Supervisor Tim Hubbard and his fellow Town Board members looked on with pride as the demolition at 127 East Main St. marked a milestone that has been in planning and discussion for nearly 30 years, the supervisor said.

“A project of this scale does not happen without strong partners and significant investment,” said Mr. Hubbard, who exits his role as supervisor at the end of the month. “These dollars are not only an investment in bricks and mortar, but in our downtown Riverhead’s long-term economic health and cultural life.”

Jerry Halpin, who takes over as supervisor next month after defeating Mr. Hubbard by just 37 votes, also lauded the project.

“From here, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that downtown has the best opportunity to be successful,” Mr. Halpin said. “Whether it’s someone who is currently here, or the new businesses that are coming in.”

New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley joined the ceremony, calling the development a model for community revitalization across the state.

The Riverhead Town Square project is the largest effort backed by the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which provides $10 million grants for community redevelopment.

“We’re now witnessing this community utilizing their DRI to build on its strength while also harnessing its history and its unique charm,” Mr. Mosley said. “They have taken a thoughtful and thorough look at how to carefully curate what the future of this land will look like come this spring.”

He noted that demolishing the 1950s-era building that most recently housed the popular Craft’D bar will open up downtown and create a new gathering space.

“It’s reconnecting this community with its history, its downtown and its waterfront,” Mr. Mosley said. “Because when you honor the past, you learn from the past. And when you learn from the past you are able to make room for innovative thinking and projects that will be transformative, turning a site into a destination that is great to live, work and play.”

Also attending the hour-long event were 1st District Legislator Catherine Stark, state Sen. Anthony Palumbo and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, who bundled up against temperatures hovering around 32 degrees on the brisk Peconic waterfront. Former Greenport Village mayor David Kapell was also recognized for pushing downtown revitalization efforts on the East End.

At the end of the countdown, Andy Williams’ Christmas classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” played as the luminaries watched the demolition crew begin razing the building.

“When you start to see machinery come in, pavements being torn up and buildings prepared to be torn down you’re actually starting to see what’s happening in real time,” Mr. Mosley said. “The plans you started out in meetings are now being put into action.”

J. Petrocelli Development Associates was tapped to develop a five-story, 78,000-square-foot mixed-use building with up to 80 Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel rooms and 12 condominium units, along with restaurant and retail space and 12 underground parking spots.

The project will also include landscaped green areas, an amphitheater, a children’s playground and pedestrian pathways linking Main Street to the waterfront, according to the town.

Riverhead won the competitive $10 million state grant in 2022 after applying every year since the program launched in 2016.

Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin announced Riverhead and the Village of Amityville as winners during a Zoom meeting with town officials, selecting them from among more than 90 applicants, the Riverhead News-Review previously reported.

The town had previously lost out to other Long Island communities including Westbury, Hicksville, Central Islip and Baldwin.

In addition to the $10 million DRI grant, Empire State Development has given $3.2 million to Riverhead in the last five years for the project through Restore New York and Pro-Housing Communities grants. Riverhead Town also secured a $24 million federal RAISE grant from transportation funding.

“It really is a ‘Hunger Games’ when you think about it,” Mr. Palumbo said as he applauded Gov. Kathy Hochul for bringing the state funds to Riverhead. “I think many people mistake the East End as a place where there’s tremendous wealth, that everyone’s from Hollywood, and those of us that live here realize that that’s not the case. To make this kind of investment in our community is really important.”

Riverhead officials cleared the way for the project in 2021 by tearing down deteriorating structures at 117 and 121 East Main St., located opposite The Suffolk. Removing those buildings opened up sight lines to the Peconic River.

This past September, the town used eminent domain to acquire the Craft’D space, paying the owner a $170,000 settlement. The town has also purchased several additional properties in the area over time.

Once the demolition is completed, Mr. Petrocelli said, subsurface testing and structural analysis of the area will take place before the hotel is built.

That process will begin in the spring and he expects the hotel to be fully completed by 2027.

“It takes generations to change a town; you’re not going to do it overnight,” Mr. Petrocelli said Friday. “Once we have another attraction, now our destination gets bigger and I think the hotel is about bringing people here.”

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Riverhead Town Supervisor Tim Hubbard remarked on the “warm and inclusive” environment the Riverhead First Baptist Church has cultivated over the last century. He also commended the Rev. Coverdale for his over four decades of dedication to his pastoral duties and outreach programs for the youth and families in the Riverhead community. 

