The Town of Riverhead recently received two Pro Housing Community Funding grants for the riverfront amphitheater and the Suffolk Theater, both totaling more than $1.5 million. The announcement was made by Governor Kathy Hochul at a special ceremony hosted by Schenectady Community College.
The amphitheater, a key component of the Riverhead Town Square, was awarded $1.4 million towards final construction. Now in the conceptual design, it will feature tiered seating with a stage and bandshell near the Peconic River. The proposed design leverages the property’s natural slope, while creating a flood barrier to protect the Town Square. Riverhead Town Square, including the amphitheater, will also serve as a public park, hosting activities like exercise classes, movie nights and children’s events.
The conceptual design of the amphitheater was paid for through a previous New York State Brownfield Opportunity Area in the amount of $200,000 that was awarded in December 2022.
In addition, the town was awarded $187,000 to improve water infrastructure to support the Suffolk Theater’s expansion and accompanying apartments in Downtown Riverhead. The Suffolk Theater, an Art Deco landmark, is adding a green room, dressing rooms and an orchestra pit to attract a broader range of performers. In addition, several apartments will be built behind the theater.
Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to modestly increase their housing supply. To date, 273 communities across New York State have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Hochul is proposing an additional $110 million in funding to cover infrastructure and planning costs for Pro-Housing Communities.
“On Long Island, in Riverhead, they’re creating a new amphitheater and public park,” Hochul said. “And that will help protect against flooding, as well. Think about how you can build resiliency into these projects. Not just the housing, but you have to make sure that the housing is going to be protected against Mother Nature, while providing new space for community events.”
Supervisor Timothy C. Hubbard thanked Hochul, Empire State Development and New York State Homes and Community Renewal — on behalf of the town board — for their continued support of the town’s economic development revitalization efforts. “Without the state’s strong partnership, Downtown Riverhead would not be on the precipice of an economic resurgence,” Hubbard said. The supervisor also thanked state Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, (R-Riverhead) for their “tireless advocacy on Riverhead’s behalf.”
“There’s only one solution to New York’s housing affordability crisis: we’ve got to build more housing,” Hochul added. “The Pro-Housing Communities initiative is delivering the incentives communities are looking for, and this latest round of grant funding will make a real difference in every region of New York. We’re proud of all the certified Pro Housing Communities in New York and look forward to seeing their continued growth.”