Councilmember· January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2027
Denise Merrifield
Town of Riverhead
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 48
- Total speaking time
- 2:29:44
- Avg per meeting
- 3:07
- Segments
- 2772
Want every word Merrifield has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Merrifield said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)(Development)
Brownfield cleanup grant
$350,000 federal grant for tank removal and site cleanup, with future tax-base gains expected.
Indoor agricultural facility at 645 Grumman Boulevard
Converting 34,000 square feet of asphalt to green space and reusing vacant industrial buildings could bring jobs and activity to the Calverton Grumman area.
Summerwin stop-work order update
The developer faces about $722,000 in water infrastructure costs plus $75,000 in parks and recreation fees.
Petrocelli Master Developer Closing and IDA Benefits
Peconic Hotel Sale and Parking Garage
Possible future bonds in the parking district, offset by anticipated parking revenue; no contract for a hotel-shared garage can be considered until the garage is built.
Walmart supercenter expansion at 1890 Old Country Road
The expansion will trigger sewer system upgrades at the Lowe's pump station and water district key-money fees, costs likely borne through the application process.
First-time homebuyer down payment assistance
About $380,000 available, funded by developer fees.
Brother Bear Canna correspondence
Residents argue the operation would seek agricultural tax breaks while an $8-million-a-year business pays less than surrounding homes.
Town Square Splash Pad
Riverhead Local reported the hockey rink was subsidized about $1.7 million as of 2024.
Peconic Bay Medical Center maternity expansion
Private investment by the hospital; no direct town cost identified.
Andersson Acres subdivision school district split
Baiting Hollow Golf Club cell tower flag debate
JPD Calverton warehouse redevelopment
Could bring new industrial tenants and jobs to Calverton, though no tax figures were given.
Verizon tower at 285 Hubbard Avenue
Sandy Pond Trade Shops vs. Commercial Storage
Calverton Aviation Litigation
About $95,000 in taxpayer funds redirected to cover legal fees.
318 East Main Street deli site plan and permit violations
Higher blight fines could raise revenue and pressure owners to lease or fix up vacant buildings.
Planet Nugg cannabis dispensary access reconfiguration
Calverton Industrial Subdivision (OSTAD) SEQR findings
Traffic mitigation — turn lanes and a new signal — would be required, with the board insisting the applicant, not future lot buyers, pays.
Town Square Hotel land reconfiguration
Unknown — residents are asking for the town's liability and reserve figures.
Decisions during term (3)
Recorded while Merrifield was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Resolution 2026-668 – Railroad Street TOD Redevelopment RFP (Ratified)
2026-391 Authorizes the Community Development Department to Apply for a New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Grant
2026-146 Community Development Parks Grant Application
Voting record (7)(Development)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.