Movie theater

Supervisor: Theater company representatives have said Riverhead's demographics don't yet support development of a movie theater in Riverhead. But we are not giving up.

The owner of the property was not able to negotiate a deal with Regal Cinemas, according to an attorney for the owner.

Riverhead Town officials got a first look at conceptual designs for a proposed multiplex movie theater and a makeover of Riverhead Plaza, former site of Walmart.

Code amendments to allow movie theaters in the shopping center zoning use district will be up for a public hearing before the Riverhead Town Board on June 7.

Route 58 shopping center owner has drawn plans to build a new, freestanding multiscreen theater on eastern portion of shopping center site vacated by Walmart in December 2013, Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter says. Two freestanding restaurant pads are also proposed. A large portion of the existing plaza would be demolished.

The property owner met with Riverhead planning department officials today about code changes needed to allow a multi-screen movie theater to be built at the former Wal-Mart site on Route 58, Councilwoman Jodi Giglio said.

Getting a movie theater built in Riverhead has proved to be an elusive goal, despite five town board permits being issued for proposed theaters since 1996 and behind-the-scenes negotiations by town officials with movie company executives and developers.