Full Transcript

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

Tuesday, July 22nd happens to be an important day around here, and it's also Councilman Rothwell's birthday. So happy birthday. Happy birthday. Thank you. All right. Quick note for tonight. There will be a three-minute time limit on all the comments made. If you have more comments, you will be allowed to come back up at the end of the line, just get to the end of the line and come on back up, because when we have bigger crowds like this, we want everybody to have a chance to speak. So we'll limit you to three minutes, cut you off at three, and then if you want to come back up, you can certainly do that after everybody else has had a chance. Tonight we have two public hearings. I have one quick announcement. We will be having another special town board meeting this Thursday, July 24th, at 930 a.m., prior to our work session, and this is to approve a resolution to apply for a grant that is due by July 31st. So that's why we had to push this up a little bit. Okay. We're here for two public hearings tonight. The first public hearing we have is regarding a transfer of property. It's scheduled for 6 o'clock. It is now 6.03, and I'm going to turn it over to Councillor Howard to start this off. All right. Thank you, Mr. Supervisor. The two public hearings, one relates to the designation of Joe Petruccelli as qualified, I'm sorry, as a construction project manager, for the Town Square project and sale and redevelopment of 127 East Main Street. The second public hearing relates to a necessary and incidental transfer of a portion of parking district property that needs to go to Mr. Petruccelli for the entirety of the project. It's approximately a 2,700 square foot piece of parking district property. Okay. Thank you. [transcription gap] Thank you. that is generally along heidi bear way we have the applicants represent representatives here they will give a presentation which is my understanding is designed to set forth how the applicant is qualified and eligible to acquire this piece of property and complete the contemplated project at the conclusion of their presentation the supervisor the supervisor will open it up for public comment on the applicant's presentation public can make comments ask questions the applicant's team will keep track of those and at the conclusion of everyone's comments and questions we'll come back up and address those and to the extent that they can't there will be a 10 day written comment period which will be held open during which time not only the public can submit further comments and questions but the applicant can address anything that they aren't able to address so with that i will turn it over to the applicant's attorney mr eric russo thank you mr howard i think it's on yes mr supervisor members of the board uh as indicated my name is eric j russo i'm with the law firm of vanbrun cesuiak and russo with offices at 140 main street in seville new york and i am the applicant's counsel concerning this public hearing this evening we represent j petroselli riverhead town square llc of 100 comex street in ronkonkoma new york 11779 and it's concerning the tax parcels on the riverhead town map 600 129 1 13 14 and 15 and 600 1 2 8 6 and 86. um mr petroselli uh joseph petroselli is j petroselli development associate officer of the property of the riverhead town square llc and he is a partner with his brother john for the proper for the business at 100 comex street in ronkonkoma we are here this evening to address the riverhead town board as well as the public at large pursuant to general municipal law section 507 2d for purposes of considering whether j petroselli riverhead town square llc with the offices as afore stated should be designated as qualified and eligible sponsor for the property as the head of district head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head underground parking for 12 stalls below the structure with easements for access to be retained by the town of Riverhead on the tax lot 600 129 1-23 it is to be known as the town square hotel project and we will demonstrate this evening through our presentation that Joseph Petrucelli as the J Petrucelli Riverhead Town Square LLC and as contractor of constructing the project J Petrucelli development associates as well as J Petrucelli development contracting eat meet the criterion necessary by the CDA your community development agency as a qualified and eligible sponsor this is pursuant to general municipal law section 507 2 and we are going to demonstrate both financially sound and reliable as well as with experience and and management that we have similar projects in size and scope that the cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton my cotton cotton for renovation of the existing Riverhead Town Hall which we're standing in this evening. With experience and management that we have similar projects in size and scope that my client has developed. I guess my twin is here somewhere. That being said, in which we are seated this evening, there was also a consultant with professional services agreement dated April 28, 2023, which allowed us to move forward with renovating this 42,000 square foot building within five months from May 2023 to September 2023 with a ribbon cutting on October 6, 2023 known as 4-6 West Main Street. The Petrucelli family with the assistance of their architect Alex Baldamonte , put forward a budget of a million dollars to renovate the building that was owned previously by the bank and in the agreement furnished time and material on a budget that was prompt and lower than any of the other budgets or proposals that were received by the town, which there was another one about $6 million. That being said, the project itself, we have six documents that I've provided you with Thank you. [transcription gap] a copy of the documents themselves. It's the one that I presented to you in white with the black binder, calling out the public hearing this evening, calling out the notice, also calling out the resolution that I previously rent and reviewed with you. And in addition to that, the resolution and agreement with the client for the construction of the building. That being said, it also then goes through and in our documents, we have a PowerPoint that will follow along with this, which you will be seeing this evening. I have with me during this presentation this evening seven individuals. We have Joseph Petrucelli, who's here in person to address the conclusion of the presentation. We have his nephews, James Petrucelli Jr. and John Petrucelli, who are the project managers for J. Petrucelli Development. We also have with us Steve Schauger, who will be calling in on remote. He's the general manager of the Hyatt Place, Long Island East End at 451 East Main Street in Riverhead. We have Brian DeLuca, the executive director of the Long Island Aquarium at 431 East Main Street. Kevin Walsh, our chief engineer from VHB Engineering, who helped work with us on the site plan, developing issues relating to drainage and grading and renovation of the site. And our project architect, Andrew Jambretone, who's from Andrew Jambretone and Associates in Elm Street in Huntington. We are going to take you through the presentation and point out all of the reasons why, in our opinion, we are the most qualified and eligible. If you look at the document that I provided you with, there are six points, and one of which is the Riverhead Town Square Development Budget Summary, dated as of July 22nd, 2021. Thank you. The américans have announced their and then the land uses broken out as to the land acquisition of $2,625,000, hard costs of $26,079,289.75, soft costs of $2,365,600, and contingency of $603,000, showing that the total cost in summary for the project is $32,672,889.76, which shows how they're planning on trying to finance the project and then where the expenses are going to go. Further on in the presentation, when Mr. Schauger will relate to you and go in more detail as to the uses and the funds, which is also in your binder. We also received and have a copy of a letter from Piccarella, Lamont, and Gemarisi, which is our client's accountant of 181 West Main Street in Babylon, to which he wrote a letter. He said, I'm a member of the Riverhead Town Community Development Agency, here in Riverhead, indicating Riverhead Town Square Master Developer is qualified and eligible financial verification. And he addressed the letter to Ms. Thomas and indicated that my name is Steve J. Gemarisi of the firm, as I stated, and I've been the certified public accountant for J. Petrucelli, Inc., Atlantis Marine World, LLC, and the following affiliates for the past 20 years. J. Petrucelli Development Associates, Atlantis Holdings Company, LLC, Atlantis Explorer, LLC, HP East End Riverhead, LLC. He indicates that he's reviewed, prepared, and or audited the financial statements on behalf of the above entities, and he certifies and reviews that these companies for the last 20 years, and based on the size and scope of the past completed projects, in his opinion, J. Petrucelli Contracting has the financial resources to succeed. And he's also the director of the project, which is the first project in the project's history to successfully undertake and complete the Riverhead Town Square project. And it's signed by Steve J. Gemarisi. In addition, bonds are required for a project of this type, and we have a letter from Agrishore, which is dated July 16th, addressing contractor J. Petrucelli Contracting, Inc., of 100 Comex Street in Ronkonkoma to the town of Riverhead. And your reliance on this letter from the bonding reference letter, is to whom it may concern. And it's also a letter from the contractor, who is currently bonded by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, and is an account in good standing. Reserving our rights to practice our normal underwriting functions, as surety bond agents for J. Petrucelli Contracting, Inc., are able to provide favorable consideration for performance and payment bonds through a bond program of 125 million single job and 200 million aggregate with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, under underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting underwriting [transcription gap] extensive contract completion record. They then elaborate on Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, as you can see in the letter, referring them as AMBEST as an A excellent financial size category, 15 Liberty Mutual licensed to do business in the state of New York, and is listed on the U.S. Department of Treasury listing of approved charities, Department Circular 5701, and further states that Liberty Mutual has a certificate of authority from the Department of the Treasury with an underwriting limitation of $1,897,231. Liberty Mutual Company meets the criteria set forth in the general conditions, and we would expect the execution of any bonds would be subject to review of the final contract terms, conditions, and financing by our client ourselves, as well as satisfactory evaluation of normal underwriting requirements at the time the bond is requested. Thank you. [transcription gap] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [transcription gap] no assumption of liability, nor is it a bid bond or performance payment bond. It is issued only as a bonding reference as requested from us by our client to present to the board so that you understand that they have the necessary surety. That being said, we also have a letter from TD Bank dated July 17, 2025, directed to Dawn Thomas, the director of the Community Development Agency in Riverhead, regarding Atlantis Holding Company, LLC, and HP East End Riverhead, LLC. And it's signed by Dominic Da Silva, their vice president, who indicates Atlantis Holding Company and HP East End Riverhead, LLC has been a valued customer of TD Bank in excess of 14 years. We presently extend credit to the company in the amount of $11,366,673.50. The entire relationship has been handled in a very significant way. We have clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear and we hold the company in the highest regards. And that letter was requested to show the level of comfort that the lending institution, of which there are three that are presently interested in the project besides DIME, there is also TD Bank, and in addition, I believe it's common, what is the other bank lending institution that has expressed interest in the project. That being said, I would like, and I will go first to letters of support, and then I will return because in your binder we provided you with sources of funds and use of funds and a town square development projected revenue performance, which Steve Schauger, who is our general manager at the Hyatt Place Long Island East End, will review with you in terms of going through those numbers. But in addition to that, we have a series of nine letters that we have provided you with in terms of going through those numbers. One of the most interesting is that from Long Island Science Center, who is going to be an occupant to the property to the immediate west, which indicates that the Board of Long Island Science Center is in favor of Jay Petrucelli Development Associates being named master developer for the town square project. Mr. Petrucelli is a strong pillar of revitalization of downtown Riverhead, commencing with the aquarium, and continuing with the Hyatt Hotel and the Preston House Hotel. As a continuous property owner to the town square, the Board of Long Island Science Center believes Jay Petrucelli Development Associates is a good choice for the development of the town square. We also have a letter from the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, also dated July 21, 2025, indicating to the members of the town board, that on behalf of the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, we're writing to express song support for Jay Petrucelli Development Associates to be named as master developer of the town square. The Petrucelli family has a proud and proven history of investing in the revitalization of downtown Riverhead for more than 25 years. Their commitment to our community is evident not only in the projects they have completed, but in the trust they have built through meaningful partnerships and consistent quality development. The proposed mixed-use development includes a hotel, condominium, blend of retail and food and beverage outlets, represents a critical step in activating the town square. This privately funded project will not only enhance the vitality of the square, but also generate foot traffic and energy that will benefit surrounding small businesses and cultural institutions. They go on to state that the leadership of Jay Petrucelli Development Associates and the town square will evolve into a dynamic, welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike, and their thoughtful approach to the project will be a key part of the project's development. The head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head designation of master developer of J Petrocelli we also have the American resort management indicating that there's some strong support for J Petrocelli development to be named master developer of the town square in which Petrocelli is American resort management has provided professional and consulting management services for establishments located in Riverford over the last 10 years the partnership they share with Petrocelli family has provided opportunities for our local participation in Riverhead as well as our growth with national endeavors they go on to recite that they have a 25 year history and a commitment to the community and I'm summarizing but you can read for yourselves how they that this is a critical step in activating the town square by having a mixed-use development of the site that is being proposed and they strongly recommend again based on their approach and long-standing dedication to Riverhead you Petrocelli is the ideal partner for this transformative initiative there is also discover Long Island which is indicating again 25 years working relationship with the Petrocelli family and attesting to the fact that the proposal for the hotel condominium units and retail and food beverage outlets is critical step in activating the town square and that the project should proceed with the vitality that is being proposed by the applicant there's also a letter from Jerry and the mermaid reciting something very similar which is an adjoining property owner to the east of the Hyatt place and last there are two more letters one from North Fork chocolate company going through in indicating the relationship that they've shared and the value of the relationship and what it will do and be a benefit to the town there's also a letter from the rotary of Riverhead which also comes out and indicates again that they have a proven history and a commitment to the town square and that they should be able to do that and that's what we're doing here today. investing in the revitalization of downtown for 25 years and it's a critical step in going forward and they should be selected as the master developer and lastly there's an insurance letter from another interested company here in Riverhead which is nice at nefas type agency which also supports and recommends the J Petrocelli development associates that being said I would just reiterate for you that we have seven members of our team to be involved in this project and we're going to be working with the head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head Riverhead over the last 25 years and their five their families financial investment as a tourist donation if the board recalls there are three historic structures that have been part of the Petrocelli development here in the town of Riverhead East Lawn Howell House and Preston House and that historic preservation has been garnered and enhanced with the efforts of Petrocelli in a in a program from which they have done development here on Long Island from New York City to the East End it's going on since 1959 closely approaching 70 years with their experience in the construction industry delivering projects on time and within budget so with that I would ask that Mr. Petrocelli John come forward and review with you the PowerPoint presentation as it relates to the experience and project development of the Petrocelli development projects that the family has undertaken Mr. Russo I just like to add I received also a letter the town board from Wendy Weiss from East End Arts as well oh very good it's very supportive as well thank you I these letters were coming in over the last week and a half and the ones I've recited to you the last ones I saw were as of like 3 30 today so I stopped at that point trying to put the document binder together so thank you for sharing thank you Mr. Russo if I may people we would take the conversations outside please while we're listening to the speakers and also if you happen to be live streaming on your phone which I think is happening in here shut it off or go outside it's interrupting what we can hear up here thank you thank you Mr. supervisor with that being said John Petrocelli

