The developer of a proposed new retail center on Route 58, which gained preliminary site plan approval from the Riverhead Planning Board last month, says he’s reconsidering the plan.
In an interview yesterday, Irwin Garsten said after speaking with real estate brokers about market conditions, he’s having second thoughts about the 56,608-square-foot center on 12 acres between Riverhead Centre and Osborn Avenue.
Garsten said he’s now looking at building an assisted living facility on the site instead.
“It’s something we really have a need for in this area,” Garsten said. He is also considering “maybe a small hotel” on the site.
An assisted living facility on the 12-acre site would require the town board to grant a change of zone. The land is currently within the destination retail zoning use district. The retirement community zoning code also requires a minimum lot size of 15 acres.
Garsten said he spoke yesterday with his attorney about his reconsideration of moving ahead with the retail center plan.
Garsten is a longtime auto dealer in Riverhead. He currently owns owns Apple Honda on Route 58 and an auto parts store on Raynor Avenue.
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