State of the Town Address

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WAPPINGER, NY — Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini delivered the 2026 State of the Town Address outlining a transformative year for the Town of Wappinger, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, infrastructure modernization, open space preservation, public safety, recreation expansion, and strategic planning initiatives aimed at protecting the Town’s suburban and semi-rural character.

“The State of the Town is strong,” Supervisor Cavaccini declared. “Together, we are not simply managing the Town of Wappinger — we are transforming it for the better while protecting the values and character that make this community so special.”

 

Fiscal Responsibility & Tax Relief

Supervisor Cavaccini announced that the Town’s 2026 Final Budget continues the administration’s commitment to affordability and responsible government, delivering another reduction in the Town tax rate while remaining under the New York State Tax Levy Cap.

Key fiscal highlights include:

• Continued tax rate decreases for Town residents
• Strategic diversification of Town revenues to reduce reliance on property taxes
• Major investments in infrastructure and public services while maintaining affordability
• Expansion of senior programming and public safety initiatives
• Completion of the Town’s first new Employee Handbook in 16 years
• Market-rate wage adjustments for long-serving municipal employees

The Supervisor emphasized that only 8% of a resident’s property tax bill supports Town government operations, reaffirming Wappinger’s status as one of the most affordable municipalities in Dutchess County.

 

Historic Preservation & Open Space Protection

One of the evening’s most significant announcements was the preservation of 326 acres formerly known as Cranberry Hills, which will become the future “Central Park at Wappinger.”

The acquisition prevents large-scale residential development and preserves open space in the geographic center of the Town. According to the administration, the action prevents:

• Approximately 1,500 daily vehicle trips
• Increased EMS and fire response burdens
• Additional strain on schools and utilities
• Significant long-term tax burdens on residents

Supervisor Cavaccini also reiterated opposition to proposed State SEQRA changes that would weaken local control over land-use decisions.

 

Infrastructure & Utility Investments

The address highlighted aggressive infrastructure improvements across the Town, including:

• 40 roads paved since 2023 totaling nearly 20 miles
• Over $2 million in proposed federal funding for improvements to the Hilltop Water Treatment Facility
• Exploration of a Town-wide wastewater treatment facility to reduce long-term costs and improve local control
• Modernization of the Town’s water meter system with real-time monitoring technology
• Construction progress on the new Highway Department wash bay facility
• Continued advocacy for transportation improvements along Route 9, Route 9D, Myers Corners Road, and County Route 93

Supervisor Cavaccini also announced that New York State Route 376 is scheduled to be repaved this year following extensive local advocacy efforts.

 

Government Efficiency & Innovation

The administration highlighted multiple operational reforms aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing costs, including:

• A successful “Recycle Center Innovation Project” projected to eliminate longstanding operational deficits
• Launch of a new online building permit platform
• Implementation of short-term rental management software
• Expanded in-house signage production at the Highway Department
• Strategic use of ARPA funding for municipal equipment and fleet modernization

 

Parks, Recreation & Quality of Life

The Town continues making historic investments in parks and recreation through the largest public works initiative in Wappinger history.

Major park and recreation projects include:

• Expansion of Carnwath Farms and Chapel event facilities
• Completion of the new Community Center at Brexel-Schlathaus Park
• New playgrounds at Fleetwood and Castle Point Parks
• Improvements to Spook Hill Park and Reese Park Nature Preserve
• Renovations at the Senior Center, which now serves more than 320 active members
• Ongoing improvements to the Chelsea Boat Ramp and Lower Wappinger Creek Boathouse
• Launch of the Sprout Creek Water Trail initiative

The Supervisor also announced continued progress on the Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch at Martz Field, funded through a partnership with Scotts Miracle-Gro.

 

Community Events & Economic Development

The Town announced several new community initiatives and events, including:

• The return of the Roof-A-Thon after more than 30 years
• Launch of a new weekly Monday Farmers Market at Town Hall
• Creation of “Wappinger Social,” a new monthly community celebration supporting local businesses
• Continued revitalization efforts across commercial corridors and hamlet centers

Economic development highlights included redevelopment of long-vacant commercial properties and new agritourism initiatives along the Hudson River corridor.

 

Veterans, History & Heritage Tourism

In recognition of the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the Town announced:

• Its first-ever free Veterans Luncheon
• Expansion of the Hometown Heroes banner program
• New Revolutionary War historical markers
• Development of a Revolutionary War historical trail throughout Wappinger

The Town also continues its partnership with the Wappingers Historical Society to preserve and promote local history.

 

Public Safety & EMS Expansion

Public safety remained a central focus of the address, with continued collaboration between the Town and local law enforcement agencies to combat illegal smoke shops, improve traffic safety, and expand emergency medical services.

Supervisor Cavaccini announced ongoing efforts with the Village of Wappingers Falls to establish a coordinated regional ambulance system featuring three ambulances serving the greater Wappinger community.

 

Looking Ahead

Closing the address, Supervisor Cavaccini reflected on the administration’s accomplishments and vision for the future.

“We have stabilized finances, protected open space, modernized infrastructure, improved parks and facilities, expanded recreational opportunities, advocated aggressively for our taxpayers, and restored pride in our community,” Cavaccini said. “Most importantly, we have shown that local government can still be responsive, transparent, innovative, and focused on delivering results.”

For additional information, residents may visit www.townofwappingerny.gov or follow the Town of Wappinger on social media.