Cavendish

Having been isolated just after Irene, the town of Cavendish has recovered well.

Though the initial reimbursements from FEMA were particularly slow, says Town Manager Richard Svec, the recovery from almost $4 million in widespread damages is nearly complete. With just finishing work, installation of protective devices, and some bridge work to wrap up, the town is emerging from the strain reconstruction of the “Cavendish Chasm” put on the village roads.

“It was difficult, but we got through,” says Svec, referring to the sink-hole Irene caused on Route 131 that forced traffic and road crews to use a bypass directly through town.

The majority of homes that sustained damage are either fixed or in the process of rebuilding.

Svec says now that the town is a year away from the event, Cavendish’s residents can appreciate the silver lining.

“It’s a tough way to get there, but the community strengthening and unity that still exists today would not have been reached without the unusual experience of isolation,” he said.