Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Babylon public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues with critical priority
Rental Property Permits and Compliance
Several rental owners had to commit to fixing fences, driveways, debris and paint before getting permits — the board holds permits hostage to property upkeep. Owners get until December 16, 2026 to comply.
Proposed Self-Storage Facility at Former Deer Park Bowling Alley
Angel 6 LLC wants to build a 35-foot self-storage building on Grand Boulevard with far less parking and a much smaller buffer to a neighboring home. Residents near the site may weigh in on height and buffering concerns.
Winters 19 Nancy Transfer Station Redevelopment
Stericycle's permit to keep running a red-bag medical waste transfer station on Sherwood Avenue expires October 28, 2026, and renewal is on this docket. The use is non-permitted in the zone, so the board must decide whether it can continue.
Accessory Apartment Applications Review
The Accessory Apartment Review Board is scheduled to evaluate five new permit applications across West Babylon, Farmingdale, Deer Park, and North Amityville. These hearings give neighbors a chance to weigh in on proposed changes to local housing.
Property Maintenance and Unsafe Structure Enforcement
The board approved emergency board-up and cleanup of two blighted structures, though a speaker said the Wheatley Heights property has already been remediated.
2027 Preliminary Budget and Tax Cap Override
The proposed 2027 budget would pierce the state 2% property tax cap, adding roughly $114.71 for the average non-village homeowner, and includes large raises for elected officials. Nearly 30 residents spoke against it, and the board reserved decision rather than voting.
Legalization of Unpermitted Residential Improvements
Two Copiague homes were found to have unpermitted additions discovered after purchase. The board granted after-the-fact variances with conditions to bring the properties into legal compliance.
Rental Property Accountability and Neighborhood Compatibility at 1473 2nd St.
Residents testified about severe neighborhood impacts caused by absentee landlords renting out properties without proper permits, resulting in police calls, unpermitted businesses, and illegal multi-family occupancy. The board reinforced that landlords must maintain compliance and cannot shift the burden of policing tenants onto neighbors.
Retail Cannabis Dispensary Expansion
The board renewed a special exception permit for a recreational cannabis dispensary on Allen Boulevard after resolving previous property ownership disputes.
Public Nuisance Enforcement Against Illegal Vape Sales
Town officials cracked down on a North Babylon smoke shop ("Milk and Things") after police seized over 2,217 flavored vapes and THC gummies during a raid, leading the board to consider shutting down the property as a public nuisance before agreeing to table the matter for a forced property sale.