Full Transcript

Thank you. [transcription gap] Thank you, Denise. Thank you.

Councilman Rothwell, do we have somebody in the audience for an invocation? We do, Supervisor. We are extremely grateful this past Memorial Day at the request of Garfield Langhorne's family. They had asked that his statue be moved over from the old town hall to here in a better view of the public right at the front door of new town hall. And looking at this endeavor, this was a very delicate monument that was put in place. It would be extremely costly to move it. And so I had reached out to Peconic Monument Works. And John and Hollis Werner were extremely grateful and said, we'd like to help you out. And so they made arrangements with the help of B&G, who installed a new concrete foundation at the front door. And they very carefully disassembled it at the old town hall. And they made arrangements with the local government to move it over to the new site and moving it here to the new site, putting it on so that the public will walk by his statue every day. So that we can be continuously reminded of the incredible sacrifice that Private Garfield Langhorne had done for his country and received a Congressional Medal of Honor. So at the family's request, this monument was moved so that it could be seen by everyone that comes and goes from town hall. So I am certainly, as every member of this board and the community as a whole, is eternally grateful for. Peconic Monument Works, to make arrangements to move that monument, it looks absolutely beautiful here in front. And this past Memorial Day, we had a number of people that gathered around it. Some shared prayers, placed wreaths. And it's where it should be, right here, so that every person that comes to town hall walks right by it. And so we would like to take some time this afternoon to publicly thank for the great work and dedication that they do for the community every day. I believe their business is the oldest business in the town of Riverhead. But they are not the two oldest individuals around. Although I've been calling Hollis Warner for probably 35 years now, and no matter what I ask, he's always there to help, a lending hand to everybody within the community. And his son, John, has been absolutely phenomenal leading in Dad's footsteps. So today we'd like to take a moment to invite both of them to come forward, to publicly thank them for all their work within the community. And especially for certainly moving this monument over to the front of town hall, which looks absolutely beautiful. And so thank you very much if you come forward.

[transcription gap] So town of Riverhead, a significant and special thanks to Hollis and John Warner, Meconic Mining at Works.

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! So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. If you want to turn it right around. Hold up to you.

Good. Just a little. Thank you both. I've done it without you. Thank you so, so much. Thank you. [transcription gap] Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay, we have five public hearings scheduled for today. The first public hearing is scheduled for 2 o'clock. It is now 2.10. And it's a public hearing regarding 48 Willow Street. And I will turn that over to Councilor Hurley. Thank you, Supervisor. So this is a public hearing to authorize and designate the preservation of 48 Willow Street in Aquabog as open space and to authorize the expenditure of $75,000. From community preservation funds pursuant to town law section 64-E. Thereafter, the funds in $75,000 will be restored to the trust and agency account, earmarked for the reservation and remediation of wetlands, and used in furtherance of projects recommended by the Environmental and Climate Smart Committee, consistent with restoration and remediation of wetlands, and, of course, as a result of the preservation and remediation of wetlands, as approved by the town board. Okay. Do we have anybody in the audience who would like to comment on this public hearing?

Good afternoon. George Bartnik from the Environmental Advisory Committee. I would also, it's too bad Hollis didn't stay around. I would like to also thank him. He helped with the restoration of some of the monuments at the Wells Cemetery as part of an Eagle Scout project. He volunteered his time to professionally reset some of the stones. This issue is like a gift that just never stops giving to myself and to probably Barbara. As you might be aware, the $75,000 was an agreement. For the development of some property on Route 58, $75,000 was the stipulation that was thought to be the amount of money that it would take to restore a small wetland that had been filled in there by the previous property owner. The $75,000 was specifically put into an account specifically, excuse me, specifically for the remediation or the restoration of a wetland. Subsequently, then in 2021, the $75,000, as you can read in the resolution here, was used to pay for, partially for the purchase of a small piece, relatively small piece of property in Aquebolg. At that time, I was aware of that this $75,000, which was going to be used according to that, and I should have come to the town board meeting and made a statement that this is not the correct way that this $75,000 was intended to be used. So what this is doing is simply restoring the money from the CPF back into a fund specifically for the restoration of a wetland. That's basically what it is, and I support actually doing that. Okay, thank you. Thank you, George. Do we have anybody else? Do we have anybody online or on Zoom? No? Okay. All right, we will close the public hearing, but keep it open for written comment until June 13th at 4.30 p.m. Next public hearing we have is Chapter 301, article regarding cannabis, and I believe we have Matt. Already here. You blended right in. Gotcha. Okay, so these are for amendments to the cannabis section of the town code, of the zoning code, just so the board and the public is aware. This was first adopted on November 1st, 2022, by local law 23-2022. Sorry, by it. Yes, that's correct. And then it was amended again on March 5th, 2024, by local law 12 of 2024. So what this amendment proposes is to add a zoning use district where cannabis dispensaries or adult on-site consumption places of business would be allowed. It would add business CR. I believe this was always the intention of the committee that brought this code section forward and the town board. It seems like it was just an error of omission because this is what is in corridor one, which, if the board is familiar, is a waiting river area. So it adds business CR. And then the other thing this amendment does is codifies the state requirements for notification to the municipality. So that's what we're doing. So basically how these things are signed. It's the process we follow now, but it makes it more explicit in our code so applicants know how it works. So it puts into our code the notice to municipality requirement, which is a state form, gets submitted to Mr. Wooten. It's distributed to town departments. The planning division then responds to how it complies or doesn't comply. What it then will do is the next amendment that's included is it puts a affirmative response, so saying, yes, you can go here, on a 90-day timeline. So an applicant within 90 days. We'll have to apply for any land use application that might be necessary to site one of these locations. And then it also includes the statutory authority, the severability, and when this section is effective. Pretty much it. Mr. Tardis, I just want to point out that this amendment in no way changes the other restrictions. Correct. With regard to being near any kind of daycare facility, church, school. That's an excellent point, and I should have pointed that out. So in corridor one. There can still only be one. It's pretty limited in that area, being that there's a school in Wading River and a number of churches. So maybe it could be on the western end of the corridor or on the far eastern, subject to all the other restrictions. But like I just said, still only one within corridor one. And a daycare facility as well. Yeah, correct. Okay. Anybody have any comments on this particular public hearing? Not seeing anybody. Nobody online. Okay. We will close this public hearing and keep it open for written review until 4.30 on June 13, 2025. Next public hearing scheduled for 2 o'clock. It is now 2.17. It's on the Calverton Satellite Earth Station. And again, that's with Mr. Tardis. Okay. So I will read the public hearing notes into the record, and then I'll have the applicant's attorneys here to field any questions that the board might have. Justin has put the site plan up on the screen for everybody to see. So please take notice that a public hearing will be held before the town board of the town of Riverhead at 4 West 2nd Street, Riverhead, New York, third day of June 2025 at 2 o'clock p.m. to consider the special permit and site plan applications entitled Calverton Satellite Earth Station, which seeks approval to construct 40 satellite earth station antennas within an approximately 193-foot-6-inch by 95-foot-2-inch fence compound in the southwest portion of a 30-foot-2-inch fence compound. The site is located within a 32.44-acre parcel known as Lot 18 of the subdivision map entitled Calverton Camelot 2. This property is currently improved with an existing building containing multiple industrial uses as well as outdoor storage and other related site improvements and is located within a planned industrial park PIP zoning use district situated at 317-391 Berman Boulevard. More in particular identified as Suffolk County Tax Map No. 600-135.20-1-16. The board recorded... We discussed this at the April 17th 2025 work session. By Resolution 2025-390, this board did adopt a negative declaration pursuant to SECRA. As outlined in the staff report, this does largely conform to the town's supplementary code which deals with this use, with the exception they're seeking some waivers for the vegetative screening requirement, which is not very objectionable as this is very far in the southwest corner of the property that you can't see from any public right-of-ways. The board is currently working on a new application for the new application. The applicant's attorney is here. If the board has any questions, then I'll turn it over to him. Okay. Good afternoon. My name is Jordan Fry. I'm a partner with the law firm of Snyder & Snyder, 94 White Plains Road in Tarrytown, here on behalf of the applicants in Range Solution 2 LLC and TerraConnect LLC. Mr. Charters pretty much summed the application up. The only... The only... [transcription gap] The only... The only... was that under federal law 47 CFR 24.104, this type of facility is permitted to be installed without local zoning approvals. However, this honorable board did adopt an amendment to your wireless law, which then included satellite earth stations. So in connection there with the applicants are here to seek your approval and cooperate with the town. Okay. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have as noted we did meet on April 17th and this honorable board adopted the secret neck deck on May 6th. Board, do you have any questions? No. Okay, all good. Anybody from the public like to comment on this? I'd like to point out that they did give me the filing of postings and affidavits. Okay.

