Government
Government
Riverhead asks residents, businesses to report nor’easter damage
Riverhead Town officials are asking residents and business owners to self-report damage from the Sept. 26-27 nor’easter using a New York State online form to help document impacts and support potential federal assistance requests.
Government
Controversy over board member’s Facebook post spurs Riverhead clerk to reconsider correspondence policy
Town Clerk James Wooten says he may revise — or end — his practice of publishing residents’ correspondence with Town Board agendas after declining to publish two letters criticizing Council Member Joann Waski’s Facebook post about 9/11 survivor Kevin Shea. Shea has since filed an ethics complaint against Waski.
Government
Peconic Estuary at risk as interim PFAS treatment begins: Schumer presses Navy over delays
The Navy has begun a pilot study treating PFAS-contaminated Calverton plume, but the last study needed to plan a final cleanup won't be done until 2039.
Government
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.
Government
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.
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.
Government
Riverhead council members discuss ‘bail reform’ and cooperation with ICE
Two Riverhead Town Board members during last week’s work session called attention to state laws and policies they said negatively affect policing.
