Denise Civiletti
Denise is a veteran local reporter, editor and attorney. Her work has been recognized with numerous journalism awards, including investigative reporting and writer of the year awards from the N.Y. Press Association. She was also honored in 2020 with a NY State Senate Woman of Distinction Award for her trailblazing work in local online news. She is a founder, owner and co-publisher of this website. Email Denise.
Business
Riverhead’s downtown transformation enters construction phase
Riverhead officials say the long-planned downtown revitalization effort is moving from planning to construction, with hotel work expected to begin this month and major public improvements scheduled through 2030.
Business
Town Board starts environmental review of golf-course cottage zoning proposal
The Riverhead Town Board began formal environmental review of proposed zoning to allow accessory cottages at the town's existing golf courses.
Government
Riverhead takes up pet-store law amendments, settles URT tax case: Aug. 4 Town Board wrap-up
The Riverhead Town Board held a public hearing on revisions to its pet-store law, approved the settlement of tax litigation with United Riverhead Terminal and more on Tuesday.
Government
Riverhead approves zoning exemptions for new RVAC headquarters
Riverhead granted Riverhead Ambulance District exemptions to various zoning code requirements, including site plan approval, for the construction of a new headquarters on Osborn Avenue.
Government
Petrocelli hotel gains site plan, special permit approvals
The Riverhead Town Board voted 5-0 Tuesday to approve site plan and special permit applications for the proposed Peconic River Hotel, advancing Joe Petrocelli’s five-story downtown hotel project amid renewed questions about parking, environmental review and pending IDA financial assistance.
Government
Country inn wellness retreat proposed for Main Road Jamesport homestead
A proposed 20-room country inn and wellness retreat at a historic Jamesport farmstead drew cautious interest from Riverhead planning staff, but officials said the plan faces significant zoning hurdles.
Government
Amid suspected Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. water systems, Riverhead says its defenses have been upgraded
"We are as prepared as we could be," Riverhead Water District Superintendent Frank Mancini said. The district has hardened its systems against such attacks and continues to be vigilant.
Business
Riverhead loses key cannabis setback fight, but zoning law survives broader challenge
An appeals court struck down Riverhead’s 1,000-foot school setback for cannabis dispensaries, but upheld other zoning provisions and left the town’s 2,500-foot separation rule unresolved.
Denise Civiletti
Tularemia in Suffolk: My first-hand account of the rare disease known as ‘rabbit fever’
“Rabbit fever” sounds whimsical — cue the Elmer Fudd jokes — but it’s no laughing matter. Last year, it nearly killed my husband.
Obituaries
Jessica Tomlinson, 95
Jessica Tomlinson, formerly of Wading River, died July 28, 2026 at age 95.
