has to offer, face to face conversation, face to face interactions,” he touts. “And we are trying to really streamline the planning process. We have a great planning board made up of very qualified people of all different backgrounds, and bringing their diverse perspectives really helps projects as well.” ATTRACTIONS THAT INSPIRE From natural beauty to cultural richness, Wappinger offers plenty for residents and visitors to enjoy. “We’re right on the Hudson line of Metro North, an hour 15 minute train ride from New York City, from Manhattan. People are coming up to us to take in natural sites,” Cavaccini acknowledges. The town’s expansive parkland includes features like the picturesque Carnwath Farms Historic Site, a 99.7 acre former estate, turned park on the Hudson River. “We as a town are investing significant funds into reclaiming that site. It has sat vacant for 25 years, and we’re going to be doing event spaces and community spaces there for everyone to enjoy,” outlines Cavaccini.The Reese Park Nature Preserve, a 40 acre green area adjacent to Wappinger Creek, is another community gem. The town is also investing in the Chelsea waterfront with a rebuilt boat launch and plans for a kayak trail connecting to the Wappinger Creek estuary. The community is home to an array of cultural attractions, including the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (COSM), a world renowned art sanctuary created by visionary artists Alex and Allyson Grey that draws tens of thousands of visitors annually.“That is a huge destination within the town of Wappinger,” Cavaccini remarks. The town also boasts an exceptional dining scene, bolstered by its proximity to the Culinary Institute of America. “That allows for us to have many CIA trained, educated and graduate chefs working in our restaurants, and we have many award winning restaurants in and of themselves,” he details. “We have actors and actresses coming in to film movies in the town, they’re often at Heritage Food and Drink, or they’re hopping around visiting different places, which is huge.” The vibrancy of the community is further evidenced 55 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 WAPPINGER, NY
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