Mailing address: Taxpayers for Aguiar, P.O. Box 1279, Riverhead, NY 11901
Aguiar delivers final address as Riverhead Town Supervisor - Riverhead News Review (timesreview.com)
Please read the great article on the progress made in Riverhead during my tenure.
“Soldiers, when committed to a task, can’t compromise. It’s unrelenting devotion to the standards of duty and courage, absolute loyalty to others, not letting the task go until it’s been done.” — John Keegan
Revitalizing Riverhead: A Gateway Becomes a Destination (danspapers.com)
Great Article in Dan's Paper concerning the Revitalization of Riverhead!
Today October 4, 2023, was a historic day in Riverhead as the New Town Hall was dedicated. After two decades, the dream of a new town hall became a reality. I would like to thank everyone who attended, sponsors and all the employees of the town who made this day a great success.
My Press Conference on Lawsuit against Riverhead by the City of New York being Discontinued.
September 14, 2023
Good morning,
I am pleased to announce, the City of New York has officially filed a "Notice of Discontinuance" regarding its lawsuit against the Town of Riverhead in connection with the issuance of a series of Executive Orders, State of Emergency declarations, commencing on May 16, 2023, renewed weekly and will continue to be renewed under my leadership. The Executive Order/State of Emergency became necessary, when I became aware NYC planned to bus asylum seekers to our hotels and other lodging facilities within the Town of Riverhead on May 16, 2023.
Specifically, I became aware, the City of New York was in the process of busing homeless asylum seekers to Riverhead to be housed in local hotels for periods in excess of what is permitted in our Town Code and without rental permits.
Not only would this type of emergency housing be in violation of our codes, but in addition would limit hotel space during our busiest tourist season thereby threatening the existing local jobs and the economy our community depends on.
Further, we were not notified or consulted in connection with this plan and would have been unable to accommodate these individuals. We needed to protect our community from NYC's poor decisions and not appropriately addressing the Humanitarian crisis.
The Executive Order/State of Emergency declaration prohibited hotels and other short term lodging facilities from accepting homeless individuals, specifically asylum seekers to the Town of Riverhead and further directed that homeless shelters in Town not displace our own homeless population. The Executive Order was necessary to protect our Town residents as well as asylum seekers from being housed in violation of our Town Code.
NYC thereafter commenced litigation to have our local Executive Order vacated.
Today, I am very pleased to announce that yesterday, NYC has officially voluntarily discontinued its action against the Town of Riverhead.
I am glad that this chapter has concluded and that our actions in protecting our community from the fallout created by NY City's chaos for the asylum seekers, and attempt to mitigate this federal issue in Riverhead, has come to a close. All Towns should be afforded their own Home Rule and again, I thank New York City for understating individual Town zoning statutes, across all Towns in New York State, enacted in 1968 under Chapter 36 A.
This is a Humanitarian Crisis, which must be addressed by the Federal Government and New York City!
Although I am not running for office in 2024. I have, and will continue to work tirelessly until December 31, 2023, to protect my community, including the homeless population in our Town.
On the 22nd Anniversary of 9/11
“September 11 is one of our worst days,
but it brought out the best in us.
It unified us as a country and showed our charitable instincts and
remined us of what we stood for and stand for.”
Senator Lamar Alexander.
Suffolk Exec Steve Bellone Issues Emergency Order On Migrant Housing
The Order formalizes county opposition to busing asylum seekers to random hotels; requires county permission to contract with outside agencies.
https://patch.com/new-york/sachem/suffolk-exec-bellone-declares-state-emergency-migrant-housing
Discussing the State of Emergency for the Town of Riverhead on Newsmax
Discussing the State of Emergency for the Town of Riverhead on Fox News
Riverhead Supervisor Aguiar’s Decision on a Third Term
I am here today to share with you where I stand in the 2024 Riverhead Supervisor election race.
Two months after taking office in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic essentially closed our Country for 2 years. The pandemic did not prevent me from securing our Town and overcoming the challenges we faced.