“You’ve helped so many people and people in need. We don’t always show up at the pew, but sometimes, we need that pew,” Mr. Hubbard said. “We have to show up, and you give us guidance, assistance and help, and it’s very important for the community.”

Recently Riverhead Town officials adopted changes to its Community Benefit Zoning Use District code, which inches the Riverhead First Baptist Church closer to finally bringing its decades-long affordable housing proposal to fruition.

The room erupted in applause after the town board’s decision in September, as the code amendment has received overwhelming support from community members who have backed the Family Community Life Center project since it was first proposed by Pastor Charles and Shirley Coverdale in 1988.

In collaboration with builder Georgica Green Ventures, LLC, the mixed-use, transit-oriented development proposal also known as The Northville Commons calls for the construction of a 10,000 square-foot community center and 80 affordable apartment units on nearly 13 acres of the First Baptist Church’s land on Northville Turnpike.

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Mr. Tradeski received 206 out of 397 votes cast, defeating Dawn Jacobs, who got 142 votes, and Richard Campbell with 34.

In Manorville, incumbent Charles Steuerwald beat challenger and ex-fire chief Sal D’Amato 235 to 118. Tim Deveny won reelection in Wading River with 179 of 249 votes, and Kerri Davis ran unopposed in Jamesport.

Fire commissioner boards monitor the financial and business practices of each fire district. Their responsibilities range from proposing budgets to initiating projects to improve fire safety. The boards govern all fire companies and fire departments in a given district by adopting rules and regulations for their members.

However, they do not lead the day-to-day operations or respond to emergency situations as a fire chief would.

Mr. Tradeski, current chairman of the Riverhead Fire District board of commissioners, will begin another five-year term on Jan. 1. 

He has served as a past chief of the department and is a 48-year active member of the Riverhead Fire Department. As a commissioner, he was part of the decision to upgrade the department’s Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP).

“Looking ahead, my focus remains on supporting firefighter safety, ensuring our members have the tools, equipment, and training they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Mr. Tradeski said in a statement on Facebook. “As our community continues to evolve, maintaining high standards of preparedness and protection is more important than ever, and I am committed to helping guide that work.”

Ms. Davis, who has been a member of the Jamesport Fire Department for over 30 years, will begin her new five-year term early next year. Nathan Edington will fill the open one-year commissioner seat on the board, which ends in December 2026.

In the race for Wading River Fire District commissioner, Mr. Deveny defeated Julio Prendergast, a career paramedic and deputy chief of EMS for Southampton Volunteer Ambulance.

Mr. Steuerwald has served as a Manorville Fire Commissioner for the last two years. He has been an active volunteer for the Manorville Fire Department for the last decade.

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With support of the Riverhead Target on Old Country Road and the Suffolk Credit Union, the law enforcement organization was able to host around 30 kids and their families.

Two Riverhead police unions, the Riverhead Police Benevolent Association and the Superior Officers Associations, funded each child’s $100 shopping spree. Dozens of participating police officers helped with pushing shopping carts while the kids eagerly pulled various stuffed toys, games, electronics, Hot Wheels and other fun off the shelves and into their baskets.

The purpose of the event is to build a stronger connection between children in the Riverhead community and the town’s police force. The Riverhead Police Department also builds relationships through its school resource officer program with the Riverhead Central School District, as well as with its National Night Out summer event.

“We look forward to hosting this event each year and continuing to grow the bond between the Riverhead Police Department and the community we all love,” the Riverhead PBA said in a social media post.

Below are photos from the event, courtesy of Riverhead PBA vice president John Morris.

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From proposing budgets to initiating projects to improve fire safety, fire commissioner boards monitor the financial and business practices of each fire district but do not lead the day-to-day operations or respond to emergency situations as a fire chief would. 

The boards govern all fire companies and fire departments in a given district by adopting rules and regulations for their members. Most of the fire commissioners elected in this year’s race will serve a five-year term in their respective fire districts, starting Jan. 1, 2026, and ending Dec. 31, 2030. 

Below is a voters’ guide for all the area races.

Riverhead Fire District

The annual Riverhead Fire District commissioner election will be at the district headquarters at 540 Roanoke Ave. in Riverhead. Voters can cast their ballots for one five-year fire commissioner between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

John Tradeski Jr., current chairman of the board of commissioners, is running for reelection. Mr. Tradeski has served as a past chief of the department and is a 48-year active member of the Riverhead Fire Department. 

As a commissioner, he was part of the decision to upgrade the department’s Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) by increasing the maximum years of service credit, improving the monthly benefit, and strengthening the funded ratio to 94.6% as of Jan. 1, 2025 — including a 10-year minimum guaranteed benefit.

