The Long Island Science Center may soon be coming back to downtown Riverhead.
The science center, which in 2016 moved to Rocky Point after it sold its West Main Street building to a developer, is in talks with BNB Bank about subletting space at Summerwind Square.
The ground-floor space on Peconic Avenue was occupied by a BNB branch and lending office until this week, when the bank moved into new quarters on West Main Street.
L.I. Science Center trustee Larry Oxman confirmed yesterday the organization is negotiating with the bank for a possible sublease.
“Nothing is signed yet,” Oxman said yesterday. “So I’m reluctant to discuss it. Hopefully in a few days or a week we’ll be able to say for sure.”
BNB vice president Claudia Pilato also confirmed the bank is in discussions with the science center.
Oxman previously told RiverheadLOCAL the science center wanted to remain in downtown Riverhead but was unable to strike a deal for a suitable site.
Joe’s Garage and Grill up for sale
The other ground-floor tenant at Summerwind Square may also soon be changing. Joe’s Garage and Grill is up for sale.
The restaurant has been closed since late December for a “winter break,” according to a sign on its door and a Facebook page post. The business is listed with Bagshaw Real Estate for an asking price of $399,000.
Restaurant owner Ray Dickhoff, a builder by trade and a partner in the Summerwind development, declined comment. Joe’s Garage opened in March 2014.
Wayne Steck, managing member of the company that owns Summerwind Square, said Tuesday BNB still has a year left on its lease at the site. He said he’d look forward to a long-term lease with the science center if the organization were interested.
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