I think I'll have to have to adjust this Eric all right Eric thanks um let me just run through here

all right so I'm just going to tell you a little bit about our firm uh in 1997 Petrocelli answered the call for the redevelopment plan for Riverhood a plan was put in place for a multi-phase development starting with the aquarium Hyatt Place East End the Seastar ballroom Treasure Cove Resort Marina the Preston House and Hotel we've also worked to preserve three historic buildings on Main Street which uh include East Lawn House Howe House and the Preston House in addition we support and house free of charge the New York Marine Rescue Center the only facility in New York State authorized to rescue rehabilitate and release endangered sea turtles our commitment to the town spans over 25 years with continued investment and vision to further develop Riverhead into a tourist destination J Petrocelli contracting has completed significant projects across Long Island in New York City which include uh the Long Island Duck Stadium the Jones Beach Theater renovation various Long Island YMCA and TD Banks and the Long Island Children's Museum as well as some of our high-rise apartments in in New York City in the boroughs um just a little bit about uh about the the history of our company it was established in 19 1959 by by John Petrocelli Sr who's my grandfather um in in Bohemia New York driven by his passion for construction and dedication to family he built the foundation of what has become one of the most respected firms in the industry today with a commitment to Integrity and a client-centered approach the company has experienced significant growth over the years and today we operate out of a 30 000 square foot facility in Ronkakuma just a little bit about our focus our extensive expertise in construction enables us to deliver an efficient process while prioritizing cost effectiveness as active developers with a portfolio of investments across Long Island we offer a unique perspective allowing us to approach each project from both the development and the construction sides this dual insight provides significant value to our clients ensuring a deep understanding of project timelines and alignment with your development schedule over the years we have had the privilege of serving numerous clients throughout the New York Metro region consistently delivering results that meet their needs and exceed expectations now I'm going to pass it off to to my clients throughout the New York Metro region consistently delivering results that meet their needs and exceed expectations now I'm going to pass it off to to my colleagues and I'm going to pass it off to to my colleagues and I'm going to pass it off to to my cousin Jim and he'll take it from there

thank you John so what we focus on for you when we say what we focus on for you it's more than the tagline it's a commitment we've stood behind for over 70 years every client every project every team member our focus is always aligned with one mission which is delivering results that exceed expectations so let's walk through what it looks like time has built a reputation on delivering projects on time and with within budget that doesn't happen by chance it's the product of well-coordinated field and Office personnel clear lines of communication and a disciplined schedule when communication flows properly the entire process is streamlined and project efficiency becomes the norm not the exception cost we know that early decisions have long-term consequences and that's why pre-construction services are a critical part of our approach We work alongside design teams to identify budget impacts early, propose smart alternatives, and keep the project aligned with your vision. It's how we avoid costly surprises and deliver value without compromising design intent. Quality. Quality is never negotiable, and it's more than just meeting spec. It's about how the job is built. Our team is made up of professionals with the skill sets, training, and real-world experience to properly interpret design documents and ensure that every element is built as intended. With the right means and methods in place, we deliver a finished product that reflects the original vision down to the last detail. Talk a little bit about pre-construction. Pre-construction. We don't just look at a job from the ground up. We take a broader view. Jay Petrucelli's pre-construction process bridges the gap between design and build. Our team provides guidance on feedback. Feasibility. Budgeting. Constructability. And scheduling. This proactive approach creates a seamless transition into construction, giving everyone from the owner to the architect confidence from day one. And finally, collaboration. And perhaps most importantly, we believe in collaboration. Our staff brings decades of field-tested knowledge to the table. We work hand-in-hand with owner reps, design teams, and consultants to ensure alignment at every stage. Strong execution only happens when there's strong collaboration. And it's this team-first mentality that ensures satisfaction from start to finish. So beyond construction itself, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to support and safeguard every aspect of your project. We maintain full compliance with local regulations and prioritize on-site safety, reinforced through routine site inspections. We manage risk proactively, resolve disputes swiftly, and ensure transparent communication among all sites. And we have a strong relationship with our stakeholders. Our expertise in procurement and contract negotiation ensures efficient coordination with both contractors and subcontractors. And through detailed planning, scheduling, and budget management, we drive predictability, giving you the clarity and control needed at every stage. And I think now we're turning it over to Brian. Yeah. Mr. Supervisor, members of the Board, at this point, I would like to direct our discussion to the source of funds and uses of funds, as well as the projection that we had for the Town Square proposed revenue performance for the project. For that purpose, our speaker on this issue will be Steven Schauger, the General Manager of the Hyde Place Long Island East End. Unfortunately, he is not with us this evening, but we have to have him come in on a Zoom. And I believe I've given him the instructions. Have you heard him? I have. Mr. Sure. I have. and I believe he's coming in now. I know that we asked him to be able to join us this evening. I know he's watching our presentation as it goes forward. Mr. Schager, are you able to hear us? For that purpose, our speaker on this issue will be Stephen Schager, the general manager of the Hyatt Place Long Island East End. Hello, can you hear me? Unfortunately, he is not with us this evening, but we have to have him come in on a Zoom, and I believe I've given him the instructions how to do so, and I believe he's coming in now. I know that we asked him to be able to join us this evening. I know he's watching our presentation as it goes forward. Mr. Schager, are you able to hear us? Steve, we can hear you, but we're having some audio issues here in the town board. I am. Can you hear me? I'll sit tight. General manager of the Hyatt Place Long Island East End. Hello, can you hear me? Unfortunately, he is not with us this evening, but we have to have him come in on a Zoom, and I believe I've given...

All right. How about now? ...asked him to be able to join us this evening. I know he's watching our presentation... Hello. Can you hear me? ...as it goes forward. Mr. Schager... Steve, we can hear you, but we're having some audio issues here in the...