Richard Campbell is a 42-year Riverhead Fire Department volunteer eyeing Mr. Tradeski’s commissioner seat. Throughout his time in the fire division, he served as captain of the fire police patrol company, as well as the company’s safety and health officer. 

He has also been a Riverhead EMT for 15 years and now operates a small business providing first aid and CPR training to businesses, organizations and private groups. He retired from working in the defense industry after 40 years. 

Dawn Jacobs is also on the candidate slate for Riverhead Fire District Commissioner. With almost three decades of emergency services experience as an EMT and firefighter, Ms. Jacobs is currently a public safety dispatcher for local police, EMS and eight area fire departments. 

Her priorities include restoring integrity, openness and trust in fire district leadership. She hopes to strike a balance between safety and accountability, which entails closely monitoring spending, eliminating unnecessary expenses and investing in resources that keep firefighters safe. 

All voters residing in the Riverhead Fire District in Riverhead, Southampton or Brookhaven towns that are registered with the Suffolk County Board of Elections are eligible to vote.

Wading River Fire District

The Wading River Fire District election is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Wading River Fire House at 1503 North Country Road. Voters will elect one fire district commissioner to serve a five-year term, starting Jan. 1, 2026, and ending Dec. 31, 2030.

Current commissioner Tim Deveny is seeking reelection. In his present role, he worked with the district manager to secure a $549,000 grant to update the Wading River Fire Department’s almost 40-year-old engine tanker and is pursuing a $620,000 grant to update a 1992 pumper. 

He has also prioritized increasing Wading River’s EMS program and supported the addition of a third ambulance in response to a spike in EMS call volume. 

Julio Prendergast is a career paramedic running for the fire district commissioner spot. He is  deputy chief of EMS for Southampton Volunteer Ambulance and an over 20-year volunteer first responder. 

If elected, some of Mr. Prendergast’s goals are to provide firefighters and EMS the resources they need to perform at the highest level, strengthen community safety through smart budgeting and ensure equipment is in mission-ready condition.  

All registered voters residing in the Wading River Fire District are eligible to vote.

Jamesport Fire District

Voters will place two votes on the ballot for the Jamesport Fire District: a single five-year fire commissioner term and then a one-year term, which ends December 2026. Polls will be open at the Jamesport Fire House at 25 Manor Lane. 

Kerri Davis is running for reelection for the five-year seat. She has been a member of the Jamesport Fire Department for over 30 years and has served one-term as fire commissioner.

There are no known candidates running for the one-year term seat, according to the fire district secretary.

All residents living within the fire district and registered with the Suffolk County Board of Elections are eligible to vote in this election. 

Manorville Fire District

Incumbent Charles Steuerwald and challenger Sal D’Amato are vying for the single five-year commissioner seat for the Manorville Fire District.

Voting will take place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at all three district firehouses: 14 Silas Carter Road in Manorville; 170 Cranford Blvd. in Mastic; and 40 Halsey Manor Road in Manorville.

Mr. Steuerwald has served as a Manorville Fire Commissioner for the last two years and is seeking another term. In his current role on the board, he is responsible for applying for local and federal government grants for new vehicles and equipment, as well as other fiscal decisions that don’t burden taxpayers.

Aside from being commissioner, Mr. Steuerwald has been an active volunteer for the Manorville Fire Department for the last decade.

His opponent, Mr. D’Amato, is an ex-fire chief with over 30 years of service in the Manorville community. He has experience with department budget management and resource allocation, and understands challenges such as maintaining staff, training, equipment and long-term planning.

If elected, Mr. D’Amato aims to provide transparent decision-making, modernize equipment and facilities, proactively seek out grant funding and prepare the Manorville Fire Department for future growth and emergency demands.

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Mr. Gleason, 41, suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall at his home near the Capitol-region school on Nov. 30 and died three days later at Albany Medical Center, according to a GoFundMe campaign.

The fundraiser for his wife, Jaclyn, and their three young kids — Kennedy, Penn, and Tate — has amassed $772,000 out of its $800,000 goal as of Tuesday.

Family, coaches, players and friends lined the hospital’s walls to pay their last respects during a solemn “Honor Walk” before the Wading River native passed away and his organs were donated, according to the GoFundMe page.

The news of the beloved coach’s death has rocked the Shoreham-Wading River school community, especially those involved in the district’s lacrosse program.

Mr. Gleason, a 2003 SWR graduate and stellar lacrosse defenseman, helped the Wildcats win their first state championship in 2002.