We worked simultaneously to create a new Town Square, the key component for revitalizing our downtown and our train station area. Subsequently we demolished two blighted properties on Main Street and purchased a complex which will soon become our new Town Hall. Other initiatives are well on their way.
As a result, Riverhead is unequivocally on the map. What a bittersweet week, Riverhead was designated as one of the 2023 destination locations across the world by the distinguished and highly acclaimed magazine Forbes.
During my tenure, I never devoted an hour or even a day of my time to personal partisan causes or to any duties, other than the awesome duties of my office as Riverhead Town Supervisor.
My intentions were to continue enhancing our Town’s quality of life and remined intensely focused on continuing the important work vital to improving the lives of our residents. Look around us, in three short years, we have moved our town forward in a quantum leap. There are no longer rumors, plans, studies, and empty promises.
It has been an incredible journey for me, and I thank all my supporters who re-elected me with a record-breaking win in the November 2021 election, showing their overwhelming desired for me to continue serving as their Riverhead Town Supervisor.
Today, I am here to inform you, I will not be seeking a third term for Riverhead Town Supervisor. Please be assured in the next 11 months, I am committed to continue building our future foundation.
I will leave you then with a deep-rooted foundation for progress, which will afford all our residents to prosper, with an enhanced quality of life for many years to come.
Thank you to all in public service, who believed in Riverhead and to my colleagues across every level of government.
To the residents, who discharged their trust in me, know there is deep acknowledgement and gratitude for your trust in me to discharge my duties and to contribute to the permanent betterment of Riverhead Township.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Be safe and God Bless America.
Yvette Aguiar
Forbes names Riverhead as one of the Best places to Travel in 2023
Riverhead is an historic town on the North Shore of Long Island with plenty of ways to while away the day. Visit the Long Island Aquarium, home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world or stop by the Jamesport Brewery, located on a working farm where all the ingredients from hops to barley to wheat are home-grown to make its house-made suds.
Mid-September to October is peak apple-picking season where you can pick your own at several local orchards. And no trip to Riverhead is complete without a picture with the famous “Big Duck,” a 20-foot tall building shaped like a duck.
Rewards Spotlight: Riverhead has several hotels bookable on points including the Hyatt Place Long Island/East, Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead and Marriott Residence Inn Long Island East End.
By Robin Saks Frankel, Forbes Advisor Staff
Purchase of a New Town Hall Location in Downtown Riverhead.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! 
The Christmas Tree in the New Town Square in Riverhead
At the town board meeting on July 19, 2022, my response to possible legislation to restrict firearms businesses and shooting ranges from operating in Riverhead.
I hate to disagree with you on utilizing a national issue with all these shootings. The guns are not in the hands of your average law-abiding citizen. You can create as many laws as you want — 1,000 of them. All these public announcements, all these press conferences, and you create the toughest laws in the world. The guns are in the wrong people, they’re in the hands of the criminals — as a result of defunding the police, which aids it, and they’re in the hands of some of the mentally disabled individuals.
To put one issue with another is not correct. From a law enforcement individual, former law enforcement, I know where the guns are. I know how they get here. I know what town, what states they come from. And I know they all travel through I-95,” Aguiar continued. “I’m not giving you — you give me your opinion. I’m telling you a fact …the guns are in the wrong hands and having all these legislations it’s not going to stop the shootings.
Happy Fourth of July!
Speech in Front of the Greater Jamesport Civic Association.
As I viewed the great fireworks display on Alive on 25 Friday night, I reflected on the history of America, how the sacrifices of selfless individuals, such as the signers of the Declaration of Independence and members of our armed forces, who built the foundations of our liberty. The founding fathers made the difficult decision to severe ties with England because of the lack of freedom and rights.
The act of signing the landmark document, was considered treason, punishable by death. In addition, the members of the military, past and present, some, who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and enabled America to become the beacon of hope and freedom throughout the world.
Communities across America celebrate this day through fireworks, parades, ceremonies, baseball games, and picnics. We also celebrate this special day with family, friends, and fellow Americans. The Fourth of July is symbolic of having the opportunity to celebrate unity and the birth of our independence. Freedom is not given it is won!
