Firearm business

Six months after a contentious public hearing that sent a proposed firearms business code back to the drawing board, a revision is still in the works — but remains in “early stages,” according to the council member who promised to bring a revised code back to the board’s agenda.

The Riverhead Planning Board will hold a public hearing Thursday evening on a site plan application for improvements and change-of-use for the Elton Street building where a firearm training facility and gun range are proposed.

An indoor shooting range remains part of the revised site plan application filed by Signature Partners July 25. The Planning Board will schedule a public hearing on the application "as soon as possible," the board chairperson said last night.

In an open letter to the Town Board, Riverhead civic associations and residents urge action on the proposed firearms code and seek creation of a firearms advisory committee to work on it.

Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Aguiar said the legislation drafted by the town attorney’s office, which had a public hearing with polarized opinions from the public last month, will not be voted on or discussed unless board members move it forward. “We listened to the public and it's not the right time,” Aguiar said.

Residents turned out Tuesday night to have their say on a proposed town code that would regulate the location and operation of shooting ranges and gun shops in Riverhead Town.

The locations and operations of firearm businesses in the Town of Riverhead would be limited and regulated under new legislation being considered by the Town Board.