Riverhead Business Improvement District Management Association

Riverhead BID group is rolling out a new branding and marketing strategy aimed at positioning downtown Riverhead as a year-round destination.

A week after the supervisor raised questions about whether Alive on 25 is a worthwhile investment, the popular summer street festival seems poised for approval.

Riverhead officials are split on whether Alive on 25 should return this year as they weigh costs, construction impacts and business concerns.

The Town Board is poised to finally approve the 2025 budget for downtown Riverhead’s tax funded business group — now cut by roughly a quarter compared to last year.

The executive director of downtown Riverhead’s tax-funded business group has left the organization after its board determined it could no longer fund her full-time position.

BIDMA board members said they were blindsided by the town’s decision to order a forensic audit. At a tense meeting Wednesday, they defended their record as the Town Board liaison pressed them on restaurant charges, withdrawals and treasurer reports.

Supervisor Tim Hubbard said "the Town Board has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure all dollars are being spent appropriately" since the BIDMA is funded "almost entirely" with taxpayer dollars.

The nonprofit organization that plans Alive on 25, Oktoberfest and other events in downtown Riverhead is currently “frozen” because its board and town officials have not yet been able to resolve issues over the organization's 2025 budget. 

The Riverhead Business Improvement District Management Association has two new directors and three returning directors after a crowded election and tie breaking vote by its board of directors last month. 

Sean Kenna, owner of Main Street restaurants Cucina 25 and Craft'd was elected interim president of the Riverhead Business Improvement District Management Association March 20, as BIDMA President Steven Shauger stepped down from the office.