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I am the general manager of the Hyatt Place Long Island East End. Was lucky enough to start in that position back in 2011 when we opened up the hotel. I am also a former resident of the town of Riverhead, born and raised in Riverhead as well, and was, as I said, lucky enough to start that position and not be part of the brain drain and was able to move back home. I have 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. So I started working on this project in its infancy with the Petrocelli Group. Eric dived in a little bit on some of the documents that we have provided to the town, and I want to expand a little bit more on that and how those documents were created. First of which is the development budget summary and then the development budget sources and uses of funds. This is something that we put in place both with myself, as well as with Joe Petrocelli and his team. We break out the sources of funds between the construction loan, developer equity, the Restore New York grant that was awarded in 2024. But then it also breaks out the uses of the funds, the land acquisition as per the master developer agreement, and hard costs such as general requirements, site work, masonry, metal, wood, plastics, etc., etc. It also goes into some soft costs, as well as the land acquisition. This is something that we feel extremely confident in, put a lot of effort and time into breaking this out to really hone in on the cost of this project. And that's something that we have provided in regards to the qualified and eligible hearing. The second document is the Town Square Development Projected Revenue Performance. The sources and uses really gets us from purchase of the land to CFO, whereas the Town Square Developer Projected Revenue Performance takes us past that. That's opening and beyond in regards to revenues. We have 14 years of data collected, obviously, from the high place when we opened up. And then also have other means and other reports that we use to create this forecasted or projected revenue for years one through 10 that we have provided to the Town Board. This is something that we feel, again, very confident in. And obviously, break out between occupancy projections, ADR, which is average daily rate, and also total revenue projections for the property. So those are things that have been given to the Town Board in regards to the qualified and eligible hearing. So thank you very much. Mr. Supervisor and members of the Board, the references that he's talking about are in the folder that I provided you with. The sources of funds, as I referenced earlier, is the construction loan of $9,000.00. The total of the funds is $19,603,733.86, which is 60% of the source of funds. The developer equity, which is $12,069,155.90, is 36.94%. The Restore New York Grant Award, which has already been received, is $1,000,000.00 of $306,000.00 for a total of source of funds of 100% at $32,672,889.76, which, as you look at that schedule in the document, is $1,000,000.00. The rest of the document that I provided you matches the figure on the total project costs. So the land acquisition, as was agreed upon between the parties, is $2,625,000.00. And then it lists about 12 to 15 items of hard costs, ranging, as Stephen was trying to break out for you, and we don't need to go through individual numbers, but it lists concrete, masonry, metal, wood, plastics, doors, conveying systems, special construction, insurance, electrical costs. And then for the soft costs, he references architectural engineering, engineering appraisals, closing costs, accounting, points financing, which is now showing you the difference between one for the hard costs at $26,000,000.00 approximately, soft costs about $33,000,000.00, $3,365,000.00, and then summarizing the rest, getting you back to the total of $32,672,889.00. And the other chart that he is referencing, is the second page in the binder you were given, and it also then gives it to you in terms of projections for 10 years, so that you see how they, based on their operations in the existing hotels, project how they are going to be successful here, in terms of actual dollars and cents, which is a major criteria that you need to focus on in order to determine not only is he eligible based on experience, timelines, he's also got the wherewithal financially to take you from building permit 3, so you'll have full 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 Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. Happy birthday. In the late 90s, the town of Riverhead put out a RFP looking for an attraction or economic generator. Bissett and Pettuselli answered the call with a multi-phase project plan and went ahead and purchased the land from the town and began building the aquarium. In addition, the Marine Rescue Center at the time was Okinos, was on the property and financially supported by the town. That all changed when Pettuselli purchased the property. The plan was set in motion to build a multi-phase project to support the town's East Main Street urban renewal plan. So looking at the photos on the presentation, the aquarium is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Very excited about that. We just had a nice big party. Twenty-five years of momentum. Making waves and taking care of those precious collection of animals. And of course, the Hyatt project moved on to the Preston project, restored that 1905 house, and then built another boutique hotel there. So it's been a multi-phase and this is another phase of that initial project plan back from the early 90s. Our team has a committed endeavor here. In this town, both past and present staff volunteer for various organizations and committees to support our community and its goals. This continued support has had a tremendous positive impact, not only on our community at large, but within the downtown of Riverhead. So we have served on the Business Advisory Committee, Parking District Committee, DRI Committee, TOD Committee, the Riverhead Chamber, Steve Shager who has spoken to GM of the Hyatt, Preston has served on the bid as 10 years in that role and also serves on the Suffolk County downtown revitalization grant representing Catherine Stark for our district and helping allocate grants for all of Suffolk County and for downtowns. And Riverhead has been an award for that. Alberto, the Preston hotel manager, serves on the bid board currently. Danny Lanieri, our food and beverage director, was the past president of the Rotary and currently still serves as a member. Seven years ago, I initiated Reflections Riverhead, or Art in the Park, working with the community development team and getting grants, local artists, Clayton Orheck, aquarium artist, Eli Fishman, he's our resident artist there, bringing lighted sculptures to Grangeville Park for free public art experience. There is not another park on Long Island that has lighted sculptures like we do in Riverhead. And we're really proud to have a hand in initiating that and playing a role in that beautiful park and we're going to continue. There's a nice little turtle sculpture right over there that lights up at night. I'm also the president of the East End Tourism Alliance. I've been operating that for 13 years, which supports Alive on 25, the Reflections Riverhead, and chamber events. It's through a county contract through the hotel Motel Tax. We allocate $25,000 annually for event production budget each year to help the town with their events. We also have a sizable marketing budget to support River head town events, as well as East End events as a whole. We are really focused on supporting hospitality in our tourism industry. In addition to this volunteer support by our staff, the aquarium is one of the largest contributors to this project. CONTRIBUTORS TO BOTH THE BID AND PARKING DISTRICT TAX FOR DOWNTOWN. SO WE ARE COMMITTED TO THIS TOWN AS EMPLOYEES AND SUPPORTING ALL THE DIFFERENT COMMITTEES THAT THE TOWN HAS. THE VISION OF MIXED USE AND ACTIVATION. SO THE FOLLOWING PART OF THIS PRESENTATION IS GOING TO GET IN DEPTH AND KEVIN AND ANDY ARE GOING TO GET INTO SOME OF THE IMAGES AND CONCEPTS THERE. BUT THE VISION OF THIS MIXED USE IS THE TOWN SQUARE WILL BE AN OPEN SPACE FOR PUBLIC TO ENJOY WITH TIERED LEVELS FROM MAIN STREET TO THE RIVER. WE ALWAYS WANTED TO OPEN UP THE RIVER. WE GOT THAT NICE 90 FEET WIDE NOW. AND RISING OF THE TOWN SQUARE TO ASSIST WITH FLOOD MITIGATION AT THE RIVER'S EDGE. AND REFERENCING THE TOWN OF RIVERHEAD'S PATTERN BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WERE PROVIDED BY THE TOWN. THE TOWN WAS LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL HOSPITALITY. UNIQUE LOCAL FOOD AND BEVERAGE. ANCILLARY RETAIL AND EXPANDED DOWNTOWN LIVING. WHICH IS THE CONDO ASPECT IN THIS HOTEL. THAT PROPOSED TOWN SQUARE PROJECT BRINGS ALL THIS TOGETHER THAT THE PATTERN BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE BY ALL OF THE CONSULTANTS. AND WE'RE EXCITED TO BRING THAT FORWARD. KEVIN'S UP. AT THIS POINT, MR. SUPERVISOR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, OUR CHIEF ENGINEER KEVIN WALSH FROM VHB ENGINEERING WILL NOW ADDRESS THE DESIGN PROSPECT OF THE ASPECT. I'M GOING TO BE VERY BRIEF. I'M JUST GOING TO TAKE YOU THROUGH A LITTLE BIT OF THE CONTEXT OF THE SITE WHICH YOU SEE ON THE SLIDE UP HERE. THE SLIDE ITSELF SHOWS THE PROPOSED CONFIGURATION OF THE PROPERTY AND HOW IT FITS INTO THE PLAZA AREA. AND THIS WAS DEVELOPED BASED ON SURVEYS PREPARED BY OUR OFFICE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT PARCEL. AS WELL AS SOME OF THE SURROUNDING PARCELS THAT FIT INTO THE AREA. AND WHAT THIS DEPICTS IS THE ASSEMBLED OF THE PARCELS NEEDED TO ACCOMMODATE THE HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATE IT INTO THE PLAZA. THE ORANGE RECTANGLE THAT HOPEFULLY YOU CAN SEE THERE REPRESENTS THE CURRENT TAX LOT WHICH IS TO BE MODIFIED TO ACCOMMODATE THE HOTEL AND THE PLAZA AND PLAYGROUND AREA. THE BLUE RECTANGLE REPRESENTS THE PROPOSED LOT AREA FOR THE HOTEL WHICH REQUIRES THE TRANSFER OF TWO STRIPS OF PROPERTY ON EITHER SIDE FROM THE ADJACENT TOWN OWNED PROPERTIES. ABOUT 14 FEET FROM THE PROPERTY TO THE WEST AND ABOUT 10 FEET FROM THE PROPERTY TO THE EAST. WHICH WILL ALLOW FOR THE HOTEL BUILDING AND SERVICE AND ENTRY AREAS TO THE HOTEL. TO THE SOUTH OF THE HOTEL, THE TOWN WILL RETAIN THE REMAINDER OF THAT TAX LOT WHICH IS SHOWN IN PURPLE. AND THAT WILL ALSO PROVIDE FOR AN EASEMENT BETWEEN THE HOTEL PARCEL AND THE HEIDI BEAR WAY FOR ACCESS TO THE HOTEL FOR PARKING, TRASH REMOVAL AND OTHER NEEDS AND THAT'S THE AREA THAT YOU SEE IN YELLOW THERE. WE'RE AWARE OF THE DESIGN OF THE PARK AND THE PLAZA AREA BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE TOWN'S CONSULTANTS. WE'VE BEEN PROVIDED WITH THE PRELIMINARY PLANS FOR THE PLAZA AND THE PARK IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING UTILITIES AND STORMWATER. SO WHEN IT'S TIME TO ACTUALLY MOVE FORWARD WITH THE CIVIL DESIGN FOR THE HOTEL, WE EXPECT TO BE WORKING WITH THE TOWN'S CONSULTANT TO COORDINATE STORMWATER FACILITIES, UTILITIES AND ALL OF THE COMMON WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THE PLAZA AREA. SO WITH THAT, I WILL TURN IT OVER TO MR. JAN ROCHON OR TO ERIC FOR THE FUN STUFF. MR. SUPERVISOR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, I'D ALSO LIKE TO POINT OUT THE AREA THAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT ON THAT DIAGRAM IN FRONT OF YOU TO THE EAST IS THE EAST END ARTS BUILDINGS THAT ARE THERE THAT HAVE TO BE LIFTED AND ALSO RELOCATED AND SHIFTED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION IN ORDER TO ALLOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION. THEN THERE'S THE AREA TO THE WEST WHICH IS THE TOWN SQUARE PARK THAT'S GOING TO BE DISCUSSED BY MR. JAN BERTONE AND TO THE WEST OF THAT IS THE LONG ISLAND SCIENCE CENTER WHICH THIS BOARD HAS ADDRESSED AND IS WORKING WITH TO ASSIST THEM IN TERMS OF THEIR SITE PLAN REVIEW AND AMENDMENT IN ORDER TO BE DEVELOPED AT THAT LOCATION AND REMAIN THERE. GOOD EVENING, MR. SUPERVISOR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE BOARD, MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. MY NAME IS ANDREW JAN BERTONE. I'M THE ARCHITECT FOR THIS PROJECT. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE INTRODUCED TO THIS PROJECT BY MR. PETROSELLI AS WE ARE NO STRANGERS TO THIS TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT OR TO RIVERHEAD IN GENERAL. MY FIRM DESIGNED THE PRESSING HOUSE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT AS WELL AS THE RESTORATION OF THE HOWELL HOUSE. OUR OTHER NORTH FORK PROJECTS INCLUDE THE SHOLZ HOTEL AND MARINA AS WELL AS THE RENOVATION AND RESTORATION OF THE NORTH FORK TABLE AND INN. ADDITIONALLY, WE ARE WELL VERTICAL. WE ARE WELL VERSED IN HISTORIC RESTORATION AND ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECTS INCLUDING THE RESTORATION OF THE SANDS POINT LIGHTHOUSE, THE SUMMER COTTAGE, THE DEFORCED ESTATE IN COLD SPRING HARBOR AND MOST RECENTLY THE ADAPTION OF THE MILKING BARN AND DAIRY CENTER WHICH WILL BE CONVERTED INTO AN INTERPRETIVE LEARNING CENTER AT COMSET STATE PARK. WHAT YOU SEE BEFORE YOU IN THE NEXT FEW SLIDES IS THE CULMINATION OF MANY MONTHS OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE TOWN OF RIVERHEAD, JOE PETRICELLI, MYSELF, BARRY LONG OF URBAN DESIGN ASSOCIATES, THE TOWN HISTORIAN RICHARD WINES, THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PETRICELLI ORGANIZATION. BARRY LONG OF URBAN DESIGN ASSOCIATES THROUGH AN EXTENSIVE EFFORT OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND COOPERATION WITH THE TOWN OF RIVERHEAD RECOGNIZED THAT THE WATERFRONT ALONG THE PECONIC RIVER WAS OF FAR GREATER VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY THAN ITS PRESENT USE AS A PARKING PLACE. THANK YOU. [transcription gap] the conceptual design for this project took place. A hotel building that would front on Main Street and have retail space along the length of the square would provide the anchor for this new project. It would also provide community activation and culminate in a restaurant at the waterfront portion of the project. To support the community engagement,

