Peekskill City and New York State officials gathered with the community for a ribbon-cutting at Charles Point Park on John Walsh Boulevard in October to celebrate the reopening of Fleischmann Pier.
Originally constructed in 1938, the pier helped deliver molasses, an essential ingredient in yeast, to the Fleischmann Company, which became the largest yeast manufacturer in the world and employed more than 1,000 in the 125 buildings once located on 65 acres at the Peekskill waterfront.
Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie extended a “thank you to the Peekskill City Planning Department and Peekskill City staff for all the hard work put into the project” The pier project was made possible by the New York State Department of State Environmental Protection Fund — Local Waterfront Revitalization Grant, and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).
The nearly 500-foot pier can accommodate large vessels, such as the 90-foot ship that operated there by R.M.S. Cruises for fall foliage excursions up the Hudson (see related story this page).
There are two floating docks for smaller boats and a kayak launch that is ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act). New benches and viewing devices on the pier encourage visitors to the pier to take in the waterfront. “The project was a vision for 20 years. It will help anchor this part of town to the city and its long history,” said Carol Samol, Director of Planning for the City of Peekskill. Peekskill City Manager Matt Alexander credits the accomplishment “to the entire community and State working together,” a sentiment reiterated by State Senator Pete Harckham, who commended Mayor McKenzie, Peekskill officials, and the partnership with State government.
With the pier extending into the majestic Hudson River behind her, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg reminded those who gathered on the beautiful autumn Sunday, “People travel to Europe to see what we have in our own backyard.”
Hudson Valley residents from several communities joined the celebration that included complimentary boat tours from New York Boat Company, live music provided by local guitarist John Ferrer, and a food truck.
Jack Cook, a Peekskill resident since 1998, said, “I fished for striped bass from the old pier for about 15 years. The Peekskill Planning Department did a great job with this project.”
Bob Walters made the trip from Yonkers because “I am interested in dock space. We need more on the Hudson River to accommodate large vessels like Clearwater and Amistad.”
Enhancements for Charles Point Park include an expanded parking lot, concession area, bus drop-off, a gazebo and trellis, and a restroom to be added later this fall. The projects are designed to improve the city’s waterfront infrastructure, revitalize the waterfront district, encourage tourism, and provide spaces that can be used for programming throughout the year.
In addition to panoramic views, the Peekskill waterfront offers a variety of recreational opportunities to accommodate diverse interests. Bill Powers, Executive Director of Peekskill Business Improvement District (BID), envisions visitors arriving by boat, docking at the pier, and exploring restaurants, entertainment, and the rich city history Peekskill is proud to share.
Donna Landi, a resident of Sleepy Hollow, has contributed to River Journal, Hudson Valley Magazine, and other publications.
