Proposed Outdoor Motorcycling Track Sparks Debate in Riverhead

Local residents voice concerns over noise, pollution, and disruption at town board meeting

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Plans for an outdoor motorcycling racetrack in Calverton, New York have prompted local residents to voice concerns over noise, pollution, and disruption at a Town of Riverhead board meeting. The proposed 15-acre facility includes a nearly 4,000-foot track, two parking lots, and is located in close proximity to a children's daycare center as well as environmentally and archaeologically sensitive areas.

Why it matters

The proposed motorcross facility has faced significant opposition from local residents and business owners who are concerned about the potential negative impacts on the surrounding residential and agricultural neighborhood, including noise, light and air pollution, and disruption from sand excavation. The project's proximity to a licensed daycare center has also raised concerns about the effects on children's wellbeing.

The details

The project's applicant, Dan Duffy, spoke in support of the racetrack at the town board meeting, arguing that the site is "absolutely perfect" and dismissing suggestions to build an indoor track as cost prohibitive. However, business owners, residents, and the president of the Greater Calverton Civic Association voiced strong opposition, citing the project's incompatibility with the surrounding community and the potential to negatively impact property values and quality of life.

  • The Town of Riverhead board meeting where the project was discussed was held on February 18, 2026.
  • The town is accepting written comments on the project's environmental impact assessment until March 2, 2026.

The players

Dan Duffy

The applicant seeking to open the proposed motorcross facility in Calverton.

Toqui Terchun

The president of the Greater Calverton Civic Association, who spoke in opposition to the project at the town board meeting.

Trisha Yakaboski

The operator of a licensed daycare center located approximately 1,500 feet from the proposed motorcross facility, who expressed concerns about the potential impact of noise on the children in her care.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The project is fundamentally incompatible with the surrounding residential, agricultural neighborhood”

— Toqui Terchun, President of the Greater Calverton Civic Association (danspapers.com)

“What will this do to my children who have special sensitivities? Who in their right mind would subject their children to this kind of noise?”

— Trisha Yakaboski, Daycare center operator (danspapers.com)

“The louder bikes, yes, you're going to hear them. Are they going to be aggravating? I don't think so”

— Dan Duffy (danspapers.com)

What’s next

The Riverhead town board is accepting written comments on how it should assess the project's environmental impact until March 2, 2026. This will mark the end of just one of many steps required by local and state law before a final decision is made on the proposed motorcross facility.

The takeaway

The proposed outdoor motorcross track in Calverton has faced significant opposition from local residents and business owners who are concerned about the potential negative impacts on the surrounding community, including noise, pollution, and disruption. The project's proximity to a children's daycare center has also raised concerns about the effects on children's wellbeing, highlighting the ongoing debate over balancing economic development and community interests.