From the Final Draft
Chapter 4
Goal 1. Reassess the development strategy for EPCAL to ensure the economic and community benefits of proposed projects align with local needs and that impacts are proactively addressed. Riverhead's substantial industrially zoned areas offer great opportunities for economic development. Enterprise Park (EPCAL) is uniquely suited for office, industrial, and commercial recreation development, due to its central location and convenient access from the LIE and existing essential infrastructure. The Town�s ownership of the property provides it with the ability to effectuate appropriate development in emerging industries and bring the property back onto the tax rolls through its sale. This increased revenue stream can help ease the tax burden on existing residents and businesses, provide funds for essential public services, and support local infrastructure improvements. 1.1. Continue to promote economic development opportunities in the EPCAL area, while creating a framework to make sure potential negative impacts are addressed. In light of the recent unsuccessful development proposal at the Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL), it is recommended that the Town revisit zoning regulations for the Planned Development (PD) district. The existing district is fairly liberal with regard to land uses, and it may be appropriate to limit some activities which the community did not support. Air cargo was recently eliminated through a Town code amendment. Systematically re-evaluating the potential impacts of other types of industrial development will help the Town to make more informed decisions and take steps to address concerns effectively while fostering responsible and sustainable development in the area. Certain intensive uses such as an air cargo terminal should be eliminated. A reevaluation of the potential impacts should ensure that roads, utilities, and public services can accommodate the increased demand from the proposed development. Recognizing the community's desire for a collaborative planning approach, a comprehensive study involving residents, NYSDEC, and other stakeholders should be initiated. This study would formulate a collective vision, identify desirable economically viable uses, explore subdivision plans, and address environmental considerations. This approach would also enhance eligibility for grant funding. One of the biggest concerns was the need to ensure that roads, utilities, and public services can accommodate the increased demand from the proposed development. A plan for roadway improvements needs to be proactively established. The Town should also explore options for public transportation services that can serve industrial areas and reduce the need for additional road development. Chapter 5: Transportation and mobility discusses transportation issues in more detail. This chapter also includes the potential to activate the existing rail spur which could potentially be used for freight and/or passenger service
Goal 8. Promote sustainable economic growth and development and foster the creation of employment opportunities. Investing in workforce development is vital for the economic growth and sustainability of Riverhead. Regional institutions such as Suffolk County Community College and Cornell Cooperative extension, and local employers including Peconic Bay Medical Center, are partners in the growth and development of a diverse job market. The development of EPCAL also has the potential further diversify the job market in fields such as technology, sustainability, and other industries.
Chapter 13
Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL) In light of several prior unfulfilled development proposals at the Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL), it is recommended that the Town revisit zoning regulations for the Planned Development (PD) district. The existing district is fairly liberal with regard to land uses and it may be appropriate to limit some activities which the community did not support such as a cargo airport. Recognizing the community's desire for a collaborative planning approach, a comprehensive study involving residents, NYSDEC, and other stakeholders should be initiated. This study would formulate a collective vision, identify desirable economically viable uses, explore subdivision plans, and address environmental considerations. This approach would also enhance eligibility for grant funding. Since potential zoning changes are unknown, and any potential future development is speculative, the GEIS cannot assess potential changes at this site.
*******************
Personal comments on the earlier draft:
Following are some abbreviated personal reactions to the
draft comp plan that respond to your references to EPCAL and emerge from the
experience of EPCAL Watch.
1) Chapter 2 In addition to
responsible industrial development and recreational opportunities, the plan
should include the possibility of not for profit educational and cultural
institutions that serve populations east and west of us as well as Riverhead.
Discussion of use of a portion of the land for wind turbines and for well
designed gambling facilities in cooperation with the Shinnecock Nation should
not be excluded.
2) Chapter 4 Long term leases as well as
land sales must be considered. Any and all aviation uses of the runways should
be forbidden. They should be decommissioned to remove them from commercial
consideration and motivation.
