Riverhead's private roads will no longer be plowed by the town of Riverhead during snowstorms.

The town has plowed private roads for many years, but officials say that was a courtesy to homeowners. Riverhead Highway Superintendent George Woodson says they are ending the practice because of threatened lawsuits by some residents in private communities over damage that was done to their roads because of the plowing.

In October, the town sent letters to about 900 residents who live on private roads saying they have two choices: Either start hiring a private company to plow your roads, or give up your status as a private community and the town will continue to plow.

The letter brought dozens of angry people to Riverhead Town Hall to complain about the change.

"I pay my fair share of what I consider high taxes to the town of Riverhead and I find it disturbing that fundamental snow removal for our small community of taxpaying citizens is suddenly being targeted for elimination," said Monica Gabrielle, of Baiting Hollow.

Others say giving up private road status to continue getting town plowing service means giving up a certain lifestyle.

Residents have until the end of the month to make a decision.