Reflecting on Abraham Lincoln “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Happy a wonderful and blessed Fourth of July.
Thank you for all who attended the Riverhead State of the Town Address.
The Future of Riverhead is bright
2022 State of the Town Address
Memorial Day 2020
"America without her soldiers would be like God without her Angels"
Claudia Pemberton
I was Honored to be named Supervisor of the Year by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Congressman Lee Zeldin presented me with a certificate
Great article in the New York Times. Riverhead is on the Map.
Riverhead is no longer the Land of No - Riverhead is the Place to Go.
Riverhead, N.Y.: A Long Island Community That’s Suddenly Popular - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Riverhead stands with the Ukraine.
Great Day for the Town of Riverhead!
To all those believers who worked tirelessly to promote our Town, your wish came true. Today Riverhead received a $10,000,000 grant for a new Town Square. We are well on our way. All levels of Government came together. Thank you, Governor Hochul!
https://patch.com/new-york/riverhead/riverhead-awarded-10m-downtown-revitalization-grant?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert
I had the honor of being sworn in by Senator Alfonse D'Amato at Riverhead 2022 Inauguration.
It is my privilege to be elected as your town supervisor for a second term.
Our traditional & moral values are under constant attack. Our hard-working citizens face enormous financial press due to rising taxes to fund giveaway programs by the state and federal governments.
I recognize the importance of faith, family, education and hard work. I support the police and against any political pressure to defund our law enforcement.
Thank you for all your support on Election Night and for the honor to continue as Supervisor of this great town.
The demolition of the two buildings started today to open Downtown Riverhead to the scenic Peconic for the creation of a new town square. I had the honor of taking the first piece down.
Click on this Link for full article: Aguiar for Riverhead supervisor | Newsday
Thank you to the Riverhead PBA for endorsing me for a second term as Town Supervisor. I believe that our police should be suppored and NOT DEFUNDED.
***Riverhead taxes have increased in the last 21 years. Supervisor proposes no tax increase and a decrease in her 2022 budget***
Press Release:9/20/21
Supervisor Proposes Zero Percent Property Tax Increase for 2022 Budget and 1% decrease in the Highway Budget:
If approved, it would be the first town budget in 20 plus years to not increase property taxes, with a 1% decrease in the Highway Budget.
Supervisor Yvette Aguiar proposed her Tentative 2022 Town of Riverhead budget this morning that will not increase property taxes. If adopted by the Town Board, the budget would be the first one in more than 20 years to provide residents relief in the form of a 0% increase in taxes and 1% decrease in the Highway Budget.
“The year 2021 has proven to be a year of progress for the Town of Riverhead,” Supervisor Yvette Aguiar said. “Our plans and vision for our great Town are advancing, despite the ongoing financial challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Supervisor Aguiar said her administration instituted proactive measures to reduce spending town-wide as outlined in last year’s budget. These measures were successfully implemented with the assistance and support of the entire Town Board, department head and town employees. “As a result, I am proud to be able to provide our residents and business owners a proposed tentative budget that will hold the line on taxes,” she said. “Sound financial planning in 2021 paved the way for the stable fiscal position we find ourselves in today. It is these fiscal efforts that have enabled me to reduce taxes in the Highway Fund, while keeping taxes in the General Fund and in the Street Lighting Fund to the same level as 2021. This will benefit every taxpayer in the Town of Riverhead and will be the first time in 21 years that property taxes will not increase, and, in fact, will decrease because of lower highway taxes.”
Supervisor Aguiar’s 2022 Tentative Budget provides the Town with the ability to enhance critical Information Technology infrastructure, supply body cameras for police officers, further the expansion of the Code Enforcement Department, continue the updating of the Comprehensive Master Plan, and continue the development of our new Town Square along the Peconic Riverfront in Downtown Riverhead. The use of Community Benefit Funds and American Rescue Funds will be used in part to purchase or upgrade much of this critically needed equipment and vehicles, and will also provide additional training and equipment for the Town’s first responders. “These funds, as well as unanticipated revenues received in 2021, have enabled me to offset inevitable spending increases including contractual expenses and higher health insurance premiums,” she said.
