Scores oppose Jamesport complex

Over the objections of nearly 100 people who came to Riverhead Town Hall Tuesday to oppose a proposed 42,000-square-foot, 25-store and office complex in Jamesport, the Riverhead Town Board voted unanimously to grant the developers two special-use permits to proceed with the project.

Developer Jul-Bet Enterprises, which plans to build The Village at Jamesport, sought the permits for construction of two bistros and medical and professional offices as part of the complex.

Though the hearing was meant to only discuss the permit requests, the discussion spanned three hours and ranged from general opposition to development, potential impacts to businesses in downtown Riverhead, and how the Jamesport Corridor and subsequent zoning were originally approved in 1987.

"This wasn't planned as a public hearing, but we got one," said Supervisor Sean Walter.

And, in the end, the board voted 4-0 to approve the special-use permits, after some minor revisions and two specific agreements were reached between the town and the developer.

The project was proposed eight years ago, and has gone through several changes and reviews since then.

"We have to create some tax base in this town. We can't say no to everything," said Councilman George Gabrielsen.

The opposition was well-organized, and was supported in part by Save Main Road, the North Fork Environmental Council and numerous residents from the Jamesport community, including some living on State Route 25, also known locally as Main Road.

Richard Wines, chairman of Riverhead's Landmarks Preservation Commission, opposes the project. "I cannot find a single advantage to the town," he said.

Town officials said that, based on current zoning, The Village could build 40,000 square feet of commercial space. The special-use permits allow some of that commercial space to be used for specific purposes not in the zoning code, and require the developer to meet several specific conditions.

One special-use permit allowed two 50-seat restaurants while the other was for 17,000 square feet of medical and professional office space.

Opponents' concerns about bistros prompted a wording change that requires the proposed bistros to have "wait staff," ruling out the possibility of fast-food chain restaurants. Jul-Bet officials also agreed to offer cross-access easement to the east, allowing drivers in The Village to drive to an adjoining commercial property without going out onto Main Road.

The project must still undergo a site plan review by the town planning board.