Babylon · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Babylon public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed recreational cannabis dispensary in North Babylon
A retail marijuana dispensary is proposed at 1258 Deer Park Avenue in a zone where the use isn't permitted, and the applicant wants buffer distances to homes and places minors congregate cut dramatically. The hearing will shape whether cannabis retail comes to this commercial corridor.
Minor Subdivision and New Single-Family Homes in North Babylon
A single father and caretaker of his elderly mother won approval to expand the second floor of their Foster Boulevard home so she can have her own room.
Residential Setback and Expansion Variances in Copiague and North Babylon
Homeowners across the town are seeking approval for additions, patios, and accessory structures that exceed standard lot coverage or encroach on setbacks. These requests often aim to legalize preexisting conditions or accommodate growing family needs.
Neighborhood Cut-Through Traffic from Colonial Road Closure
Residents from Neptune Avenue raised serious safety concerns about heavy commercial and cut-through traffic flooding their residential streets following the recent dead-end closure of Colonial Road. They requested that the town either reopen Colonial Road or convert Neptune Avenue to a one-way street.
Industrial Expansion and Outdoor Storage in West Babylon
Arsenal Scaffold is seeking approval to legalize outdoor storage and building modifications at two industrial facilities in West Babylon. The company employs over 100 local workers and has invested heavily in the community, but the proposals require parking variances and special exception permits.
Covenant Decoupling and Parking Adjustment for Farmingdale Commercial Site
The owners of the Regal UA theater property in East Farmingdale requested to lift restrictive covenants on a separate overflow parking lot because theater seating was reduced years ago. A hotel is now proposed for that overflow lot.
Next Generation Sports Complex Proposal on Route 110
A developer is proposing a large indoor sports complex on Broad Hollow Road with turf fields, basketball courts, and retail space. The board discussed parking arrangements, building height, and traffic management.
Veterans Property Tax Exemption
A disabled veteran addressed the board regarding the implementation of the 100% property tax exemption for combat-disabled veterans. Town officials clarified that the town is working with the tax assessor and town attorney to adopt the exemption for town taxes while noting that school districts must also adopt it.
Electric Vehicle Charger and Renewable Energy Regulations
Residents urged the town to extend its moratorium on battery energy storage systems, citing serious fire risks, toxic firefighting runoff, and potential water supply contamination based on past incidents in East Hampton.
Accessory Apartment Applications and Renewals
The board reviewed and approved several new accessory apartment permits and affidavit renewals across multiple town neighborhoods, ensuring compliance with local housing codes.
Traffic and pedestrian safety at Deer Park Avenue and Long Island Avenue
Conklin Street residents told the board the Deer Park Ave/Long Island Ave intersection is a 'death trap' with past fatalities, blind exits, and car-wash backups. They want the Long Island Avenue driveway relocated or closed and better controls at the Seaman Place right-of-way.