Supervisor Aguiar said, “the primary purpose of this budget was to create a stable road map for fiscal responsibility and future planning. My administration, the Town Board, our department heads, and all town employees will continue to battle the pandemic-fueled fiscal challenges, as the pandemic recovery phase continues. Subsequently, my administration has proven that it is indeed possible to exercise fiscal discipline, while continuing to achieve the momentum to move forward towards the betterment of our entire town.”
According to the Supervisor, the 2022 Tentative Town Budget “reflects my continued commitment to provide fiscal stability with the highest level of services, while continuing to fortify the Town’s infrastructure, increasing public safety, and improving the quality of life for our residents, our businesses, and our visitors.”
Supervisor Aguiar Presents 2022 Tentative Budget to the Town Board, which would not increase taxes
The deadline to submit the 2022 Tentative Budget is Tuesday, October 5, at which point it will become the 2022 Preliminary Budget. The Town Board will have until November 20 to discuss or amend the budget. If no changes are made by the Town Board, the budget will become the 2022 Final Budget.
As a result of the Town Board making difficult choices, Aguiar also noted that in June 2021, after a random review of 20 New York State municipalities, the New York State Comptroller’s Office released a report, determining the Town of Riverhead “adequately assessed the impact of the pandemic on financial operations while developing estimates for significant revenues and expenditures in the 2021 adopted budget.” Furthermore, for the first time in over two decades, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the Town of Riverhead’s bond rating, from Aa3 to Aa2, a significant sign of fiscal stability, similar to an individual credit score, and a reduction in long-term interest rates.
With Your Support, Moving Riverhead Forward! Why I am Running
When I ran for Riverhead Town Supervisor two years ago, my goal was to work for all of Riverhead. For the last 21 months, this dictum has guided my actions. As I seek re-election, I promise to continue to work on behalf of all our residents to provide quality government services in the most efficient way possible at minimal cost to taxpayers, while safeguarding our community, increasing economic opportunities, preserving our local environment, and protecting our drinking water.
Just nine short weeks after taking office, a global pandemic impacted our nation. Here in Riverhead, we experienced monumental challenges. My experience in public and private management, law enforcement and the ability to lead cohesively helped our town government rise above the challenges presented to us. We provided services to the homebound, shelter for the homeless, and secured vaccines for our seniors. At the same time, we reduced spending and debt to improve our fiscal stability and secured our communities. We reduced our crime rate substantially and a recent pandemic-related audit by the New York State Comptroller revealed that we addressed the pandemic setbacks properly, all while maintaining the services our residents expected and deserved. Thereafter, Moody’s increased our bond rating, a significant indicator of financial stability. Reducing property taxes will be my next priority.
The Island Water Park, 22 years in the making, will finally open later this year. The year-round destination park will offer activities for all age groups.
I support our police. The town has a great force.
I do not support the Defund the Police movement which threatens our safety and well being.
Certificate of appreciation presented to the Riverhead Supervisor, Lion Yvette Aguiar and Lion Paul Carr by Lions Club President, Robert Kozakiewicz and on the left Nick Feliz Lions Zone chairman. Yvette and Paul raising Riverhead Lions sponsored Guide puppy, "River" an adorable black lab named by the town employees.
A great time at the Riverhead High School Blue Waves Homecoming and Football Game. Riverhead won 22-12
Another First for Riverhead - The 1st Annual Octoberfest was a great success, with a large crowd, live music and great food.
Riverhead was the first town on Long Island to allow outdoor dining to help our restaurants survive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the Beat the Heat Event at Race Track - Not Street in EPCAL.
A great crowd of families and racers was present to see racers compete against Sgt. Jose Ayala's in his 1980 Camaro.
Photo Courtesy of Patch.com
What an awesome opening day for Race Track, Not Street Drag Racing
Today August 21, 2021, Riverhead made history! The first of eight drag racing events went off without a hitch. The entire community is in awe. Thank you, Pete and Maree Moscati, and the Long Island Needs a Drag Strip. The Riverhead face of Drag racing, John Montecalvo, and all those who had a vision. Thank you to Councilmen Tim Hubbard, Frank Beyrodt and Kent Rothwell for voting yes to this great community event. Thank you Congressman Lee Zeldin for supporting Riverhead in this initiative. The whole community came together.