playgrounds, interactive experiences, and adaptive amphitheater at the far end of the property at the end of East End Arts would also be developed. As you see, under the guidance of the Petrocelli Foundation, the Petrocelli Foundation has been a very successful organization after several years of input at this point. Refinement and cooperation with urban design associates, town officials, and the New York State Office of Historic Preservation has resulted in the designs we now see, and that process continues even today. We've developed this project along a series of months where we started with the design you see on the left, and that was developed and coordinated through assistance with urban design associates as well as the Petrocelli Foundation. We have worked with américans, américans, américans, américans, américans, américans, américans, américans, américans, américans, américans, américans, [transcription gap] a combination of hardscape and landscape areas providing shade and respite for our occupants as stated earlier the town had the forward thinking thought to engage the army corps of engineers to understand what the potential flood impacts might be on the development of the site so that this site would be free from flood damage over the next 50 years or more as a result the hotel project is slated to be at elevation 13 where the current riverfront is at elevation 4. through a series of step terraces and walkways you walk up from the waterfront up to the town square itself up to the main street area which is approximately elevation 12 and a half so the buildings were designed with that thought in mind

we see here that the lower level of the hotel project will accommodate private parking for the 12 condominium units that will be located at the rooftop

the hotel itself will consist as i said of the lobby and reception area along main street behind the directly behind the reception area will be a coffee shop that accommodates both hotel guests as well as the public accessing off of the square one of the important elements this design is to inquire is to encapsulate uh activation from the public along the square and as a result we were asked to develop retail space that you see in the center of the project there and at the far end of the uh of the building is a restaurant that overlooks the peconic river and is open to the public

i understand it's a little hard to see on the monitors uh this will all be on the website tomorrow so head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head two-story space open to the foyer. The third floor consists of an additional 28 rooms with some two-room units. And then on the fourth floor, there are another 26 rooms for a total of 76 guest rooms. At the upper level, there are 12 private condominium units. And as we will see in the design of the building, part of the pattern book developed by Urban Design Associates was to maintain the street line along Main Street and have the building step back so as to mitigate the mass of the building as it presents itself on Main Street. This building was designed with those guidelines of the pattern book and Barry Long's guidance as well. And it's been a process that has evolved over historic references for buildings in town and ultimately resulted in the building that we have at this point. We see here the back of the building, the restaurant on the upper left-hand side, and the east side of the building that faces East End Arts. So it has been our honor and privilege to have the opportunity to work with the Petrucelli organization, and in particular with Joe Petrucelli on this project as well as other projects. It is our firm belief and has been, and confirmed by Barry Long, that this project will create the required activation to make the town square a successful project and will enhance the community at large. Thank you.

And now, from the gentleman you've been dying to hear from, his name has been mentioned numerous times this evening, Joseph Petrucelli. Thank you. [transcription gap] And now, from the gentleman you've been dying to hear from, Joseph Petrucelli, who is going to speak on behalf of his organization, his construction experience, and his desire to continue to enhance River. Joseph Petrucelli. Which button moves me along? All right. This one over here. Yeah. Everybody knows I'm not the public speaker type. But, so you've been hearing activation. Activation was the key word of the whole square project. And during the whole design, activation is the key word. And because we need to handpick and go after clients or people that will fill our space that are going to create that activation that we need, kids and families, as has always been kids and families. So, our vision. Okay. We'll head over to you, Joseph. Joseph Petrucelli. Thank you so much. I just have a clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear [transcription gap] clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear [transcription gap] clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear dollars a risky investment still but I think we know more about this town than most developers and our numbers of our hotel should help us get get through and make this a very successful project we proposed to build a branded hotel with 76 rooms we've had discussions with some of the top hotel brands very excited to come to our town they know about Hyatt they know about Preston so they're anxious to be part of it once once it's complete our guests of the hotel would utilize the proposed first street parking so because we're not going to have the parking garage in place we are going to utilize the parking spaces behind this Suffolk theater in an interim basis so that allow us to at least get the hotel going get the square going and then we'll be able to work with the town to finally create that parking garage that's going to be so well needed the hotel footprint is planned for the east side of the the upper town square adjacent to the East and arts buildings the hotel lobby and entrance will be on Main Street which will will have Valley parking so our project includes three retail spaces ranging from 900 to 930 square feet perfect for unique shops coffee shops a full-service restaurant which we we named Sweezy's for a placeholder which I think is a good idea we don't want to forget our history Sweezy's was a big part of this town I think we need to carry forward that recognition of Sweezy's so everything overlooks the river which is a great view and we're expecting residents and tourists to flock here each space features large storefront windows high ceilings indoor and outdoor seating it's going to have all the amenities of utilities grease traps all that stuff life safety fiber optics service handy get all that additional space outside on the town square we're allowed 30 to 40 seating Alfredo kind of style or fresco excuse me and while we're in the construction phase we'll be able to incorporate specific designs as we target tenants that we want that'll we don't want to just hang a sign out for rent we're going to go specifically and target tenants so the building uses are part of providing activation to the square then the use of selected tenants will promote popular gathering spaces for friends and families division to continue creating attractions like the aquarium to ultimately create a destination to further possible so the idea of the aquarium gave us an attraction but it didn't give us the destination so we're going to go ahead and head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head