Afternoon, Claudette Bianco-Bading-Hollo. I have a quick question. If they're here, asking for a special permit and site plan approval, how is it that 20 of the 40 antennas are already built on the property? They built them prior to having permission to do so. Apparently. That's becoming a trend in the Riverhead. Is there a consequence for that? Yes, there is. What would that be? I will turn that over to Mr. Charters. I believe they were issued tickets, which directed them to come in and get this approved. I mean, they're subject to double site plan fee. It was just the normal course of business for someone who violates the 10 code. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else? Anybody on Zoom? Okay, we will close this public hearing and keep it open for written comment until June 13th, 2025. Okay. We will close this public hearing at 4.30 in the afternoon. We are now on a public hearing for to amend chapter 301-3, scheduled for 205. It is now 221. And Councilor Hurley. Thank you, Supervisor. So the amendments to this section that we're going over today are definitions, the definition of the word office and the definition of the word personal services. We'll head over to Councilor Hurley's head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head Thank you, Supervisor. So the purpose and intent of this proposed legislation is to repeal the existing article and to replace it with enhanced definitions and expanded scope of enforcement with specific processes and procedures relating to identifying and documenting whether a property or structure constitutes a public nuisance. We also increase fines relating to public nuisance violations. Do we have anybody in the audience who would like to comment on this public hearing? Do we have anybody on Zoom? Okay, we have nobody willing to comment. I will close this public hearing and keep it open also until June 13th for written comments. We're going to move on to resolutions now. Before we get started on resolutions, I just want to remind everybody to the three-minute time limit for comments on resolutions. And at this point in time... I will ask, does anybody want to comment on any resolution in today's packet?

Good afternoon. Kathy McGraw from Northville. Nice to see you all again. Nice to see you. And I'm going to start off in a way that you won't recognize who I am. I'd like to applaud you for hiring Jeff Seaman to challenge the Suffolk County Water Authorities designation of this town as an interested agency instead of an involved agency on the proposed water line extension. I think that is a wonderful thing to do, and I applaud you on it. Thank you. Thank you. But now to make you more comfortable, knowing it's me, let me move on to Resolution 499. The town's taking of the leasehold of Crafted at 129 East Main Street, and the 5-story building along the east side of the town square. This will allow the town square to be a place of rest for the town square. This one for a luxury boutique hotel. I have to ask, do you not read the local papers, the news review and the Riverhead Local, and the comments that are being made by the people you represent in this town? In nearly 450 comments on just three recent articles about this eminent domain action and the nonstop building of multi-story buildings, like the new Heatherwood Apartments, local people are telling you this is not what they want. I don't understand why you won't listen to them. Why do you believe that you, and not the people who live here, know what's best for this town? These buildings will block the views of the Peconic River, which you claim to be opening up the vista with the new town square. They do absolutely nothing to the views of the Peconic River, which you claim to be opening up the vista with the new town square. They do absolutely nothing to the views of the Peconic River, which you claim to be opening up the views of the Peconic River, which you claim to be opening up the views of the Peconic River, which you claim to be opening up the views of the Peconic River, [transcription gap] and bars like Crafted has done so well, and to add insult to injury, they're all getting tax breaks from the IDA. Why on earth do you insist on ignoring the people who live here, the people for whom you are supposed to be working, and who don't like, evidently from the 450 comments I've read, they don't like what you are doing downtown? Can you explain that to us? And thank you for your time. Thank you. I can tell you that there's 450 people that have commented, and there's over 36,000 people that live in this town. And how many comment positively? You have to listen to those who comment, Kathy, because they get attacked when they do comment about anything that a small group of people disagree with. That's the reality of it. We're talking about two newspapers here, not just one. And I know you have a preference for one over the other, but there are a lot of people commenting on this, and I don't see anybody commenting positively. You have to listen to those who are willing to speak up. Well, I can't wait for Riverhead to be revitalized and for you to come back here in a few years and say, you know what, you guys were right. With all the apartment empty? I worry about that. I really do worry about it. But thank you for your time. I don't lose any sleep over it, because in my mind, it's the best thing that could possibly happen to this town. I know that. And if you look at the big picture, you'll understand why. If you're narrow-minded, you'll never get it. I don't think I'm narrow-minded, and I get the big picture, and I really like the idea of opening up the Peconic River, the vistas, but I think they're being ruined. There's no vista there now, even with a one-story building. Well, I've been there. I've been there. [transcription gap] When you talk about these vistas, everybody says, oh, you built a five-story building. I can't see the river. You can't see the river with a one-story building, and that's what's been there for years. So that's not an argument. That's not a point that I'm willing to listen to, because it makes no sense. And it is being opened up, so you will have a view of the vista of the river by the town square. So it negates everything you just stated. Well, I respectfully disagree with you, and I do wish you would listen to the people who do say that. I do speak up, and I thank you for your time. Ms. McGraw, I just want to point out one thing. You are in support of the Science Center. Is that correct? Yes, and I know there may be a planetarium on the top of it. There will be. I just want to speak, just please, for a moment. And that's going to be several stories high, and by your argument, that is also going to block vistas. So I would ask you to just consider that there is going to be space that will be open, and there will be buildings, not just apartment buildings, but other buildings. That will be several stories high that are helping the community. I appreciate that, and I think the Science Center and the planetarium are a great idea. I don't know whether it will come to fruition. That is a big, big project. But I still think one side versus both sides giving you tunnel vision down the town square when you can control at least one side of it now, I think it's worthy of consideration. And I realize you're not willing to do that. So thank you for your time. You're very welcome. Do you mind if I respond to that? No, go right ahead. I'm sorry. I just want to clarify, you know, this board has been working on this project for over five years, and in that five-year period, we did multiple sessions of public engagement. We did engage the team virtually in 2020. When we were in the middle of the year, we did a public engagement. We had hundreds of people participate in online Zoom meetings. They filled out surveys. There was an idea board. They posted their ideas. And then we took it in 2022 to a downtown activation plan. And in 2022, we had multiple additional people comment on the plan and weigh in. And that plan was, again, then taken to the DRI grant, which was a $10 million grant. The state provided us with a planning firm called Perkins Eastman. That firm had a specific hire that was directed at public engagement. We did several public meetings where the public came and told the board what they wanted in downtown. And what they wanted was exactly what you see in front of you now. And so to say that a few people are commenting online and suggesting that things aren't good negates the entire six years of public engagement that we've done, where the public actually came to meetings and said what they wanted and participated in the surveys. And that's what we're doing. We're clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear head clear Where the public has been here and weighed in on these projects, so I just wanted to make sure Everyone understood that thank you. Thanks, Dawn My comment will be that if you want Riverhead to stay the same that it's been for the past 40 years Have at it, and what do you have you have empty storefronts? You have vagrants hanging out late hours a night You don't have that anymore, and you're not going to have that anymore in the future with this project so Pick and choose what you want. I know what I want Anybody else to comment on resolutions?