3) Chapter 7 "section 9.2 of the
CLUP allows economic development in EPCAL without the development restrictions
that are imposed elsewhere in the core preservation area by the Pine Barrens
Protection Act."
Should this still be the case?
4)
Chapter 9 "EPCAL - It would be great if the access road behind Wellbridge on
Grumman Blvd could be opened for the Fire Department to use."
That
should involve serious consideration about the impact of emergency vehicle
transit on Wellbridge's treatment and rehabilitation mission. Prohibition of
siren use and restriction of vehicle speed are important if the access road is
close to the facility.
5) Chapter 11 "The extension of the
district boundaries is expected to take place once the property is sold"
Or leased
6) Chapter 13 "The existing
district is fairly liberal with regard to land uses and it may be appropriate to
limit some activities which the community did not support such as a cargo
airport."
Or any other aviation use of runways.
"Recognizing the community's desire for a collaborative planning
approach, a comprehensive study involving residents, NYSDEC, and other
stakeholders should be initiated. This study would formulate a collective
vision, identify desirable economically viable uses, explore subdivision plans,
and address environmental considerations. "
Well stated. The
process of community involvement at early stages is important. Planning should
include attention to the permanent protection and, as appropriate, integration
of the 1000 non-developable acres.
John McAuliff
Coordinator,
EPCAL Watch
*********************
References
to EPCAL in Draft Comprehensive Plan Update.
Highlighting is
mine of language that caught my attention. Red are my comments.
--John McAuliff
Draft CPU Chapters
The draft chapters are presented in their
current form as a preliminary drafts for public review. Please note that
the chapters will be further refined once comments are received from the
community. Since it is an interim document, it is in a raw formatted form. The
revised draft will be arranged in a more graphic format with photos, figures,
and other visual elements to enhance clarity and understanding.
Please email comments to compplan@townofriverheadny.gov.
Deadline for comments: March 15, 2024
Chapter 2 Development
Patterns: Land Use and Zoning
Economic Development (Ch. 4) The Economic Development
chapter outlines a comprehensive set of initiatives to guide land use and
zoning strategies, aiming to balance economic growth with community needs. One topic is the reassessment
of the Enterprise Park (EPCAL) development strategy with the initiation of a
collaborative study involving residents and stakeholders. The goal is to
proactively address potential impacts, improve infrastructure, and align
development with local needs. Additionally, the chapter emphasizes responsible
industrial development by encouraging recreational opportunities, scaling back
allowable density in industrial areas “outside the fence,” allowing for
slightly higher building heights (with increased setbacks, and incorporating
design standards for aesthetics and environmental harmony.
Chapter 4 Economic
Devevelopment
Goal 1. Reassess the development strategy for EPCAL to
ensure the economic and
community benefits of proposed projects align with local
needs and that
impacts are proactively addressed.
Riverhead's substantial industrially zoned areas offer great
opportunities for economic
development. Enterprise Park (EPCAL) is uniquely suited for
office, industrial, and commercial
recreation development, due to its central location and
convenient access from the LIE and existing
essential infrastructure. The Town’s ownership of the
property provides it with the ability to
effectuate appropriate development in emerging industries
and bring the property
back onto the
tax
rolls through its sale. Or lease This increased revenue stream can help ease
the tax burden on existing residents and businesses, provide funds for
essential public services, and support local
infrastructure improvements.
1.1. Continue to promote economic development opportunities
in the EPCAL area, while creating
a framework to make sure potential negative impacts are
addressed.
In light of the recent unsuccessful development proposal at
the Enterprise Park at Calverton
(EPCAL),
it is recommended that the Town revisit zoning regulations for the Planned
Development
(PD)
district. The existing district is fairly liberal with regard to land uses, and
it may be appropriate
to
limit some activities which the community did not support. Air cargo was
recently eliminated
through
a Town code amendment. Systematically re-evaluating the potential impacts of
other
types
of industrial development will help the Town to make more informed decisions
and take steps
to
address concerns effectively while fostering responsible and sustainable
development in the
area.
