United Riverhead Terminal

Town supervisor says he suggested the company withdraw its application to meet with community members and gather additional information for town board. The suggestion was not motivated by political considerations, he said.

After listening to many hours of community opposition to United Riverhead Terminal's plan to store and distribute gasoline in Northville, a majority of town board now appears ready to deny the company's special permit application, reversing prior course.

Riverhead Neighborhood Preservation Coalition leader argues against issuance of a special permit to United Riverhead Terminal as a change in use that requires ZBA approval and an environmental impact statement before going forward.

The Riverhead Town Board has agreed to put over the hearing scheduled to be continued tonight to Wednesday March 18 at 7 pm. The applicant requested a 60-day adjournment but that meant holding the hearing during President's Week.

The company needs more time "to do its due diligence" on questions raised by the town and residents during the first hearing session Oct. 21, according to URT representative Victor Prusinowski. It has requested a two-month postponement, he said.

A proposal by United Riverhead Terminal to convert two oil fuel storage tanks to gasoline storage prompted opposition from Northville residents, who questioned the accuracy of information provided by the applicant as well as the adequacy of the town's review of the plan.