Part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Project Features 3 Parts: Illuminate Peekskill, Making Connections, and the Five Arches Mural

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New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley today announced the completion of the Enlighten Peekskill art walk as part of Peekskill’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Illuminate Peekskill, Making Connections and the Five Arches Mural comprise the one-mile art walk from Metro North to downtown and its waterfront, featuring 12 murals and four sculptures by 46 artists.

“Public art has the power to transform spaces, celebrate local culture and create lasting connections between residents and visitors,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Through the DRI, New York is helping communities like Peekskill invest in projects that reflect their unique character and strengthen their sense of place. The completion of these public art installations enhances Peekskill’s vibrant arts scene, beautifies the downtown and helps create a more welcoming and dynamic destination for everyone who lives, works and visits here.”

Enlighten Peekskill received $500,000 from the DRI and is sponsored by Hudson Valley MOCA. It encompasses the Illuminate Peekskill installation, which features seven lighted sculptures that connect the train station to the downtown, aimed at encouraging more people to get off the train and visit. It also includes Making Connections, which uses 11 murals to create an engaging cultural and historic experience while connecting visitors and residents from the Peekskill waterfront to the downtown. Lastly, the installations include the Five Arches Mural on the five arches on the Route 9 overpass at South and Requa streets, which represents the five elements of nature: earth, water, fire, metal and wood.

Peekskill was named the Mid-Hudson Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner for the fourth round in 2019. Other DRI winners in the region include Middletown, Kingston, New Rochelle, Haverstraw, Ossining, Port Jervis, White Plains and Poughkeepsie. 

In addition to Enlighten Peekskill, the following projects are also funded by the DRI in Peekskill: 

• Create a Downtown Civic Hub and Improve the Downtown Public Realm: Create the Peekskill Plaza on S. Division Street by converting two lanes to a pedestrian civic space, redesign Gazebo Plaza as the civic heart of Peekskill, improve streetscapes to enhance pedestrian safety and beautify downtown Peekskill.
• Improve Connections for Pedestrians and Cyclists between the Waterfront and Downtown: Strengthen the connection between the Waterfront and the Downtown Core by improving connectivity and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists on Railroad Avenue, S. Water Street, Central Avenue, and South Street. Components include bike lanes, curb extensions, crosswalks, bioswales, bike racks, LED info signage, street trees, and pedestrian signals.
• Revitalize the Paramount Theater and Develop Space for Peekskill Arts Center: Renovations to the building fac?ade and marquee, improved interior spaces for audience and artists, expanded hospitality programs, and upgraded equipment and utilities. Interior upgrades include lighting and sound equipment, stage rigging, accessible seating, flexible seating, and box office renovations.
• Reconstruct Fleischmann Pier and Improve Charles Point Park as a Premier Waterfront Destination (Complete): Reconstruction of Fleischmann Pier to create a new pier that will support tour boats. The project provided funding for a second phase improvement to include floating docks for smaller vessels and transient boaters, improvements to Charles Point Park, and expanded parking area building.
• Enhance Pugsley Park as a Downtown Attraction (Complete): Improvements to Pugsley Park include creation of new plazas and seating areas, pedestrian-scaled lighting; small-scale play equipment to attract children, trash cans, bike parking, plantings of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and infrastructure to support power hook-ups and watering.
• Enhance Monument Park, a Gateway into Downtown Peekskill: Monument Park would be enhanced by lighting and maintenance improvements to improve the quality of the public space for daily use by residents. The project proposal seeks DRI funding for lighting, landscaping, and LED informational sign at the bus stop. 
• Transform the Kiley Youth Center as a New Location of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester: Renovate the Kiley Youth Center as a new location for the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester. Upgrades include interior/exterior improvements, utilities, and structural repairs providing offices, an art room, computer labs, and cafeteria.
• Create a Marketing and Branding Strategy with Wayfinding Signage: Develop a brand for Peekskill that describes the City's history and culture, create a marketing strategy to communicate the City's brand and attract new residents, businesses, and visitors, and implement components of the marketing strategy with wayfinding signage.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Enlighten Peekskill is a strong example of how investments in arts and culture can support economic growth while celebrating a community’s unique identity. By creating new experiences for residents and visitors alike, these installations help drive foot traffic, support local businesses and strengthen Peekskill’s appeal as a destination. Projects like this demonstrate how strategic placemaking investments can generate lasting benefits for communities across New York State.”

Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young said, “Enlighten Peekskill showcases the power of public art to bring people together and create a stronger sense of place. By connecting the train station, downtown and waterfront through a series of engaging installations, this project highlights Peekskill’s rich artistic identity while encouraging residents and visitors to explore all the city has to offer. The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council is proud to have supported a project that contributes to the continued revitalization and growth of this vibrant community.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is helping communities across New York create vibrant, walkable downtowns that attract residents, businesses and visitors alike. Enlighten Peekskill is a creative investment that strengthens connections between the waterfront, train station and downtown while celebrating the city's rich artistic and cultural identity. By transforming public spaces into destinations and enhancing the pedestrian experience, this project helps build the kind of dynamic downtowns that support economic growth and improve quality of life for residents.” 

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “Critical investments in arts and culture spark economic growth, strengthen local businesses, engage residents, and drive tourism. The Enlighten Peekskill art walk will elevate Peekskill’s downtown area to a must-see cultural destination in the Mid-Hudson.”

State Senator Pete Harckham said, “The arts have long been woven into Peekskill’s identity and have played a vital role in the city’s renaissance and growth. This project is a fantastic example of government investing in the community while supporting incredibly talented local artists, making Peekskill an even more vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.”

Assemblymember Dana Levenberg said, "Enlighten Peekskill promotes the kind of engagement that makes a downtown a destination, turning the walk from the train station into an experience that celebrates this community's creativity and history. This art walk will draw visitors in and help to support local businesses, as well as give residents a renewed sense of pride in where they live. Kudos to the City of Peekskill, the Department of State, and everyone who helped bring this vision to life."

City of Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie said, "The completion of Enlighten Peekskill is a powerful reminder of how public art can bring people together, celebrate our community’s identity, and transform the way residents and visitors experience our city. From the illuminated sculptures connecting our Metro-North station to downtown, to the murals that showcase our history, culture, and creativity, this project reflects the vibrant artistic spirit that makes Peekskill so special. We are grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, Secretary of State Walter Mosley, and our partners at Hudson Valley MOCA for recognizing the importance of investing in arts and culture as a catalyst for economic development and community pride. Enlighten Peekskill not only beautifies our city but also strengthens the connection between our downtown and waterfront, supporting local businesses and creating an even more welcoming destination for all who live, work, and visit here."

President & Co-Founder of Hudson Valley MOCA Livia Straus said, “Three entities had a shared vision, to create a walking path through the city of Peekskill using illuminating sculptures that offer an esthetically pleasing and safe nighttime passage from the MTA station to Downtown, marked along the way by murals addressing the history and diversity of the City and the natural beauty of the region.  ‘Enlighten Peekskill’ has brought together artists from across the country, the region and Peekskill itself. These public works, made possible through the foresight and generosity of NYS, Governor Hochul and her administration, are an example of how public art can build pride of place, friendship across ages and an educational platform for many years to come.”

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Peekskill is a community with a strong creative and cultural spirit, and the completion of Enlighten Peekskill shows how targeted investments can help strengthen and celebrate that identity. Through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, vibrant murals and sculptures have transformed public spaces into destinations that celebrate the City’s history, diversity and values. Projects like this not only beautify our communities, but also help to attract visitors, support local businesses and create a stronger sense of connection for our residents. I thank Governor Hochul, Secretary Mosley and all of the artists and partners who helped bring this vision to life.”

Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith said, “Peekskill’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative is a shining example of what can happen when state and local leaders work together with a shared vision for the future. This transformative $10 million investment has strengthened our waterfront, improved parks and public spaces, enhanced pedestrian connectivity, supported local businesses, and created new opportunities for arts, culture, and economic growth throughout the city. These projects are making Peekskill an even more vibrant place to live, work, and visit while building on the community’s unique character and rich history. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and Secretary of State Walter Mosley for their continued commitment to investing in communities like Peekskill and helping ensure that the Hudson Valley remains a great place for families, businesses, and future generations.”

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative 
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State, with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation. Through nine rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $1 billion to 99 communities across every region of the State.