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:
Also on today's calendar: Candlelight Group Sound Journey in the Loft at Eastern Sun Holistic Health and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Ex-DSS Examiner Accused Of Stealing More Than $78K In SNAP Benefits From Needy Families: DA (patch.com) — Riverhead readers will note that a former Suffolk County Department of Social Services examiner was arraigned before Riverhead Town Justice Lori Hulse on a second-degree grand larceny charge, accused of diverting more than $78,000 in SNAP benefits. Prosecutors say an internal audit uncovered seven fraudulent cases with unauthorized payments, and although the offense is non-bail eligible under state law, the defendant faces a potential five to 15 years in prison if convicted.
2. Riverhead IDA faces questions over 20-year Peconic River hotel tax break, extends public comment (timesreview.com) — Riverhead's Industrial Development Agency is weighing a 20-year tax break for the proposed Peconic River Hotel, a key piece of the Town Square revitalization, and has promised a second public hearing once detailed PILOT terms are drafted. Residents and a county legislator are pressing for wage data, a year‑by‑year tax schedule, and better IDA transparency before any final vote that could affect local taxes and jobs.
3. Riverhead orders appraisal of proposed Calverton cannabis site (riverheadlocal.com) — Riverhead's Town Board has authorized an appraisal of 1458 Middle Road in Calverton, opening the door to possibly buying the site instead of allowing a cannabis cultivation facility there. Officials emphasize this step doesn't commit the town to a purchase but responds to strong neighborhood opposition and interest in preserving farmland and a historic farmhouse tied to Riverhead's agricultural roots.
4. Riverhead demands easements, permits for SCWA water main along Main Road (riverheadlocal.com) — Riverhead's Town Board has unanimously ruled that Suffolk County Water Authority must obtain local easements, permits and site-plan approvals for its proposed Main Road water main, keeping the town's zoning authority firmly in play. Officials say they need more detailed engineering and environmental plans to judge impacts on traffic, wetlands, historic sites and existing Riverhead Water District infrastructure, while a related lawsuit over zoning control continues.
5. North Fork house of the week and real estate transfers: Oct. 7, 2026 (timesreview.com) — Riverhead homeowners and buyers can see several notable recent property transfers in the 11901 ZIP code, including a major commercial sale on Sound Avenue and multiple residential deals in town communities. The roundup also highlights a high-end Southold waterfront "house of the week" and sales across Jamesport, Wading River and other North Fork hamlets, offering a snapshot of current market prices.
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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: "What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white?" — A chalk board (Thank you Charlie H. for sending it in!)
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