Riverhead weighs e-bike rules: Town Board June 2 meeting wrap-up

Proposed rules for electric bicycles drew discussion at Tuesday’s Riverhead Town Board meeting, where board members also approved a water main extension for a planned Aquebogue subdivision, fireworks permits, U.S. Open parking operations and several code-related measures.

The e-bike proposal was one of two public hearings held Tuesday, both of which were left open for written comment for 10 days.

Deputy Town Attorney Danielle Hurley said the proposed local law would broaden the town’s existing electric scooter regulations to include bicycles with electric assist. She said adopting a town code provision would allow Riverhead police to impound violators and allow the town attorney’s office to prosecute violations in Justice Court, with fines going to the town’s general fund.

Alternative Transportation Committee member Bruce Kagan of Wading River, bicyclist and teacher, speaking as a resident and not on behalf of the committee, urged the board to recognize the accessibility benefits of class two e-bikes, which can use a throttle as well as pedal assist.

Kagan said class two e-bikes can be easier for some riders to use than pedal-assist-only class one e-bikes, particularly when starting from a stopped position.

Hurley said the proposed law would allow class one and class two e-bikes on the Veterans Memorial Trail and prohibit operating a bicycle with electric assist at more than 20 mph.

Council Member Ken Rothwell said the board had previously discussed the issue in connection with senior citizens who use the trail and may rely on electric assist to complete longer rides.

The board also held a public hearing on Island Water Park’s application to amend the site plan for Scott’s Pointe in Calverton. The application seeks approval for a zip line, battery-powered bumper boats, a fire suppression well and changes to covenants restricting use of the go-kart track and lake. See prior story.

In a other action, the board: 

• Voted 3-1, with one abstention, to adopt findings allowing the town to move forward with an eminent domain proceeding to acquire the former Swezey’s department store building at 111 E. Main St., where the Long Island Science Center has proposed to relocate. See prior story.

• Approved a special event application for the United States Golf Association’s 2026 U.S. Open general parking and transportation operations at the Calverton Enterprise Park from June 15 to 21, 2026.

• Ratified acceptance of donations from the Peconic Hockey Foundation for construction and other items related to the ice rink at 5789 Middle Country Road in Calverton. The donated work and materials were valued at $111,063.97.

• Accepted the 2025 audited financial statements for the town’s Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund and authorized posting the audit on the town website.

• Approved the extension of Riverhead Water District facilities for the Summerwind Farm subdivision in Aquebogue, where a roughly 30-acre property is proposed for 15 new single-family homes plus one existing residence. The developer is responsible for the estimated $747,750 cost of the water main extension.

• Approved fireworks applications for The Rock Golf Club on July 5, with a July 6 rain date, and for Baiting Hollow Club on Aug. 15, with an Aug. 16 rain date. The board also approved an Oct. 27 fireworks display at Baiting Hollow Club.

• Authorized a $3,500 agreement with Goodman-Marks Associates Inc. to conduct an appraisal of the town’s Railroad Avenue parking lot in connection with the transit-oriented development project.

• Scheduled a public hearing on a proposed local law to amend the town’s site plan review procedure and move certain land-use application fees out of the town code, allowing the Town Board to set them by Planning Division fee schedule.

• Scheduled public hearings on proposed code amendments to revise Zoning Board of Appeals filing fees and fees for coastal erosion hazard area permits and appeals.

• Adopted local laws amending town code provisions governing fire prevention, zoning and land development supplementary regulations, and waterways and shellfish regulations.

During open public comment, residents raised issues including the town’s handling of a proposed immigration enforcement policy, permit-parking restrictions near Reeves Beach, conditions at the Riverhead train station and the need for more services for people in need.

Colin Tooker of Riverhead again asked why the board has not scheduled a work session discussion on proposed legislation advanced by OLA of Eastern Long Island concerning local law enforcement’s interaction with federal immigration authorities.

Rothwell said he believes existing laws protect all residents and said he is comfortable with the town’s current position.

“I’m very, very extremely proud of our men and women in blue police officers,” Rothwell said. “They do a great job. I’m very comfortable where we are.”

John McAuliff of Rolling Woods said reports of ICE activity in Riverhead made it more important for the board to discuss the proposal publicly, saying refusal to address the matter could be interpreted as creating “a friendly atmosphere” for immigration enforcement activity.

John Cullen of Northville asked the board to revisit permit-parking restrictions on Smugglers Path, saying residents on his block did not request the restrictions and now must obtain permits for guests. Town Attorney Erik Howard said changing the restriction would require a code amendment and public hearing. Rothwell asked that the issue be placed on a future work session agenda.

Warren McKnight of Riverhead urged the town to explore creating an organization similar to CAST, the Southold-based nonprofit that assists people in need, and asked officials to seek improvements at the Riverhead train station, including benches and bathroom access. Council Member Bob Kern said the train station property is owned by the MTA, not the town, but said the town could look into the issue.