Riverhead Agrotourism Plans Continue For Firehouse

The Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department’s move to Roanoke Avenue left the Second Street Firehouse unoccupied and under the ownership of the Town of Riverhead. Earlier this year Bob Castaldi, owner of Suffolk Theater, also in Riverhead, purchased the Second Street Firehouse and is now moving forward with utilizing the building.

Ideas from all walks of life, including a life-like dinosaur attraction, were pursued but nothing was finalized. Current plans are focused on promoting agrotourism.

According to Castaldi, New York State has agreed to fund up to 40% of infrastructure costs for any agrotourism developments within the building, inclusive of an additional $200,000 for advertising and promotion. Castaldi is still exploring the exact terms but has deemed the previous rumors regarding a large grant from the state as misinformation.

Castaldi tells DansPapers.com that the installation of a brewery and an agrotourism information center are the most probable uses for the former Second Street Firehouse. These options leave much of the building’s space available for rent, including the 4000 square foot second floor and the basement portion with a built-in bar.

“Nothing is set in stone,” Castaldi confirms, “but it should all start happening very shortly.” Whatever the ultimate plans Castaldi reassures that “It’s going to bring some new life down to Second Street and it is really going to turn the lights on back there.”