We can't wait for the Next Event!
TOWN OF RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK – GATEWAY TO PROSPERITYhttps://businessviewmagazine.com/town-riverhead-new-york-gateway-prosperity/
"The town is going through its renaissance, something we have not seen here in 30 years. We’re doing things that other towns haven’t done.”
Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar.
Great interview on The Future of Riverhead & Drag Racing at EPCAL with Jay Oliver
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jvc-broadcasting/id983607576?i=1000532205679
At the National Night Out in Riverhead,
great to see the residents and our Police Department together.
Moody's upgraded the Town of Riverhead's bond rating from Aa3 to Aa2 rating. First upgrade since 2008. A significant sign of fiscal stability.
I am honored to be nominated by Dan’s Newspaper, "2021 PowerList of the East End", which recognized the most influential movers and shakers of the North and South Forks, for their continued commitment, impact and influence on the East End.
Riverhead is on the map and moving forward.
One of the great summertime events is the Jamesport Fire Department Parade, thank you to all the Fire Personnel and EMS who kept us safe especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic
I had the honor to renamed Marcy Ave - Ziggy's Way after the Zbigniew “Ziggy” Wilinski, a pillar of Polish Town and the Riverhead community.
Finally, after 20 years of trying under previous supervisors, Island Water will open in the fall. The state of the art park, will generate jobs, grow the local economy and make Riverhead, a year round destination.
Video featured on Fox Five New York
Click below to view video
New water park coming to LI (fox5ny.com)
Statement on Marijuana Legislation - July 7, 2021
I fully support medical marijuana, as many people do. This is not the issue here. There are many questions with no answers or guidance from NYS regarding this new legislation. Unfortunately, there are way too many unknowns here at the moment. There is no indication of the resources being provided to our law enforcement to safeguard our roads and residents. I spoke with many police departments, including, the NYC and Suffolk Police Departments, including our own Police Department. They are not against the use, they are against the legislation due to the lack of ability to safeguard the public.
I am extremely concern with the issuance of State delivery licenses. It is not clear to me where deliveries may take place or what controls are in place for businesses, private homes, government buildings, or locations where children are present. I know a colleague of who put on sunglasses and a hat and entered a smoke shop. He asked to purchase the candy known as gummies. He was sold the candy laced with Marijuana. It is very obvious, the bag of candy he purchased was marketed young children. This should be concerning for all parents!
I would have liked to bring this matter to a public vote or at a minimum pursued the option of opting out, until we have created the public safeguards that are needed for detection and control. Further, I am not sure on the monetary front we many receive, which is very dubious at the moment.
I do not believe I should be pursuing the state taxes, when people are now permitted to grow marijuana in their own homes, or it may be purchase at Indian reservations, again, tax free. This may have been a carrot presented to me. I am sorry, I am not biting. My decision should not be about money that will be offered, it is about safety, prevention, control and proper designation of locations.
We also have two other options here:
1)To opt out of the legislation (which means to no allow it at this time) and correct some of these concerns. Thereafter, and opt back into it (allow can café use when we are better prepared). I do not see the hurry here?
2) We could have also put this action up for a permissive referendum, and bring the issue to all Riverhead voters.
These two options would have been a better approach in my opinion.
Last week, I wrote to the Governor, requesting answers to 10 questions of concern. I hope to receive a response in the near future. Regardless, marijuana use does not belong in Downtown Riverhead or anywhere near our new Town Square!
I respect my colleague’s vote to allow marijuana retail and café use at this time. However, I vote yes to delay the decision and hold off on Marijuana retail and café use, until our community is able to comprehensively explore the entire issue.
I wish to thank Mark Alhadeff and the all the members of Boy Scout Troop 442 from New York City on their cleanup of Reeves Beach on Sunday June 6, 2021.
