A 24-hour health club is officially coming to downtown.
On Monday, Feb. 24, the Common Council unanimously voted to authorize a special permit for a health club at the Crossroads Shopping Center where the former Rite Aid store was at 1101 Main St.
They also approved local law amendments to the zoning code to permit health clubs in the C2 zoning district where the club will be.
Council members voted on the zoning code amendments and special permit immediately following a public hearing that saw no comments from the public.
One new condition of the special permit, in response to security concerns, is that its term is for six months. After that period, the council will review the permit to determine if any modifications are required.
Members previously share
Peekskill Council Approves New 24-Hour Health Club at Crossroads Shopping Center
The Peekskill Common Council has officially approved a special permit for a new 24-hour health club at the Crossroads Shopping Center, located at 1101 Main Street. The decision allows Anytime Fitness, part of an international franchise with over 5,000 locations worldwide, to set up its new facility in the space previously occupied by a Rite Aid store.
The council also made amendments to the local zoning code to permit health clubs in the C2 zoning district, ensuring that the new fitness center meets all community guidelines and security protocols.
Emergency Service and Safety Measures for New Health Club
As part of the permit approval, the council imposed a unique condition due to security concerns. The health club’s special permit will initially be granted for a six-month trial period, during which the council will assess whether any modifications are necessary. If emergency service calls increase, the permit may be revisited.
A key safety condition is that Anytime Fitness must maintain staff presence at the facility for at least 12 hours a day, six days a week. In addition, if there are two or more emergency service calls within 30 days during unstaffed hours, the council will reconsider the permit at its next meeting.
The applicant must also respond to emergency services within 30 minutes and cover the associated costs if the issue is deemed non-life-threatening. This ensures the health club operates safely without overburdening local emergency resources.
Alzheimer’s Support Group in Peekskill Seeks Community Support
David Zucker, Community Engagement Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, presented to the council, encouraging increased community involvement in the “Peekskill Fights for Cure” caregiver support group. This bi-monthly group, facilitated by volunteers Sudha Ramaswami and Rev. George Conglio, aims to provide much-needed support for local caregivers managing loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
The support group meets every first and third Thursday of the month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Neighborhood Center, located at 4 Nelson Avenue. The group offers free attendance, and Zucker hopes the city council can assist in spreading the word to increase participation.
Rev. Conglio, whose mother has dementia, shared a personal story of how the disease affected his family. He emphasized the value of the group and encouraged more local residents to attend.
Peekskill Common Council Approves Firefighting Apparatus Purchase
In another resolution, the Peekskill Common Council unanimously approved the purchase of a new firefighting apparatus for the city. The council authorized issuing bonds up to $1.4 million to purchase a Seagrave Marauder II Pumper Fire Apparatus, which will enhance the city’s firefighting capabilities.
The purchase will include a 1500-gallon per minute pump, designed to meet the needs of the city’s growing population. The new apparatus is expected to be delivered in late 2028 or early 2029, and it replaces an older model ordered in 2022.
City Quality of Life and Project Updates
During the meeting, City Manager Matthew Alexander shared several updates on ongoing projects and quality-of-life improvements in Peekskill. One key update was the reduced number of complaints about the former White Plains Linen building on Highland Avenue, which the city has been working to address.
Additionally, the city’s efforts to improve parking enforcement are progressing, with ongoing meetings with parking meter and kiosk companies. The city will also begin a street tree inventory in April, which is part of an effort to enhance urban greenery and improve the city’s environment.
Resolutions and Public Hearings on Future Projects
The Common Council passed several other resolutions, including an extension of the temporary closure of Esther Street to vehicles until the end of the year. They also approved a memorandum of understanding with the YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester to provide summer day camp program services.
Looking ahead, the council announced four public hearings scheduled for March 24, which will focus on issues such as:
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Designating a school bus loading zone on James Street.
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Amendments to the city’s water code.
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Graduated fines for quality-of-life offenses.
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A moratorium on battery energy storage systems.
These hearings will allow the public to voice their opinions on proposed changes before any final decisions are made.
Key Takeaways:
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Peekskill approves a new 24-hour health club with special security measures.
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The council passes safety conditions for emergency service response and staff requirements.
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The Alzheimer’s caregiver support group seeks community support for increased attendance.
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The city moves forward with the purchase of new firefighting equipment to strengthen public safety.
The decisions made by the Common Council are part of the city’s ongoing commitment to improve public safety, support local health initiatives, and invest in essential city services for the benefit of the community.
