Another chance for a clean slate at EPCAL

Year after year, officials in the Town of Riverhead have pledged that new economic activity, jobs and an invigorated tax base would finally come to the vast acres known as Enterprise Park at Calverton, or EPCAL.

Yet the land has sat empty, devoid of the economic development that was promised when the federal government first handed the property once used by Grumman Corp. to the Town of Riverhead nearly 30 years ago.

Now, Riverhead is getting another chance for a clean slate and a new beginning for the property.

Last month, a state Supreme Court justice dismissed every claim except one in a lawsuit by Calverton Aviation & Technology, which has had a pending deal with the town since 2017 for the sale of the land. The town's Industrial Development Agency reviewed and then denied CAT's application in 2023. CAT, a subsidiary of mall developer Triple Five, subsequently sued, accusing the town of fraud, breach of contract and more.

Their remaining claim — that the town interfered with the IDA's review of the deal — still has to be resolved in the courts.

As that process continues, town officials, including Supervisor Jerry Halpin, have an opportunity to jump-start plans for EPCAL's future. It can begin by reinvigorating the committee convened by Halpin's predecessor, Tim Hubbard, to discuss ideas and next steps.

All options to spur economic growth should be on the table.

That can include a research and development complex, or a hub for airport-related technology or manufacturing. It could include incubator space for new and growing companies, or a home for renewable energy or other burgeoning industries that would create high-paying jobs.

It's also worth considering another smart idea that emerged last summer when the region's air traffic control system stumbled. Antiquated equipment at New York's Terminal Radar Approach Control facility in Westbury and the movement of Federal Aviation Administration personnel to Philadelphia caused delays, closed airspace and posed risks to air travelers when communication systems went down. Why not, experts said then, build a new TRACON on Long Island, where trained, expert employees and upgraded equipment could be integrated into one modern campus? 

Calverton was among the locations discussed and that use makes sense.

During his campaign for supervisor, Halpin embraced the potentially game-changing idea, noting that there were federal funds allocated for the needed air traffic control upgrades. He should see how feasible it may be.

Whether or not a TRACON is the answer, town officials must be prepared to work on what comes next.

Halpin called the court's ruling a "win for the Riverhead taxpayers."

If reimagining EPCAL is done right, it could be a win for the region as well.