John McAuliffe, Rolling Woods My wife uses the beauty parlor. That's right near the the theater and when Last time she was there and mentioned this intended construction Everybody in the beauty parlor was shocked. They had no idea there was a new hotel going in so I appreciate There's been a process But I wonder whether People are aware of these things until they're in their face I also would not go too far with I gotta stop I gotta stop you there the owner of That salon is a member of the bid She is well aware of what's been going on the past five six seven years down So for you to get up and make a statement I'm simply reporting what we on true Mary Ted said and I don't know whether the owner was there or not at that point, but the Conversation was that people didn't know about it, but the point I'm making is a larger one which is and you know the sort of Richard Nixon silent majority argument doesn't really solve the problem we know now that There was strong reaction to what you did two weeks ago I also noted that every hearing today got ten days for written comment oddly This one did not get ten days for written comment, and I still think that that's a problem Procedurally as I wrote but it was given seven days. No it was given no days you closed it right then and there I stand corrected you're correct we did and I mean, I don't know whether there's rules or traditions or what but any rate There was no comment period What I want to do though is go I think that there's a legitimate difference of opinion about the impact of the hotel First of all, I want to note that I don't know whether it's four or five story I hear both the drawings all show a four-story building so the drawings are themselves not entirely reflective The ones that I shared with you just for clarification This is what you're talking about is talking about the petrocelli hotel resolution for 99 is what we're all I'm sorry. Yes It's okay. This is just kind of my mistake procedural. Yes, it's for 99 So the question is are we talking about a four or five story building all of a sudden there's reference to? condominiums as well as hotel rooms is the 10 does the town have a record of vacancies in the existing and know what the actual need is that would be useful to know but I think also there is the aesthetic question I sent to you and if anybody wants to see it they can go to tinyurl.com slash RH town square and they will see the same pictures which is the picture I took from the Suffolk and also the drawings from the town website the artists renderings from the town's website and I think you have to decide not whether or not you want a functional town square but whether the best way to do the town square is to put that five story building in if that's what it is or to somehow repurpose the two story so that I think there is an issue of vista not blocking vista views but the sense of the space if there's a two story versus a five story terms of the of the planetarium I don't know that there's been a big discussion about the virtues and vices of a planetarium the drawing there's there's a different there's a decision that it not be eminent domain that was resolved but there's not been any real discussion of whether there should in fact be a two-story structure on top of the existence may I just one story call may I address that mr. McCullough there was actually a work session where they did come in and present diagrams and renderings of what this will look like when it's completely built that did just why I understand they have said what they want to do but there's been no debate discussion conclusion that that's an appropriate thing to do on top of the building that's all I'm saying is not that it hasn't been presented though work sessions and other things that we've been doing but I think that's what we're doing. I think that's what we're doing. I think that's what we're doing. you know are narrowly watched I think but the point is that that there's not been any collective or legal decision as to what should go into that space beyond the fact that you decided not to proceed uneminent domain. John just for the record. They're gonna have a planetarium. what you see what you the picture that you saw that's what they're building. okay well. I mean. that as it is it within a permitting at this point. I know that's what they want to do, but has that been? Yeah, it's in for permits, yes. But it's not come before the board. It's not been permitted. So anyway, my point is not that. My point is whether you're talking two-story, three-story, that's different than five-story, and what the physical appearance is and what imposition it has on the space. Again, I think people, by the time we get, this is a step we're doing right now. I hope you don't do the eminent domain, but you're going to do it. But I think the real issue is going to come up when you get to the qualified and eligible hearing and you get to a larger discussion, and then you will hear. And sometimes sentiment comes to the surface when you're closer to action than when it's a process of consultation, which I know is hard for the people who have created that process of consultation. But that's the way things work in local government, I'm afraid. But again, if people want to look, they should look. John, John, I got to cut you off. You're over six minutes. Okay. Just people should go tinyurl.com slash RHtownSquare, and they can make up their own minds. Okay. Anybody else like to make a comment? Anybody online? Nobody online? Okay. Would we please go to the resolutions? Okay. We'll start with resolution one. Resolution one, which is resolution 467. Water District Capital Project number 82424, budget adoption for electrical upgrade at plant number seven. So moved. Second. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 468. Authorizes the supervisor to execute an agreement authorizing the town to accept funds from Suffolk County Office for the Aging to Suffolk County Office for the Aging. Yes. Yes. And to implement the town's 2025 residential repair program for the elderly. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 469. Ratifies acceptance of donation of services from Peconic Monument Works. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. And again, thank you so very much. Merrifield. Yes. Thank you very much. Kern. Yes. And thank you. Rothwell. Yes. Thank you, Hollis and John Warner. Thank you. Yes. Yes. Thank you to the Warner family. Authorizes attendance. Guys, can I just ask for the conversation to go outside if you're going to talk that loud? Thank you. Go ahead. Sorry. Okay. Resolution 470. I'm sorry. Authorizes attendance at seminar by fire marshal. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 471. Ratifies the authorization for two police officers to attend a training. So moved. Second. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 472. Ratifies a salary increase for a GIS technician three. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 473. Appoint seasonal traffic control specialists. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 474. Appoints returning seasonal employees to the recreation department. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 475. Appoints new seasonal employees to the recreation department. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 476. Reappoints a temporary office assistant to the tax receiver's office. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 477. Ratifies the provisional appointment of a junior civil engineer. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 478. Ratifies the promotion of a custodial worker one to a custodial worker three. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 479. Ratifies the promotion of a custodial worker one to custodial worker two. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. I have to say, Damien being here in Town Hall makes every single person that passes him smile. He is incredible. He is so hardworking. He greets everybody every day with just a smile and a great work attitude and the stuff he does. So great, great man, great work. Vote yes. And Hubbard. Ditto to what Ken said and I vote yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 480. Ratifies the reappointment of members to the Riverhead Farmland Preservation Committee Rock Camp. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 481. Ratifies the reappointment of a member to the Riverhead Farmland Preservation Committee. Shearer. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 482. Ratifies the reappointment of a member to the Riverhead Farmland Preservation Committee. Schmidt. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 483. Ratifies the reappointment of a member of the Riverhead Farmland Preservation Committee. Wein. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 484. Authorizes the supervisor to execute an agreement with SUSA Soccer Training LLC for training and referee service for the !

