T
he Riverhead town board has made a decision to remove language about "agritourism inns and resorts" from their comprehensive plan update, according to Patch's report. This decision was made after a majority of the board members agreed to the removal of these aspects during their meeting on Tuesday.

    The news was met with disappointment as a press conference scheduled for Wednesday by community members, including Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski and environmental groups, was canceled after the board's decision was announced.

    The proposed rezoning had sparked controversy among residents in the North Fork community when it was first introduced last month. While town officials saw it as an opportunity to boost the tax base and provide farmers with a substantial payout to sell development rights, many residents opposed the plan due to concerns about the impact on the area's rural charm and natural beauty.

    Under the proposal, developers who secured special permits were required to build on at least 100-acre tracts and preserve at least 70% of the land for active farming. This was believed to lead to the preservation of some of the town's estimated 7,000 acres of open space.

    Seven properties were identified by town planner Matt Charters as eligible for development under the proposal, spanning over 700 acres with the potential to yield thousands of hotel rooms. Despite this, opposition to the plan was fierce, including a petition signed by over 2,600 residents to oppose hotel and resort development on Sound Avenue and preserve the area's rural charm.

    After the board's decision to back down from the rezoning proposal, opponents celebrated their victory. The town's decision to remove language about "agritourism inns and resorts" from their comprehensive plan update has been met with mixed reactions, as some residents are still concerned about the potential impact on their community's character and natural beauty.