Certain intensive uses such as an air cargo terminal should be eliminated.
Any aviation
use of the runways should be proscribed.
A reevaluation of the potential impacts should ensure that roads,
utilities, and public services can accommodate the increased demand from the
proposed development.
Recognizing the community's desire for a collaborative
planning approach, a
comprehensive study
involving
residents, NYSDEC, and other stakeholders should be initiated. This
study would
formulate a collective vision, identify desirable
economically viable uses, explore subdivision plans,
and address environmental considerations. This approach
would also enhance eligibility for grant
funding.
One of the biggest concerns was the need to ensure that
roads, utilities, and public services can
accommodate the increased demand from the proposed
development. A plan for roadway
improvements needs to be proactively established. The Town
should also explore options for public
transportation services that can serve industrial areas and
reduce the need for additional road
development. Chapter 5: Transportation and mobility
discusses transportation issues in more
detail. This chapter also includes the potential to activate
the existing rail spur which could
potentially be used for freight
and/or passenger service.
Goal 8. Promote sustainable economic growth and development
and foster the creation of employment opportunities. Investing in workforce
development is vital for the economic growth and sustainability of Riverhead.
Regional institutions such as Suffolk County Community College and Cornell
Cooperative extension, and local employers including Peconic Bay Medical
Center, are partners in the growth and development of a diverse job market. The
development of EPCAL also has the potential further diversify the job market in
fields such as technology, sustainability, and other industries.
8.4. Carefully consider EPCAL
development proposals to maximize living wage job creation and workforce
training opportunities. This recommendation urges a meticulous approach in
evaluating EPCAL development proposals, with a focus on job creation and workforce
development. Giving priority to projects that create living wage jobs and
training opportunities for Riverhead residents provides a pathway to economic
stability and growth for community members.
Chapter 5 Transportation
and Mobility
New York State Route 25 (NY25) NY 25 spans from the Edward
M. Koch Bridge in Queens to Orient Point, covering the entire length of the
Town of Riverhead with two lanes—one in each direction. This road, connecting
the western border to the LIE, provides access to Calverton National Cemetery
in the west and Splish-Splash Water Park in the east. West of the LIE,
development is relatively sparse on NY25, but it offers entry to the former
Grumman Naval Weapons Research facility, now known as Enterprise Park at
Calverton (EPCAL). Since 2013, traffic volumes on this NY25 section have
increased by less than 0.5% per year….
Exceptions to this generalization exist, such as the impact
on NY25 between Wading River Road and Manor Lane, which will come under
considerable demand pressure as the EPCAL property is built out….
Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL) Regarding EPCAL, the
2003 Plan recognized the necessity of widening NY25 due to the impact of the
property's development, a need confirmed in an FGEIS completed in connection
with the most recent proposal for the property. While the exact nature of the
property's development is unknown, extensive roadway mitigation, including
facility widening, intersection approach widenings, and traffic signal updates,
will be required According to the NYSDOT, an increase in peak hour traffic
volumes of only 1,000 vehicles would trigger the need to widen NY 25. Thus,
widening would be required well before Enterprise Park is built out to its full
potential. The FGEIS prepared for the 2016 EPCAL Reuse and Revitalization Plan
identified substantial specific improvements to the transportation system that
would be necessitated by phased build out of the EPCAL parcel. The improvements
were based on assumed levels of trip generation that would occur based on
phased development of the property under the adopted Planned Development
District that was the subject of the FGEIS. A summary of the system
improvements and the estimated time when they would be triggered is as follows:
2025 • Widen NY25 to five (5) Lanes (two lanes in each direction with center
turn lane) • Widen approaches to twelve (12) intersections • Upgrade five (5)
existing traffic signals • Install six (6) new traffic signals 2035 •
Additional widenings at eight (8) intersections • Upgrade ten (10) signals •
Install one (1) additional signal Note that these mitigation measures are
likely needed regardless of the ultimate development, and that basing the need
on the levels of traffic generated remains a valid strategy that the Town
should consider maintaining. Coordination with NYSDOT and other agencies will
also be required…..
