The Town of Riverhead has begun construction on a new Town Square, a project valued at nearly $33 million. This initiative is the largest to be funded through Riverhead’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which awarded the town $10 million. The new public plaza aims to attract tourism by supporting year-round activities and improving pedestrian access between Main Street and the riverfront.
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “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 Town Square include green spaces, an amphitheater, playgrounds, walkways, a boutique hotel, and mixed-use commercial areas. The project will also involve demolishing a building from the 1950s at 127 East Main Street to make space for these developments.
Funding for the project comes from multiple sources: $4.2 million from DRI funds; $400,000 in Brownfield Opportunity Area funding via the Department of State; $3.2 million from Empire State Development; $500,000 from New York State Historic Preservation Office; $400,000 from Suffolk County; $97,500 from Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization funds; and approximately $24 million through a federal RAISE Program grant.
Riverhead was selected as Long Island’s DRI winner in 2021 during the program’s fifth round. Other communities recognized include Westbury, Hicksville, Central Islip, Baldwin, Amityville and Hempstead.
Additional projects funded by DRI in Riverhead feature expansions to Suffolk Theater with added stage space and workforce housing units; development of mixed-use properties along Griffin Avenue that combine retail with housing; pedestrian safety improvements on Main Street such as curb bump-outs and raised crosswalks; a public art program using local artists for permanent installations; a new entrance and welcome center for the library with improved accessibility features; and enhancements to Peconic Park including an adaptive playground with educational elements related to its waterfront location.
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley stated: “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 remarked: “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 and creating a year-round gathering space, this project lays the groundwork for sustained economic activity and continued downtown revitalization. ESD is proud to support a community-driven vision that advances both economic opportunity and a stronger, more inclusive public realm.”
Kathy Moser of New York State Parks commented: “For centuries, town squares have served as the heart of community life – public places where people gather and celebrate. We are proud to support Governor Hochul’s vision and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative in Riverhead to carry that tradition forward. This new public gathering space honors the town’s rich history with theater, art, trees, and thoughtful landscaping. The town square also looks to the future with a fully accessible and inclusive children’s playground. These improvements will not only spark economic activity but will also give residents and visitors a welcoming place to relax, reconnect, and build community.”
Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said: “This groundbreaking is an important milestone for Riverhead and for the continued revitalization of Long Island’s downtowns. Strategic state investments like this help reenergize Main Streets, attract new businesses, and create public spaces that bring communities together. Riverhead’s new Town Square will open access to the waterfront, draw more activity to local shops and restaurants, and strengthen the East End as a destination for residents and visitors alike. This is the kind of investment that makes a real difference for Long Island and for the people who call Riverhead home.”
LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn (FourLeaf Federal Credit Union) & Dr. Kimberly R. Cline (Long Island University) noted: “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative continues to deliver transformational results across Long Island… We look forward to seeing this new Town Square become a welcoming destination for residents…”
Senator Chuck Schumer highlighted federal involvement: “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we passed… I was proud to deliver a highly competitive $24.12 million U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE grant… This transformational infusion of federal funding will allow Riverhead Town to reclaim …the Peconic riverfront… spur mixed-use development… make downtown safer … I have been glad to work with Riverhead leaders … because I know they will supercharge Riverhead’s renaissance…”
State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo said: “The groundbreaking ceremony …is …a testament to …our state , local ,and federal partners in supporting this transformative plan…”
Assemblymember Jodi Giglio stated: “As a former Riverhead Town Board member…I am proud…This project represents…revitalizing our downtown…”
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine commented: “Downtown areas are …the cornerstone … Thank you Governor Hochul…”
Riverhead Supervisor Tim Hubbard added: “The Riverhead Town Square will be …the economic , social ,and cultural epicenter …a place that will bring community members together…”
Since its launch in 2016 by New York State’s Department of State alongside other agencies such as Empire State Development , Housing & Community Renewal , NYSERDA —the DRI has provided over $1 billion across 151 communities statewide.
