The Town of Riverhead has begun construction on a new Town Square, a project valued at nearly $33 million. The initiative is the largest to be funded through Riverhead’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), with the aim of creating a central public plaza and gathering space. The square is intended to boost tourism by enabling year-round activities and improving pedestrian access between Main Street and the Peconic riverfront.
Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the development, stating, “Investing in Riverhead’s new Town Square is an investment in the residents who call this community home. By creating accessible public spaces and connecting Main Street to the Peconic Riverfront, we’re strengthening the downtown area, supporting local businesses and reimagining how residents and visitors alike experience Riverhead. Across Long Island, downtowns are becoming vibrant destinations, and Riverhead is helping to lead the way.”
Plans for the new Town Square include green spaces, an amphitheater, playgrounds, walkways, a boutique hotel, and mixed-use commercial areas. The project also involves demolishing an existing building at 127 East Main Street to make room for these features.
Funding for the Town Square comes from several sources: $4.2 million from New York State’s DRI program; $400,000 in Brownfield Opportunity Area funding via the Department of State; $3.2 million from Empire State Development; $500,000 from the New York State Historic Preservation Office; $400,000 from Suffolk County; $97,500 from Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization funds; and an additional $24 million through a federal RAISE Program grant.
Riverhead was selected as Long Island’s DRI winner in 2021 during round five of awards. Other towns recognized by this program include Westbury, Hicksville, Central Islip, Baldwin, Amityville and Hempstead.
Several other projects in Riverhead are being supported by DRI funding:
– Expansion of Suffolk Theater with stage improvements as part of broader residential development.
– Construction of a mixed-use development on Griffin Avenue featuring workforce housing and retail space adjacent to public parking.
– Pedestrian safety enhancements along Main Street such as curb bump-outs and raised crosswalks.
– A public art program involving local artists.
– A new entrance and welcome center for the library with improved accessibility.
– Enhancements to Peconic Park including an adaptive playground that incorporates green infrastructure.
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said: “Today’s groundbreaking for Riverhead’s new Town Square is an exciting step for a community that envisions a more vibrant and connected downtown. Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, this new public plaza and gathering space will create a welcoming waterfront destination that will open new opportunities for community events, strengthen the economic heartbeat of downtown and make the Peconic River an accessible, celebrated asset for residents and visitors alike. Riverhead’s new Town Square will serve as a source of pride and possibility for community members.”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight added: “Riverhead’s new Town Square reflects the power of investing in projects that strengthen local economies and enhance quality of life. By opening new connections from Main Street to the waterfront…this project lays groundwork for sustained economic activity…ESD is proud to support a community-driven vision that advances both economic opportunity and a stronger…public realm.”
Kathy Moser from New York State Parks stated: “For centuries town squares have served as heart[s] of community life – public places where people gather…We are proud to support Governor Hochul’s vision…This new public gathering space honors [the] town’s rich history with theater…[and] looks to [the] future with…inclusive children’s playground[s]. These improvements will not only spark economic activity but also give residents…[a] place to relax…and build community.”
Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law remarked: “This groundbreaking is an important milestone for Riverhead…[and] Long Island’s downtowns. Strategic state investments like this help reenergize Main Streets…[and] bring communities together….Riverhead’s new Town Square will open access to [the] waterfront,…draw more activity…,and strengthen [the region].”
LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn (FourLeaf Federal Credit Union) & Dr. Kimberly R. Cline (Long Island University) said: “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative continues to deliver transformational results across Long Island…Riverhead Town Square is [an example]. This project will create…[a] inclusive public space…, reinforce[ing] Riverhead’s role as gateway…[to] East End….”
Senator Chuck Schumer commented: “Thanks to [the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law], I was proud to deliver [$24M USDOT RAISE grant] …to reimagine …downtown….This infusion …will allow [Riverhead] …to reclaim …riverfront …, install flood mitigation measures…, spur mixed-use development…, support small businesses…, make downtown safer….These improvements …will supercharge [its renaissance].”
State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo stated: “The groundbreaking ceremony …is momentous …, testament …of our state,…local & federal partners ….I applaud Supervisor Hubbard & Councilmembers Rothwell,…Kern,…Merrifield & Waski on their leadership….”
Assemblymember Jodi Giglio said: “As former Board member & current Assembly member,…proud …groundbreaking ….This project represents significant step forward …, creating opportunities …, providing vibrant space ….I look forward seeing Riverhead thrive ….”
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine noted: “Downtown areas are cornerstone …, Suffolk County continues see them flourish….Thank you Governor Hochul …, creates jobs…, supports small businesses…, gives every community sense pride….”
Riverhead Supervisor Tim Hubbard concluded: “The Riverhead Town Square will be economic,…social,…cultural epicenter our downtown desperately needed – place …bring community members together…, boost local businesses…, attract visitors &, reconnect us with natural beauty our waterfront….We’re building future where Riverhead thrives socially,…culturally & economically….”
Since its launch in 2016 by New York State’s Department of State alongside other agencies such as Housing & Community Renewal (HCR), Empire State Development (ESD), & NYSERDA,the DRI has awarded over $1 billion across 151 communities statewide.