Alek Lewis
Alek Lewis is a lifelong Riverhead resident. He joined RiverheadLOCAL in May 2021 after graduating from 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. Send news tips and email him at alek@riverheadlocal.com
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.
Community News
History comes alive in downtown Riverhead: residents collaborate on virtual historical trail
People exploring downtown will come across 39 newly installed signs at historical landmarks that display a QR code leading to a synopsis of the location’s history read aloud, and sometimes accompanied by historical photographs.
Breaking News
Police seek public’s help finding two teens who left Timothy Hill last night
The Riverhead Police Department is requesting the public's help in locating two teens who left Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch in Riverhead last night.
Government
Brookhaven Town’s women’s services program to expand east with $25,000 grant from Riverhead
A Brookhaven Town program that provides career development support and professional attire to women on Long Island is seeking to expand eastward with the help of a $25,000 grant from Riverhead Town.
Government
Public hearings set on preliminary budget, tax cap override: Town Board wrap-up
The Riverhead Town Board on Tuesday set public hearings on both the 2023 preliminary budget and on a local law to allow the town to override the 2% tax levy cap, which is required to adopt a budget that will pierce the cap.
Government
Town Board to hire BFJ Planning to finish comprehensive plan update
A Town Board majority has agreed to hire BFJ Planning to finish the comprehensive plan update. The update, started in 2020, has been at a standstill the last three months after the town terminated its contract with a previous consulting firm.
Government
Public hearing on Elton Street site plan, where gun range is proposed, set for Thursday
The Riverhead Planning Board will hold a public hearing Thursday evening on a site plan application for improvements and change-of-use for the Elton Street building where a firearm training facility and gun range are proposed.
