For years, Riverhead Town officials have been trying to come up with ways to revitalize downtown, which many feel has suffered as a result of the onslaught of big box retail stores on Route 58.
In the past year or so, many of the national chain stores that had Route 58 locations ran into financial difficulties that many feel were brought on by online shopping. As a result, a number of big box stores on Route 58 closed. READ
Several owners of property in downtown Riverhead told the Town Board Tuesday that reducing the maximum allowable height of buildings from five stories to two — and requiring property owners to buy farmland development rights in order to increase their heights — will kill any progress that has been made downtown. READ
Could better lighting in alleyways downtown lead to better walkability?
As town officials consider code amendments to the DC-1 zoning district downtown, building and planning administrator Jeff Murphree proposed that revisions include enhancements to pedestrian infrastructure. READ
After two Riverhead “opportunity zones” were approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in June, the town Industrial Development Agency and Community Development Agency hosted a workshop Wednesday at Hotel Indigo to share more information on how the program works. READ
New York’s lieutenant governor and the Suffolk County executive joined local officials Monday for a “ribbon cutting” to celebrate the opening of Peconic Crossing, a 45-unit affordable rental project in downtown Riverhead. (more…)
As town officials draft code amendments that would limit the maximum height allowed for buildings on Main Street, they are seeking input from the Downtown Revitalization Committee. READ
Officials are considering zoning changes in downtown Riverhead that will reduce the maximum height allowed for buildings.
The proposal, still in draft stage, comes in light of a recent rush of five-story buildings in the downtown area, something allowed by zoning the town adopted in the 2003 master plan update. (more…)
River Walk Bar and Grille has opened its doors in the former Joe’s Garage and Grill space.
John Molesi, head chef and co-owner, brings more than 25 years of restaurant experience to downtown Riverhead. He was the chef manager at the Triangle Pub in Eastport before venturing out on his own. READ