Riverhead closer to taking over Long Island Science Center property

Riverhead Town is offering $1.95 million to the Long Island Science Center to acquire its vacant downtown storefront using eminent domain to spur downtown revitalization.

The town board voted unanimously Tuesday to accept an appraisal for the property at 111 E. Main St. and make the offer to The Place for Learning Inc., the nonprofit that operates the science museum.

The offer comes after a Suffolk Supreme Court judge granted Riverhead Town’s eminent domain petition on Aug. 27, according to court records. Under the order, acquisition is complete once the order and a map are filed with the county clerk.

The Long Island Science Center purchased the building, once a Swezey’s department store, for $1.45 million in 2020. The center has been operating a pop-up at Tanger Outlets while planning to renovate the new site with exhibitions, classrooms, an observation deck overlooking the Peconic River and a planetarium, according to its website.

But Riverhead officials grew frustrated at what they said was a lack of progress at the blighted site and publicly questioned whether the center could finance the project. The town resumed its condemnation in April, claiming the science center’s inaction threatened the success of ongoing revitalization initiatives, including a town square planned just east of the building.

The judge’s order vests ownership of the Main Street property to the town, allowing it to market the site to future developers.

Supervisor Jerry Halpin, who voted against eminent domain in June, citing the impact on taxpayers, called the site a “key ingredient” for revitalization and is ready to find a buyer.

“We need to make sure … that that person has the financial wherewithal to do what they say and then to make sure what they’re going to do fits in the scope of what Riverhead is becoming,” Halpin said in an interview. “And we want it to be quickly. Not a 10-, 15-year plan.”

No museum challenge

Eminent domain allows the government to take private property for a public benefit but requires property owners to be paid “just compensation,” according to the law.

Under state law, the property owner can accept the offer as full payment or as initial payment while seeking additional settlement in court. The town board resolution states the money would come from the general fund balance.

The science center has not legally challenged the condemnation, according to court documents.

Larry Oxman, the science center president, said in a text message that it’s “nearly impossible” to challenge a municipality in an eminent domain proceeding.

“We are waiting to receive a formal offer from the Town and learn how they arrived at their valuation,” Oxman said in the message. He added that the science center “will continue its mission of STEAM education and programming.” He declined to comment further.

No plans so far

Riverhead officials have not publicly discussed plans for the site other than the intent to convey the property to a new developer.

Riverhead resident John McAuliff expressed concern about the lack of clarity and cautioned against more apartments or high-rise buildings on the riverfront.

“You would wind up with two five-story buildings squeezing the town square area,” McAuliff said at the meeting.

In an interview, Councilman Ken Rothwell said he does not support apartments and would instead favor a family-friendly attraction. He said the town plans to solicit proposals for redeveloping the site.

“We’re looking for a heartbeat downtown,” he said, adding the town must take “bold steps” to succeed in reviving Main Street.

Riverhead first sought to seize the property in 2025, but dropped the bid after public pressure and assurances from science center leaders that they would begin renovations promptly.

As plans for the town square and an adjacent hotel progress, some town officials said the abandoned department store stood in the way.

“If we did not take action, that building would be sitting vacant,” Rothwell said. “When people come to our beautiful new town square, they’re going to look up at a dilapidated building … and they’re going to be like, ‘Riverhead can’t get it right.’ ”