Riverhead Business Improvement District
WHAT IS A BID: A Business Improvement District (BID) is a specific geographic area, established under the guidelines of New York State law, which enables local property owners and businesses within the area to finance supplemental services and programs beyond those the local government provides. The BID is managed by a 501(c)4 management association [BIDMA], a board of directors comprised of district property owners, tenants, and one resident who determine the BIDMA budget and the budget priorities. The BIDMA budget is based on a special tax assessment, paid by the property owners in the BID district.
MISSION: The mission of the Riverhead Business Improvement District (BID) is to expand sustainable economic activity in historic downtown Riverhead, create and expand business, and develop jobs for community residents. The BID aims to improve business for merchants, bring additional foot traffic and customers to historic Downtown Riverhead (DTR), attract merchants that will complement and advance the commercial landscape, and create a vibrant and mixed-use neighborhood.
ABOUT: Established by the Town of Riverhead in 1991, the Riverhead Business Improvement District is the heart of Riverhead, New York. Located along the Peconic Riverfront, the BID district boundaries stretch from the Riverhead Library (west) to the Riverhead Police Department (east); with the Riverhead Train Station to the north and the Peconic Riverfront to the south [view the BID District map here].
PARKING: All downtown parking is FREE! In addition to on-street parking, you will find parking lots behind our Main Street buildings both to the north and south, as well as the Riverhead train station. All lots are within walking distance of Main Street.
BRANDING: Under the creative direction of executive director, Kristy Verity, the BIDMA harnessed destination promotion techniques to introduce the BID’s rebrand as downtonriverhead.org in early, 2020. Through this website, events, advertising and marketing efforts, and more, the BIDMA raises awareness of DTR’s cultural, economic, tourism, and commercial happenings and potential, while honoring its unique and diverse community. The BID also supports a host of DTR’s most revered events and organizations, while engaging new ideas and initiatives for continued growth and development.
BEAUTIFICATION: Public spaces throughout the downtown district include the Peconic Riverwalk, Grangebel Park, Riverhead Train Station, public walkways and landscapes; all maintained by the BIDMA throughout the year. Our employed BID Ambassador maintains an active presence downtown, acting as our eyes and ears throughout the district as well as cleanup and assistance with BID tasks. The BID sponsors downtown lamp post decor ie. Veteran’s banners in recognition of Memorial Day and Veterans Day, seasonal lamp post banners, holiday wreaths in December and led winter decor. Every October, the BIDMA installs corn stalks with pink ribbons, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and organizes a Halloween lamp post decorating contest in conjunction with Halloween Fest. The BIDMA is actively working on creative light projects for illuminating alleyways and walking areas in the near future.
EVENTS: The BIDMA produces Alive on 25, Riverhead’s largest and most attended festival, every July and August - where downtown becomes alive with music, people, good food and great times. It’s a free way for visitors to enjoy walking Main Street and become familiar with local businesses.
In 2000, the BIDMA produced Long Island’s first Cardboard Boat Race along the Peconic River, now hosted in conjunction with the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce every August. Thousands gather for this free family-friendly entertainment, watching the homemade boats race along the Peconic River and compete for prizes.
Each year, the Riverhead BID holds a Halloween Fest the Saturday prior to Halloween. The afternoon begins with Long Island’s only Coffin Race series. Children and their parents then fill the streets in colorful costumes for trick or treating along Main Street followed by a parade full of floats and entertainers with cash prizes for coffin races and parade participants. Annually, the BIDMA sponsors over 2,000 pounds of trick-or-treat candy, distributed by local businesses.
Each December, the BIDMA hosts their annual Holiday Bonfire on the riverfront, following the Lion’s Club Christmas Parade along Main Street. With the help of volunteers, the BIDMA offers free hot chocolate, candy canes, music and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside his mobile workshop. The BIDMA sponsors and works along with other organizations to bring a multitude of programs and events to downtown Riverhead.
BUSINESS SUPPORT: The Riverhead BIDMA acts as a clearinghouse for the downtown district. The BIDMA maintains a member directory and offers assistance to small businesses, acting as a liaison between them and the Town of Riverhead.
The Riverhead BIDMA maintains this website as a resource for its members and a tool for visitors. The Riverhead BID is on Facebook and Instagram to promote BID district members and encourage commerce and tourism.
The BIDMA works with the Town of Riverhead as a partner to keep BID members represented, informed and aware of programs offered by the town, state, tourism and supportive entities.
Marketing downtown Riverhead is one of the BIDMA’s largest priorities. We periodically hold “Downtown Open Houses” where we invite politicians, potential investors and stakeholders to see what Riverhead has to offer.