Town of Riverhead Police Athletic League Girls and Boys Soccer Program for the Fall 2025 Soccer Season. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 486. Awards bid for printing and mailing of recreation brochures. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Wawaski. I have to say, Recreation Department has been very supportive of the ! Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 487. Awards rebid. 203-213 East Main Street Sewer Improvements. Contract S, Sewers. So moved. Second. Vote, please. Wawaski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 488. américans. américans. américans. américans. [transcription gap] américans. [transcription gap] Seconded. Vote, please. Waskey. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 490. Approved special event chapter 255 application for RISE Life Services, RISE Sensory Garden, Ken Ducky Derby Race. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Waskey. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Just Ducky, yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 491. Approved special event chapter 255 application for Jamesport Fire Department Annual Carnival. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Waskey. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Can't wait. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 492. Approved special event chapter 255 application for Jamesport Fire Department Sound to Bay 5K and 10K Run. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Waskey. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 493. Approved special event chapter 255 application for Riverhead Chamber of Commerce Cardboard Boat Race. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Waskey. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 494. Approved special event chapter 255 application for North East Stage. Othello. That's Shakespeare in the park. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Waskey. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 494. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 495. Amends special event chapter 255 application for Our Future Generation. For Us, By Us, All of Us, Vendor Fair. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Waskey. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 496. Proves fireworks permit for the Rock Golf Club July 5, 2025. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Waskey. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. They put on a great show. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 497. Authorizes designated alcohol service vendors to serve alcohol at the 2025 Duck Pond Day Street Festival. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Waskey. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 499. Resolution adopted in findings and determination pursuant to Article 2 of the Eminent Domain Procedure Law regarding acquisition of the leasehold interest to the easterly ground floor rental unit located at 129, ! Waskey. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Kern. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 5. 0. [transcription gap] 0. [transcription gap] Seconded. Vote, please. Waski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 502. Authorizes supervisor to execute license agreement with Civil Air Patrol 9th Suffolk Cadet Squadron. So moved. Seconded. Vote, please. Waski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 503. Authorizes supervisor to execute agreement with interpreter for Justice Court. Corrella. So moved. Second. Vote, please. Waski. Yes. Merrifield. Yes. Kern. Yes. Rothwell. Yes. Hubbard. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Resolution 504. Authorizes the supervisor to execute an agreement with the County of South Carolina. améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric améric

506 approves fireworks permit for dreamland Amusements June 28th, 2025 so moved seconded vote, please Waskie yes, Murray field. Yes, Kern. Yes, Rothwell. Yes, Hubbard. Yes resolutions adopted resolution 507 appoints a part-time bilingual clerk so moved second vote, please Waskie yes, Murray field. Yes. Welcome aboard Kern yes, Rothwell. Yes, yes. Thank you very much resolution has adopted resolution 508 classifies the special permit in site plan applications of Duffy MX Oh, I'm away 508 you jumped ahead one. No, you know what happened stuck. I have I was stuck. I wanted that one Meeting the Gettysburg address set hours for town beach Parking lot so moved seconded vote, please Waskie yes, Mary field. Yes, Kern. Yes, Rothwell. Yes, yes resolutions adopted resolution 509 classifies a special permit and site plan applications for Duffy MX motocross track as a type 1 action pursuant to secret Request lead agency status for the purposes of coordinated review 28 22 River Road, Calvert in New York Suffolk County tax Mac number 266 So moved second it Vote, please. Waskie. Yes, Mary field. Yes, Kern. Yes, Rothwell. Yes, Herbert. Yes Resolution is adopted resolution 510 ratifies reappointment of committee member to the parking district Advisory Committee Israel so moved second it both please Waskie yes, Mary field. Yes, Kern. Yes, well, yes Yes, resolution is adopted that concludes the resolution Waskie yes, Mary field. Yes, Herbert. Yes, resolution is adopted that concludes the resolution Okay, we're now going to go to open comments from the public on any matter but with just a reminder again that is a three-minute Time limit when you speak comments on any matter

Good afternoon town supervisor town councilwomen and town councilmen I am mark Kruschelevski. I reside at 561 Center Street in James South Jamesport, New York I am a taxpayer a resident voter and a businessman I Have presented to this board before and I just wanted to provide a little bit more information I'm here today to request that the town of Riverhead board consider authorizing a formal request For proposals for the sale and development of the Vale Levitt property located at Peconic Avenue As you know our group recently presented at a executive session to this esteemed board What our plans were and what our concerns were? Regret we were after a very productive session We were told that we would be invited to attend an open work session To restate our case with more detail in Previous meetings with the town board we in particularly I the first time I was here advocated for an open hearing on this so that the town can be part of it Regrettably, I was informed today that this would not happen We believe it is in the best interest of the taxpayers and the best interest for the ultimate success of the property to issue a A FORMAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. PREVIOUSLY SUPERVISOR YOU STATED THE TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE AND YOU'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THE VALE LEVITT NOW FOR OVER A YEAR. MY RESPONSE, IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET IT RIGHT. LET'S NOT RUSH INTO SOMETHING AND I THINK AS MY TEAM HAS DEMONSTRATED WE MOVE PRETTY QUICKLY. WE DIDN'T TAKE A LOT OF TIME TO GET BACK TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND PUT A PROPOSAL IN PLACE. IN FACT, THE ONLY REASON THE SALE AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE VALE LEVITT IS POSSIBLE IS BECAUSE OF A REVERTER CLAUSE THAT WAS IN THE ORIGINAL SALE AND DEED. REGRETTABLY, THE VALE LEVITT MUSIC HALL BOARD THAT RAN IT, OWNED THE FACILITY, RAN INTO TROUBLED TIMES AS WE ALL KNOW. THE PROPERTY BECAME VACANT, RUN DOWN DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. FORTUNATELY, APPROXIMATELY 40 YEARS LATER, THE TOWN WAS ABLE TO UTILIZE THAT REVERTER CLAUSE, VERY IMPORTANT, IN POSSIBLE LITIGATION ACTION WITH THE VALE LEVITT BOARD TO OBTAIN THE DEED TO THE PROPERTY AND RETURN IT TO THE TOWN OF RIVERHEAD, WHICH HAPPENED. SO IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET IT RIGHT. WE BELIEVE A PUBLIC REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS WITH A LEVEL SET PARAMETERS THAT EACH APPLICANT WILL BE GUIDED BY AND COULD BE LIMITED TO LESS THAN 30 DAYS. AND IT IS THE RIGHT COURSE OF ACTION FOR THE TAXPAYERS AND THE SUCCESS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PROPERTY. I PREPARED A COPY OF AN ONLINE PETITION WITH SIGNATURES SUPPORTING A PUBLIC PROCESS. WE HAVE A SURVEY OUT THERE OF WHAT THE TOWN PEOPLE, THE RESIDENTS WOULD LIKE TO SEE. AND I HAVE THE PROPOSAL THAT WE PROVIDED AT THAT EXECUTIVE SESSION, WHICH I WILL DISTRIBUTE. IN CONCLUSION, WE BELIEVE STRONGLY IN THE FUTURE, DEVELOPMENT OF DOWNTOWN RIVERHEAD AND YOUR GOALS THERE. I HEARD THAT BEFORE WITH THE HOTELS AND EVERYTHING. WE FIRMLY SUPPORT YOUR STRATEGY AND TACTICS. I PERSONALLY HAVE INVESTED IN ASSEMBLING A WORLD CLASS TEAM TO TRANSFORM DOWNTOWN RIVERHEAD INTO THE NASHVILLE OF LONG ISLAND. I DON'T EVEN JUST SEE THE VEIL LEVITT AS AN INDIVIDUAL ENTITY. I SEE THAT ACTUALLY THE DOWNTOWN AREA CAN BECOME VIBRANT. WITH PEOPLE THAT COME HERE WITH THE HOTELS, MAKING IT A DESTINATION, PLACE FOR TOURISTS, A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN EAT, A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN SEE WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT. SO WE LOOK FORWARD AND CONTINUE TO CONTINUE OUR PARTNERSHIP INTO THE FUTURE. AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. THANK YOU. SUPERVISOR, MAY I REMARK? YOU WANT TO PASS SOMETHING UP TO ME? YOU WANT TO PASS SOMETHING UP TO ME? YES. I'D JUST LIKE TO REMARK ON SOMETHING. I WANT TO REMARK ON SOME OF THE STATEMENTS THAT YOU MADE, SIR. YOU SAID THAT YOU CAME BEFORE US AND DISCUSSED A BUSINESS PLAN. DURING THAT MEETING...

