Alek Lewis
Government
Town Board adopts new water district rates, OKs new outlet center, funds for downtown cameras: Aug. 16 meeting recap
The Riverhead Town Board last week adopted a new rate structure for the water district, approved a special permit for a new outlet center and appropriated American Rescue Act funds for the downtown security camera program. Aug. 16 meeting recap.
Politics
In Tuesday’s primary, three Republican candidates fight to be Zeldin’s successor
Three contenders hoping to succeed Rep. Lee Zeldin are fighting to win the Republican nomination in the First Congressional District in the GOP primary election Aug. 23.
Government
Three planning firms pitch services to Riverhead Town Board for comprehensive plan update
Riverhead Town Board members interviewed three planning firms Thursday as the town seeks to select a consulting firm to finish the comprehensive plan update begun by AKRF, the consultants whose contract the town terminated last month.
Government
Riverhead to seek more water extension grants, as patience of Manorville residents wears thin
Residents lobbying for more than 60 homes in Manorville to be hooked up to public water pleaded with the Riverhead Town Board Tuesday to sign an inter-municipal agreement with Suffolk County Water Authority to strengthen its grant application and finally bring water to their neighborhood.
Community News
Northwell Health volunteers delivering 483 backpacks filled with school supplies to Riverhead
Northwell Health volunteers are delivering 483 backpacks filled with school supplies for students in the Riverhead Central School District this week ahead of the start of the school year next month.
Breaking News
Police seeking public’s help in locating two teen runaways from Little Flower in Wading River
Police said Eianna Delorantis, 18, and Elizabeth Depascale, 17, left the facility at approximately 5:30 pm yesterday. No foul play is suspected, police said.
Government
Electric scooter rideshare company appears to have lost interest in Riverhead after town adopted safety regulations, councilman says
Bird Rides, a rideshare company interested in bringing its electric scooter program to Riverhead last year, appears to have abandoned its plans after expressing to local officials that the town’s regulations on electric scooters were too restrictive, according to Councilman Ken Rothwell.
Government
Riverhead is passed over for federal DOT grant, where it sought $34 million for downtown projects, including parking structures
The Town of Riverhead was passed over for a U.S. Department of Transportation grant it sought to help fund two parking structures downtown, flood resilience on the Peconic riverfront and other projects.
Health
CDC changes COVID-19 guidance, lifts quarantine recommendation for people exposed to virus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has changed its public health guidance for COVID-19, recommending that people exposed to the virus should not immediately quarantine, but instead wear a “high-quality” mask for 10 days and get tested on the fifth day after exposure.
Board of Education
School board wrap: tenured teacher fired after disciplinary charges; new appointments made; policy on teaching controversial issues tabled
Here;s a rundown of actions taken during the Aug. 9 Riverhead Board of Education meeting.