Riverhead Comprehensive Plan Update
On Monday, May 20th the Riverhead Town Board hosted a Public Hearing on its proposed Comprehensive Plan Update which proposes a number of forward-thinking housing strategies:
Expanding the development of Accessory Dwelling Units in residential zoned property, including removing existing three-year occupancy requirements, reducing the parking space requirement from 2 off-street lot to 1 off-street lot.
Reevaluating the existing 500 residential unit cap in the “DC-1” zone, covering most of downtown Riverhead.
Promoting adaptive re-use of historical buildings in Downtown Riverhead for residential development.
Supporting the development of cooperative housing in Downtown Riverhead through townhouses and redevelopment.
Creation of “continuum of care'“ housing for people with special needs or for assisted living communities near Peconic Bay Medical Center.
As Mike Daly from East End Yimby stated: “It’s important because ADUs are a fiscally and environmentally responsible way to add housing without adding heavy density, it just adds light density.”
“But more importantly, especially with the rise of foreclosure cases on Long Island — and we’re seeing them everywhere — it provides a critical strategy for homeowners struggling with costs to remain in their homes,”