“Liam was an exceptional athlete, a champion, and more importantly, a remarkable person,” said Mike Taylor, SWR boys head lacrosse coach.

A community gathering and fundraiser, organized by the SWR Wildcat Athletic Club, is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Baiting Hollow Golf Club, with all proceeds going to Mr. Gleason’s family.

In a social media tribute, his former SWR coach Tom Rotanz described Mr. Gleason as the “definition of a ‘players coach’ — never a screamer, never a critic.”

“Standing 6-foot-5 and over 240 pounds, he was a gentle giant, a man whose kindness filled every room he entered. You always walked away feeling better after spending time with him,” Mr. Rotanz wrote. “In my 38 years of coaching, only a handful of players ever made me think, ‘The world would be a better place if more people were like him.’ Liam was one of them.”

Mr. Taylor said in recent years, Mr. Gleason played a role in assisting several top Wildcat athletes, including Jack Erb, Sean Miller, William Miller, Ryan Wilson and George Greene, who plans to attend Siena University next fall.

Mr. Taylor said the SWR lacrosse alum continued to support the high school program, often helping players find opportunities at the next level. Mr. Gleason’s caring quality and desire to stay connected to the Shoreham-Wading River lacrosse community is what Mr. Taylor believes will “always be one of the defining pieces of his legacy.”

“Liam was proud of his roots, and he never forgot where he came from. What made him special was he didn’t just move forward in life, he reached back,” Mr. Taylor said. “He was one of our own, a coach who represented what it means to give back, and he will be remembered not just for the championships and accolades, but for the person he was, for how deeply he believed in others.”

While earning his bachelor’s degree in sociology at the University at Albany, Mr. Gleason played lacrosse under coach Scott Marr from 2004 to 2007. In his last year, the team won the America East Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals.

He went on to become the associate head coach at Albany under Mr. Marr, where he helped guide the Great Danes to six straight NCCA Tournaments and a national semifinal appearance, before taking over as Siena’s head coach in 2018.

He led Siena to the MAAC title in May, qualifying the Saints for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 seasons. 

The team was scheduled to celebrate the achievement with a championship ring ceremony Friday, Dec. 5. Instead, a memorial mass was held Saturday at the Siena UHY Center.

To honor Mr. Gleason’s love for lacrosse, interested donors are asked to consider making memorial contribution to the Siena Men’s Lacrosse Coaching Discretionary Fund, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.

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Officials invited the public to “witness Riverhead history” at the groundbreaking ceremony at noon at 127 E. Main St.

This announcement comes four months after J. Petrocelli Development Associates was named the master developer by the Riverhead Town Board to construct the $32.6 million Town Square project.

“This has been a long time coming. It’s very exciting,” Mr. Hubbard said during the morning work session.

The plans include a five-story, 78,000-square-foot mixed-used building with up to 76 hotel rooms and 12 condominium units, along with restaurant and retail space and 12 underground parking stalls.

The town purchased three East Main Street properties for $2.65 million in a non-competitive sale over the summer.

It demolished buildings at 117 and 121 East Main St. in 2022, then acquired the former Craft’D eatery space at 127 E. Main St. through eminent domain after the owner accepted a $170,000 settlement offer in September.

The ceremony was originally scheduled for October but was postponed while town officials waited to confirm with the governor’s office on who could attend.

“We have all the dignitaries from the state, the county and different organizations that have funded this project will be present along with elected officials,” Mr. Hubbard said.

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Mugs on Main has fed or caffeinated at least 500 people in the last two years through its Pay it Forward board. On average, the store is giving out 10 to 20 meals a month thanks to an influx of community contributions.

“It started with customers putting like a cup of coffee and a muffin,” Ms. Watkins said. “Now everyone seems to have grown in their generosity — there are full meals.”

The idea is simple, but the gesture can make all the difference for someone else, Ms. Watkins said. Customers can order whatever they would like to contribute at the counter. Then, a separate receipt is printed and pinned to the board.

“When somebody comes in and needs to use one of those tickets, they just see what they want for that day and hand it to the counter, no questions asked,” she said.

She stressed that community is at the core of Mugs on Main and the Pay it Forward board is to ensure everyone who walks into the shop feels a part of it.

She thanked the hundreds of people who have contributed to the Pay it Forward board so far.

“It’s something that we are able to continue because of the generosity of everyone within our community,” Ms. Watkins said. “When it comes to food, everyone has a right to food.”

Mugs on Main also accepts online donations, which go directly toward its Pay it Forward initiative. To contribute, visit the website at mugsonmain.com.

