Riverhead · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Riverhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Crown Recycling Enforcement Activity
Code enforcement opened 82 complaints and issued 146 violations in April, with unpermitted construction and junk vehicles big issues. Two new part-time officers start June 8 to boost residential patrols.
Sound Shore Guild bulkhead replacement
The board reviewed awarding the bid for the bulkhead repair, with work expected to start within weeks, plus a budget transfer from community benefit funds.
Pumpkin Smash and Food Scrap Program
A heated exchange revealed the town previously paid employees to pick up food waste from schools — work Councilman Kern argued belongs to the school district. The superintendent and town will model a new partnership this fall.
Wading River Duck Ponds Restoration
Riverhead and Brookhaven signed on to jointly restore the Wading River duck pond after a year of negotiation.
Pet store sales ban on commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits
A local law would prohibit Riverhead pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Coastal bluff deck expansion in Jamesport
A Sound Shore Club cottage owner wants to add 235 square feet near the top of the bluff at North Wading River Road. The plan must first get ZBA relief because additions aren't automatically allowed in the erosion hazard zone.
Textile recycling program
Free collection bins would keep worn-out clothes and shoes out of the landfill while earning the town 10 cents a pound. The town pays nothing — the vendor covers the $4,000 bins — and proceeds could go to school PTAs or youth sports.
Land Preservation Push from East End Hamlets
Dozens of letters from Jamesport, Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow and other hamlet residents urge stronger land preservation — a recurring pressure point on the town's development direction.
Bluff erosion and house stabilization at 24 Beach Hill Drive
A Calverton homeowner who did unpermitted emergency work on a storm-damaged bluff house got the permit he needs to stabilize the site and finish repairs, with conditions protecting neighbors from erosion.
Venezia Square open space preservation, Wading River
The town is backing Suffolk County's bid for Environmental Bond Act money to buy the Venezia Square parcels as open space, ending fears of another strip plaza at the Route 25A gateway to Wading River.
Peconic River sewage discharge update
Suffolk County Health Department found water samples unremarkable after the sewage discharge — no contamination at bathing-beach levels. Sewer district staff got a shout-out for the quick response.