Town to Discuss Aquarium Managing Docks

An idea aimed at boosting transient boat traffic to downtown Riverhead will continue to take shape on Thursday morning.

The town board is slated to meet with representatives from the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center to that would bring boats to the Peconic Riverfront all summer, and not just for special events. If the proposal moves forward, the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center would manage the docks.

Bryan DeLuca, general manager of the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center, said recently the idea involves the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center taking over the operation and management of already existing town docks, to boost transient boat traffic and bring day trippers to the Peconic Riverfront and the aquarium.

The idea of special rates for Riverhead residents and other "exciting promotions" are all on the table, DeLuca said.

According to Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter, the idea first was discussed by former Riverhead Town Supervisor Bob Kozakiewicz, but at the time, he said, there was no support from the town board for the project.

But now, the tide has changed, Walter said. "I think we could see something by next year," he said.

Would you like to see the aquarium managing the Riverhead Town docks to boost transient boat traffic to the Peconic Riverfront? Tell us how you feel in the comments section.