Residents press board for answers on Town Square hotel parking and developer readiness

Multiple Riverhead residents used the July 7 public comment period to press the town on the proposed Town Square hotel and related parking arrangements.

Martin Senluwski (S20), who serves on the Riverhead parking committee, explained that the hotel’s memorandum of development agreement references a parking arrangement but that a detailed plan had not yet been shared with the parking district trustees. He said a preliminary sketch indicates the first-street back lot could be restriped to gain roughly 33 additional spaces but cautioned that any reserved or controlled hotel parking would likely need a separate lease and public hearing.

Ron Hariri (S23), identifying himself as speaking on behalf of Aquabog, said it had been a year since a master developer was appointed and that promised spring work had not begun. He asked the board to confirm that no closing date had been set and urged the town to review the master developer’s financial statements before any closing, noting that a site plan and parking plan are needed before construction could proceed.

John McAuliffe (S14) and other residents urged the board to consider how a hotel would change the town square and suggested asking the developer to produce a physical model to show the board and public what the project would look like.

Town staff and board members replied that the town is continuing to negotiate, that some interim rent is being received, and that a parking plan remains under discussion; the board said it will continue to require the appropriate plans (including parking and site plans) before approvals proceed.

No final approvals for the hotel or a parking plan were made at the meeting; residents asked for greater transparency on parking-trustee communications and for the town to insist on clear, enforceable parking arrangements before any closing or site-plan approval.