Long-delayed Calverton assisted living project gets postponed again

Developer Vincent DiCanio, owner of the Smithtown-based DiCanio Organization, wants to build a housing project in Calverton that would have 135 units for independent living, rent-controlled apartments, assisted living and memory care, Newsday reported. DiCanio has been pushing the project, known as Calverton Manor, for more than 15 years. In 2003, Riverhead adopted a master plan that updated restrictions on land along the Route 25 corridor, where DiCanio hoped to build the project. Two years later, representatives with Calverton Manor sued the town, which won on a majority of its claims in a 2014 appellate court ruling. DiCanio representatives have now asked for a zoning change from the Riverhead Town Board that would allow the Calverton Manor development to finally proceed. Board officials want to consult town residents before giving their approval, DiCanio told Newsday. Board officials want more information about some of the project’s details, such as the number of parking spaces it would require and whether the developer could guarantee the land would only be used for assisted living. The Real Deal reported earlier this year that demand for senior and assisted living facilities is on the rise in the Tri-State area. DiCanio pledged to continue giving information about the project to those who wanted it. “We’re trying to create something that would fit in with Riverhead,” he said. “I think we have achieved that.” [Newsday]