which is pretty fun, sounds unique, which offers ownership opportunities to the heart of Riverheads. The units will range from studios to two bedrooms. Our concept includes dedicated parking underneath the hotel for those 12 condo units. So we'll have 12 condo units, eight one-bedroom units, two studio units, and two bedroom units, two two-bedroom units. So where am I up to? So progress to date. So we've been doing this for a while now, right, everybody? It's been a lot of work, different concepts, different ideas. We saw the demolition of the former Sears and Sweezy's buildings in October of 2021. We proposed active involvement in the Town Square project beginning in 2022. We collaborated with the town of Riverhead Consultants to develop a project for the town of Sears. We worked with the town of Riverhead Consultants, UDA, Skolnick Architecture, LVF, throughout the concept design process, and of course, Andy. Participated in all the public hearings as possible to support this community engagement and this big undertaking and town-changing project. We worked closely with the town of Riverhead and the CDA to secure downtown revitalization initiatives, DRI grants and funding. And partook in the DRI committee helping guide the strategic allocation of the funds. So the recommended action plan. The first time I ever saw this was called RAP. I'm like, what is this RAP? So the RAP is to develop and work with the town to create and submit development plans, which will be. Which we're working on. Coordinate with the team, set up a project team, and hold regular meetings to stay aligned on the goals and the progress. Start the site plans and track milestones. Begin the site plan process within 60 days of the study period. And track the key project milestones. We're going to build and maintain the project. We're going to develop the hotel condos and retail and the public spaces. And maintain the town square for 10 years. So. We've come a long way. And I appreciate my team for being here. And I appreciate the opportunity to come here once again and try to make Riverhead great again. Thank you. So here's our schedule. It's 14 months. That's what we need to get it going. We want to start as early as we can. We're looking at November, I think, right? And. Some demolition. And on our way. Thank you. Mr. Supervisor, members of the board. In conclusion, I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to make this presentation to you this evening. And share our thoughts. And respond to the issues that are related as qualified and eligible under 507 of General Municipal Law. In our opinion, we have stated through our budget information that we received and put together the financial wherewithal in order to bring this project to fruition. And based on our experience and based on our financial information that we had over the other projects we've had here in the town, inclusive of the renovation of this building so that you could have a municipal entity to function within, that we have the experience in order to proceed on your behalf. As we look at this, we believe that the bonding information, the construction information will take us from undertaking it from permit process through and complete to the process of CLU. So, again, we thank you for the opportunity. And if you have any other questions, we'd be happy to respond. And depending on what the question relates to, it will relate to various members of our team to respond. So I thank you. CHAIR BAILET. Thank you, Councillor. I just want to let everybody know who's watching this tonight is we are not going to render a decision tonight. We just got this information that you just saw at the start of the meeting. So we need to digest it and everything, spend some time going through it as a board. And at this point in time, I would ask my board members, do you have any specific questions for any of the presenters? MS. No. CHAIR BAILET. I don't. CHAIR BAILET. Okay. Then at this time, I would like to remind everybody for public comment, we would have you come up and we're going to limit you to three minutes because I think there's going to be quite a few people coming up. And then we'll let you come back up again after everybody else has spoke. So anybody who wants to come up and comment just specifically on the qualified and eligible hearing and also the land use, that's what this is for tonight. Comments on the qualified and eligible hearing. And the land transfer, I should say. So anybody would like to come up, state your name. MR. Do you want to move to here? Do you want to move to here? MR. No. Jerry Halpin, Riverhead. And so I am absolutely pro-revitalization of our downtown. My comments and concerns and questions are focused on how this contract affects us as taxpayers. And so my first thought is, is that this doesn't sit well. After going through the contract myself, I'm going to go back to the contract. I'm going to go back to the contract myself because I do see the 7% that will be taken off the purchase price. And I wonder why there isn't a cap on that 7% that would ensure steady work and making sure that the CO happens on time. We're also going to be deducting, there'll be a price of $150 for 10 years to maintain that property and others. And while we're taking part of the East End Arts Council's property away from them, we are shrinking that size down. And that does concern me as a taxpayer because that will be given to this company. And oftentimes in our town we talk about, and so did Mr. Petruccelli tonight, about it's all about kids and family. And while that's all well and good when it's convenient, when we're taking from a space that's safe for artists, that does concern me. So I just would like an answer from this board on that. We're also going to lose part of our current town square, which we're also giving up to the developer, which I'm not really sure why we can't retain. We're going to have to maintain that ourselves. I would like an answer from our board for that. And to build this, what I understand from the contract and from other things that I've seen, we will be losing handicapped parking spots in our downtown overall development, which does concern me because we are building an adaptive park, which does service the people of that population in our community. So it seems counterproductive to me. In the contract, the master developer is requiring IDA tax abatements for this to go through. And I do want to make sure that that's not the case. I'm not going to be able to get that done. And I do have a concern with that because in January of 4th, 2016, looking at Mr. Petrucelli's financials, sound all well and good here tonight. In 2016, he and Mr. DeLuca from Alanis Holding told the IDA Aquarium may have to close its doors because if they didn't receive the tax abatements at that time because of their financial situation. And so it is nine years later, but I would like to know from our town board so that we don't have another debacle like we did out at EPCAO. I do have a clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear [transcription gap] clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear room and our entire town does do that for their homes. So it would just be nice for us to know what our property is worth going forward, which would help us, which leads to what you ran on in your last election, which is transparency. I do understand, but this deal and this contract, I do believe our town board could do better and could fight harder for us. So please, please, please do that. That's what I'm asking you. So thanks.

Anybody else would like to come up to the microphone? Hi, Cindy Clifford. First of all, I do believe that the board and Ms. Thomas and Mr. Petrocelli have all been doing their best to move our town ahead to its next incarnation, but I'm not certain this path reflects the wants and needs of the majority of our residents, or at least those who take the time to follow what goes on and form opinions. Most of what we've seen come to downtown has not lived up to its original promises, or at least the expectations. I think that the board and Ms. Thomas and Mr. Petrocelli have all been doing their best to move our town ahead to its next incarnation, but I'm not certain this path reflects the wants and needs of the majority of our residents, or at least the expectations that were stated as a basis of the approvals. I think that the board and Ms. Thomas and Mr. Petrocelli have all been doing their best to move our town ahead to its next incarnation, or at least the expectations that were stated as a basis of the approvals. We can go as far back as Tanger, which downtown business people supported, believing it would drive traffic to Main Street, rather than reroute it to the outlets where it would stay. The same with Atlantis, which, while it has put Riverhead on the map, has also not resulted in its patrons visiting our restaurants and whatever shops have come and gone in the meantime. And of course, with whatever financial success it has had, the town coffers have not profited as its tax abatements have been and continue to be extended. Approving our first downtown multi-story apartment, Summerwind, paved the way for subsequent five-story Peconic Crossing, which was pitched in part as artist housing, which fell to the wayside nearly immediately. By then, all but guaranteeing approval for the Gallo Building, the Shipwreck Apartments, the Heatherwood Building, all these oversights. These standardized additions were promoted, at least in part, as a way to increase foot traffic that would support our local businesses and return our downtown to being a thriving, walkable community. That is not the outcome we've experienced. All due respect to Mr. Petrucelli, the mixed-use portion of the building sounds fabulous, but I really don't know about a third hotel on Main Street, not to mention the additional condo units, as being a benefit to the goal of creating a town square. A gathering place to revitalize our downtown district. Shouldn't we be more focused on what would benefit our local and area residents? Couldn't you just maybe go up on Route 58 instead? Just a suggestion. And with all the in-talk of the importance of opening Main Street up to the river, again, as Jerry just mentioned, we're concerned about considering reducing the view and giving away additional footage on either side of the 127 Main Street property. Who's going to benefit from further reducing the view? The town square area and the iconic and cultural and historic East End Arts property in order to accommodate a privately owned five-story business, not the residents. And again, there is a question about whether this is going to fit in a community that has the sort of budgeting and income that Riverhead has. It looks like a pretty high-end, like lovely, but it looks like a pretty high-end hotel. Also wondering about the benefit to the community with the intention of earmarking 70-something parking spaces in an as-yet-to-be-built $15 million parking garage that will further forever change the character of what we have here and have been trying to hold onto. And again, why are IDA benefits such a given that they're already written into the contract that sits waiting for signatures? At the very least, we'd like you to consider carving out school district and fire district taxes for the good of our students, families, and fire department. Finally, I hope you consider any of what I ask and what I say as a request just to take another look to consider residents and taxpayers. We all want what's best for the town and for the people who call it home. We just don't always have the same perspective. Thank you.

Hello. My name is Joe Waiula. I was born and raised in Port Washington. And I am the curator and co-founder of the Long Island Aquarium. I'm proud to say this year we are celebrating our 25th anniversary. Personally, I've been on the site for 30 years when I came on board with what was then Okinos back in 1995. So almost half my life I've been on site in Riverhead on Main Street. And during that time, I've seen and lived and at times endured the trials and tribulations of Main Street. The first proposal for the site was to build a waterway. The first proposal for a public aquarium on Long Island was back in 1992 when myself, Jim Bissett, and Joe Petrucelli applied for a proposal in Port Jefferson. Eight years later, we landed in Riverhead and we're actually glad that we landed here. At the Long Island Aquarium, we have done all the designs and builds in-house, creating a great team along the way. I've been in the trenches with Joe Petrucelli the entire time, mixing cement, gluing pipe, whatever it took, to get the job not only done, but done with excellence. Without his vision, artistry, and dedication, there would not be a Long Island Aquarium and all that surrounds it. Reviewing this project, this project is a slam dunk and it will take Riverhead well into the future. Thank you.

John McAuliffe, Roanoke Landing in Riverhead. First, I want to ask a couple of procedural questions. Supervisor, you've helped a lot in saying a bit, but do you have any sort of a timeframe? About when you see coming to a conclusion and bringing this back? Well, as I stated, this will be open for ten days for written comment after tonight, which will bring it to August 1st. After that, we can, or during that time and by the end of August 1st, we will look at the comments that come in and make a decision shortly thereafter. So it could happen, I'm assuming, as quick as August 5th or maybe the second, I believe it would be August 19th, the 6th. I believe it would be August 19th, the second meeting in August. But we'll discuss that. But your intention is to try to move to conclusion while it's still the summer. My intention is to get this project going as fast as we possibly can. That's perfectly legitimate is your goal. I'm just saying that I want to be clear. The first time that I became involved really with Riverhead politics and process was on the question of EPCAL and the qualified and eligible hearing. EPCAL watch spent a lot of time trying to convince the then board that there were serious problems with the Jermasians, and we were ignored by a majority of that board. Had the board listened to us, we would not now have our land tied up in a legal way. We would not have a legal mess that could go on for a long time. I'm sorry we didn't have your crystal ball, John. Well, I'm just saying that the point I'm making is to say that you pushed and pushed very hard. I mean, you were the only continuity person. But the board, there's a sort of momentum, an internalization of decision-making that pushes ahead regardless of what is being said. So I'm just saying. Well, this is a little bit of a different scenario here. We have someone that has proven himself to be committed to this community. I agree, but people. He has built and he has stayed here. I agree, but people were equally enthusiastic and positive about the Jermasians. I mean, I can go on with this, but my point is simply that I hope that in the course of this, that you look at the fundamental issues that we have, at the fundamental question, and this is the first time this fundamental question is being addressed, as to whether the town of Riverhead, the people of Riverhead, want to have a third hotel on Main Street. There's a rumor of a hotel further west to be built, which would be a wonderful project and would help to build up the West Main Street area. But I don't think, I think there really needs to be discussion. A discussion among the public about whether they want a hotel. I have no objection to Mr. Petrucelli personally. I wish he would come in with a two-story project that maintained Crafted, as was in the original plan. Crafted was to be maintained in what the former supervisor said. It was to be maintained in the first comment that Dawn made. And I. Sorry, John. I'll be on three minutes. I'm going to ask you to cut it. And then you can come back up later. Yeah. Well, I definitely will. And I would like at that point, if I can, to connect my computer and my visuals to the screen. The way. Because the whole problem with the Q&E process. John. We have an hour presentation. And then we have little bits. You can say all this when you come back up. All right. Thank you. And I put on the tech at that point. Can I. I'll cut you off. [transcription gap] you have that you want in the record you're more than welcome to submit that into the record