• In 2010, the Town of Riverhead obtained Federal Funding
for the rehabilitation of the industrial rail spur that served the former Naval
Weapons Research facility in Calverton, now known as EPCAL. Limited freight
service is provided to several manufacturing companies located at EPCAL….
In addition, there are numerous connecting routes and the
recently opened Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreation Trail at the Calverton
Enterprise Park (EPCAL), a continuous 10- mile loop using the security road
around the perimeter of the former Grumman facility in Calverton. …
In 2019, the Town of Riverhead completed the EPCAL Alternative
Transportation Path, which loops around the 2,900-acre Enterprise Park at
Calverton (EPCAL) and links to the 65-acre recreational facility on the western
portion of the park. The trail utilizes the perimeter road that was once used
by Grumman Corporation personnel for security during its more than 40 years of
operation. EPCAL is adjacent to an existing 491-acre industrial park and future
commercial uses once a subdivision is completed by the town on the remaining
acreage available for private investors. The park’s continuing redevelopment is
expected to result in economic investment and employment as it will be
attractive to companies to be near amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle
to employees….
Goal 3: Goal: Support economic growth at EPCAL through a
well-defined transportation plan.
The future of EPCAL development presents new opportunities
for redevelopment strategies, including potential Land Uses and proactive
measures to ensure any impacts are addressed. Regardless of the nature of the
ultimate development, improvements to the transportation system will be
required to accommodate the additional traffic expected to be generated. NY
State’s involvement should be overseen by its Empire State Development Agency.
3.1: Review and update off-site improvements needed to mitigate EPCAL traffic.
The FGEIS prepared for the 2016 EPCAL Reuse and Revitalization Plan identified
substantial improvements to the transportation system that would be
necessitated by phased build-out of the 2,324-acre EPCAL parcel. The
improvements were based on assumed levels of trip generation that would occur,
based on phased development of the property under the adopted Planned
Development District (PDD) that was the subject of the FGEIS. A similar process
should be undertaken for any new proposals considered by the Town….
3.3: Initiate needed roadway
improvements by other agencies. The 2016 traffic mitigation plan identified the
need for widening NY25 from William Floyd Parkway in the west to I495/LI
Expressway in the east to provide two travel lanes in each direction, regardless
of the ultimate development of EPCAL. NYSDOT’s five-year Transportation
Improvement Plan (TIP) contains no plans to implement this improvement.
Discussions should be held with NYSDOT to initiate the planning and design
process in this regard. In the past, NYSDOT has expressed the willingness to
engage with the Town regarding the long-term solution for NY25. An alternative
to some of the improvements needed on NY25 could be the construction of an
access road to the south from EPCAL, generally following Connecticut Avenue and
Halsey Manor Road to the Long Island Expressway, and extension of service roads
to the west to CR111/Eastport Manor Road (Exit 70). That alternative would need
to address the presence of Long Island Pine Barrens lands, freshwater wetlands,
and residences, primarily along the north-south portion of its route and would
also require coordination with the Town of Brookhaven. 3.4: Explore expanded
use of rail transportation for EPCAL, for both people and freight. The existing
rail spur connecting the LIRR main branch track to the EPCAL property should be
an integral part of the transportation solution for the property. The spur
currently carries freight only. Development plans should include use of the
spur, and consideration should be given to utilizing the spur for passengers as
well as freight. Passenger service could be provided from the Ronkonkoma LIRR
Station east to Riverhead, with a transfer at Riverhead to a shuttle service to
EPCAL. Any required upgrades to the spur should be included in the solution.
Freight Movement of freight by rail has the potential to remove many truck
trips from the local roadways, and to minimize the impacts of development at
EPCAL on the transportation system. In light of public concern regarding recent
applications for significant new warehouse space in the Town, rail freight
service could help catalyze industrial development at EPCAL, which has been the
subject of significant public concern. Passenger Rail The rail spur serving the
EPCAL property was rehabilitated in 2010 to industrial rail standards.
