Fall start for Peekskill river project

Eastern Excavation Inc. in Elmsford will be general contractor on the first phase of the city of Peekskill”™s waterfront redevelopment project set to start this fall.

The Peekskill Common Council Monday night unanimously approved Eastern”™s low bid of $2.55 million for the Scenic Hudson Park project at Peekskill Landing. A city spokesman said six contractors bid on the project, with a high bid of $4.3 million.

As part of the city”™s plan to connect all of its Hudson River shoreline parks and properties to encourage tourism, recreation and waterfront businesses, the Peekskill Landing project will include an elevated walkway, pedestrian bridge and trails for joggers, bikers and walkers.

State and federal regulations and funding gaps have slowed the city”™s waterfront redevelopment effort that began in 1998. The city last December was awarded a $125,000 grant for waterfront trails development in the state”™s 2012 round of regional economic development funding.

Peekskill City Manager Anthony Ruggiero said the contractor is expected to break ground at Peekskill Landing in early fall and complete the first phase in about one year.