I'LL WAIT UNTIL I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION. [transcription gap] [transcription gap] [transcription gap]

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Thank you.

All set? Thank you for indulging me. Okay. First and foremost, we are in contract negotiations with the Jazz Loft for the Vale Levitt. That is what the town board voted on, three to two. Second, you did come before us at another town board meeting and didn't present any business plan, just spoke, and another man came on Zoom. At your executive session, you said that you presented a business plan and moving clearly forward. During that meeting, sir, I'd like the public to know that you weren't even sure whether this would be a for-profit organization or a not-for-profit organization. You also said you weren't clear. And just as of last week, whether this was going to be something that Ray Castanova was involved in as a business partner or not. You also said at that meeting that the artists that you were going to be bringing to this particular venue were going to be unknown artists, that you would move up and elevate to the Suffolk Theater. Those are things in the remarks that you made. For my mind, that does not provide the type of entertainment that is going to fill our restaurants and bars in the area. You produced. You made a record of the type of money that would be spent as opposed to the jazz love, which did come in and give detailed information about how much in their experience patrons have spent in the after the venue, either before or after going to restaurants and bars. So I just wanted to make the record clear when you said that you clarified these things and you presented a business plan and you were clear about the direction that you were going. None of those things were clear in your meeting with us. I'm sorry. And you also said that you wanted to turn this town into Nashville. And that's something, sir, that I never want to see this town become. This is a family-friendly zone. Our downtown revitalization includes an aquarium. It includes a playground, a splash pad, and now a planetarium. Those things do not coincide with a Nashville environment. And I just want to make those things clear when you say that you don't know why you're not presenting here further. Thank you. I disagree. I know you do. And if you've ever been to Nashville, you'll see. If we're talking about businesses here, right now I just walked by, there are five or five soon-to-be-closed restaurants. Now, people that go to the planetarium, they may use the splash pad, and they're going to go home. We're talking about people that will be here in the evening. They're different audiences. And I never said that this was a business plan. I never said that it was a business plan. [transcription gap] I never said that it was a business plan. at that last executive session was to come back with the business plan. And I never said that these were unknown artists. That is totally blatantly untrue. I have that written down, sir. You said that you were going to be producing unknown artists. Your plan was for unknown artists to go there and then eventually get a following. I disagree. I told you the business model. I told you the business model, which is not taking unknown artists. It's taking artists that can fill a 300 to 400 seat capacity theater, and then you move them up the chain, and then they play at the Suffolk. So they're not unknown. As a matter of fact, there are thousands of these types of artists who are well known. You didn't name any of them. At this point in time, I'm going to step in because your three minutes are more than over. I appreciate your comments. And thank you. I think I'd like to respond to his comments as well. I just think that as part of the issue is that he came before executive session, and quite honestly, I think that his presentation should have been formally. I don't think it was a – it kind of fell under the guidelines of executive session. It wasn't a contract negotiation. I think that his presentation should have been here during a work session in the public view so that we don't have this kind of banter back and forth. I think he has great, great ideas. He has individuals. That specifically went over there and looked at the theater, and we're kind of seeing this as more than simply a paint over and restoration. This tends to be more extensive damage in which they've located at the theater with prior burnt rafters. And so with the sound systems being put in and vibrations, I think this is a much more bigger construction project. He also stated that he believed the project was going to be falling in the $4 million range, and he had the money and available funds to complete the project. So I really strongly encourage that his presentation should be before the general public for open government. Mark, I want to thank you, and I think, you know, so the public understands, and, you know, I'm not here to put down anybody who wants to come to the theater, whether it's the Jazz Loft or anybody else. But you certainly – you have – you operate two clubs, and from my knowledge, when you started Irving Plaza, restaurants then populated around it. And the same thing happened with the Warsaw. And I think, you know, being a business guy, I completely understand what you're doing, and I completely understand that you'll, you know, have different genres of music. And thank you. Right. Thank you for even considering Riverhead. And I'm just going to make one comment that was not brought up of what I said. When we looked at the 25-year history of the two venues that I have, we have brought – we brought an overhaul. We have brought over 5 million people. Just to clarify, Councilman Rothhold, what you said, this was perfect for an executive session any time you're talking about the possible sale of real property. So it was the correct venue to be in. But we didn't discuss costs or sales. He discussed his – he shared his ideas and his proposal, which I think should be in the open public. He presented costs to us prior, and we assumed they were going to be discussed again in executive session, whether it happened or not is a moot point. That's what it was put on for, the sale of real property. And I had no idea what they were coming in to talk about. I put it on at the request of Councilman Kern. And just so the public knows, there are three members of this board who firmly believe the Jazz Loft is the right venue for the Vale-Levitt Museum. And that's why this wasn't asked to come back on for public discussion. As we had discussed it publicly, and as I talked to individual board members, three of us, are completely in favor of the Jazz Loft, and two are not. And that's where it stands today. Thank you. One caller online.