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Mr. Halpin, 54, an independent candidate running on the Democratic line, defeated Mr. Hubbard by 37 votes — 3,958 to 3,921 — according to results released Friday after all mailed absentee and military ballots were counted. The margin triggered an automatic manual recount of all 7,879 ballots cast.

“I am truly honored that the voters of Riverhead have entrusted me to serve our community,” said Mr. Halpin, lead minister at North Shore Christian Church in Riverhead. “Riverhead’s future depends on all of us — working together as neighbors and taxpayers, regardless of party — to ensure our community continues to grow stronger and brighter than ever.”

On election night, Mr. Halpin led by just 21 votes. But over the past two weeks, the board counted 113 additional ballots — 76 absentee, and 37 affidavits. Of these, 67 went to Mr. Halpin expanding his narrow lead.

State law requires a manual recount if the margin of victory is approximately 0.5% of votes cast. The recount began at 10 a.m. Monday at the Board of Elections, where a bipartisan committee began counting every ballot by hand. The process involved roughly 30 people and took over a day to complete.

The Riverhead Town supervisor office released a statement on Tuesday announcing Mr. Hubbard’s concession.

“The people have spoken, and while the result was not what I had hoped, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition for Supervisor-elect Halpin,” said Mr. Hubbard.

Mr. Halpin, who has worked in nonprofit leadership for more than 30 years, entered the race citing the 7.89% tax increase in the 2025 town budget — the town’s largest since the state cap was enacted in 2012 — and its impact on fixed-income residents.

His campaign for Riverhead Town supervisor focused heavily on fiscal management and listening to residents frustrated by four consecutive years of tax cap overrides. The town currently faces criticism over its 2026 budget, which includes another 7.74% tax levy increase.

“We are grateful to the voters of Riverhead for placing their trust in Jerry,” the Riverhead Democratic Committee said Friday. “This win belongs to every resident who believed our town deserves a government that listens, plans responsibly and puts people first.”

In the Town Council races, Republican incumbent Kenneth Rothwell staved off a strong challenge from Democrat Mark Woolley, Mr. Hubbard’s brother-in-law, winning by 58 votes.

Mr. Rothwell received 3,882 votes to Mr. Woolley’s 3,824. On election night, Mr. Woolley trailed by 74 votes, but he closed the gap as absentee and affidavit ballots were counted over the past two weeks.

Republican incumbent Bob Kern secured the second council seat with 3,958 votes — the highest total in any race. Democratic challenger Kevin Shea finished fourth with 3,515 votes.

“Mark and Kevin showed up every day for this community, and we are grateful for their dedication and the energy they brought to this election,” the Riverhead Democratic Committee said.

Mr. Halpin’s victory breaks the longstanding Republican stranglehold over the five-member Town Board. However, due to recent law changes for even-year elections in New York, Mr. Halpin would have to run again in November 2026.

He has already begun fundraising for the next cycle, asking his supporters to consider donating $37 — his margin of victory — in a Facebook post on his campaign page on Nov. 21.

In his concession statement, Mr. Hubbard thanked “the thousands of residents” who supported and voted for him in this election. He called his time as an elected official for the past decade “an honor and a privilege.”

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside countless of elected officials, community leaders, business owners and over 300 town employees towards making Riverhead “an incredible place to live, work and play.”

“I truly love the Town of Riverhead and have always believed in the immense potential this town holds,” Mr. Hubbard wrote. “It has so much to offer, and I remain optimistic about its future.”

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For nearly 15 years, Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski and his crew have visited local elementary schools to give them a close-up view of the vehicles, offer insight on the responsibilities of the highway department and teach them the importance of road safety.

“My son had separation anxiety when he was a kid, and when he used to go to [this] school, the principal Mr. [Thomas] Payton used to come out and walk my son into school every single morning,” said Mr. Zaleski, the Riverhead News-Review’s 2024 Public Servants of the Year partly for his outreach. “I never forgot something like that, so I always wanted to give back when I’m able to. What a better way than bringing these trucks for show-and-tell — the kids love it.”

Over the last week, members of the department visited Roanoke and three other schools: Pine Tree Day Nursery, Aquebogue Elementary School and Riley Avenue Elementary School.

The two stars of the show-and-tell at Roanoke were the department’s bright yellow payloader and snow plow.

After the presentation, Mr. Zaleski and staffers gave safety-oriented coloring books to the children.

Check out the photos and video of the Riverhead Highway Department truck show-and-tell below.

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