The Village Board is about to vote on a 2026-2027 budget that the public has never actually seen. At the April 7th public hearing, the Board presented a “tentative budget” that was nothing more than a copy-and-paste of last year’s numbers. They asked for your input on a placeholder document while, behind closed doors, they...
First Village Budget Meeting: Fiscal Confusion and a Trip to Saratoga The first budget meeting, held on April 10th, was defined by confusion and an alarming lack of fiscal documentation. The disorganization of records left the board speculating about actual expenses and which budget lines were being used to pay them. Instead of relying on...
On March 24, 2026, the Village of Wappingers Falls published a public notice for a hearing on April 29th. The topic? A Local Law to override the State-mandated Tax Levy Limit. In plain English: The Village Board is preparing to raise your taxes beyond the legal “cap.” I have previously warned that we could be...
Many residents and local business owners share a vibrant, positive vision for our Village. Unfortunately, that vision consistently seems to wither and die the moment it reaches the point of execution. A prime example of this disconnect is the “Cobbler Shop” and the surrounding project on West Main Street. What was marketed as a transformative...
In an era of generic, cookie-cutter cul-de-sacs and sprawling suburban developments, the Village of Wappingers Falls stands out as a rare gem. It is a unique “urban-suburban” environment where history meets modern diversity, offering a lifestyle defined by safety, community, and an authentic sense of place. A Melting Pot of Cultures and People The heart...
This unique character of the Village of Wappingers Falls Historic Business District is what sets us apart from the generic Route 9 corridor and the sprawling strip malls of newer communities. The Villages’ historic character is our “brand”—it’s why people want to live here and visit here. When you look around our Main Street historic...
The Truth About “Ballot Assistance” Have you felt pressured to hand over your ballot to anyone asking to be your “authorized agent”? Your private vote should never be treated as someone else’s political tool. When candidates or their proxies “help” you vote, their primary goal may not be your convenience—it’s taking control of your voice...
A political party line is supposed to represent a specific set of values. In our village, however, the party system has devolved into a political masquerade. Our annual caucuses have become a playground for a small group of insiders to maintain the status quo and limit competition, regardless of political affiliation. The evidence is hiding...
Here are some highlights of the 2026 Saint Patrick’s Parade. We’ve done our best to capture the spirit of the day; however, if you see a photo of yourself or your child that you’d prefer we remove, please just send a message and we’ll take it down right away! SEND A MESSAGE
Time for Fresh Perspectives in Our VillageThe March 18th village elections are shaping up to be less of a democratic contest and more of a game of musical chairs, with three past board members looking to return. The “Echo” in the Third WardIn the Third Ward, we’re seeing a return to the past rather than...