East End Business Notebook: Riverhead Town Privatizes Animal Shelter

WESTHAMPTON-HAMPTON BAYS

Performing Arts Center To Undergo Refurbishment

The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has announced on its Facebook page that the center will be closing for a renovation project.

"The WHBPAC will be 'closing the curtain' for a while as our venue undergoes a major refurbishment in preparation for the 15th anniversary season," read the Facebook status update.

All renovations are expected to be completed during January with the doors to the theatre re-opening on Feb. 5 with a children's performance of We're Going on a Bearhunt, followed in March by the theatre's annual world cinema film series.

NORTH FORK

Butta' Cakes to Reopen as Lucharitos Taco and Burrito Bar in Greenport

On Saturday, Greenport businessman Marc LaMaina will reopen his Main Street restaurant, renovated after Hurricane Sandy caused flood damage, to the public.

But don’t bring too much of a sweet tooth — Butta Cakes is no more. After Sandy, LaMaina took the storm as a sign to change things up and will reopen the former cupcake shop and café as a taco and burrito bar called Lucharitos.

EAST HAMPTON

Pet Hampton Shutters Sunday

Last Sunday marked the last day for Pet Hampton & Aquarium in Wainscott, according to the owner Erika Hegyesi.

One week earlier, Hegysei announced the store closing was imminent, as she could no longer afford her rent and she was brought to court. However, Hegysei wasn't sure exactly how much time she had left in the space the store has inhabited for the past 22 years.

"I can't thank everyone enough for their support," said Hegysei, who said she was extremely touched by those who expressed that she and her store would be a missed part of the East Hampton business community. 

She is exploring the possibility of opening up again elsewhere on the South Fork.

RIVERHEAD

The Riverhead town board was all smiles Tuesday night as they voted unanimously to privatize the municipal animal shelter.

After weeks of concerns raised by residents over lack of staffing and conditions at the shelter, the board entered into a three-year contract with the North Fork Animal Welfare League to manage the facility.

SOUTHAMPTON

Two dozen projects across the First State Senate District received funding through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council, including about $150,000 in funding to improve storm water infrastructure at Havens Beach in Sag Harbor and another $335,000 to go toward marketing the East End tourism industry.