Good afternoon. Ron Hariri of Aqibog. I read with some interest about members of this board, including Supervisor Hubbard's attendance at a groundbreaking or a Heatherwood project on Main Street. This is approximately a 200-unit project receiving 16 years of IDA benefits. And Mr. Hubbard, at the Brown Groundbreaking, you stated that Heatherwood has an excellent record. I also read with some interest a recent news bulletin from New York City controller Brad Lander entitled, Heatherwood underpaid workers at buildings in Brooklyn and Queens, despite receiving a record. He's head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head of their fair pay your idea of a perfect record and just to follow up with with another comment you pointed out during my last appearance here that your political donors are a matter of public record sir and I actually went back to the public record because if Heather would cheating cheating workers out of their hard-earned salaries is a perfect record then perhaps another donor of yours g2d development and its principles may even have a stellar record as well because according to the you Riverhead local publication you received almost ten thousand dollars in donations from g2d development and or its principles including according to Riverhead local donations which were above the campaign limit I also know and I'm like to address council on Merrick field that another head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head that G2D and its principles now embroiled in a massive scandal, now arrested on fraud charges, gave you thousands of dollars, Mr. Hubbard, for your good looks and wicky repartee. Mr. Harari, your three minutes are up, sir. Thank you. Taking the fifth, are you, sir? Okay. Anybody with a truthful comment want to come up and make comments on anything? I certainly would welcome the truth. I love the truth. Truth is refreshing. Some people should try it more often. Mr. Harari, comment and question and keep within three minutes, right, sir? Mr. Yes, sir. Mr. All right. Thank you. Mr. Greetings. My name is Kevin Shea, Bading Hollow. Mine will be going to be on two points. One would be on the Earth Satellite project. I was told, I just need some more clarity on that one. I was told that there was no permit required, I mean, no permit provided to the person before they did the 20 units, and there's going to be a penalty for it. I'd like more clarity on what the building permit would be, because I believe the penalty was they're going to be double the building permit. Is that correct? Mr. Correct. Mr. What is the amount of the building permit as it, thanks. Mr. I don't think we have that information available right at the moment. We can certainly get it for you. It's different for every, it's based on what's being done. Mr. That was the next question. Mr. If you're building a shed in your backyard and you need a building permit, it's going to be X amount. Mr. That's right. Mr. If you're, you know, building an industrial development, it's going to be X amount. Mr. When I came in and built my home, I remember, I went through Leroy Barnes, I went through the building permit, I had to pay a fee. And with that being said, if there's a violation, the violation, is it standard to be just twice what the permit was? Mr. Correct. Mr. Okay. And then the other clarity is when the project going on, this is related to it, obviously. Thanks. When someone like the Scotts Point project, they got a fee to $100,000, was that based on double their building permit when they violated it? Mr. That would be correct if that's what the fee was. Mr. Okay. So there's no other factors. It's just that if you did a land clearing and you did a building for it, it's double that. Thank you for that. Mr. You're welcome. Mr. The second part was, if I could remember clearly. Mr. Okay. [transcription gap] Mr. Okay. [transcription gap]

