Alek Lewis
Alek Lewis is a lifelong Riverhead resident and a 2021 graduate of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism. Previously, he served as news editor of Stony Brook’s student newspaper, The Statesman, and was a member of the campus’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Email: alek@riverheadlocal.com
Government
Town board approves tax cap override, amends proposed budget to increase 2023 town-wide tax levy by 4.5% over this year
If adopted in its current form, the 2023 budget will increase the town-wide tax bill on an “average” home by $120.45 over 2022, the town financial administrator said. An “average” home is one with an assessed value of $50,000, about 10% of its market value.
Government
Election preview 2022: candidates and propositions on this year’s ballot
Here's a rundown of candidates and propositions on the ballot in this year's general election: governor, First Congressional District, local State Senate and State Assembly races, with sample ballots.
Government
Tempers flare as council members move to amend supervisor’s budget proposal, sparking dispute
Six proposed amendments to the supervisor's budget proposal angered the supervisor and sparked a heated debate at Thursday's work session.
Government
Developer pitches bringing indoor sports facilities and new outdoor fields to Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park could be getting more than just an ice rink in the not-so-distant future, as another company has proposed bringing indoor sports facilities and multipurpose outdoor fields to continue to fill an undeveloped section of the Calverton park.
Board of Education
Dean of Students resigns, transportation contracts approved: school board wrap-up
The Riverhead Board of Education last night accepted the resignation of its dean of students, Kenneth Coard, just a little more than a year after hiring him to fill the recently created administrative position.
Breaking News
Police seeking public’s help locating teen runaway from Little Flower in Wading River
Riverhead Town Police are seeking the public’s help to locating Autumn Tucker, who left Little Flower Children’s Services in Wading River late last night. No foul play is suspected.
Government
Town Board gets updated look at Town Square ideas during ‘activation plan’ presentation
The presentation outlined the ongoing development of the downtown area, including plans for the riverfront and town square, and also unveiled plans for two parking garages off East Main Street not previously presented to the board.
Government
Parking time on Main Street reduced, fines increased for locking animal in vehicles during ‘extreme heat’ : Riverhead Town Board wrap-up
Here's a wrap-up of actions taken at the Oct. 18, 2022 Riverhead Town Board meeting.
News
Riverhead Democrats oust party chair after last year’s landslide losses; former town supervisor leads slate of new party leadership
After Democratic voters ousted the incumbent party chairperson and elected 10 new members to the Riverhead Town Democratic Committee in the June party primary, the newly reconstituted committee on Tuesday elected Laura Jens-Smith as its chairperson and replaced all of its other officers.
Government
Prospective marijuana business owners hail Riverhead zoning proposal for dispensaries and lounges as the friendliest on Long Island
Residents and prospective marijuana entrepreneurs applauded the Riverhead Town Board’s proposed zoning code for marijuana businesses as retail sales are poised to get underway, with one speaker calling it the most “progressive” of its kind and most friendly to the emerging industry on Long Island.
