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🌱 Patch AM: Why Riverhead officials may seize the Science Center site downtown

Spotted on the Riverhead calendar: East End Arts Council's 30th Annual MOSAIC Festival

Saturday May 23rd Patch AM

Cheers Riverhead! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Why Riverhead officials may seize the Science Center site downtown
  • Why a former Anti-Bias Task Force chair is suing Riverhead Town
  • What big zoning, hotel, and tax moves did Riverhead just approve?

Also on today's calendar: Free Tai Chi and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What's the difference between a hippo and a Zippo? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Cloudy, a little rain; cooler, with a high of 58 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Sunday: Rain; breezy in the morning, temps: high: 60, low: 56.
  • Monday: A passing morning shower, with a high of 68 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Riverhead Board Unswayed By Public Objections to Taking of Science Center Property (eastendbeacon.com) — Riverhead’s Town Board is moving ahead with eminent domain plans to take the Long Island Science Center’s Main Street property next to the Town Square, despite hours of public objections. Supporters argued the center is a vital educational resource for Riverhead students and downtown, while town officials cited blight, financing concerns, and flood-mitigation needs as reasons to condemn the site. Written comments are being accepted through May 29 before a final decision.    

• Ex Anti-Bias Task Force chair files $5 million claim against Riverhead Town and council member (riverheadlocal.com) — A former chair of Riverhead’s Anti-Bias Task Force has filed a notice of claim seeking more than $5 million from the Town of Riverhead and Council Member Denise Merrifield, alleging defamation and retaliation over disagreements about the task force’s mission. The filing centers on comments made at an April 2 Town Board work session and disputes involving immigration and LGBTQ issues, and could lead to a future lawsuit.    

• Riverhead Town Board meeting wrap: May 20 (riverheadlocal.com) — Riverhead’s Town Board is moving ahead with major zoning changes around the Tanger outlets and has set a June 10 hearing for the proposed Peconic River Hotel downtown. Members also advanced a biosolids project bond increase, updated volunteer tax exemptions, and approved steps toward YMCA redevelopment of the former state armory, among other actions.    


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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Riverhead High School Golfers Named Among Long Island’s Best —Jake Mendlinger Read on Patch
  • ShopRite Supermarkets posted a job opening for ShopRite - CSA/Carts Clerk (Thompson East) Salary Range $17.00 - $17.00/hr in Riverhead. Apply here.
  • Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. posted a job opening for Part-Time Associate Veterinarian in Riverhead. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Riverhead here.

🗞 Nearby News

Calverton

  • Gilbert ‘Gibby' A. Smith, 90 (riverheadlocal.com)
  • Memorial Day Pardes this Weekend on Fire Island and the Great South Bay Communities of Long Island » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News (fireislandnews.com)

Aquebogue

Westhampton

  • Armani History: How a Medical School Dropout Redesigned Power Dressing and Built Fashion's Last Independent Empire (sociallifemagazine.com)
  • Bottega Veneta History: How a Logo-Free Workshop Built Fashion's Ultimate Stealth Wealth Brand (sociallifemagazine.com)

Ok Riverhead! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: One weighs a ton, and the other is a little lighter (Thank you Laurie B. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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