Politics & Government

Extra Gloves, Lots of Layers Get Peekskill Public Works Through Cold Spell

Monday and Tuesday's frigid weather didn't stop the City of Peekskill Public Works Department from carrying on with business as usual.

"We had several icy roadway locations today which needed to be addressed via clean-up and salt placement," said Brent W. VanZandt, director of public works. "Because of the severe temperatures we had garage doors that were frozen shut but since the majority of our equipment is stored in the garage they were all able to be started this morning."

Workers—some of who were responsible for taking down holiday wreaths hanging on lamp posts throughout the city—bundled up as they worked Tuesday. They wore multiple layers and carried extra gloves in case the first pair got wet, and they were allowed breaks to warm up throughout the work day.

Find out what's happening in Peekskill-Cortlandtwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The last time I remember this type of cold weather was 20 years ago when we had three consecutive days of sub zero temperatures," VanZandt said.

The City of Peekskill opened a warming center at the Neighborhood Center (4 Nelson Avenue) Monday and Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It saw about half a dozen people, officials said Tuesday afternoon.

Find out what's happening in Peekskill-Cortlandtwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After 8 p.m. the Jan Peek House at 200 North Water Street will accept anyone who needs to stay warm.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here