Thank you for all support Drag Racing is back on Long Island.
This family friendly event will bring together the Residents of Riverhead.
Riverhead town board gives green light to drag racing events on EPCAL property | Newsday
A major step in creating a new Town Square in Riverhead
https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/town-square-riverhead-buildings-demolish-1.50250653
Long Island Abate
Last Friday, I had the honor of meeting the great citizens of Riverhead at the Riverhead Republican Campaign Kickoff.
Our traditional & moral values are under constant attack. Our hard working citizens face enormous financial press due to rising taxes to fund giveaway programs by the state and federal governments.
I recognize the importance of faith, family, education and hard work. I support the police and against any political pressure to defund our law enforcement.
With the family members of PFC. Garfield Langhorn and
Tech. Sgt. Dashan Briggs at the Honoring the Hometown Heroes Ceremony.
Thank you to the Riverhead Veterans' Advisory Committee and Councilman Rothwell for all your efforts.
Thank you Lieutenant Rick Boden for your 35 years of faithful service to the Riverhead Police Department.
Please check out the article in Dan's Paper
https://www.danspapers.com/2021/04/high-profile-yvette-aguiar/
PRESS CONFERENCE - Town of Riverhead Announces Release of RFQ to Foster Redevelopment of Riverhead Train Station
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2021 Contact: Devon Higgins, Deputy Supervisor, Town of Riverhead-- 631-727-3200 Ext. 252
Supervisor Yvette Aguiar said the revitalization of downtown Riverhead is taking another significant step forward with the promotion of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to foster the development of a Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) project.
“The creation of a Transportation Oriented Development at the Riverhead Railroad station will vastly increase public transportation options to live, work and play in downtown Riverhead and beyond,” Supervisor Aguiar said. Riverhead was awarded New York State grant funding several years ago to create the plan, adopt new zoning and issue an RFQ for a developer for the project. “The plan, in part, involves the Town leveraging the train station surface parking lot for a new mixed use TOD development that we are confident will transform this long blighted area,”
Community Development Director Dawn Thomas said. Aguiar praised the entire Town Board for once again advancing downtown revitalization forward despite the 2020 pandemic. “Riverhead’s government has been united in its intent to move redevelopment goals forward,” she said. “Combined with the Town Square, the TOD will transform the downtown business district into a thriving regional hub that offers an attractive venue for people to live, work and play here in Riverhead.”
Supervisor Aguiar expressed her appreciation to New York State and Suffolk County for being enthusiastic financial supporters of the revitalization of Downtown Riverhead. “The Town of Riverhead is entering a period of unprecedented economic renaissance,” she said. “We have not seen this level of positive interest from the private sector, the community, as well as support from all levels of government in at least 20 years. In closing, I want to thank the entire Town Board for working cooperatively towards our mutual goal of seeing a fully revitalized
Recently, the Town of Riverhead lost a Icon.
Ziggy, You will be missed but never forgotten.
https://riverheadlocal.com/2021/03/05/riverhead-covid-19-vaccination-site-opens/
I have been advocating for a COVID-19 vaccination distribution site at our senior center.
Finally, after many attempts, New York State released 1,000 vaccines for distribution at our Senior center. Thereafter, I petitioned the County and was able to obtain an additional 500 vaccinations.
I am thankful to the Governor's office and the County Executive for hearing my pleas.
Thank you Councilman Rothwell for your assistance and working with our office to pre-register our seniors.
On the Subject of Code Enforcement
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the town's effort on overcrowded housing complaints. Five Supreme Court actions have been commenced, the amount of summons issues has increased and the hours for Code Enforcement have been adjusted. However, these actions, and other initiatives to reduce illegal, overcrowded housing, were put on hold by the governor’s eviction moratorium, which will remain in effect until December 31, 2021.
I have opened a line of communication with School Superintendent and the Board of Education in an effort to increase school funding from the state and address other areas of concern. Our children are the future of Riverhead.
Host an Event: Ask a few friends over to meet the candidate for Riverhead Supervisor. Go to the "Contact" link above. Email Yvette Aguiar and present your ideas for hosting an event.