Riverhead Town Board Approves Eminent Domain to Acquire Long Island Science Center Building
The Riverhead Town Board has voted to proceed with eminent domain proceedings to seize the Long Island Science Center building located on East Main Street. This decision, made by a 3-1 vote, is part of the town's broader downtown revitalization efforts. The board's decision comes despite objections from Supervisor Jerry Halpin, who argued that eminent domain should be a last resort. The building, which has been vacant since its purchase in 2019, is seen as a blight on Main Street and a hindrance to the Town Square project. The board's resolution states that acquiring the property will benefit the public by removing blight and furthering economic redevelopment. The Long Island Science Center had previously presented a two-phase expansion plan but has not moved forward with renovations, leading to doubts about the project's viability. 