why would you want to put a halt on a project? And you had done a good job of the surveys. I've seen them online. There's videos and surveys that people have done for the projects, right? If there was, say, an itemized contestment of something, what would be, just hypothetically, what would be the number, not 450, obviously, what would be the number where you would say, of the 36,000, that you would say, let's reconsider this at this moment? Does anyone have a number? Is it in the papers? There is no number. There is no number. It's based on several different factors. This is something, a project that has been being worked on for years. We have had public engagement. We have had market studies done. This isn't just, you know, 450 people get on social media and say, we don't want it. You know? Or, you know, let's say 1,000 people come on. You still, there's other factors that go into helping our downtown. I've been here all my life, and I've seen downtown basically desolate. Businesses trying to survive, and nothing has worked, and a great deal of time and exploration has gone into seeing what can be done downtown to make it, you know, vibrant again. And this is where all of the arrows are pointing of what we need to do, because we can't keep going on as we have. It's not fair to our town. Summing it up, which is, I want to make sure I mirror what you said, which is great. They're all good. They're saying that you listen to them, right? And it's not about a number, right? Oh, not you necessarily. It was, you put a survey out. I don't know if I'm clearly saying that. And you heard the people, and the people said they wanted change. Right? And there's no number to it. There are multiple factors involved in it, correct? Correct. And my question, which was, I think it was addressed, was if there was something itemized, maybe it was a safety factor or a health factor, and there was people that was, it was something that they were really against, you would listen to this particular itemized factor in your consideration of it. And we spoke about the eminent domain, but there was something that was, something that was not in the right place. Right. [transcription gap] You would consider it as long as it hit the right points, if it was something that's going to affect them, right, regardless of the number, but something that was, what do you guys use it? You use it saying substantial comment. It was something that was considerable, right? That's all I wanted to get at. Mr. Shea, I'm going to leave it at this. Okay, thank you. I just wanted to mirror it, and I appreciate your comment. I want to represent the majority of the people in this town to represent them, to be their voice, and to help make our town better, and that's what I'm doing, period. Okay, thanks. Thank you, Mr. Shea. That's it, thank you. Somebody came up to me the other day and said, are you trying to imitate or compete with Patchogue? And I found that thought quite concerning, because we're not trying to be or compete with anybody. What we've consistently said and done is we have looked at other areas on Long Island that have revitalized their main streets. Patchogue is wonderful. We have one of them. Farmingdale is one of them. Huntington is one of them. And there are others. And we've taken bits and pieces from all of those successful redevelopments and revitalizations, and we put them together. And I say we. I'm going to, we vote for it. But our CDA department has done a phenomenal job of taking all the information, putting it together, and coming up with a plan that is nothing but the best of the best for all of the other towns in similar situations. So keeping that in mind, we're not competing against anyone. We are our own entity. We are a very unique town here in Riverhead, if you realize that or not. We are not the town of Brookhaven. They're massive. They're huge. We are not the town of Southhold. They're way more rural than we are. We are the gateway to the east end of Suffolk County. Everybody drives through Riverhead, to get to either Montauk or Orient, or points in between. Now people are learning to stop here, because Riverhead isn't just one of those places you drive through. We have amenities for the people to come to this town, to spend money, to support our farmers at their farm stands, to support our restaurants, our shops, our mom and pops. And yes, we have the big box stores. And yes, people from out of town all over the east end come here to shop, and then they stop and they have lunch. Or they might fill up their car with gas. Here. That's all benefits to the town of Riverhead. This development program for the town square is nothing but a great tool to revitalize the Main Street area. Do you want to go back 30 years and look at empty store windows? I don't. I do not at all. I want to see every store window filled and every business open. And that's the purpose of doing the town square and the revitalization project. And for people, I just find it so disingenuous. Five years into this, people come up to the microphone and say, oh, I don't want that. Well, you know what? That ship sailed. Had you been concerned enough for this project from the beginning, you would have spoke up in the beginning. It's a day late and a dollar short now. Thank you. I think it's also important to point out, and I don't normally speak, but I think the design and all the work and the charrettes that went into making this design was so well received on state and federal levels that we got a lot of grant money because of the design to help pay for it. You know, so obviously it's hit a right chord with a lot of different. That was the second question of this person. How much money? How much is this costing the taxpayers? It's been all grant money. All grant money. Just under $50 million worth of all grant money. So this is just, it's such a win. It's such a blessing to be able to be in the situation to have this to happen for our town. And I just, it bothers me. It boggles me. That people just don't see it or they're half baked on the education of the process and education of what's going on. For somebody to say now how much tax money is in that $50 million? You haven't been paying attention. And you're just, you're not concerned enough. You know, you want to voice your opinion. You read a headline and you make up your mind on a headline or you read the first paragraph. Get the whole story and just do yourself a favor and just educate yourself a little bit about the happenings in the town. And I promise you. You will see through different colored glasses if you will. If you have the facts. Okay? That's all I ask. Okay, we have one online. Oh, I'm sorry. Can I just add something real quick? I do want to say to Mark that came up before about the Vale Levitt. I love some of your ideas. And I would love for you to be a part of downtown Riverhead. As I said to you the other day, I really believe that the Jazz Loft is the perfect fit for the Vale Levitt. The Vale Levitt is a historical building. It's mirrored upon Ford Theater where President Lincoln was shot. And it's such a historical piece of Riverhead. And I believe the Jazz Loft belongs there. But that doesn't mean that I am not open to entertaining you having a home here in downtown Riverhead with your vision. Because we need something for everybody. We need variety. And I appreciate some of the variety that you would like to bring here. And there is no door closed to you. I just would prefer to see the Jazz Loft in the Vale Levitt. Okay. So I just got to make two comments. Mr. Shea, if you look in Riverhead Local and go back, I don't know, maybe it's two, two and a half years ago, you will see images that were taken here in Town Hall with this place. This was full. The hall was full. And you'll see everybody's comments on the town square. Everybody had an opportunity to post what they wanted to see, et cetera, et cetera. And I'm sure it's archived in Riverhead Local. The other thing I'm going to say about the grant money, make no mistake, that is state money. So all the residents of Riverhead that have been paying state taxes for decades, okay, this is tens of millions of dollars that are coming back from the money you put into the state to be invested into Riverhead. I think that's really important to note. It's not free money. It is state taxpayer money. And, you know, our 36,000 people have been putting, you know, paying state taxes for years. Now it's coming back into Riverhead. So it's a big win in a lot of ways. Mr. Very well said, Joanne, what you said. And I do agree with that. Mr. Thank you. Mr. Your venue would be welcome here. I just think a venue that, and your venue, the way you explained it to us was multi, multifaceted, multi-genres of music. And to me, a historical place like the Vale Levitt would be better off with a jazzy, blues-type feeling rather than rock and roll and any other modern music venues that, to me, wouldn't really fit in a historic place like that. But I would welcome you to continue your research in the town. And any way we can help you as a board, we certainly will. Mr. And, Mark, I've seen the renovations you've done, and they're all old historic buildings. And they absolutely, all genres of music fit inside that. Because once you're inside a venue, you're inside a venue. You know, whether it's just a big open box or it's a theater. And I know across the country there are a lot of historic theaters that have been turned into music venues. And I'm also aware of the fact, after talking to Gary Higgum, that he cannot sell jazz. And I have nothing for or against anything. Whatever, if space music was the most important thing in the world right now, that's what people would be putting inside their venues. Mr. Yeah, anyway. But, you know, so I have it, you know, I understand what that looks like when you're in a historic place. Ms. I know. Mr. Thank you. Mr. We have one online? Sure. Mr. Hello. [transcription gap] Mr. Can you hear me? Mr. We can hear you. Is your speaker up? Maybe. Mr. It is up. Mr. Okay. Mr. Well then you can hear us. Mr. Can you hear us? Mr. I can hear you. Can you hear me? Mr. Yes. Mr. Can hear you. Mr. Okay. There you go. that one. For any of you who are a senior citizen, like a really senior citizen like me, you'll understand why you need loud noises. It's all coming, guys. Anyway, firstly, I'd like to, Eric Howard is not here today, and I would like to thank him. He acknowledged, I thanked him after the last town board meeting for acknowledging that I had addressed the, kind of the status quo of the Riverhead Industrial Agency with its use of town hall assets, i.e. the town clerk's office and the town attorney's office, and I had questioned the authority on that. He indicated to me, he sent me a very nice email, and I did thank him because I do believe, you know, when you do a good job and you're serving in the public you deserve a thank you. He does, he according to his opinion, does recognize that the IDA is an independent public benefit corporation, and the functions, procedures, and management like I feel, should be separate and distinct from town government. And we need that for the fullest extent to preserve our independent decision making, the board does. So, I have a concern because this has been a status quo in this town. We have given Tracy Stark and the IDA free rent, and but we're paying for the utilities in that building. As far as I know, too, I guess what she's been using in the town clerk's office and the town attorney's office is going to cease and desist, and she's going to go into her own system. In light of that, I'd like to question that she also has her mail sent to town hall, which also seems to be a use of town resources that should be stopped as well. So, in light of all these conflicts that we've had with the IDA, I know that the town board does not believe in sending the IDA to Suffolk County, but what I'm going to ask of the town board members is, in my opinion, the use of all these town assets has really clearly been a misuse of the taxpayers' assets. So, I'm going to ask every town board member to consider removal of the existing IDA board and putting a clean slate up, and at the same time, cleaning the slate and the services that the town has been providing free to the IDA. I would also like to add that Ms. Prudente added in her comments to her email, and I think that's a great point. I think that's a great point. she's head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head documentation was for that. So anyway, thank you again for your service, and that's all I have to say today. Thank you. Nobody else online? Anybody else here? I just want to make a comment on that as liaison to the IDA. Our IDA generates revenue into the town of Riverhead. Nothing is for free. I think that they do a wonderful job, and I think that the board members that have just been asked that we dismiss them and bring in a new board, I think that that is insulting to the people that are on that board. They donate their time. They are not paid to be on that board. They're very diligent in what they do. And I... I want them to know that they are appreciated by this town board. And that was not a nice comment by any means. I would encourage her to watch the work session where the IDA was here. I think they spelled out financially very clearly how the tax base has greatly increased due to their work. And so watch the work session because it was very educated. Right, and we did the work session because a lot of people are uninformed as to what the IDA does. So you can go onto the IDA website. You can call the IDA and ask for a clear definition of exactly what they do and how they do help the taxpayers of the town. Thank you. I would take it a step further and ask you to talk to Supervisor Krupski out in Southhold and ask him how he likes not having an IDA when Suffolk County jams stuff down his throat out there. He has no say in the matter. I'm sorry. [transcription gap]

