Government
Riverhead Town settles disciplinary action against its former top planning official
The town and its former top planning official, Jefferson Murphree, "have resolved their dispute," Supervisor Tim Hubbard announced Tuesday. Disciplinary charges have been withdrawn, conditioned on Murphree's retirement within one year.
Business
Cannabis advocates urge Riverhead to further ease its rules, but board majority is unwilling, setting stage for legal battle
Business owners looking to site recreational marijuana shops in Riverhead Town may look to legally challenge the town’s zoning ordinance, after a Town Board majority refused their pleas to relax the law to meet state guidelines.
Government
Tow rules, maximum fees adopted for publicly accessible, private parking lots: Town Board meeting wrap, Feb. 21
The Riverhead Town Board is cracking down on towing from privately owned, publicly accessible parking lots without warning and at excessive cost to the vehicle owner, according to a new code adopted last week.
Government
Moody’s affirms Riverhead’s credit rating, citing downtown growth, strong local economy and town’s conservative budgeting
Riverhead Town’s credit rating has been affirmed at Aa2 by Moody’s Investors Service, and notes issued by the town this month were given Moody’s top rating for short-term obligations. The ratings mean favorable credit terms when the town borrows money for public improvements.
Government
Charter school advocates and opponents clash over expansion plans at Town Board meeting
A standing-room-only crowd packed the Town Board meeting room Wednesday night to voice opinions opinion for and against the Riverhead Charter School’s plans for a new high school on Sound Avenue in Northville.
Government
Revised after union backlash, Town Board adopts amended apprenticeship policy for bidders
A proposal to amend Riverhead’s procurement policy to decrease the construction contracts that would require a union apprenticeship program was passed last night with significant revisions after blowback from trade unions.
Business
State OKs marijuana home-grow rules and begins issuing retail licenses outside of ‘justice-involved’ program
Rules allowing adult New Yorkers to grown their own marijuana for personal use were approved by the state on Friday. The state also approved the first non-conditional retail licenses. Riverhead, meanwhile, will hold a public hearing Wednesday on zoning code changes aimed at easing restrictions on where retail cannabis shops and lounges can be located.
Government
Draft comprehensive plan update document released; comment period ends March 15
Riverhead Town has released a preliminary draft of the comprehensive plan update document prepared by BFJ Planning. View or download it here. Comment period ends March 15.
Government
Hearing on agri-tourism resort code canceled after farmers raise objections, supervisor says
A public hearing on the proposed agri-tourism resort code that was scheduled for Feb. 21 has been canceled, as town officials discuss changes sought by the farming community to ease restrictions on preserved land.
Government
Residents organize against Riverhead Charter School plan for new high school on Sound Avenue
Some residents have started to organize against a plan by the Riverhead Charter School to build a new high school in Northville, which can only happen if the Riverhead Town Board grants a necessary special permit.