The three-story building that was destroyed in the March 25th 2020 Market Street Fire was deemed unsafe, according to Wappingers Falls Mayor Matt Alexander.  The owner of the building at 10 Market St. was given a letter Thursday morning that said the building needed to be demolished within five days.  The building contained 10 apartments and four business spaces; 39 residents were displaced and the businesses were destroyed.

The Town of Wappinger Government will be accepting specific donations for those who lost their homes during the fire on Market Street in the Village of Wappingers Falls.

#WappingerStrong

To Rise Like a Phoenix from the Ashes

On Tuesday, February 25, a calamity of unfathomable dimensions ensued for many hours on Market Street, Village of Wappingers Falls.

Immediately, our community began to respond with unexcelled assistance and a tremendous outpouring of caring. I write this article in deepest appreciation of and praise for the unsolicited acts of kindness for the victims since the early minutes of that fateful afternoon fire.

That direful afternoon saw the Village, once again, encounter a fast moving fire that engulfed an 1800’s historic building that had housed 39 residents and 4 businesses (TJ’s Barbershop, Mario’s Sandwich Company, Andrew Woolbright Studio, and the Reflexology salon). While, sadly, pets were lost, and a total loss of personal and business resulted, thankfully, none of the residents or business employees were injured. Unfortunately, one fireman suffered from smoke inhalation, and another volunteer fireman suffered a heart attack while bravely rushing to the call of bravery.

While the Village has rebuilt before, this time, the Community will emerge from this catastrophe even stronger, with more resiliance, smarter and more prosperous than anytime previously. Our displaced residents are already finding new homes throughout our community, and our businesses will once again open their doors. This is the vow and commitment that all have made. Thus, like the mythical Phoenix that was consumed by its own fiery inferno, so, too, will the Village rise from the Market Street ashes.

Beyond a doubt, a new transformation from ashes to life will occur.

We would not have been able to start the rebirth without the love, caring, and dedication of many people, some of whom are mentioned below. The countless donations from our community in the form of clothing, sundry items, food, furniture, gift cards and cash has far exceeded our expectations. And, those efforts will continue in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Among some of the many people and organizations most worthy of recognition are:

1. Our brave, most courageous first responders: Wappingers Falls Fire Dept; Hughsonville Fire Dept; New Hackensack Fire Dept; New Hamburg Fire Dept; Rombout Fire Dept; Village of Fishkill Fire Dept; East Fishkill Fire Dept; Castle Point VA Fire Dept; City of Poughkeepsie Fire Dept; Arlington FD – standby coverage for Village of WF; Cold Spring FD – standby coverage for Fishkill area; Mobile Life Support Services Town of Wappinger Ambulance; American Red Cross; Wappingers Falls Police Dept; Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office; New York State Police; Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response (County Fire Coordinator; (2) Deputy Fire Coordinators; and the DC Fire Investigation Division Fire Investigators).
2. Our local businesses and organizations, including: The Ruinous Revived; Mill House Brewing; AJ Cafe, Cafe Con Leche, Stephanos, County Fare; Cousins Ale Works; Mama Musetti’s; Royal Carting; Wappingers Falls Professional Business Association, WappingersRises; Graceland Tattoo; Hudson Valley Renegades; Century 21; Central Hudson; di’Vine Wine Bar; Wagon Wheel Pizza; Eddie’s; Village Creamery; and the Church of St. Mary.
3. Other organizations: Knights of Columbus; Rotary; Kiwanis; Sheafe Rd Elementary PTA; Red Cross; Dutchess County Executive’s Office – Marcus Molinaro and Dana Smith.
4. Individuals: Trent Atkinson; Anne Ponte; Courtney Kolb; Dana Tompkins; Frank Camey; Jeffrey Knipe; Phil Cordero; Matt Alexander; Rob Rolison; Jon Jay Baisley; Scott Davis; Joey Cavaccini; Jenn Farrell; Adam Lauricella; Jeff Crianza; Andre Musetti; Rosa Musetti; Danielle and Doug Salvati; Courtney Maria; Casey McCall; Cindy Latino; Keely Sheehan; Jess Howe; and Kevin Huber.

Our community owes these people, organizations, and friends a deep debt of gratitude, appreciation, and thanks for all that you have done and will continue to do! (I apologize for anyone who I may have overlooked).

On this coming Saturday, March 7^th, the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will occur in the Village of Wappingers Falls. It will run down Main Street originating in the Village section located in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

The Parade will celebrate life, Community, and the Phoenix Rising.

I encourage everyone to turnout in fullest support and celebration..

My ongoing series on the water and sewer services of the Town of Wappinger will resume in my next column.