Dear RNPC Members and Friends,

There is even more bad news coming from our Riverhead Town Board and the potential buyer of our precious EPCAL property, Calverton Aviation and Technology (CAT).  The email below was originally written by our colleague Kelly McClinchy.  We are sending it on to you because this issue could affect the lives of all Riverhead residents and beyond.  The time for civic involvement and action is now.  

First, a very brief history of what has led to the situation we are possibly facing today:

The federal government transferred the former Grumman/Navy property to Riverhead Town in the late 1990's.  At this time, Grumman had ceased operations there and the Navy retained small portions of the land to focus on their water remediation testing and efforts.  The rest of the land was deeded to Riverhead Town with the condition that part of it be used to build industry in the area and another part to be preserved as environmental, non-developed land. The land area was renamed EPCAL standing for Enterprise Park at Calverton. Since then, the Town has leased or sold some portions to the companies that currently are in the area mainly along the main road that runs south to north through the property.  

A few years ago, the Town entered into an agreement to sell a large portion of the land to a company named CAT/Triple 5.  Part of the agreement required the town to get approval to subdivide the land into buildable lots before the sale could be finalized.  All along, the community was never really told what CAT/Triple 5 wanted to do with the property, but the word often was they would build facilities that focused on new technology in aviation and aerospace.  The Town was not able to secure subdivision from the New York State DEC for various reasons.  Among these reasons, was some concerns about non-permitted construction and use of the water infrastructure system there (this has increased our difficulties with securing public water along the way).  

Over the past summer, Riverhead Town came up with a plan where they would become co-applicants with Triple 5 and turn the entire land portion over to Riverhead's IDA (Industrial Development Agency).  The IDA would then vet Triple 5 to see if they were worthy buyers, Triple 5 would be responsible to get the subdivision that Riverhead couldn't secure, pay the IDA the sale cost of only $40 million dollars for some 1500+ acres including the runways on site, and then the rest of the land remaining would be transferred back to Riverhead Town after the sale was completed.

Last month, the co-application was submitted.  The IDA had a meeting at which Triple 5 announced that they hoped to build the above described buildings to house aviation tech companies.  However, they also stated a new proposed use:  turning the facility into an air and cargo hub.  Please see the links below for more details. 

Please take some time to really understand what this would mean for us:

Simply, cargo planes would be flying in and out of the site on a 24 hour basis.  This is a particular concern for our areas of Manorville because our homes will exist directly under the flight areas for take off and landing.  Many of our homes lie within or right next to the former buffer zones of Grumman/Navy flights and any new planes flying into the existing runways will fly right over us at extremely low altitudes during landing or take-off.

Some other factors to really consider:

• A fuel depot will need to be established nearby (probably on the EPCAL property).  Manorville residents have suffered quite enough in terms of fuel substances in our water.

• Residences closest to the site and within/near the buffer zones will see markedly decreased property values.

• The sound disturbances from large cargo planes will severely disrupt our quiet neighborhoods and very possibly have environmental effects on animal life nearby.

• EPCAL falls in the jurisdiction of Manorville Fire Dept.  Our FD is not equipped to deal with possible plane crashes and such an increase in industry will tax the FD to the breaking point.  Please remember these two items:  a good connection to public water for fighting fires in our area is non-existent with our current lack of public water and please remember that fires involving large amounts of fuel, such as planes, are typically put out with foam.  This foam, while is said to be safer today, is not entirely safe at all.  Foam could be the reason we have seen instances of PFAS/PFOA in our private wells. (also note:  Grumman had their own FD on site; Triple 5 will be under no obligation to do so).

A common practice with large planes is to dump fuel upon landing to lessen the weight of the vessel.  If these cargo planes have to lose weight, they will dump fuel contents over our homes.

• Once the planes come in, the cargo will have to be moved by tractor trailers.  Our roads cannot handle this use.

I have attached below a link to an article from Riverhead Local further explaining the meeting of the IDA in relation to this proposed project.  I have also provided a link for you to watch the IDA meeting for yourself to get a real feel for the company that may be moving into EPCAL.

Riverhead residents:  Begin writing to the Riverhead Town Board and tell them this is not an acceptable option for our community, and we will not stand for it!  Be prepared to attend the next IDA meeting regarding this project where they will hear public comments.  I will let you know when that meeting will be.  Please also share this information with your neighbors. Remember, there is great power in numbers. 

Brookhaven residents:  Begin writing to your Councilman, Dan Panico, and the Brookhaven Town Supervisor, Ed Romaine.  Tell them Riverhead is acting in an unacceptable manner and possibly approving a sale and industrial development that will impact your quality of life.  Also, please plan to attend the IDA meeting also.  I will let you know when that meeting will be.  Remember, also, there is power in numbers.

Riverhead Local link:

https://riverheadlocal.com/2022/09/22/air-cargo-logistics-hub-in-calverton-planned-by-triple-five-affiliate-to-enhance-package-delivery-services-on-long-island/ 

IDA Meeting links:

https://townofriverheadny.viebit.com/player.php?hash=C72P4MR3JsO3    

or

https://townofriverheadny.viebit.com/player.php?hash=C72P4MR3JsO3

The email addresses for Town officials within Riverhead or Brookhaven can be found on the Town websites. If you have more questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.  

Together we are stronger.

Best Regards,

Phil Barbato

Riverhead Neighborhood Preservation Coalition, RNPC