Planning Does About-Face on Cul-de-sac

The Planning Board has reversed its position on opening the cul-de-sac on The Preserve to the proposed subdivision east of the Preserve by voting 3-2 to favor the cut-through. This is a disappointing development for Preserve residents and opens our street to a huge increase in traffic and degrades our privacy, security and quality of life.

There may be one additional opportunity to confront the Board with our objections. Meanwhile it is suggested that letters, emails or anything else you can think of be sent to the Board and its members requesting reconsideration. Check the Planning Department page on the Riverhead Town site for contact names.

Cardinale Acknowledges Reclamation Shortfall

Supervisor Phil Cardinale, in a radio interview with Jay Oliver on WRIV (April 7), confirmed the possible shortfall of some $25 million dollars in funding to complete the Reclamation Project. Cardinale cited errors in calculation for the underestimate of the job volume. The dilemma is now what to do about it. Cap it or find some way to fund the remainder of the project through bonds. Capping means monitoring for more than ten years at a cost of over $1 million dollars a year in addition to the cost of the cap. More to come.

Proposal To Change Town Designation

There is a current proposal that is gaining momentum to change the Riverhead town designation from second class to suburban. There are many ramifications to such a change including more power to the supervisor and assessor but also permits electing council members to districts instead of being elected "at large". Real benefit to everyone on this score when you realize that not one our present Board members live in the western areas of the Town including Calverton. Think we would be having all these problems with asphalt, reclamation, Crown, go-cart track, or the cul-de-sac if a Board member lived in our area? Nah!

School Budget Shortfall
The school budget shortfall resulting from the lack of Federal funding for mandated programs has been confirmed to be $1.7 million dollars.

Meetings
Town Board, April 18, 7 PM
Zoning Board, April 13, 7:15 PM
Planning (work session) April 20, 3 PM
Planning Board, May 4, 7 PM
Budget Voting
Riverhead Free Library, Tuesday, April 18, 10am - 8 pm
Riverhead School District, Tuesday, May 16