Zoning board grants sign variances for Mill Road shopping center; ARB final review required
June 25, 2026 | Riverhead, Suffolk County, New York
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The Riverhead Zoning Board of Appeals approved variances for three monument directory signs and related relief for a commercial site at 365 Mill Road, Riverhead, after a public hearing in which the applicant cited traffic visibility and site geometry as justification.
Richard Israel, who identified himself as the managing member of Leersy Adventures LLC and presented the application listed on the agenda as RC Adventures LLC, told the board the parcel is roughly seven acres with an approved site plan for a Chick‑fil‑A at the corner and three additional buildings on the balance of the property. "The signs' visibility is crucial if we expect them to keep the proper traffic flow," Israel said, arguing that multiple entrances and skewed, multi‑lane intersections require clearer wayfinding for drivers.
The variances approved include: allowing three monument directory signs where the code permits one (Town Code chapter 301‑249), a reduced sideline setback of 15 feet from Old Country Road where 25 feet is required (chapter 301‑249 C(4)), and tenant panels of 10 square feet where the code allows 8 square feet (chapter 301‑249 E(3)). The board's motion granted relief "subject to final approval from the Architectural Review Board," as stated in the motion.
During the hearing Israel described an access road near a Harley‑Davidson dealer and said curb cuts on Route 58 are limited to right‑in/right‑out movements, which he said increases the need for clear signage directing drivers to the Mill Road entrances. When asked whether tenants for the northern parcels had been secured, Israel said none had been finalized and that some prospective tenants were waiting on the Chick‑fil‑A opening.
A board member moved to grant the variances as filed, and the motion was seconded. Board member Mr. Sesi announced he would abstain "because the property that this is on is owned by the Long Island Cauliflower Association which I own shares of stock in," citing a potential conflict of interest. The presiding officer announced the variances were granted; the transcript records the abstention but does not include a complete roll‑call tally of yes and no votes.
The applicant noted the Riverhead Architectural Review Board reviewed and conditionally approved the sign concept, asking to review the final monument design before construction. The board requested that final sign details return to the ARB for approval as a condition of the variance.
The board also acknowledged correspondence from a prior ZBA meeting (appeal 2025‑043, Breezy Hill) and deferred approval of prior meeting minutes. The next ZBA meeting was set for July 9, 2026, at which the minutes will be considered.
Richard Israel, who identified himself as the managing member of Leersy Adventures LLC and presented the application listed on the agenda as RC Adventures LLC, told the board the parcel is roughly seven acres with an approved site plan for a Chick‑fil‑A at the corner and three additional buildings on the balance of the property. "The signs' visibility is crucial if we expect them to keep the proper traffic flow," Israel said, arguing that multiple entrances and skewed, multi‑lane intersections require clearer wayfinding for drivers.
The variances approved include: allowing three monument directory signs where the code permits one (Town Code chapter 301‑249), a reduced sideline setback of 15 feet from Old Country Road where 25 feet is required (chapter 301‑249 C(4)), and tenant panels of 10 square feet where the code allows 8 square feet (chapter 301‑249 E(3)). The board's motion granted relief "subject to final approval from the Architectural Review Board," as stated in the motion.
During the hearing Israel described an access road near a Harley‑Davidson dealer and said curb cuts on Route 58 are limited to right‑in/right‑out movements, which he said increases the need for clear signage directing drivers to the Mill Road entrances. When asked whether tenants for the northern parcels had been secured, Israel said none had been finalized and that some prospective tenants were waiting on the Chick‑fil‑A opening.
A board member moved to grant the variances as filed, and the motion was seconded. Board member Mr. Sesi announced he would abstain "because the property that this is on is owned by the Long Island Cauliflower Association which I own shares of stock in," citing a potential conflict of interest. The presiding officer announced the variances were granted; the transcript records the abstention but does not include a complete roll‑call tally of yes and no votes.
The applicant noted the Riverhead Architectural Review Board reviewed and conditionally approved the sign concept, asking to review the final monument design before construction. The board requested that final sign details return to the ARB for approval as a condition of the variance.
The board also acknowledged correspondence from a prior ZBA meeting (appeal 2025‑043, Breezy Hill) and deferred approval of prior meeting minutes. The next ZBA meeting was set for July 9, 2026, at which the minutes will be considered.
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