04/21/2026
𝐀 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝
The Long Island Science Center has been providing high-quality, engaging STEM-based programming to East End students, families, and schools for over 25 years—reaching 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.
𝐍𝐨𝐰, 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞
We are building a permanent home—right here in downtown Riverhead—at 111 East Main Street, a building we own.
This isn’t just a building—it’s a year-round place for learning and connection, and a catalyst for downtown Riverhead revitalization.
𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐀𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲
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.
𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞
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 building’s structural integrity and suitability for reuse.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐂 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
This project reflects exactly the kind of thoughtful, high-quality, community-focused development that downtown Riverhead’s revitalization efforts are intended to support.
Projects like this—privately funded, community-focused, and ready to move forward—should be allowed to move forward.
𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝
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 date—including permitting, engineering, and project documentation—we welcome the opportunity to share that information.
𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝
This project has always been rooted in community—and 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:
➤ Share this update to help ensure accurate information is available
➤ Write a letter of support to local officials
➤ Attend public meetings and stay informed
➤ Follow along as we continue to share updates
Your support helps ensure that this project—and the educational opportunities it represents—can move forward and serve future generations.
