Riverhead Development News
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Town Board Work Session - June 25, 2026
Published: Jun 25, 2026
Riverhead Embraces Digital Transformation with Electronic Permitting and Document Digitization
The Town of Riverhead is moving towards a fully digital system for its building department, implementing electronic permitting and digitizing existing building department archives. This initiative aims to improve efficiency, reduce errors, enhance customer service, and save staff time previously spent on manual processes, FOIL requests, and managing physical documents. The transition involves selecting a software provider (GovPilot, formerly SDL) for electronic permitting and engaging a company (Sirius Systems) for digitizing historical records. The goal is to create a searchable online repository accessible to the public, reducing reliance on physical storage and mitigating risks from past document loss due to fire or flood. The financial benefits include significant annual savings in staff time and potential revenue generation through subscription models for public access to digitized records, with an estimated return on investment within five years. The initiative also includes plans to integrate with the town's GIS system and address potential issues like data redaction and security.
Riverhead Proposes Restrictions on Commercial Vehicle Parking in Residential Areas
The Town of Riverhead is proposing an amendment to Chapter 289 concerning the parking of commercial vehicles on residential roadways. The amendment aims to address issues of blight and the transformation of residential streets into de facto parking lots. While initially considering restrictions similar to neighboring towns, the proposal now focuses on limiting vehicles to two per property and defining 'commercial vehicle' to exclude personal recreational vehicles like campers and standard pickup trucks used for towing. The proposed hours for restriction are 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Enforcement strategies are being discussed with the Police Department and Code Enforcement, potentially focusing on specific roads with the most complaints or those identified as critical for safety. The amendment also defines 'commercial vehicle' and 'commercial trailer' to clarify the scope. The town is also addressing front yard parking violations separately. The goal is to improve neighborhood aesthetics and safety by regulating the parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas.
Riverhead Considers Bond Debt Paydown Using Surplus Funds
The Town of Riverhead is considering paying down a portion of the 2018 refunding bond series B, utilizing funds from the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) and a small amount from the general fund. The proposed paydown of $7.2 million from the CPF would save approximately $660,000 in future interest. A smaller paydown of $92,000 from the general fund is also proposed, which would be due next year and save on future interest. This action is supported by the town board due to a strong fund balance and the opportunity to reduce debt. The decision is time-sensitive, with a payment deadline of August 1st. There was a discussion about the origin of the surplus funds, which were attributed to conservative budgeting, unspent operational expenditures, and excess interest earned in 2025. The town is also discussing the paydown of the town square bond, originally priced at $5 million, with $2.725 million in principal and interest due. Approximately $300,000 from the general fund is available for this paydown. Additionally, the sale of the Petrocelli property for $2.625 million is projected to yield net proceeds of $2.7475 million, with $660,000 designated for future town square project matches. The town aims to avoid converting this debt to long-term bonds.
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The Riverhead News archive
Riverhead High School Graduation 2026
Middle School Moving Up Ceremony 2026
Zoning Board Meeting - June 25, 2026
Town Board Special Meeting - June 23, 2026
Planning Board Meeting - June 18, 2026
Town Board Work Session - June 18, 2026
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