Downtown revitalization

The lawsuit complains of the Council for the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall's stewardship of the property and alleges the organization has not done enough to raise funds for needed renovations and repairs. The town purchased the building in 1980 and deeded it to the nonprofit group in 1982.

A public hearing on the site plan application and draft environmental impact statement for a proposed five-story mixed-use apartment building on East Main Street drew comments and questions about the project from speakers at the Riverhead Town Board’s meeting Wednesday evening.

Town officials say the historic Vail-Leavitt, built in 1881, is in dilapidated condition and urgently in need of repairs. The nonprofit group that took ownership of the music hall in 1982 hasn't kept its promises to restore and maintain the building, officials say.

Letter: Downtown civic group calls on Town Board to expand Quality of Life committee to include more than 'business leaders and their interests' to be effective in its mission.

The town is seeking federal funding for: a flood resiliency project on the riverfront; an amphitheater & playground in the town square; public Wi-Fi, security cameras, lighting and signage downtown; and about half the cost of a parking garage in the parking lot north of E. Main St.

Downtown developers are pushing back on the Riverhead Water District requiring payment for infrastructure improvements the district says are needed to serve the new development. The Business Advisory Committee will write to the Town Board asking it to investigate.

Riverhead’s “Zero Tolerance Zone” rules just got tougher, with new bans against unwanted behavior and heftier fines for violations. Plus: Other actions at the Town Board's April 4 meeting.

Town Board members were excited about the plans for the proposed five-story building that will offer 133 market-rate rental apartments on West Main Street. “It's a perfect look, it really is," Council Member Tim Hubbard told the developers.

Legislation aimed at downtown revitalization moved forward last week in Riverhead Town Hall with the adoption of the “Downtown Riverfront Overlay District” and public hearings on amendments to the town’s existing “Zero Tolerance Zone,” “Alcoholic Beverages” and “Loitering” codes.

North Fork Chocolate Company will open its new East Main Street eatery Monday morning, offering decadent desserts, waffles and freshly made lunch foods.