HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/04/2026
1.
ATC Meeting Wednesday March 4, 2026
Agenda
Greetings: Welcome all and to our new guest, Southold Town Councilwoman Ann
Smith.
Background:
“Mission Statement.” The ATC is The Riverhead Town Council Alternate
Transportation Advisory Committee. We are citizen volunteers and Recreation Trail
Experts who advise Riverhead Town on issues concerning the safety and welfare of
pedestrians and cyclists in our Town. Many ATC concerns are also concerns of
neighboring towns and municipalities throughout Long Island and the nation. We are
fortunate to have Councilman Bob Kern as our Government Liaison. We also have
Riverhead Town Parks Department liaison Ashley Schandel and Riverhead Town
Planning and Grants Administrator Joe Maiorana. These three government officials add
“tooth” to the ATC.
Our primary focus over the past 20+ years has been the creation and
maintenance of “The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreation Path” at EPCAL in
Calverton. This “Jewel of the East End” was created to provide a safe place for children
and adults to recreate away from the dangerous and often deadly Suffolk County
streets. Our trail has been supported by the New York Governor, Suffolk County and
Riverhead Town Supervisors, and local Legislators. Federal, State, and local Grants
financed the Trail. Riverhead Town is The Administering Municipality. Southold Town
Supervisor Al Krupski was instrumental in securing funding for the completion of “The
Vietnam Vets Rec Path,” as well as being a proponent for the neighboring “North Shore
Rail To Trail” during his term as Suffolk County Legislator.
ATC members introduce themselves:
Old Business:
1. Review of the proposed E-Bike Codes for the Town of Riverhead as they apply
to our trail. Class 1 E-Bikes only will be permitted.
A. Bruce summarizes a new Bill proposed by The State of Washington
concerning E-Bikes and electric scooters. Class 3 E-Bikes will be banned
from parks and bicycle lanes on public roadways. Class 3 E - Bikes will now
be classified as Electric Motorcycles and as such the operator must be 18
years of age, have a driver’s license, insurance, registration, and a license
plate and follow all rules for motorized vehicles. The State of Washington has
secured a $100,000 Grant
2.
B. to study how the public can be educated on new E-Bike/ Electric scooter
codes and safe operation as well as how the police can enforce these new
codes.
C. Ashley and Councilman Bob: is there a design in place for the new signs
for our trail stating: “Use Trail at your own Risk” “Only Class 1 E- Bikes
permitted.”
D. Councilman Bob: Any movement on the purchase of small solar powered
speed signs for our trail?
E. Ashley and Councilman Bob: Could we get these signs installed in early
spring?
New Business: Introduction:
In the spirit of the health and welfare of Long Islanders the ATC is proposing an
extension of “The North Shore Rail to Trail” and a connection to “The Vietnam
Veterans Memorial Rec. Path.” We are hoping to use the space under the power
lines and marked bike lanes along certain public roads to create these dedicated trails.
The new trail would be an extension of “The North Shore Rail to Trail” in Wading River
and continue under the power lines and along public roads out to Orient Point.
We are seeking support from Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski and Southold
Town Council in order for us to proceed. If we get encouragement from Southold Town
then we will invite PSEG, Legislator Greg Doroski, State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio,
and New York Governor Kathy Hochul Representative to our table for discussion and
assistance to move the project forward.
Presentations:
A) Steve Kuhl summarizes his findings about our proposed Trail extension.
B) Jon Feldman: Presents his suggested trail name and logos. ATC votes on these.
See you at our Meeting: Wednesday March 4, 2026, Riverhead Town Hall … large
meeting room …. 10:30 AM
Simple Gifts,
Bruce and Carolyn Kagan ATC Co-Chairs