Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events Alive On 25 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Business owners defend 'Alive on 25' as council weighs costs and logistics
Summary
Riverhead business owners, chamber representatives and event organizers told the town board that Alive on 25 boosts downtown visibility and family activity, while the town raised questions about scheduling, police staffing and food-truck placement; organizers urged earlier planning and better cross-agency coordination.
A broad group of downtown business owners and organizers told the Riverhead Town Board on April 2 that Alive on 25 has become an important driver of foot traffic and community activation—and urged the town not to cancel or shrink the event without a careful replacement plan.
Steven (Steve) Silato, owner of the Ben & Jerry’s in Riverhead and a father of three, said the event brings families downtown and gives residents and nonresidents alike a reason to explore local shops and restaurants. "Alive on 25 and any event that gets residents down in our community is amazing," Silato said.
Event operators, BID and Chamber representatives described a successful 2025 season and suggested refinements: shifting dates to spread demand, planning further in advance so vendors and police resources can be allocated, and pairing street fairs with a restaurant-focused "Riverhead Restaurant Week" to capture sit-down business that may not be served by a street event.
Town officials raised operational concerns. Police staffing and the number of road closures drive costs, and some downtown merchants told chamber or BID representatives they preferred Thursday events or different block footprints to avoid conflict with construction and to reduce policing hours. Organizers said they are exploring route and timing changes (for example, a "fourth before the fourth" concept) and urged the board to formalize budgets and responsibilities early in the year so vendors are secured well in advance.
The board asked recreation and chamber staff to convene interested business owners and public-safety officials to produce a budget and staffing plan and to return with recommendations on date, footprint and cost-sharing.
What happens next: The town will hold a follow-up meeting with the Chamber, BID and public-safety staff to align dates, footprints and resource commitments; organizers said they will pursue sponsorships and earlier vendor recruitment to reduce net town expense.
