Plan moves further ahead for YMCA bid in Riverhead

The long-running push to bring a YMCA to Riverhead has cleared a key hurdle after decades of failed proposals, community pushback and shifting town plans.

The Riverhead Town Board approved a non-binding letter of intent to enter into a lease agreement with the YMCA to renovate the decommissioned New York State Armory on Route 58 into a recreation and community services facility.

The letter is not an official contract between the YMCA and Riverhead Town. It is strictly an agreement to advance talks between both parties about a potential lease — and either side can pull out of negotiations at any time. 

“This is a vital first step for the YMCA to move forward with requests for funding and approvals necessary to establish a YMCA community service hub for the Riverhead residents,” said Debbie Kneidl of Aquebogue, chief development officer for the YMCA of Long Island. “This proposal is the result of years of careful study, thoughtful planning and meaningful community engagement.”

An amendment to a 2011 state law is still required before any lease or sale can move forward. The amendment would allow the YMCA to use the armory building for recreation and community services benefiting Riverhead residents.

The building and its 5.9 acres were sold by the town to the state in 1953 for $500, with both parties agreeing at the time that Riverhead could reclaim the land if the armory ever ceased operation.

After decades of abandonment, the state transferred ownership back to Riverhead in 2011. Under state legislation, the building was initially intended to house the Riverhead Police Department, justice court, public safety agencies and recreational facilities. With the police department and court no longer planned for the site, the building’s only remaining approved use is for recreation and community programs.

Last year, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio introduced a bill with amendments to allow for the lease or sale of the property to the YMCA. The Assembly bill passed last June, but died in the Senate before the legislative session ended. This month, the bill passed in the Senate, and is making its way to the Assembly. If approved, it would go to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk to be signed or vetoed.

Councilman Bob Kern, an advocate for the project, said he is confident the bill will go through. 

According to the letter of intent, the YMCA would go through Riverhead Town for all necessary permits and approvals. The nonprofit plans to hire an architect to design the facility and would begin the design process once the lease is officially signed.

The YMCA would be responsible for the full cost of construction, as well as the costs of operating and maintaining the premises once opened. Riverhead officials have provided the YMCA with information on the environmental and remediation work. The nonprofit has the right to conduct both phases of the environmental investigation and can terminate the lease if it is not satisfied with the results. Failure to obtain the necessary permits and funding would also allow the YMCA to terminate the agreement.

The goal would be for the YMCA to obtain building permits, a certificate of occupancy and other approvals within 24 months after submitting its initial plans, or the lease could be canceled.

Mr. Kern estimated the project could cost between $20 million and $40 million. He anticipates a major community fundraising push and said there has already been “tremendous” outreach to better understand how a YMCA could serve Riverhead’s needs.

“I’m very pleased to be a part of it for a while now, with the YMCA and the team they put together,” Mr. Kern said on a call with the Riverhead News-Review on Friday. “I’m really looking forward to this —  it’s happening, there’s a lot of great programming being discussed.” 

Proposed programming and amenities could include multipurpose rooms, a community kitchen, co-working space, STEM lab, teen room, gymnasium, indoor track, sports courts, exercise studios, fitness area, locker rooms, aquatics and administrative offices.

Ms. Kneidl said the Town Board’s approval of the letter of intent is a “direct response to urgent public health, wellness and fitness needs” and would help create “true community.”

The idea of a YMCA in Riverhead has been floated before, with the late Joe Van de Wetering of Baiting Hollow leading the push for a “Peconic YMCA.” Several locations were considered, but some faced community opposition, and none were seriously pursued. The Town Board ended its support for the previous development plan in late 2012 after the YMCA changed much of its leadership.

At the end of last year, the North Fork YMCA committee gauged community interest in building a facility in Southold, a project that could cost tens of millions of dollars to build and sustain. 

Organizers agreed at the time that more North Fork community input would be necessary moving forward. 

Riverhead officials are now backing the armory proposal.

“What a tremendous asset this will be for the town,” said Councilwoman Denise Merrifield at the May 20 town board meeting.