30 years. 375,000 children. Stand with the Long Island Science Center.

The Long Island Science Center has served East End children and families for over 25 years. LISC purchased the building at 111 East Main Street in 2020 — years before the Town Square redevelopment was designed — because they believed in the future of downtown Riverhead.

Since then, LISC has invested in plans, engineering, roof repairs, and the complex permitting process to advance the year-round science museum and education center it has been building for the East End. The project is supported by $3.5 million in committed public grants tied directly to this site, and was named as a downtown anchor in the Town's successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative application. The design is complete — and beautiful.

LISC is ready to build.

The Long Island Science Center's five-year growth plan includes a year-round science museum serving East End children and families, career development and lifelong learning programs for adults, new visitor activity supporting Main Street businesses, and a permanent educational and cultural anchor for downtown Riverhead. It's a project to be proud of, and LISC has been transparent about its process, designs and plans. What is the Town's plan for the site? "General municipal purposes."

A licensed engineering report confirms the building is structurally sound. In April, a 92-page documentation package was formally filed with the Town. The Town's Stop Work Order from August 2024 has prevented standard repair and improvement work from moving forward — and the resulting conditions are now being cited as justification for a taking. You cannot delay a project and then cite that delay as justification to take the property.

This should alarm every property owner on the East End. If the Town can take a 30-year nonprofit's building, no East End home or business is safe.

The Town's eminent domain action has already damaged the Long Island Science Center. The Town is now asking to take a building they have already harmed.

An eminent domain action could result in years of litigation, substantial taxpayer expense, and the loss of $3.5 million in committed public grant funding tied to this site — funding intended to support education, year-round economic revitalization, and public benefit in downtown Riverhead.

We, the undersigned community members, respectfully ask the Riverhead Town Board to:

1. Clearly state the intended public use for 111 East Main Street before advancing any eminent domain action on May 21st, so the community can evaluate the proposal based on a transparent public plan.
2. Review the Long Island Science Center's submitted plans, engineering documentation, and five-year growth strategy before making any final decision regarding the future of this beloved community institution.
3. Meet directly with the institution to explore a collaborative path forward that preserves public investment, supports downtown revitalization, and serves East End families.
4. Reconsider the proposed eminent domain action and support a constructive path forward for the future of downtown Riverhead.
   Sign this petition. Stand with the Long Island Science Center. Let's build it.

Please attend the Town Board meeting at 6.00 pm, May 21st, at Riverhead Town Hall, to show your support of the Long Island Science Center