About eight months ago, Riverhead town officials took a significant step toward a long-discussed goal: bringing a YMCA facility to the community. The proposal centers on the vacant New York State Armory building on Route 58, a long-abandoned property that could potentially be transformed into a recreation and community center serving residents of all ages.
The Riverhead Town Board moved forward with a resolution supporting the development of a YMCA in the former armory. Before the project can proceed, however, several hurdles remain at the state level. A key requirement is an amendment to a 2011 state law that governs how the building can be used. The change would allow the property to be repurposed specifically for YMCA programming focused on recreation, education and community services.
The armory itself has a long history in Riverhead. Originally sold by the town to New York State in 1953 for $500, the agreement included a provision allowing the town to reclaim the land if the armory ceased operations. After sitting vacant for decades, ownership was transferred back to the town in 2011 with plans to potentially house municipal services such as the police department, justice court and recreational programs.
Over time, those plans shifted. After the town acquired a new Town Hall building in 2023, officials determined that relocating municipal services elsewhere would be more practical and cost-effective. With the armory no longer needed for government offices, its remaining approved use centers on recreation and community programming.
That shift opened the door for the YMCA of Long Island, whose leadership has toured the site and expressed interest in either leasing or purchasing the property. If the project moves forward, the facility could bring fitness, youth programs, educational initiatives and wellness services to the Riverhead area. While the idea of a YMCA on the East End has been explored for decades without success, town officials now see the armory site as a promising opportunity to finally make it a reality.
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