best you're going to get

my name is melinda topping i live on riverside drive i've lived there for over 40 years i'm also a member of the first congregational church of riverhead i'm not speaking on behalf of my church and whatsoever but that's the reason why i'm frequently in the parking lot on first street in riverhead i want to know if the town board has given any consideration to the fact that this proposal is from start to finish is going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 14 months i'm assuming once that hotel is done they're going to want to start to fill it up i want to know if the town what is the time frame or what's the town board's consideration for the time frame to build the parking garage behind our church because i don't know how many of you have been in that parking lot on the weekend okay ma'am i'm going to go ahead and ask you a question and then we'll go ahead and ask you a question and then we'll going to have to interrupt you this is about a qualified and eligible hearing what you're talking about is a whole different box okay we're talking about whether we think this entity is capable of building this project that's what we're seeing them completing it and i foresee the problem that is going to happen when there is no parking garage on first place because the land that you will be settings aside for the uh parks and playground areas and the access to the river will get rid of the parking space there will be parking space there will be parking space there will be parking of all parking pretty much on the south side that is directly behind the current Sweezy building. When the Suffolk Theater is running a full show on the weekends, many of those cars now park on the south side. When the hotel is full and there's 76 guests in the hotel, those cars will be on the north side along with everyone who's trying to get in the Suffolk Theater as well as the gym, as well as all the other things that are going on on the north side of the street. My question is, when do you anticipate having a parking garage so people who might want to come to the playground could actually find a place to put their car to get there? That's my question. Just going to remind people this is a qualified and eligible hearing. That's what this is about. Questions? Any questions for the developers about their qualification and eligibility for them to perform this project? Ron Hariri of Aqibog. I would just like to clarify that the financial documentation and other submissions to evidence this applicant's eligibility will be provided on the town's website. Is that true, Councillor? Yes, that will be submitted into the website. And I would like to know if there's any other questions. I would like to make a reasonable opportunity for the public to review and comment on that documentation. I would submit that to have it in the middle of the summer when many people may not be present may be a hardship. So I again really suggest that it be sometime in early September or later in August so we can digest this information and review it. And just to clarify. Yes. I would like to clarify perhaps Council to Mr. Petrucelli can confirm. Have you provided audited financial statements for the applicant, sir? So all questions are going to be answered at the end. So like I said at the beginning of this, the public is going to come up, they're going to make their comments, they're going to ask their questions. Applicant and his team are taking notes and they will have an opportunity to come up and respond to anything that they've heard during the course of that. All right. Then I would reserve my opportunity to comment. Thank you. And I would also like to add that the public is going to be able to review the document on documentation and support until that is publicly available on the town's website. And we have a reasonable opportunity to review it. So as indicated at the beginning, this is going to be closed. The public portion of this is going to be closed subject to a written comment period that's going to be left open for 10 days. All right. So that's August 1st. And so any comment or additional comments? I'll head over to you, Sean. Sean améric. [transcription gap] Sean améric. Sean améric. Sean améric. Sean améric. Sean améric. Sean améric. go through. I think the Petrocelli's, they will do a very good job in comparison to some of the apartments that are on Main Street currently. So I think this would be good. To the Petrocelli's, they have the parking on the north side of the railroad tracks for the aquarium. On Ostrander, correct. Right. Now, could that be part of the deal that they'll allow parking there on their lot when the aquarium isn't busy? That that way, that would, it is a walk, but it would help alleviate some of the problems by using their parking lot. Right. Since, you know, since. They're going to do the building, they should do that so it'll mitigate some of it. And that could be part of the agreement so that there is more parking. We'll have them answer that. Yeah. Well, that that's why I wanted to bring it up, because when we had the Alive on 25, I parked back in there. Maybe it needs some lights or something. They could do that. So it. Would mitigate. So you can actually see in there after dark. And that would also make it more safe. For people to park there. And that would just be. An addition. And to be minimal cost to them. But it would be. A major. Help for the town of Riverhead. Thank you. Okay. 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23. So based on that, I say we give these gentlemen a chance to bring back Riverhead like it's never been brought back before. We've seen what West Hampton Beach has done, we've seen what Greenport has done, and we've seen what Patchogue has done. It's time that we stop being the laughing stock of Long Island and move forward with this plan. Thank you. Thank you. Hello, everyone. Hello, everyone. My name is Misolino Silva. I am from Vishen Long Island, and we are in support of the town of Riverhead moving forward with a master developer for the Town Square project in downtown Riverhead. In recent years, we have supported grant application for NYS DRI, funding for the town square project in downtown Riverhead, and we have supported grant application for NYS DRI, funding for the town square project in downtown Riverhead, and we have supported and we have supported grant application for NYS DRI, funding in the federal raise program to invest in this project and see it as an essential element to Riverhead's ongoing revitalization. The public space component for a playground and a splash pad are great for families. The amphitheater and boutique hotel will bring needed revenue to the community. Safe walkable streets are important for everyone, and a parking garage will bring much needed infrastructure into the downtown. This project should move ahead without delay. Special acknowledgement to the supervisor and members of the town of Riverhead board and staff for their work securing these funds and the state and federal officials that were involved as well. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. [transcription gap] Thank you. [transcription gap] Thank you. [transcription gap] Thank you. [transcription gap] of what this project is going to cost the town during the construction and thereafter in terms of police waste removal sewage treatment we always look at the money coming in but we never look at the money going out and i would hope that you demand that that kind of information be provided as early as possible and given sincere consideration we could end up with higher taxes for this for everybody in the town rather than a wonderful downtown area that makes money for the town so please do that carefully thank you thank you

mr supervisor and members of the town board uh richard wines and james fort just to correct the record i'm chair of the landmarks preservation commission and not the town historian you could be though thank you i didn't second guess it i just want to say that uh the landmarks preservation commission is delighted to see the town square and the hotel proposal because we believe this has the capability of the big complement and enhance the historic nature of downtown riverhead we've worked very closely with the petroselli family over the last two decades restoration first of the preston house and then of the howell house and and finally of east lawn and and they've really done wonderful things for preserving riverhead's historic fabric in those places i also wanted to speak specifically to the east end arts council which has two of the several of the most important historic buildings downtown i think this project has the opportunity the ability to enhance that by slightly shifting the buildings making giving a little bit more air getting them up out of the floodplain and also by reconfiguring in the way that may be more useful we've also we've been working closely with the state historic preservation office to make sure that this will not negatively impact how their status is contributing buildings to the downtown national register district so we see this is a very positive way to enhance the historic fabric of downtown riverhead thank you thank you thank you [transcription gap]

decades. Mr. Petrochelli, you have done a nice job with the aquarium in the Preston House. I feel though that this town square project should be open to other bidders and invite competing visions that might better serve our community. I strongly oppose another five-story building on Main Street. I thought the Suffolk Theater wanted to expand, and now I'm hearing that parking lot is going to be taken. One of the previous speakers had stated about visions that we have seen in our newspapers. They have shown artists. They have shown renderings of lofts and beautiful walk-through areas and cafes. I have watched nice businesses like Parabellos, Michelangelo's, Ralph Isis, the Blue Duck Bakery close after unsuccessful years. Why is that? You're proposing the new building downtown with just 12 parking spaces. I cannot imagine either of my adult daughters wanting to live in that environment, especially with the current types of people wandering around the streets after dark. You take a look at our wonderful Riverview lofts. They're beautiful. They're beautiful. They're so full. Look how full this middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle [transcription gap] middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle ! Look. Look. [transcription gap] Look. Look. Look. Look. Look.

Look. Our historic town has five story buildings on its main street. That's what I want to know. Our parking is ridiculous downtown. Something needs to change. And as a town board, I expect you to be listening to the people. It is unfortunate that it is the summertime and more people are not present. Thank you. I just want to clarify for the board quickly that the parking garage proposal is currently designed would not intrude upon the Suffolk Theater's proposed project and the Riverhead Lofts does not contain any Section 8 housing. Correct. Thank you. Also, I just want to add that with the Live on 25, when we have more people here than we do any other day. We have so many people here. We have so many people. [transcription gap] and eligible i agree okay thank you i'm mark woolley from riverhead today i'm here to be heard not to question for all of the questions being posed to you today lead to but one conclusion what we're seeing today is another giveaway of our property with our assets unfortunately there are no other such there are other such examples all in the guise of progress but they are way too many to enumerate here today so standing before us is your so-called master developer in a deal that nets him more public money for another of his private ventures you ask that he be entrusted with our tax dollars for another subsidized urban renewal cabal those of us here today the one percent oh i'm glad that you're right and that what is proposed please don't interrupt understand that what is proposed makes no fiscal sense and yet we are here as part of your high stakes game of chance to that we say just because you can doesn't mean you should yet what's important for your master developer to understand is my family's been here 60 years far as they're concerned and i'm concerned there's no need to make river head great again it's already great thank you so so so so so Barbara Ripple, Ph.D.: Good evening. My name is Barbara Ripple. I have a Ph.D. in history, and I concentrate on people. Unfortunately, most of the time you all went to history classes and learned names, dates, and places, but it's really about people. What I heard through much of this conversation was money, and I understand that's a big word today. Money, money, money, and that's what it's all about. The second thing was tourists, and that got a lot of attention too. What happened to the people of Riverhead? People, the residents. Are you taking, you know, this five-story building on Main Street? There's these big, beautiful buildings jumping up everywhere. Is that good for the residents? Is all this other stuff good for the residents? Was our taxes going to just drop into nothing? I don't think so. So I think you ought to really consider what this is going to happen. Where will Riverhead go? Up or down? And by the way, I'm personally insulted to the comment about the brain drain here. I have a Ph.D. I'm a professional. Almost all my friends are professionals, and almost all of them live in Riverhead.

