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.
Commercial Fire Protection Compliance
The Fire Marshal's office has transitioned to an online platform to track commercial fire system inspections, which has generated some questions and confusion among local business owners.
Election Voting Guide
Early voting for the Nov. 3 election is happening now at Riverhead Town Hall, and Suffolk County voters can cast a ballot at any early voting site. Before you go, check the hours, locations, and what you need to bring—it’s mainly about making voting fit your schedule.
Affordable Housing Funding
Riverhead’s planned Northville Commons just got a $3.67 million boost from the state. That money helps move an 80-unit affordable housing project forward—meaning more below-market homes could actually get built. If you care about rent costs or local construction, this is a real step, not just talk.
Signage and traffic circulation at Mill Road/Route 58 commercial center
Five sign applications were on the ARB docket, covering businesses on Old Country Road, Heroes Way, the Tanger outlets and Main Road. The board's decisions shape the visual character and lighting of these commercial corridors.
Wading River four-family dwelling dispute
Bruce Brenner is appealing the building inspector's finding that his Wading River property is a legal three-family dwelling, not four-family. Old town records from the 1950s-60s are being reviewed; decision expected December 10.
Shared parking reduction for mixed-use shopping centers
Big shopping centers are required to build parking for peak demand that rarely happens — the old Walmart plaza uses at most 26% of its 954 required spaces. The proposal would let any reviewing board grant up to a 20% parking reduction with real traffic data, potentially freeing land for redevelopment.
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.
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.
Disabled Veterans Tax Exemption Local Law
A new state law gives 100% disabled veterans a full property tax exemption, becoming mandatory in October 2026. Veterans told the board the eligibility rules are confusing and exclude many with PTSD who don't need home modifications.
Verizon tower at 285 Hubbard Avenue
A new 120-foot stealth tower is proposed next to homes and Fire Station 2. Staff wants landscaping to screen the tired Verizon maintenance yard and an FAA compliance report; the tower could later grow to 130 feet under the code.
Baiting Hollow Golf Club cell tower flag debate
Elite Towers wants a 140-foot monopole on Sound Avenue, but the residential zoning doesn't allow it — a use variance is needed. Visual impact along the scenic corridor is the big question.
Andersson Acres subdivision school district split
A revived ~70-acre subdivision across the LIRR tracks won approval of its 35-lot yield map and 33-lot cluster sketch plan, preserving just over 70% of the land and splitting between two school districts.
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.
Sweezy Avenue two-lot subdivision variances
A family wants to split a ~12,600-square-foot lot into two ~6,300-square-foot lots so a new house can be built for their daughter. That's far below the 40,000-square-foot RA-40 minimum, and the board's attorney flagged that the lots were merged before the family bought the property in 2015. The board reserved decision and floated the town's new accessory dwelling unit law as a workaround.
Brush fire staging area at Veterans Park (EPCAL)
A $100,000 state grant secured by Assemblywoman Giglio will build a staging area for firefighters battling brush fires along Sound Avenue, where dead trees and roadside conditions have made firefighting dangerous.
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.
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.