Hochul Announces 8 'Tranformational' Projects For Downtown Riverhead

RIVERHEAD, NY — Eight "transformational" projects for Riverhead were announced Tuesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

According to Hochul, the projects were part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The awards will enhance streetscapes and public spaces, expand arts and cultural activity, and increase housing and business opportunities, she said.

"We are committed to revitalizing Long Island, and these investments will create a more walkable, vibrant downtown that will benefit generations of New Yorkers who call Riverhead home," Hochul said. "These projects will enhance public spaces and create more affordable housing opportunities, and my administration will continue to prioritize transformational projects that will strengthen communities across New York."

Riverhead's DRI awards aims to knit together existing and new investments together to "create a safe, pedestrian-friendly community with better connectivity within the downtown area and between the downtown and the riverfront," Hochul said.

The DRI is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a strategic investment plan, identifying specific projects with a vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.

The $9.7 million state investment in the projects through the DRI will leverage additional public and private sector investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.

- The projects include enhanced streetscapes and public gathering places, and creating a new town square — with a DRI Award of $3.24 million — that will include the building of a new public plaza and gathering space that can facilitate year-round activities and provide accessible pedestrian connections and vistas from Main Street to the riverfront.

- In addition, a DRI award of $245,000 will be used to enhance Peconic Park with an adaptive playground; a playground and park space will be created with a water feature and educational activities that utilizes green infrastructure and design to aid in downtown resiliency efforts.

- A total of $750,000 of the DRI award will be used to install traffic-calming design elements to improve pedestrian safety along Main Street at two prominent intersections, including curb bump-outs, raised crosswalks, and pedestrian signalization. Installation of new street trees and landscaping will also be included.

- The town also plans to build a new town rowing facility with $250,000 of the DRI award; the floating ADA accessible community boat launch facility will be built in the Peconic River, with space to maneuver and launch crew boats and, if feasible, include racks to store the crew boats.

- The spotlight will also be focused on expanded arts and cultural activity; a public arts program will be implemented, using $250,000 of the DRI award to engage local artists to build permanent public artworks in downtown Riverhead.

- The Suffolk Theater has been awarded $2 million of the DRI funds to expand an existing, historic theater stage and add a green room and back of house functions, — all as a component of a larger development with residential units that include workforce housing.

- The Riverhead Library will receive a new accessible entrance and pedestrian path with $215,000 of the DRI award, as well as lighting, landscaping and interior space for a self-serving visitor center providing promotional materials for downtown businesses and events.

- Increased housing and business opportunities include a mixed-use development at Griffing Avenue, utilizing $2,750,000 of the DRI award. The development will include workforce housing and retail/commercial space lining a public parking structure.

"I am pleased that Riverhead has secured this important funding for the redevelopment of their downtown," said New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo. "This critical grant funding will boost economic development throughout the region, while fostering a greater sense of community with the riverfront as a focus."

Assemblymember Jodi Giglio added: "Riverhead's application was truly outstanding and fully deserved to be selected. I am confident that downtown Riverhead is fully ready for transformative economic redevelopment.."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone also spoke out on the funding: "In Suffolk, our downtowns are the heart of our communities, and over the last few years, Riverhead has worked incredibly hard to reinvigorate their business districts and bring new life into their communities. These transformation projects, made possible by Governor Hochul, reinforce our ongoing revitalization efforts."

Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Aguiar was thrilled: "For millions around the world, this is the season for 'believing'. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for 'believing' in the future of downtown Riverhead."