Location, location, location

Our parents, grandparents and friends are important to all of us. We on the town board agree there is a need for an assisted living facility in Riverhead. The town board recently voted unanimously for the legislation that would provide for this type of facility to care for our seniors so they could be close to their loved ones, right here in our town.

In fact, Riverhead is the perfect place for this facility. Riverhead seniors are always a priority and this specialized facility will set our town apart adding to our existing wide range of senior services. The town currently offers transportation services (dial-a-ride for weekly shopping, medical appointments, etc.) and serves meals on wheels for those in need. The senior center regularly has activities, events and festive gatherings where our senior community can spend time enjoying each other’s company. We offer specialized medical support through Peconic Bay Medical Center and home aide programs.

The question becomes where, what constitutes affordable and how can we create this need for assisted living while at the same time protecting our precious farmland and rural neighborhoods? These are not easy questions that myself, as a legislator, must answer and find a solution.

The sites must be close to our loved ones. It must be affordable based on Riverhead standards, not Suffolk County, and it must be for the most part attainable for Riverhead residents to keep our loved ones nearby.

We, the town board, put this legislation into effect because we care about our “baby boomer population” and realize that every silver lining has a touch of gray. Moving forward, we will find a proper location for this use and our loved ones will be a hop, skip and jump away. We are dedicated to this cause because the need is so great. We will develop a proper plan incorporating into it all the factors that have come to light.

Jodi Giglio is a Riverhead Town councilwoman, first elected in 2009. She lives in Baiting Hollow.