Riverhead · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Riverhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Additional parking on Heidi Behr Way
The board is exploring adding parallel parking along Heidi Behr Way downtown. A quote in the packet prices linestriping 19 spaces and one hatched area at about $4,725.
Riverhead LIRR Train Station Disrepair
Warren McKnight presented photos of peeling paint at the train station and demanded the town pressure the MTA; the board agreed to send a letter, using the tactic that previously got potholes fixed.
Horton Avenue/Reeves Avenue Intersection Safety
A Calverton man whose friend was killed at the Horton/Reeves intersection in 2021 asked the board again for a traffic control device; the board agreed to put it on the traffic safety committee agenda.
Stop Sign Codification at Northville Turnpike/Doctor's Path
A housekeeping local law to formally codify a stop intersection that's existed since at least 2018 near the old Halleck Fabricating building — requested by Suffolk County DPW.
Church Lane Speeding in Aquebogue
A 51-year Church Lane resident says speeding on the winding road is deadly dangerous — cars doing 45-50 in a 35 zone with no room to dodge. She was directed to the August 27 traffic safety meeting.
Downtown parking enforcement and handheld ticketing
The town wants to replace its patchwork of stickers, hang tags, and handwritten tickets with one integrated digital system — handheld ticket devices, license plate readers, and online permits. An RFP is being drafted with a goal of launching in early 2027. This affects everyone from downtown shoppers to beachgoers.
Route 25A Traffic Safety at Innov8 Fitness Driveway
A board member flagged that the Debbie Lane driveway sits only about 75 feet from Route 25A, where westbound cars accelerate out of the turn — a real safety concern. Staff may recommend making it entrance-only or shifting it north.
Traffic signal safety improvements
Two trouble-spot intersections — Osborne/Harrison and South Jamesport Avenue/Railroad Avenue — are getting professional traffic signal redesigns to improve safety.
Downtown Parking Time Limits
Parking dominated the hearing: the hotel relies on valet service and borrowed spaces behind the Suffolk Theater until a town parking garage is built, and no parking agreement is finalized yet. Residents pressed for a timeline on the garage, which remains unfunded.
Speed Limit Changes on Northville Turnpike
The board approved speed limit changes on County Road 43.
Bus Shelters and Railroad Station Amenities
A resident is pushing for more bus shelters town-wide, plus seating and bathrooms at the LIRR station where commuters, including families, have nowhere to go.
Smugglers Path beach parking restrictions
A Northville resident asked the board to remove permit-parking signs on his block, saying neighbors were never consulted. The board agreed to put a code change on a work session agenda.
Highway Department Salt Budget Transfer
After a brutal winter, the board moved extra money into the highway budget to buy more road salt — with the supervisor praising the department's blizzard performance.