Riverhead is engaged in a visionary project to create a Town Square that links Main Street to the Peconic River. A wave of five story apartment buildings have erected new barriers and threatened convenient parking for shoppers and diners.
The intended breathing space was the town square but that goal was threatened by planners, developers and a Town Board who, without adequate public discussion and consent, pushed to build five story residence boxes on both sides of the square. The west side was saved by community pressure against a plan to use eminent domain against the Science Center.
The Town Board succeeded in using eminent domain against the creative and successful Craft'd tavern on the east side of the square. They propose to tear down the present historic two story building and to replace it with a 76 room five story hotel plus 12 condominiums (with only 12 parking places). This plan jeopardizes not only a special landscape but also the community spirit anchored around our new town square.
Eminent domain is a powerful tool intended for public good, typically used to develop roads, hospitals, or schools. However, using it in this case for private development raises moral and ethical questions. Our public lands, entrusted to serve the entire community, should not be sacrificed for private gain that may not align with the needs and values of Riverhead residents.
Luxury hotels and condos cater to a distinct, often transient clientele and do little to preserve the ambiance of Riverhead.
Alternatives exist without infringing on downtown vistas or its vibrant, public heart. Utilizing the riverfront land around Spiceys on West Main Street makes more sense if we need more hotel rooms. We urge town officials to explore options that honor the spirit of our community rather than advancing projects that fracture it.
The Town Board is steam rolling choice of J. Petrocelli as the Master Developer of the Town Square. He will profit from the hotel and condo complex and other projects. Just as with the Ghermezian’s gift of EPCAL, the qualified and eligible hearing is intended to be a foregone conclusion. Petrocelli is an inside choice in part because of his significant success with the aquarium and two nearby hotels. No doubt he also benefits as a long time contributor to the Riverhead Republican Party, the largest donor in the last campaign cycle.
Joe Petrocelli and Dawn Thomas have put a lot of work into changing the original concept of the Town Square with uncritical support from the Town Board. But that does not mean a third Petrocelli hotel makes sense. Join us in protecting our town's heritage and future by signing this petition and sharing it widely. Your signature will demonstrate the unity and commitment of Riverhead citizens and friends to safeguard our public spaces and cherished vistas.
Letter published in the Riverhead News Review 7/10/25
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Background is here
- The full Master Developer Agreement can be found on the web page of Town Clerk Jim Wooten
- Not ready to sign the petition? You can also participate in an anonymous poll about the future of the Town Square by clicking here https://tinyurl.com/RHhotelpoll
- Tell the Town Board personally if you support or oppose the proposed Petrocelli hotel / condominium. Call (631) 727-3200 or write an e-mail to Townclerk@townofriverheadny.gov
- If the issue is a priority, or you want to hear directly all opinions, attend the hearing at Town Hall, 6 p.m. July 22d, in person or by zoom