which another proposal is given a chance to be out there in public. I would hope before you make a decision that you afford in a work session or in a board meeting a chance for the full proposal to be heard that's the alternative and have the Jasloff people make their proposal heard publicly. Again, I mean, if I were voting on it, I think the Jasloff is wonderful, but I think procedurally having things much more transparent and real. Well, it was an executive session is the way it was described. No, we had a work session first. No, we had a work session. Both entities actually presented. All right. I'm sorry, I heard it as a... The second entity wasn't as prepared because I think they found out with short notice. And this 3-2 vote was in a work session or in an informal polling? It was when we voted to move ahead with the Jasloff. It was at a town board meeting. For a contract. It was at a town board meeting. Yes, there was a resolution. Okay, well, that's fine. Just in terms of what I was hearing, that seemed a little strange. At any rate, the real core I want to go to is that I think that it is not helpful to say that one set of people want the town to be as it was 30 years ago and another set of people want it to go into the future. I think we have a very narrow focus of debate, which is whether a hotel and condo, is the right thing to go in that space. And I think that that's what needs to get discussed amply and fully. The other, I mean, Bob talked about the comments people made. I was at that meeting. I mean, I remember raising some questions about that building and I want to go back and look at what were the totals, what were the actual opinions at that meeting about that building before I'd assumed that it had this wide umbrella. Okay. And I think that's something that we should embrace because I don't think it did. And finally, as we were, it was being discussed, I presume from the illustration, it was being discussed as a four-story, not a five-story building. And also, I mean, I don't know where condos came into the discussion. Maybe I missed that along the way, but I think that also was certainly not part of the discussion when we were in this room. So I think as the parameters have changed about what might go into that space, you should not foreclose as legitimate discussion. And I think it's also obvious that what impacts the board most is when the room is full of people that are expressing their opinion and their variety of opinions. And so we may get to that point on this issue. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else? Nobody online? Okay. I'll make a motion to close the town. Oops. Sorry. I'm just going to clarify. Yeah. When you're, I don't want the general public to think that I'm against the Jazz Loft. They're a great organization. I just want to know that I'm doing due diligence to find out what all the offers are out there. When I sit and I have, you know, dinner downtown with the family through the restaurant, they're all asking, you know, they're asking for saving grace. What do we do? How are we going to revitalize it? Where are we going from here? What are the events? I don't think anybody up here is adamantly against any particular organization. I have, you know, the Jazz Loft came forward. They have a great program. And I want whatever goes in there to be successful. I'm just trying to say that I would like, you know, I'm just trying to do on my recourse to feel responsible to the taxpayers to find out what everybody's offering and what the venue is and to what extent, you know, disrepair the building is in and what it costs financially to restore it, to get it up and operating in the safest way. Thank you. [transcription gap] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [transcription gap] comes over and says you're against the jazz not against the jazz law i want to know that who has the financial way with all to complete the project in its entirety and who has the ability to put people in the seats of the restaurants and fill them and get people to come in the stores and spend their their days in riverhead and that's just the ultimate goal and that's all that i'm looking and i'm just trying to look at every avenue before we make final decisions that's all and when we say all genres of music that includes jazz it's not three two three three four jazz and two against jazz it has nothing to do with it and john one of the comments you made and you're a really smart guy and i appreciate that but nobody's going to build a hotel unless there's a demand and there's there's a huge demand there's a huge demand for hotels out here

my answer to that would be in the conversations we've had is that that's kind of the profit part for the developer because the rest doesn't quite get there and that's the profit part for the developer and also there is a demand there there is some demand for condos and we've as a board we've had looked at doing condos and other parts of riverhead but that's i can talk to you offline and you know where that's going or not going and with multiple wedding venues and things throughout the system so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so it's a great driving point where I want to come down I want to go and I want to see a show with the theater want to take the family to grandma I want to stay and and I'm going to just say that Dawn's coming up to my phone what this what the Community Development Agency has done has been phenomenal work and and they put their heart and soul in it and we are absolutely on the right path and I support all their work I sit now so I don't ever want anybody to think like wait why is he not you know supporting this that I just trying to do look at every Avenue put everything before you and and evaluate it and do the best judgment but there is no question in my mind that we are right on track to restore revitalize rebuild downtown Riverhead and the things that we are doing are imperative because it's worked on Main Street 30 years ago and and I only in the last few years we've started to see that growth but I know that the business community is going to be able to do that and I think that's what we need to do. owners downtown people and members of the bid they're telling us like it when is the day coming it's like but we're getting closer to that day and soon we're going to be breaking ground you know in the Newtown Square and I feel like that's going to be the Sunbeam that just comes down and goes Riverhead you're on the right track and things are finally coming together so in in the last few years the development work the studies the grant writing and everything has been immense but that's not always in the public eye and that's why always it's been my one comment to the CTA is like we got to put it out there we got to show everybody what you're doing because it's it's phenomenal long work but we're right on the brink and the cusp of when we break around on that town square and start building I feel like downtown Riverhead is going to thrive you don't mind I just like to add a comment about the hotel you know and I think just generally appreciate the comments from the board but without the board support we wouldn't be able to do anything that we're doing and the board has helped our department walk through all of the work that we're doing and all of the work that we're doing wasn't randomly done and it isn't the thinking or thought process of anybody in particular in our department we've engaged the highest level of professionals to give us advice that we need and in fact with regard to the hotel in 2022 as a part of our downtown activation plan we engaged HRNA a financial advisor firm in the city to do a market study on what would be the highest and best performance and how would it affect the overall business of the hotel and the property and the property of downtown and in fact hotel was the number one use that they suggested and as councilman Kern said there's a very high demand for hotels throughout the East and they're awful and so and our experience with the hotels in our own downtown and on 58 you know proves those facts but everything was done thoughtfully and everything was done with public engagement and public input and we're working on these projects Phil Myrick who was the president and CEO of the project for public spaces worked all over the world on act downtown activation and placemaking these are the kinds of people and urban design associates and LVF who's our landscape architect these are the people that know how to do these projects and make place making successful and so we're working in those directions the board's been incredibly supportive it's allowed us to engage and move further and get the plans that we need and then get the grant money to pay for the project so that's what we're doing and we're working so you know it's it's not been a random thing in any way it's not a last-minute idea or a thought or a guess by any stretch of the imagination it's all been done very carefully because I know the board's incredibly mindful the taxpayers money as we are too so that's just a cap off on the hotel comment Thanks Dawn. John Radigan, Riverhead. Another thing that is impacting the need for hotels is Westfall Arena, our hockey ring bringing tournaments from out of town and that's 12 months a year. That's not just the summer and the fall. In the winter and in the very early spring when it's cold, when normally our hotels would not have been filled, families are now coming this way from the ferry, you know, and staying in our hotels. Ask the owner of Phil's if he thinks the hockey rink is a bad idea. You know, he's packed from tournaments and of the sort that come there and you know that's a 12 month out of the year thing and it gets a bad rap and you know I just want everybody to know there are ways that that is putting money into the tax base that you know the people at Peconic Hockey could never tell you but the businesses can tell you. Thank you. Excellent point. Thank you. Spot on. Okay I make a motion to close today's town board meeting. So moved. Wait I think we should just sit for another half hour and see all the great things we're doing. If I thought they were going to listen I'd stay here three weeks non-stop and tell them. Motion to close today's meeting? I guess so. Second. Second. All in favor? Aye. All opposed? Okay everybody have a great day. Have a great weekend.

Thank you.