Planning Department officials are set to present an improvement plan at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Nutrition Dining Room at the Peekskill Neighborhood Center. The Federal Highway Administration grant-funded preliminary plans call for upgrades to Route 6 between High Street and Hamilton Avenue
“The project’s goal is to improve the aesthetics in our eastern gateway,” Michael Welti, Peekskill’s new director of Planning and Development, said in a news release. “The plan includes important safety upgrades for vehicular and pedestrian traffic by utilizing a series of ‘traffic calming’ measures.”
The plan features landscaped “bump-outs,” new pedestrian-scale trees, flowering plants and shrubbery, according to the release. Other proposed improvements include "minor repairs" to a stone wall on the north side of the street, "decorative pavers" adjacent to a portion of the sidewalk, a "decorative railing" on top of the wall with accent lighting, new street lamps to match downtown lighting, a curbed landing along the entire length of the wall (for pedestrian safety), and new handicapped ramps and crosswalks, according to the release.
“The plan also calls for the possible inclusion of a new staircase and crosswalk opposite Charles Street,” said Jean Friedman, Peekskill’s veteran city planner, in the release.
Thursday’s public meeting allows the public the opportunity to learn about the project, offer suggestions and contribute to the design process. The design phase is expected to continue throughout 2013, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2014, Friedman said in the release.
“The outcome will be a more attractive, pleasant, and safe corridor for our residents, businesses, visitors, and travelers,” she said in the release.
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