I have a full head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head I had recently been filed with the New York State Department of State in May of 2025. So this evening, I came here prepared to hear information about financials and experience for this LLC. Instead, I was treated to a great history. There is no doubt that Petrucelli family has done magnificent things all over Long Island, but this is not the LLC that we are going to be entering into a contract with. We are not entering into a contract with J. Petrucelli Enterprises. It is this specific LLC, and we don't have the information about that LLC's finances and experience in development projects anywhere, whether it be here in Riverhead, upstate New York, in the city of New York, in Canada, anywhere in the United States. So I would respectfully ask that you do not close this hearing this evening, because the information that has also just been presented does not allow us an opportunity to ask questions and have discussion and dialogue, which is part of what a public hearing on qualified and eligible should be about. What we will be able to do is write in comments, but not ask questions, so that we can act Thank you. [transcription gap] as residents of this town. So I would respectfully ask that you do not close the hearing this evening and you have a 30-day period in which people can come back and have their questions answered. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.

Evening. Claudette Bianco-Bading Hollow. I just have a quick question. And while the presentation was dynamic and the plans are very, very well done, like Angela just said, there's no financial information. That's the eligible part of qualified and eligible. You've proven that you're qualified, but we haven't seen anything that says you're eligible. And from what you've done in the past, your other projects, clearly you're very good at what you do. I wonder why it is that you felt, felt it necessary to put a provision in the agreement guaranteeing UIDA benefits. Your project is going to use our town resources, fire, emergency, water, sewage, police. I don't understand why you feel the need that you need to get these tax abatements. And frankly, as a taxpayer, I'd like a tax abatement too. I just wonder why that was possible. They had to. I don't understand why they felt the need to put that in there, why they felt the necessary to put that in there. Thank you. Thank you. We have one person on the line. We'll take that person now.

Thank you. Thank you. Nobody? Nobody?

Marty, can you hear me? Yes, I can. Okay, we can hear you. Go ahead. Okay, Martin Zemlowski. Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead. I'm also the chair of the Riverhead Parking Advisory Committee. Very glad that you got to put all the information online for us to review. One question would be, and you don't have to check it now. I'm sure the information will be online. In the budget that is provided for the hotel, is there a parking rental fee included in their budget for the hotel annually? In the seeker referral of December, as well as the final seeker finding statement that was adopted with the NGDEC in March, it indicated that there would be possibly a rental of parking for the hotel. Now, just for the record, the hotel is in the parking district and ironically would not be required to provide parking. Whether that's good or bad or a good business decision is one thing. But realistically, I know that they are looking to basically reserve or utilize specific parking within the district, which goes beyond what the parking district offers to its taxpayers. So there should be some type of a budgetary item within their annual operating budget that you must consider. Also, with the discussion of the hotel and all of the other items that come about with, you know, the ! Thank you. Thank you. Okay. I would ask at this point in time, Councilor Russo and your team, if you would like to come up and address some of these issues or the issues that you have discussed. I would like to head over to you, Do you want the second round in before they answer questions? Yeah, Mr. Russell, let me do that. I'm sorry, I didn't see anybody else getting up, so I assume. Go ahead, John. No problem. Thanks.

John McAuliffe, Rolling Woods, Roanoke Landing. I started to say that I think, and I hope you take Angela's recommendation seriously and put a 30-day rather than a 10-day time period for comments, since there is a lot of material. We've heard for the first time, and looking at it in writing is different even than hearing it. But there is an inherent imbalance, because the presenters are professionally staffed and have an unlimited amount of time, and the questions are highly time-limited and choppy. It's very hard. I mean, I will say as much as you'll let me say, but I want to... Yes. ...pick up on a couple of things that have not been said. I think that it was said in an earlier discussion that the hotel rooms were the best economic benefit for the town. I don't think that's the point. The point is what we want the town square to look like. That's really what this hearing is about, because of the way things have been jumbled together. I think economically you can also argue that a more open town square is to the economic benefit of the kind of townscape that is created. There's several very direct costs to people of Riverhead, and maybe from your viewpoint they're small costs, but I think they're real costs. One is the destruction of Crafted. And they, as I said, in both the former supervisor and in Dawn's comments at an earlier stage, it was said that they were going to be able to continue, that that building would continue. There is also... Mr. Petrucelli talked about maintaining the Swayze's history. [transcription gap]

!

Mr. Okay. Second question is the East End Arts Council has been referred to. They will be forced to pack and move twice at taxpayer cost. Mr. Grant money is paying for that, John. Mr. Okay. Well, that's still taxpayers. Female Speaker. [transcription gap] rather stay where they are, you might have gotten a different. Female Speaker 2 It's been submitted to the town. Male Speaker 3 I'm wondering because their new stuff won't be flooded or anything else once this is done because this is a flood mitigation project. Male Speaker 3 The flooding problem could be dealt with in a different way than moving them. But the reason they're being moved is to provide more space for the hotel. That's very clear in the contract. The Suffolk County Historical Museum, we talked about it at the last board meeting that they had hoped to be going into the Griffin Avenue. They're now going to be delayed by two or three years. But I'm talking about the Q&E that there are costs in the way you're approaching it at this point. The loss of the physical land on both sides, I think is problematic. I have great respect for Richard Wine's comment, but the R&D, the construction, the Art Center is now going to be between two five-story buildings and is going to be in their shadow literally and figuratively. The question of the history, I have already written some of it in the News Review and in the local and I have written some of it in the local and I have written some of it in the local and I have written some of it in the local and I will put that all in to your formal documentation. But I think that there in fact is not a history of consultation with people about the basic question of do they want to have a third hotel taken up. John, I'm going to have to cut your time off because you're going way over and first of all, you're not sticking with the Q&E questions and I've mentioned it a couple times to you. So I'm going to ask you to wrap it up now. Thank you. All right. Well, let me just say finally one thing, since you don't allow now handing out pieces of paper at meetings, if anyone. You can hand that paper in as you were told previously. No, no, no. This is, I mean to the people who are here. Anyone who is interested in participating in the poll or participating in the petition, I'll be outside afterwards with the links and people can do it. But again, I hope that you follow the other, I mean I'll put other things in the written comments. But again, I think this inherent imbalance makes it very hard to actually have a full discussion and conversation about what a project means. So, but that's the way you want to. Okay, we have one online. We will take that one online.

Okay, thank you. Good evening. Mike Foley, Reeves Park. Can you hear me okay, Tim? We can hear you, Mike. I read I'm not there. I'm away on a wonderful vacation. But I was really interested in the presentation and interested in the comments, especially the people that are really civically involved in downtown. And, you know, I heard Cindy and I've heard a few other people. I just want to start with, I'm going to stipulate that Joe Petrucelli is not only qualified and eligible, but I'm thankful for what he's done for our downtown, along with Bob Castaldi, who renovated the Suffolk Theater. So here we are in another phase where urban designers and Barry Long spent a lot of time and got a lot of input. There are probably, I'd say probably 20 people from my small community in Reeves Park that were in these discussions about what downtown should look like. And the fact of the matter is, you know, my family's here 70 years. I'm 72 years old. So I'm kind of 75 years, actually. I'm 72. So, you know, I've spent my summers here my whole life. And now I'm a full-time resident here. Downtown Riverhead is better now than it's ever been. And I think in no small part because Bob Castaldi, took a shot and the Suffolk Theater came in and things have happened since then. And I'm thankful that Barry Long put the urban design team together and that the town board allowed it to go forward. And what we're looking at right now is the next step in the development of downtown. My problem, and again, I'll stipulate, Joe Petrucelli, you're qualified, you're eligible, and I'm thankful you were invited. I'm very grateful that you were involved in the project. My concern, and Tim, cut me off if I'm wrong, because this is awful qualified and eligible because I've already stipulated that they are. But my concern is with the federal funding conundrum that we're in right now. And I'm sure that Dawn can add some answers to the questions that I hope Joe and Dawn have a chance to answer. Where money, federal money, grant money, that we were anticipating, you know, we were anticipating, so I'll leave you with that. Where's the middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle middle of the Town Square has been taken away. And it's my understanding, and believe me, I'm not a subject matter expert, but that a federal program called RAISE still has somewhere between 15 and $20 million committed to the Town Square project. My concern, and Joe, again, you might not be a good public speaker, but as far as I'm concerned, you've got credibility in my book. My concern is how we proceed without damaging what we have now. And Crafted has been mentioned once in passing. But Crafted's a successful business. They own Cucina 25, where I get food delivered at least once a week, the best Italian food in Riverhead. Maybe I'll get a free pizza from that, you never know. But to see them moved at the initial stage of this, when we have issues that might deliver the food that we need, and I think that's where the town square is going to lay the culmination of the Town Square is concerning to me. And I would ask Joe, and I would ask Dawn, would it be possible for us to get things going with the Town Square project without gutting Crafted and starting the hotel project. There was actually, somebody had mentioned that they expect there's going to be somewhere, about 14 months of construction. I didn't have clear head clear head clear maintaining town square which by the way I think is great I don't think anybody would be more qualified and eligible to maintain something for 10 years as to the person that builds it so I'm totally in favor of that and Joe certainly has got enough street cred with me to say that I trust this guy to do it but Joe I'll ask you and Dawn I'll ask you with the federal money right now that in my mind is up in the air could the federal clawback of funds delay this project to the extent that the hotel would be built before the town square would be built I'm concerned about that thanks Tim thank you Mike so if any anybody online now okay so mr. supervisor so dawn isn't here but I'm told that the federal funding won't affect the town square project because the federal funding isn't sort of tagged for any of those projects that that money is tagged for streetscapes and for the parking garage right the dawn has assured us that the money from the federal government that's earmarked for this project has not been affected by any grants being reverted back from the current president not yet my name is Lori I'm the owner of the property in Acrobog for over 30 years even though for the first 20 years of that I was going back and forth to Manhattan but spending all my weekends and vacations here as long as I've been aware there's been this talk of the revitalization project I'm on the board of East End Arts and of course I know now some of the issues that are going to affect them and I came here with a clear head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head E, the qualifications, and you're not giving the rest of the people the same consideration. I find that abominable. But thank you for letting me talk. I totally disagree with you.

One online or no? Nobody online. We have somebody else coming up? Okay. Good evening, Township Advisor and Board. Kevin Che, Bading Hollow. I only have three questions. Since this is going to be a Q&A, I might get a response. One, it was the underground parking lot. You could probably explain to me, as a firefighter, we deal with floods as well, like in New York City. And you said this is a flood plain, so if it's going to be underground, maybe you can explain how the underground won't turn. It's going to turn into another aquarium. That's number one. I'm not insulting you in saying I'm just curious. And number two, to the Board, obviously the 7% fee, I just wanted to know if that's going to go towards the levy that would help reduce the property tax. That's coming up next year, and that would be a question for you. I think that's it. Thank you. Thank you.

