Riverhead gun shop proposal sparks heated debate at meeting

Proposed legislation that would prohibit retail gun stores downtown and in other areas of Riverhead drew heated debate Tuesday night at a public hearing from opponents and supporters of the plan.

Under the legislation, firearms dealers and gunsmiths would only be allowed within the town’s business center and shopping center zoning-use districts. In addition, firing ranges would only be allowed within the commercial residential campus, planned industrial park, industrial C and industrial B zoning-use districts.

Riverhead officials previously stated the town had been considering prohibiting retail gun stores downtown as part of a push to revitalize downtown Riverhead into both an economically vibrant and family-friendly area.

Town Attorney Erik Howard told the Town Hall audience that the legislation defines what a firearms business is — including gunsmiths, firearms dealers and firing ranges — and where they can be located.

The proposed legislation also outlines a special permit process for establishment of firearms business uses.

Charlotte Notaro, who works at the Suffolk Theater performing arts venue, told the town board she was fearful of gun stores being brought into downtown Riverhead due to the potential for mass shootings.

“What are the qualifications of these people who buy guns? Can they buy for a friend? What are the consequences? … I hate to say it, but I’m fearful,” Notaro said.

Others, including firearms business owners, asked the board to reject the legislation.

Joseph Oliver, a Riverhead resident and owner of JJ Armory, an online firearms and gear sales store, urged the board to vote no.

“To put this change in effect would definitely mess me up pretty badly,” said Oliver, who applied to have a store on Main Street in January that is pending approval. “I just want to say, please don’t make the change … this is my town, I want to open my business here. It’s already hard enough to try and find a location right now.”

Daniel Smith, also of Riverhead, told the board he knew of someone trying to open a firearms business downtown and asked the board not to pass the legislation, likening it to “cancel culture”

“Are we regulating things that are safe, or did someone start throwing this around because they don’t want guns around?” Smith said.

Cindy Clifford, co-founder of the Heart of Riverhead Civic Association, said she was in favor of keeping firearms businesses away from downtown. However, Clifford said she was also concerned about allowing such businesses in other zones close to residential areas. She also asked the board to consider a moratorium on firearms businesses so they can have more time to consider the legislation.

“I’m not trying to stop any reputable business from coming into Riverhead,” Clifford said. “This isn’t about guns or no guns. But businesses need to be appropriate for their location and businesses and their homes need to be respected, and the zoning code needs to continue to serve the communities for which they are for.”

Public written comments on the proposal will be open for 10 days.