Providing passenger rail service via this link would require determining that
the facility is adequate for safe passenger rail service. The Town should
consider contracting for services to initiate the process for this
determination.
Chapter 7 Natural Features and Environmental Resources
The Calverton redevelopment policy under section 9.2 of the
CLUP recognizes that economic development on the former Calverton Navel
Industrial Reserve Plant property, known as EPCAL, is considered a public
improvement and is not considered “development” as defined in the Pine Barrens
Protection Act. This policy effectively exempts the area from additional
restrictions on development that are otherwise imposed on areas within the core
preservation area by the Act….
Following the Plan’s directives is essential to help protect
natural resources critical to Riverhead and the region for the long term. This
Plan is anticipated to be amended in 2024. The EAC should review the updated
Plan to determine whether to recommend revisions to Riverhead’s Community
Preservation Project Plan and Town Code. As noted in the existing conditions
section of this chapter, section
9.2 of the CLUP allows economic development in EPCAL without the development
restrictions that are imposed elsewhere in the core preservation area by the
Pine Barrens Protection Act. Should this still be the case?
Chapter 8 Parks, Open Space, and Recreation
Veterans Memorial Park The 62-acre park which opened in
2013, features softball and baseball fields, bocce ball and pickleball courts,
a playground, dog park, concession stand, picnic areas and nature trails. The
park provides access to the 9.2-mile Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreational
Trail which provides a loop around EPCAL.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreational Trail This off-road
path loops approximately 9-miles around Enterprise Park and connects Veterans
Memorial Park, Grumman Memorial Park, and links to the New York State Route 25
Bike Route and the County Route 94 Bike Path. The trail encourages biking,
walking, running, and other nonmotorized means of transportation. Completion of
the first 3 miles was completed in 2008. After several more years of advocacy
efforts by the Riverhead Alternative Transportation Committee, an extension was
The Trail was completed in 2019. The project was partially funded through a New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation grant. The
Wells family cemetery is situated between the recreation trail and River Rd and
was recently restored through an Eagle Scout project.
Chapter 9: Community Facilities
https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/cb511a7b-c1ae-4e5b-bcb1-8e264103ff89/downloads/Chapter%2010_Community%20Facilities_Riverhead%20CPU-.pdf?ver=1709145862243
Police Department Needs Facility space is of concern as the
Police Department has outgrown its current facility. Training facilities are
also limited. Other needs cited by the Department include improved technology
and additional police vehicles. The
Department expects that there will be increasing demand for services,
particularly considering anticipated development downtown and the potential for
industrial or other development at EPCAL….
1.2. Identify a long-term strategy for Riverhead Town
Volunteer Ambulance Corps (RTVAC) facilities. The RTVAC and the Town should
work together to develop a long-term strategy for expanding or replacing the
Osborne Avenue Headquarters. Although the site may not be able to accommodate
an expansion, adjacent underutilized sites could potentially be purchased. Any
needs at the Jamesport station should also be addressed. The RTVAC may also
need additional substations, such as at EPCAL.
1.3. Ensure that EPCAL has adequate police, firefighting,
and ambulance services and explore methods to finance the construction of
substations. When EPCAL is developed, police, RTVAC, and fire substations may
be needed. The Town should work with the Police Department, RTVAC, Manorville
Fire District, Riverhead Fire District, and Wading River Fire District and
Ambulance to determine needs, financing, and appropriate locations (e.g.,
Grumman Boulevard). Developers should be required to help finance these improvements.
One possibility is the development of a fire brigade within EPCAL that could be
drawn from volunteers who work at EPCAL businesses.
1.4. Support the expansion or new construction of firehouses
to accommodate new and larger firefighting equipment. New firefighting
equipment and facilities are needed to service new development. For example, if
tall buildings are built at EPCAL, the Riverhead and Manorville departments
would need larger aerial devices and stations with larger bays….
