Wappinger Town Unanimously Approves Historic Acquisition to Preserve 326-Acre Cranberry Hills Property
3/26/2026
Wappinger, NY — In a landmark decision that will shape the future of the Town for generations, the Wappinger Town Board voted unanimously to acquire and permanently preserve the 326-acre property known as Cranberry Hills—ending nearly 50 years of uncertainty and protecting the community from large-scale development.
For decades, Cranberry Hills has been at the center of repeated development proposals dating back to 1976, when 473 units were first proposed. Most recently, plans called for as many as 1,200 multi-family units, projects that would have dramatically altered the character, infrastructure, and quality of life across the Town.
“When I first took office, Wappinger was at a crossroads,” said Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini. “We were facing an unprecedented wave of development proposals—thousands of units moving through the pipeline with little regard for long-term impact. Cranberry Hills was at the center of that threat.”
In response, the Town swiftly enacted a development moratorium and adopted targeted legislative changes to its Comprehensive Plan, successfully preventing nearly 6,000 housing units from being constructed across Wappinger—including the high-density Cranberry Hills proposal.
However, with the Town’s moratorium set to expire this April, officials warned that “as-of-right” development—specifically a 150-home subdivision—could proceed as early as June without further intervention.
Supervisor Cavaccini went on to say, “Our investment in Cranberry Hills represents the greatest opportunity to positively impact the most residents, while also addressing one of the greatest potential risks to our Town if left to development. The Town Board can plan its future, or have its future planned for them by developers.
Personally, I ran to be your Town Supervisor to ensure that we proactively plan for our future and safeguard our community. We get to decide what we want. I am looking forward to working alongside each and every one of you to make this a reality.”
A Once-in-a-Generation Investment
The acquisition of Cranberry Hills represents a proactive and transformative solution—one that not only prevents overdevelopment but positions the Town to thoughtfully plan for its future.
A critical distinction of this acquisition is that it places no burden on Town residents. Unlike residential development, the property remains within the non-homestead (commercial) tax base, meaning it does not impact the residential tax levy. At the same time, it does not generate additional demand on schools, EMS, or critical infrastructure. In essence, this represents “clean revenue” for the Town—providing financial benefit with virtually no associated service costs.
By preserving the land, the Town avoids significant long-term impacts, including:
Approximately 1,500 additional daily car trips
60–90 EMS calls annually
45–75 fire calls annually
75–100 new students entering the school system
45,000 gallons per day in water demand
“These are permanent cost drivers that our taxpayers will never have to absorb,” Cavaccini emphasized.
Financial analysis presented to the Board further demonstrated that development would likely result in a break-even scenario at best—or up to a $200,000 annual deficit—while preservation carries only minimal, controlled costs.
Aligning with Community Vision
The decision to preserve Cranberry Hills is firmly rooted in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, which explicitly calls for the protection of this land. Additionally, the Dutchess County Route 93 Corridor Management Plan warned of the severe traffic, school, and infrastructure impacts associated with development at this site.
“This is not just about stopping something—it’s about creating something better,” Cavaccini said. “This is our opportunity to establish a ‘Central Park of Wappinger’—a space that connects neighborhoods, enhances quality of life, and serves as a lasting asset for generations to come.”
Town officials noted that the site’s central location and size make it uniquely suited for preservation and community use, offering opportunities for passive recreation, pedestrian connectivity, and environmental stewardship.
Senior Councilman William H. Beale, who represents the First Ward noted, “This monumental land acquisition occurred after research, public discussion, and risk-benefit analysis. I proudly support the concept of a “central park” in the Town of Wappinger and look forward to what the future brings.”
Second Ward Councilwoman Heather O’Dell said, “Cranberry Hills may be one of the most important long-term decisions we make, and it is an extraordinary opportunity for Wappinger. More than 300 acres of open space, wetlands, and forest do not come back once they’re gone, and if we have the chance to preserve it, we should take that responsibility seriously. This is about protecting the character, resilience, and future of Wappinger. Preserving Cranberry Hills is a rare chance for Wappinger to act responsibly, protect public safety, and make a decision we will be proud of for years to come.”
Third Ward Councilman Christopher Phillips shared, “This 326-acre acquisition is a direct result of responsible leadership and a clear commitment to protecting Wappinger’s future. We are delivering real results—preserving open space, strengthening property values, and enhancing quality of life for our residents. By securing these 326 acres, we are making a smart, forward-thinking investment in Wappinger—balancing growth with preservation while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to create lasting public benefit.”
Fourth Ward Councilman Al Casella stated, “On Monday Night, March 23rd, The Town Board made a great decision to preserve open space and protect the community from over development with the purchase of Cranberry Hills. The residents came out in full support of the purchase which was very much appreciated. The purchase will save the town significant infrastructure costs that would have been incurred if the property was developed. The visions for this property are many and we need to ensure we take the time to plan properly to ensure we maintain the same community life style that the residents want. I want to thank Town Supervisor, Joey Cavaccini for his stewardship in bringing this project to completion with full support of the board.”
Commitment to Affordability
Town leadership also emphasized that the acquisition has been pursued responsibly, with a focus on minimizing taxpayer burden through grant funding, alternative revenue sources, and direct negotiation with the property owner.
“Our administration has worked tirelessly to secure funding and maintain Wappinger as one of the most affordable towns in Dutchess County,” Cavaccini said. “This investment reflects those same principles—protecting our residents today while planning responsibly for tomorrow.”
A Defining Moment for Wappinger
With this unanimous vote, the Wappinger Town Board has taken decisive action to eliminate a long-standing threat and secure a lasting benefit for the entire community.
“For 50 years, residents have lived with the uncertainty of what might be built at Cranberry Hills,” Cavaccini concluded. “Tonight, we bring that chapter to a close—and open a new one defined by preservation, planning, and pride in our community.”
