Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Babylon public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in zoning with high priority
Single-Family Home Rezoning in Amityville
A single 100' x 120' lot at Harrison Avenue and Rosewood Avenue would be divided in two, with the existing house demolished and two new two-story homes built. Neighbors may weigh in on lot size and neighborhood character.
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.
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.
Bolar Pharmaceutical Zone Change and Neighborhood Traffic
Residents living near Bolar Pharmaceutical's Copiague gum manufacturing plant testified that a persistent, piercing nighttime humming noise ruins their sleep and quality of life. While the company stated it repaired equipment and installed a custom muffler, neighbors and board members questioned whether industrial rezoning would worsen protections or accountability.
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.
Church Conversion in Residential Neighborhood
A proposal to convert a former VFW hall into a church sparked neighbor concerns regarding traffic, parking congestion, and late-night noise.
Vacant Lot Development and Precedent in Lindenhurst
A developer wants to build a new home on a vacant 40-foot lot on Linton Avenue, but neighbors and planning staff raised concerns about overbuilding and setting a bad precedent for substandard lots.
Residential Setback and Building Area Variances
Several homeowners sought variances to legalize existing structures like decks, sheds, porches, and finished basements or to build additions. These approvals help homeowners bring properties into compliance so they can sell or rent them out legally.
Copiague Multi-Family Housing Development Rezoning
A proposal to rezone property on Montauk Highway from business to multi-residence to build an 8-unit apartment building and convert existing retail space into an apartment. Officials praised the design for beautifying a key corridor.
Scrap Metal Recycling Facility Change of Use in Lindenhurst
NJC Scrap Metal Recycling is seeking site approval to legalize structures and run a scrap metal processing facility on Bahama Street. The board discussed traffic flow, hours, and environmental spill prevention.
Rescission of GC-2L Rezoning for SEQRA Compliance
The town had to undo a recent rezoning approval on Route 110 because an environmental review was skipped. They are restarting the proper environmental checks before looking at it again.
Residential Density and Noise Concerns in North Babylon
Neighbors voiced strong opposition to an application by property owners on Greenwood Drive seeking to legalize a finished basement and building area expansions, citing excessive noise, privacy violations from security cameras, and neighborhood disruption.