2.1. Plan for specialized training and equipment for modern
firefighting challenges, such as Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
facilities. BESS fires require nontraditional firefighting methods, training,
and equipment. The Town must support fire departments to ensure firefighters
are prepared. The Manorville Fire District identified the need for training and
a water and ice rescue vehicle for coverage of the water park and ATVs for
coverage of the Pine Barrens area. Specialized training may also be needed to
provide service to new uses at EPCAL….
EPCAL - It would be great if the access road behind
Wellbridge on Grumman Blvd could be opened for the Fire Department to use. It
would decrease response time to the Grumman facility, the water park, and the
new Ice rink, instead of having to respond via Route 25. The Town should
investigate paved access roads in EPCAL for these locations….
3.3. Help the Peconic YMCA identify a suitable site in
Riverhead and advocate for needed amenities. The feasibility of establishing a
YMCA at the Town-owned Armory is ongoing. Alternatively, the Town should
proactively seek out another centrally accessible site, considering the
potential advantages of co-locating with Veteran’s Memorial Park at EPCAL. The
YMCA and the Town should collaborate to determine the recreational amenities
and programs provided to ensure this significant facility responds to community
needs
Chapter 11 Infrastructure and Utilities
The Calverton Sewer District was formed in 1999 when the
EPCAL property was conveyed to the Town. The Calverton District comprises the
550 acres in the EPCAL industrial core area. The treatment plant was built in
the 1950’s and three pumping stations transport wastewater to the treatment
plant. Riverhead Sewer District Map Source: Suffolk County GIS The Calverton
Sewer District plant was upgraded and went online June of 2021. The Calverton
Sewer District has also completed a Map and Plan to extend the sewer district
boundaries to include the EPCAL property that is for sale. Thus, sanitary waste
from development of the EPCAL property will be treated at a modern facility.
The extension of the district boundaries is expected to take place once the property is sold…. or leased
[Riverhead Water] District representatives identified a need
for the district to plan for large scale industrial complexes, EPCAL, and
residential development….
A water district such as Riverhead requires NYSDEC approval
for expansion of its infrastructure showing supply calculations and needs.
However, there has not been an approval for expansion from NYSDEC in over
twenty years. According to water district representatives, this approval
process has been problematic, and has complicated the EPCAL redevelopment
process. SCWA and DEC are not in agreement on who should supply EPCAL, despite
the fact that Riverhead has been serving the area since it was transferred to
the Town. A solution must be developed for this situation so that the water
district can continue to grow and operate.
Chapter 12 Sustainability and Resilience
6.1. Promote EPCAL and industrial sites to green technology
and finance companies. The IDA and town should be strategic about the
development of EPCAL by promoting the site to green technology companies that
could provide quality jobs and tax revenues, reduce climate impacts, and
attract investment from related companies and into infrastructure.
Chapter 13. FUTURE LAND USE
Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL) In light of several
prior unfulfilled development proposals at the Enterprise Park at Calverton
(EPCAL), it is recommended
that the Town revisit zoning regulations for the Planned Development (PD)
district. The existing district is fairly liberal with regard to land uses and
it may be appropriate to limit some activities which the community did not
support such as a cargo airport. Or any other aviation use of runways. Recognizing
the community's desire for a collaborative planning approach, a comprehensive study
involving residents, NYSDEC, and other stakeholders should be initiated. This
study would formulate a collective vision, identify desirable economically
viable uses, explore subdivision plans, and address environmental considerations.
This approach would also enhance eligibility for grant funding. Since potential
zoning changes are unknown, and any potential future development is
speculative, the GEIS cannot assess potential changes at this site….
Ind B properties at intersection of Routes 25 and 25A There
are two Industrial B properties at this location. One of the parcels is
currently a gas station. It may be reasonable to rezone both parcels to HC or
RLC, recognizing that a small-scaled commercial use serving Calverton may be
more appropriate and locally supported than industrial uses. This small
commercial node would be especially important if EPCAL were to be redeveloped.
Zoning for this area could be further analyzed as part of a hamlet study for
the Calverton area.
