04/21/2026
๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง๐ญ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ก๐๐๐
The Long Island Science Center has been providing high-quality, engaging STEM-based programming to East End students, families, and schools for over 25 yearsโreaching more than 350,000 children through hands-on science education.
Even without a permanent home, we have continued to deliver satellite programs, including robotics, hands-on science workshops, and school partnerships across the region.
๐๐จ๐ฐ, ๐๐โ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐
We are building a permanent homeโright here in downtown Riverheadโat 111 East Main Street, a building we own.
This isnโt just a buildingโitโs a year-round place for learning and connection, and a catalyst for downtown Riverhead revitalization.
๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ, ๐๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ฐ๐๐ฒ
Over the past year, this project has advanced through design, engineering, and permit coordination, with substantial work completed by an experienced team of architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Permit applications have been filed over the past 12 months and remain under review as part of an ongoing design and approval process.
We are proud of the work completed to date on what is a complex and multi-faceted project, developed in close collaboration with our team of architects and consultants and in coordination with the professionals working on the adjacent Town Square project. We remain on track to open in alignment with the Town Square timeline.
๐ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐
In recent weeks, the Town has indicated that it may pursue acquisition of this privately owned property through eminent domain and has engaged counsel in connection with that process. This position has been presented in the context of claims that the building should be demolished.
These claims are not supported by the professional engineering assessments we have received, which confirm the buildingโs structural integrity and suitability for reuse.
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ
This project reflects exactly the kind of thoughtful, high-quality, community-focused development that downtown Riverheadโs revitalization efforts are intended to support.
Projects like thisโprivately funded, community-focused, and ready to move forwardโshould be allowed to move forward.
๐๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐
๐จ๐ซ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐
This unexpected development has impacted project financing, including the withdrawal of a bridge loan that was tied to this site and its role in downtown revitalization.
Despite this, our public funding remains in place, and our commitment to delivering this project is unchanged.
We remain focused, determined, and committed to moving forward.
If anyone would like to better understand the progress made to dateโincluding permitting, engineering, and project documentationโwe welcome the opportunity to share that information.
๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฏ๐๐
This project has always been rooted in communityโand community voices matter.
If you would like to support the Long Island Science Center and its permanent home in downtown Riverhead, there are a number of meaningful ways to help:
โค Share this update to help ensure accurate information is available
โค Write a letter of support to local officials
โค Attend public meetings and stay informed
โค Follow along as we continue to share updates
Your support helps ensure that this projectโand the educational opportunities it representsโcan move forward and serve future generations.
