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
No public turnout at Riverhead IDA hearing on $35M Town Square hotel tax breaks
No members of the public attended Monday’s Riverhead IDA hearing on tax breaks for the proposed $35 million Town Square hotel. The agency will accept comments through Oct. 5, amid notice and disclosure gaps.
Business
Riverhead begins storm cleanup as local growers assess crop damage, economic losses
Riverhead escaped major structural damage from the weekend nor’easter, but the storm left beach erosion and debris, damaged some crops and cost local farms a crucial fall weekend of sales.
Real Estate
Riverhead real estate transfers reported Sept. 25, 2026
Transfers of real estate in the Town of Riverhead and selected hamlets in the Town of Southampton reported for RiverheadLOCAL by Suffolk Vision title service on Sept. 25, 2026.
Weather
Nor’easter topples trees, downs power lines and floods coastline
Coastal flood and high wind warnings remain in effect Sunday, as a slow-moving storm lingers near the coast, bringing gusting winds, heavy rain and widespread power outages across the region.
Weather
Weekend nor’easter batters local area as storm approaches Long Island
A slow-moving nor'easter has begun battering the Riverhead area with strong, gusty winds and rain, bringing down limbs and power lines, toppling some trees and flooding roads, yards and parking lots across town.
Weather
Nor’easter to bring 3-4 inches of rain, strong winds to local area this weekend
A weekend nor'easter is expected to dump 3-4 inches of rain, drive strong winds and cause widespread coastal flooding across central and eastern Long Island, according to the National Weather Service.
Government
NY PLAYS $2.4 million grant completes funding for downtown playground
An adaptive children's playground on downtown Riverhead's Peconic River waterfront can now be built as designed, after a state grant of nearly $2.4 million completed its funding, town officials said.
Government
Halpin proposes $121 million tentative 2027 budget; tax levy stays under cap
Supervisor Jerry Halpin's tentative 2027 budget proposes $120.96 million in spending across Riverhead Town's operating funds, with a townwide tax levy increase of $1.7 million, or 2.79%.
Government
Riverhead audit flags failures in processing $3.57 million federal water grant
Auditors found accounting and oversight failures involving Riverhead’s $3.575 million EPA grant to extend public water to 64 Manorville homes.
Government
Audit: Riverhead’s general fund balance grows to $33.3 million as revenue outpaces spending
Fueled largely by property taxes, Riverhead added nearly $4.9 million to its general fund balance in 2025, giving officials a larger financial cushion as they prepare the next budget.
