Vacant Science Center building and downtown revitalization
Town of Riverhead
Summary
The vacant, tax-exempt building at 111 Main Street has sat blighted for six years next to the town's multi-million-dollar Town Square project, with no permits, no site plan approval, and no construction. The board signaled it may take action, with a resolution on the April 7 agenda and the Science Center invited back next week.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
The town has lost roughly $340,000 in potential tax revenue over six years while the building sits vacant, and Town Square construction must now work around an unbuilt, possibly unsafe structure.
If the project advances, downtown businesses and families would gain a children's attraction anchoring the new Town Square; if the town acts on the property, taxpayers benefit from restored tax revenue and a safer downtown.
Taxpayers currently bear the cost of the vacant building and the risk it poses to the Town Square investment; the Science Center faces potential condemnation or loss of the property.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Town Board Work Session - Apr 9, 2026
A 3-2 board majority voted to pursue eminent domain at 111 East Main Street, ending talks with the Science Center. The Supervisor brought the group back anyway, sparking objections; a public hearing is being expedited for April 21.
Town Board Work Session - Apr 2, 2026
The vacant, tax-exempt building at 111 Main Street has sat blighted for six years next to the town's multi-million-dollar Town Square project, with no permits, no site plan approval, and no construction. The board signaled it may take action, with a resolution on the April 7 agenda and the Science Center invited back next week.
Town Board Work Session - Mar 26, 2026
The Long Island Science Center's Main Street building has sat vacant since 2019 despite promises to open in summer 2025. The board is moving toward condemnation, citing safety hazards, lost tax revenue, and its importance to the town square project.
Related development
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