Riverhead · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Riverhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Two-hour parking enforcement behind Moonfish and Turkes
The new two-hour limits in Lots 5 and 6 are working — spots are available and businesses are happy. The town also issued a notice to cure to Heatherwood to restore eight spaces by September 18. But residents of the apartment building have complained about losing all-day parking.
Downtown parking during construction
Theater and hotel owners say downtown parking is already maxed out on show nights, and building the planned parking garage could cut spaces in half for a year — potentially shutting businesses down. They want the town to sequence construction to minimize disruption and consider interim solutions like shuttles.
Shared parking agreement for 505 Lincoln Street
A Lincoln Street applicant wants parking about 370 feet away, beyond the 200-foot limit and partly in a residence district. The board adjourned the case to June 11 so the applicant and a neighbor can try to settle their differences.
Downtown Riverhead Rebrand and Marketing Strategy
The Business Improvement District rolled out a new brand for downtown Riverhead — 'the soul of the East End' — with goals of 20% more foot traffic, more year-round visitors, and filling vacant Main Street storefronts. Board members embraced the vision and suggested adding wayfinding signs on Route 25 and Sound Avenue, plus pushing the MTA for more train service from the city.
Vacant big-box retail on the Route 58 corridor
The Staples Plaza hearing laid bare a broader problem: large vacant retail spaces across Riverhead that brokers say can't be leased at any price. How the town handles dead retail space — including whether non-retail uses like medical facilities can fill it — affects the look and vitality of the corridor.
Tri State farm stand on Main Road
A wholesale nursery wants to convert an existing masonry building into a farm stand selling flowers and produce. The Agricultural Advisory Committee punted to April, and health department and water questions remain open.
Skip Barber Racing School license at Epcal
The racing school would get a one-year license to use the 10,000-foot runway at Epcal, with town approval needed for dates and a 20-day termination clause protecting the town.