Riverhead · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Riverhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Breezy Hill crushing facility environmental study rejected
Breezy Hill Group VI wants to convert a nonconforming residential property into a C&D debris processing facility with concrete and asphalt crushing. About 60 residents showed up to oppose it, citing noise, dust, truck traffic, and property values. The ZBA can't decide until the Planning Board's environmental review is resolved, so the hearing stays open.
Preservation of 1458 Middle Road, Calverton
After a year of advocacy, the town is paying for an appraisal of the 5.3-acre Koblenski farm parcel — the first concrete step toward preserving it as open space rather than seeing it anchor a 500-home development. Residents hope the historic farmhouse and kettle holes can be saved.
Preservation of the 4-H Camp property
The town is weighing whether to buy into preserving the 145-acre 4-H camp property with Suffolk County and the Peconic Land Trust. Supporters gathered nearly 300 petition signatures; critics like Ken Zilnicki argue the price — roughly $110,000/acre versus the $69,000 the trust paid — is too high and the land would generate tax revenue if developed.
Helicopter Noise Task Force Reconvened
Residents say low-flying helicopters over Wading River are unbearable, with hundreds of complaints logged. The board agreed to reconvene the helicopter task force and push the FAA on the North Shore route before its July 29 review.
Navy Groundwater Cleanup in Calverton
Residents praised Councilman Kern and Frank Mancini for keeping pressure on the Navy over tainted groundwater in Calverton, and the board asked the civic association to write a letter demanding county health officials stay in technical meetings.
Recycling coordinator position
Riverhead lags neighboring towns on recycling, and a state grant would cover half the salary of a full-time coordinator to run outreach, food scrap programs, and school partnerships. The catch: the town risks paying the full salary if the grant isn't awarded.
Preservation of 1161 Peconic Bay Blvd, Jamesport as open space
The board unanimously backed Suffolk County's purchase of a ~9.5-acre Jamesport parcel as natural open space, but only after a public fight over a board press release warning of possible beach access and parking. Legislator Doroski warned the parcel has an approved four-lot subdivision and could be developed if the deal collapses; the board committed to negotiating a management agreement within a 30-day window.
Jamesport Land Preservation Partnership
Suffolk County wants to spend about $2 million preserving a Jamesport parcel as open space, but the deal may collapse unless Riverhead agrees to manage the property. Council members worry it would invite countywide beachgoers, remove the land from the tax rolls, and repeat the painful Sharpers Hill experience — some would rather see it preserved as farmland or a four-lot subdivision of large homes.
Sound-front land preservation acquisition
The town may buy part of a Nassau County parcel next to the Sound Avenue preserve, giving Riverhead public access to the Sound and completing a nearly 1,000-acre preserved block. The board agreed to order an appraisal and will discuss price in executive session.
Restart of Farmland Preservation Program
After years of paying off CPF debt, Riverhead has about $14 million available to preserve farmland again. A new application form lets owners signal interest without commitment, and the town will partner with the county and Peconic Land Trust.
Proposed concrete and asphalt crushing facility on Middle Road, Calverton
Breezy Hill Group VI wants to convert a nonconforming residential property into a C&D debris processing facility with concrete and asphalt crushing. About 60 residents showed up to oppose it, citing noise, dust, truck traffic, and property values. The ZBA can't decide until the Planning Board's environmental review is resolved, so the hearing stays open.
Creek Road and Sound Road flooding study grant
The town is applying for a New York Sea Grant to study and plan fixes for chronic flooding on Creek and Sound Roads in Wading River.