! Angela DeVito again. You know, the longer you sit, the more questions you come up with. Is there any part of this project that is going to require the Master Developer to enact our apprenticeship language clauses? Are we looking towards that at any part of this whatsoever? I'll have them answer that. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Anybody else? Seeing nobody and nobody online, I will turn it over to the Master Developer's team.

Mr. Supervisor, what we will do is I will let the architect address the plain issues and the development proposals. Thank you. [transcription gap] Thank you. [transcription gap] I THINK WE'VE GOTTEN TO THIS POINT WITH BARRY LONG AND THE VARIOUS CONSULTANTS FROM THE TOWN. AND THEN WE'LL MOVE FROM THERE. SO MR. ARCHITECT IS COMING. OK. ANDREW JABBARTONE AGAIN FOR THE APPLICANT. SO WHAT WE DID WITH THE FLOOD PLANE IN THE BACK AND THE PARKING GARAGE IS THAT AS YOU DRIVE DOWN TO THE PARKING GARAGE, YOU'RE ACTUALLY DRIVING UPHILL. AND YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THE CREST AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE GARAGE AND THEN IT SLOPES DOWN. AND THE ELEVATION OF THAT CREST IS SET WHERE IT WILL AVOID FLOODING FOR UP TO 70% OF THE ANTICIPATED FLOODS OVER 50 YEARS. SO THAT WAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, MITIGATING THE PITCH OF THE DRIVEWAY FROM HEIDI BEAR WAY UP TO THE HOTEL WHEN IT'S FINISHED. IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS DESIGN DIDN'T EMANATE FROM MR. PETROSELY OR HIS GROUP. THE TOWN SQUARE WAS A RESULT OF TREMENDOUS OUTREACH FROM BETWEEN THE TOWN, THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FROM URBAN DESIGN ASSOCIATES. THEY HAD NUMEROUS WORKSHOPS WHERE THEY ENLISTED AND ENCOURAGED PUBLIC COMMENT AND SUPPORT. AND THE CONCEPT OF A TOWN SQUARE WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF THAT EFFORT. IT WASN'T SOMETHING THAT WAS PROPOSED TO THE TOWN BY MR. PETROSELY OR ANYONE. IT WAS A RESULT OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND TRYING TO DETERMINE WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST WAY TO GET THE TOWN TO RELAX. AND WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST USE OF THAT PROPERTY. SO THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN IN A VACUUM. IT HAPPENED WITH A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY, WITH THE SUPPORT OF URBAN DESIGN ASSOCIATES AND BARRY LONG IN PARTICULAR. AND IT'S BEEN A LONG ROAD. THIS HASN'T HAPPENED OVERNIGHT. THEY DEVELOPED A PATTERN BOOK THAT SPOKE TO THE NEED FOR ACTIVATION ON MAIN STREET. AND ALTHOUGH WE'RE NOT SEEING THE RESULTS OF IT YET, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LOOK AT MINNEOLA, LOOK AT LINDENHURST, LOOK AT PATCHORG, AND SEE THE TREMENDOUS ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION RESULTING FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OF APARTMENTS IN THOSE DOWNTOWN AREAS. AND YOU'LL SEE THAT IN TIME TO COME, IT WILL PROVE TO BE TRUE HERE AS WELL. THANK YOU. AND, SIR, WASN'T THIS ALSO WITH INVOLVEMENT FROM THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS THERE, THE INVOLVEMENT IN THIS, AS FAR AS COASTAL FLOOD PLANE MITIGATION FOR THIS WHOLE AREA? YES. THERE WAS AN EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATION BY THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS. THEY PROJECTED WHAT THE POTENTIAL FLOOD WOULD BE AT DIFFERENT INCREMENTS. AND IT WAS DECIDED THAT IF THIS BUILDING WAS GOING TO BE BUILT AND THE SQUARE WAS GOING TO BE BUILT, IT WOULD BE BUILT IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT WOULD BE FREE OF THE CONCERN OF FLOOD MITIGATION ONCE WE GOT UP TO ELEVATION 12, WHICH IS THE BACK SIDE, THE WATERFRONT OF THE TOWN SQUARE. THANK YOU. MR. SUPERVISOR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, IF YOU RECALL, IN THE BEGINNING OF THE PRESENTATION, WE WERE, WE RECITED AND POINTED OUT THE SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR THE PARTICULAR PROJECT. WE INDICATED THAT THEY WERE CREATING AN LLC AS IT IS A SEPARATE ENTITY FROM ALL OF THE OTHER ENTITIES THAT THE PETROSELLE FAMILY HAS BEEN WORKING WITH AND THROUGH, THAT THEIR COMPANIES WOULD BE EMPLOYED BY THE LLC TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT. WE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS A CONSTRUCTION LOAN ANTICIPATED OF 60% OF THE COSTS BECAUSE THE PROJECTIONS FOR THE COST WAS 32,672,889. AND WE WERE ABLE TO PROJECT THE PROJECT. WE INDICATED THAT THE DEVELOPER WAS PUTTING IN EQUITY BETWEEN JOSEPH PETROSELLE AND HIS BROTHER JOHN PETROSELLE, THAT THEY WERE PUTTING FORWARD 36% OF THE SOURCE OF FUNDS TO THE TUNE OF 12,069,155, WHICH IS IN THE BOOKLET THAT WE PROVIDED YOU. WE ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS $1 MILLION IN A GRANT THAT WAS AWARDED IN 2024 TO GO TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS PROJECT, WHICH WE STILL HOLD AND HAS NOT BEEN CLAWED BACK, WHICH GAVE YOU THE 100% FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT. WE ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS $1 MILLION IN A GRANT THAT WAS AWARDED IN 2024 TO GO TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS PROJECT, WHICH GAVE YOU THE 100% FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH GAVE YOU THE 100% FUNDING OF 32,672,889 AGAINST THE USE OF FUNDS AND THE SOURCE OF FUNDS THAT WOULD BE PROVIDED TO CREATE THE PROJECT. SO IN TERMS OF THE FINANCIALS, WE THEN WENT THROUGH AND TALKED ABOUT THE LENDING INSTITUTIONS AND THERE ARE THREE AT THE PRESENT TIME THAT ARE TALKING TO THE FAMILY AND THE PETROSELLE ORGANIZATION ABOUT FUNDING THE PROJECT. In addition to that, we had their banking representation and their accountant writing his statement, citing how they were financially solvent and how many years they've worked with them and where they are. The next question, which seems to keep coming up, is the issue of the IDA. The applicant has not addressed or made a decision, nor made application for the IDA. And as this Board knows, and it's a well-known fact, the application for IDA is handed by a separate Board that reviews financials, discusses what they're seeking for, whether it's mortgage recording tax, whether it's a pilot, and whether or not it's sales and use tax. Sales and use tax is an important element here because in the development, and as a consideration, it terms and flows on materials and what type of materials may be chosen to construct the project. If they should elect to go and apply for IDA financing, so, under this system, so, under this system, so, under this system, [transcription gap] point. The other concerns, as were coming up again and again, seem to, again, focus on what the project is going to look like and how it will benefit the town. Again, that was, as Mr. Jambortone pointed out, that's something that came back as a result of the town's inquiry and public comment over the last two-year period to get us to this point. The rest of the issues that were raised, I believe we have addressed through our earlier presentation. I leave it at that at this point. Council, I just have a question. It was mentioned earlier that somebody said that the LLC that is being formed to do this project was just formed in May of 25, and the monies that were shown to us and the funding are representative of other LLCs. I know new LLCs are formed as new partnerships are done with each particular project, but maybe you could just explain that a little better for the public. As I indicated, the funding for the LLC is going to come from the lending institution as a result of reviewing the finances of John Petrucelli and Joe Petrucelli. They're also indicating in their proposal that they're putting forward $12 million in change, so the bank is going to consider them as to whether or not they're financially viable in terms of where they're going and what they're doing, and they're going to look at the quality of the project and the materials, the development, the timeline, which, he's outlined to you in the proposal here this evening. So, yes, the LLC was formed in May as part of the negotiations. We've been in negotiations through our council that assisted me, which is William Burney, who's here this evening from Burney, Liebman, and Ross, and that's been going on from early, late October, early November through and until about a month ago. So the agreement that is being considered and before you this evening is encompassing the [transcription gap] the the the the so

negotiation and it was a very rigorous negotiation for that process. So at this point, we wait and see what your determination is based on the information we've provided. If you think that more information is necessary, I'm sure that Eric Howard and Anne Marie Prenenti will come back to us and say we need something further. But at this point, we tried to establish our reputation based on our finances, based on the monies that they would put forward, as well as the construction experience which is there for eligible and qualified. Eric Howard. Thank you. Eric Howard. Unless you have any other questions, I have nothing else to offer at this time. Eric Howard. Board, do you have any questions? Good. No. Eric Howard. Then I thank you and we appreciate the opportunity to be before you this evening on behalf of Mr. Petruccelli and our team. Eric Howard. Thank you. Eric Howard. Thank you for your consideration. Eric Howard. I just want the public to know this thing about IDA and taxes. Currently, there are no taxes on that building because the town owns the building. I just want to clear that up. Chair Greg Musil. Jim, did you have something you wanted to say? Chair Greg Musil. Okay. Chair Greg Musil. Jim, Jim. Chair Greg Musil. Go ahead. Chair Greg Musil. Did you have something? Chair Greg Musil. The building we're talking about is the building that's going to become the hotel. Chair Greg Musil. I was compelled to just to straight some facts out. Chair Greg Musil. Okay. At this point in time, I will make a motion to approve the bill. Chair Greg Musil. Okay. Chair Greg Musil. I will close the public hearing but keep it open for ten days. Chair Greg Musil. We're done. We already took a call for all of them. We will keep it open for ten days for written comment. This will also give the Board time to digest what we were given tonight. The written comment portion will be open until August 1, 2025. I want to thank everybody for coming. I want to thank everyone who's subscribed so far. [transcription gap] Thank you.