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Planning Board changes course on Brother Bear Canna review

by Aug 8, 2026
The Riverhead Planning Board voted Thursday to reclassify the Brother Bear Canna site plan as a Type I action under SEQRA, requiring a full environmental assessment form and coordinated review with other agencies before the application can move forward.

Riverhead’s downtown transformation enters construction phase

by Aug 7, 2026
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.

Town Board starts environmental review of golf-course cottage zoning proposal

by Aug 6, 2026
The Riverhead Town Board began formal environmental review of proposed zoning to allow accessory cottages at the town's existing golf courses.

Riverhead takes up pet-store law amendments, settles URT tax case: Aug. 4 Town Board wrap-up

by Aug 6, 2026
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.

River Road closure Friday for drainage repair work

by Aug 6, 2026
River Road in Calverton from Railroad Avenue to Connecticut Avenue will be closed on Friday, Aug. 7 from 7 a.m.to 3 p.m. for drainage repair work.

Riverhead approves zoning exemptions for new RVAC headquarters

by Aug 5, 2026
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.

Petrocelli hotel gains site plan, special permit approvals

by Aug 5, 2026
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.

Country inn wellness retreat proposed for Main Road Jamesport homestead

by Aug 4, 2026
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.

Amid suspected Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. water systems, Riverhead says its defenses have been upgraded

by Aug 4, 2026
"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.

Riverhead loses key cannabis setback fight, but zoning law survives broader challenge

by Aug 3, 2026
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.