Asphalt Plant Was Shut Down by Court Order

Riverhead Supervisor Cardinale, in a WRIV radio interview with Jay Oliver admitted that the asphalt plant is permanently shut down by virtue of a court order which said that the original "negative declaration" environmental impact statement was not appropriate and that the plant must remain shut unless or until a new environmental impact statement was prepared. (WRIV Friday 4/21/2006). It was not clear as to which court proceeding resulted in this decision.

Local Paper Provides Reclamation Detrails

The people of Riverhead are in for a long haul when it comes to the Reclamation project. I believe we were all looking forward to completion of the project by next year sometime. Originally scheduled for June 2007 it was extended to September of the same year and everything was looking good until the Supervisor dropped the other shoe. No more money! The $40 million has been spent and we are down to the last $400,000. The estimates to complete the project are all over the map. Could be $25 million or as much as $90 million to complete. Engineering firm has been hired to review the status with a report due in 60 days. Two articles in the Riverhead News-Review provide details.

Calverton Civic Meeting Provides Info

The Civic Association meeting covered a number of subjects, some new, some we have heard before. Association President Rex Farr announced that all of the Foxwood Village residents had signed on as members.

1. Group Home in The Manors. Plans have been drawn to expand the present dwelling for 8 residents and attendants. Progressing unless residents mount an opposition.

2. F1 Go-Kart. Opposition on this one appears to be to force the operators to build an indoor track which they, of course, are reluctant to do. Board members to inspect the Boston operation of F1.

3. Asphalt plant. Barbara Blass was present. Her quote "Permanently shut down".

4. Manor proposal. Complex plan for the acreage opposite Splish-Splash to include senior housing, assisted living, YMCA, medical facilities (not a hospital), outpatient services etc and housing for the complex employees. Plus a bank, pharmacy and family restaurant. This project needs more exposure to really find out what it is about.

5. Featured event: a review of the new school budget and annexation of Little Flower.
Guest panel: State Sen. Ken Lavalle (no show)
School Board Pres. Lori Montefusco (no show)
School Superintendent. Paul Doyle
Riv CSD Bus Mgr: Joe Singleton
School Board members: Kathy Berezny and Christy Prete
Teachers Union Pres. Barbara Barosa

There wasn't much review of the budget although the Superintendent did reveal that teacher union contracts are in mediation (contract expired June 2005), that there is no specific plan to build a new high school although as many as 8 sites have been looked at with EPCAL being ruled out because of location and possible contamination. Much of the school discussion centered on the Little Flower annexation. A study (costing $40,000) will be conducted to review all pros and cons regarding the acquisition. Some Board members strongly objected to spending the money for the study. A referendum is required for final approval to annex. Finally-there was considerable concern that Gov Pataki's veto of the school aid funds would boost the budget increase unless the Assembly could override the veto next week.

School Budget Hearing May 9
School Budget Voting May 16

Voters Approve Library Budget
There was a small turnout for the Riverhead Library budget vote on April 18 but the results are in and the budget was approved by 123 to 36. The Baiting Hollow Library budget was also approved 102 to 56.

Meetings:
Zoning Board, April 27, 7:45 PM Thursday
Town Board, May 2, 7:00 PM Tuesday
Planning Board, May 4, 7:00 PM Thursday *

*Young & Young may not have the drawings showing the cul-de-sac cut-through prepared in time for this meeting. We will try to keep you posted. Meanwhile it is not too late for more letters protesting the plan.