy to be implemented. James' background meshes well with these important priorities."City Manager Rick Finn said he was delighted to have someone of Slaughter's caliber join the Planning and Development team. The department has been successful in securing grants and encouraging millions of dollars in investments in downtown, parks and riverfront."We have a vibrant business community, award winning restaurants, and well-established community events" said Finn. There's a lot to build on here in Peekskill as we look at retail and tourism."Slaughter is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. and holds a Masters in Public Administration, a Bachelors of Arts in Urban Planning from the University of Pittsburgh and a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Vermont College.Slaughter received a 2005 Certification of Commendation from New Jersey General Assembly and 1995 Paul Davidoff Advocacy Planning Award from the American Planning Association. He has also volunteered as a Board Member for the Education Opportunity Fund for Princeton University and was appointed to the Orange Board of Education in Orange, New Jersey and served as President.
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