Our Community

 

The 2000 Census quotes a population of 22,441 with a diverse demographic makeup of White (12,819), Black/African American (5,732), American Indian/AK Native (95), Asian (535), Pacific Islander (95) and Hispanic (4,920). Since the 2000 Census the demographic and population density has changed and the community is looking forward to the updated census information. It is expected that the more recent results will include an increased population and modified demographic distribution.

 

The 2000 Census describes Peekskill as a population that is relatively evenly split between residents that own and residents that rent. The percentage of residents that own and pay greater than 35% of their income towards housing costs was 22 in 1999 and of those that rent the percentage of residents that paid a high housing cost were 34.6. The high cost of housing in the area appears to be a persistent issue. 

 

The 2000 Census indicates a mean travel time for employed residents of 31 minutes with approximately 1,200 residents relying on public transportation and an additional 1,518 residents relying on carpooling out of the 10,719 residents that commuted to work. Residents believe that increased transportation options may lead to increased employment opportunities. Of the population that was in the labor force in the year 2000 796 residents found themselves unemployed. The median household income for Peekskill residents in 2000 was $47,177 compared to Westchester County’s median income of the time at $63,582.

 

One of our major strengths is our downtown area. Peekskill is a very walkable community, which has helped to bring people together. Many of our community members feel connected to one another through the constant interaction they have while walking around the city.  Over the last 20 years there have been community initiatives to promote redevelopment of the downtown and river communities, including Peekskill’s Waterfront Redevelopment Plan, Peekskill’s Water Front Trail & Park Master Plan and ongoing charrette workshops for additional improvements. These planning initiatives, along with past incentives, focus on the preservation of existing historic buildings and encouragement of businesses and the artist community. Peekskill has been quoted as the SoHo of Westchester County and the White Plains of Northern Westchester.

With change comes community conversation. In the 2007 Community for All Ages local survey, concerns about affordable housing and transportation dominated the responses from residents of all ages. Additional concerns focused on the need for an increase in the number of local activities, safety, access to government and elected officials and increased job opportunities at higher paying salaries. Residents also requested increased respect amongst one another and suggested that improved communication skills and more regular conversations may assist in improving cross-generational respect. 

 

The outcome of the results of the survey lead to a change in the collaborative agent of the Community for All Ages team from Hudson River HealthCare to The Preservation Company (a nonprofit housing organization). In late 2007, initiatives suggested by partnering agencies were sponsored by United Way and the Benedict Foundation. The initiatives that promote an intergenerational approach to community issues include an intergenerational home maintenance program, an intergenerational newsletter and the development of an intergenerational advocacy group to promote specific transportation and housing policies. As Peekskill Community for All Ages enters its 4^th year its objective has moved to a broader focus of leadership development from an intergenerational lens, while continuing to retain the programmatic aspects that highlight the benefits of an intergenerational lens and put a face to what Community for All Ages is.