Mayor Mary FosterThe mayor of Peekskill [1] is seeking new ways to use underutilized land in the downtown area to make it a more appealing place to live and work.

According to the Westchester Business Journal [2], Mayor Mary Foster has had conversations with developers about several projects. One would create a dining and entertainment corridor along Division Street. Another would spur the opening of art galleries.

“The idea is to create little hotspots down there,” Foster said. “Bringing in arts, culture, and entertainment makes it more interesting for young people to live and work here.”

In addition to helping expand Peekskill's tax base, smart growth in the downtown area would also help steer development away from open spaces and encourage people to live closer to their work.