A 165-acre RV park at the town-owned EPCAL site in New York was proposed to the Riverhead Town Board work session, according to a Riverhead Local news report. The proposal aims at constructing RV slots, comfort stations, and other essential amenities following the completion of the lake.
Positioned just south of Calverton, the park aims to offer a blend of 100 RV sites, tents, and cabins, all centered around the newly proposed lake. In addition to these accommodations, plans for a clubhouse and various comfort stations were discussed.
A portion of the park’s sites will be exclusively available to Riverhead Town residents, offering a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The EPCAL site’s ideal location is due to its proximity to various recreational activities and facilities. The proposal includes provisions for public water and sewer services to support the park’s infrastructure.
Mark Lembo of Wading River, after presenting the park concept, plans to collaborate with an RV campground operator for the development, leasing the property from the town under a long-term agreement spanning 30 to 50 years.
According to the report, Supervisor Tim Hubbard said the project has the potential to alleviate the shortage of RV slots on Long Island.
On the other hand, Council Member Ken Rothwell raised concerns about the project’s implications for the town’s broader development plans and environmental considerations. Rothwell asked about the RV park’s plans to create a lake, including sand mining.
“So I’m just concerned about that. It’s a large lake area. So how do we plan on—where are we going to lose development in other areas within the property itself for that lake? It’s got to be a balance,” Rothwell said, as quoted in the report.
Town officials are evaluating adjustments to fees for excavating materials.
In 2023, a proposal to develop the Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL) property was denied, according to a News12 Brooklyn report. The Riverhead Town Board unanimously decided to terminate its contract with Calverton Aviation & Technology, initially tasked with developing the Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL) property. The decision came after the Riverhead Town Industrial Development Agency (IDA) disclosed that the company lacked sufficient funds to execute its plans for constructing warehouses and a rail hub.