[{"_1":2,"_85":-5,"_86":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5985208,"mediaKeyId","5810919-925d3f287a2694d4fc02a73ed83e2d20","parentId",5810919,"title","Capo Trucks seeks approval to rebuild and expand West Babylon repair shop; board reserves decision","audioSeconds",830,"startMs",81000,"endMs",911000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810919-925d3f287a2694d4fc02a73ed83e2d20&start=81&end=911","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810919-925d3f287a2694d4fc02a73ed83e2d20/thumbnail_81000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5985208/Town-of-Babylon/Suffolk-County/New-York/Capo-Trucks-seeks-approval-to-rebuild-and-expand-West-Babylon-repair-shop-board-reserves-decision","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5985208-fcb4439c32314e1816e2cd3117b2474c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175210&Signature=BDRhvd~SLTRdE8vabcSfWucgAqnvcLIDYESbmpBsV8Jz1oRkZThqD9~fqXmiKt7yKFb5jJb9YkRCmpMOV~pkCCXIJFfl8pajeuhvPxiO3oWg37GJYvOSJ4wI~50GKpDcER9sOttZ2b2rmdGSws0k8piaK5lvYjVonZL94Qu5qVuxCT6tQDP5wIKsaDHHXcSgbwKWv1p83-91cMf4vvlhrrH8wkwXWXR3FiEvnMzD3-~at-OAG9x6Diby4cNz6ga9NMJDP6clRX0D29CfwCJoah5~V4v0b9Ik5JhlOey41e9ywu7XoxlVP-xSfy3G24mn13~JsUdF49o0s5Lx2~fUOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Babylon","date","2025-09-15T00:00:00Z","article","Capo Trucks owner representatives on Sept. 10 told the Town of Babylon Planning Board they want to replace a wind‑damaged diesel truck repair building in West Babylon with a larger, modern facility and requested multiple zoning variances and conditions modifications.

The applicant, represented by attorney William Germano of Germano & Cahill, told the board the proposal would demolish an existing 8,491‑square‑foot, two‑story diesel mechanic shop and replace it with an 11,790‑square‑foot shop with a partial second floor and basement storage at the northwest corner of Edison Avenue and Mahan Street. \"Yes. We have reviewed it, and there is 1 item of concern that is covenant number 7 as proposed,\" Germano said, referring to a planning department memorandum that includes a no‑idling covenant.

Why it matters: The project would reestablish a long‑standing public garage use on a roughly one‑acre, industrially zoned corner lot and add vehicle storage, more service bays and staff, changes that prompted the board to seek clarifications about environmental controls, security fencing and operational limits near a nearby residential parcel and a cemetery‑owned solar site.

The application and discussion
The applicant said the existing building, which retains a certificate of occupancy from 1972, was severely damaged in an August 2023 microburst and has been vacant though still standing. William Germano described the business as a commercial truck repair and parts operation that serves business customers and not the typical consumer passenger‑car market.

James German of German & Clemens Architecture, presented site details and said, \"The way the site's designed is pretty much the way that it's existed all along.\" He described keeping the existing curb cuts, adding landscaping, and replacing existing fencing. German said the proposed rebuilt facility would include seven repair bays, offices on a partial second floor, basement dry storage, about 38 employee and customer parking spaces and 11 truck service spaces.

Key details discussed at the hearing included: the existing certificate of occupancy dated 1972; the August 2023 roof failure attributed to a microburst; the proposed increase from roughly 8,491 square feet to 11,790 square feet; an anticipated staff of approximately seven technicians and four sales/service employees; usual hours roughly 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional Saturdays; and requests for zoning relief including a special‑use exception for a public garage, permission for outdoor vehicle storage, a 21% parking relaxation and parking in the front yard on Mahan Street.

Environmental and safety questions
Board members pressed for specifics on fuel and oil containment and on perimeter security. James German said the site includes a 250‑gallon containment tank for used oil that will be double‑walled and that Suffolk County Health Department approvals have been obtained for relevant systems. On spill response he said the applicant supplied a pig‑style spill response and removal protocol to the planning department.

On security fencing, German described replacing existing fences with the same style of barbed wire already on the site, citing theft prevention for vehicles and parts. One board member asked whether the proposed landscaping should avoid fruit trees because of spotted lanternfly concerns; German said replacing the proposed cherry with a nonfruit tree \"shouldn't be a problem at all.\"

Idling covenant and operational limits
A major point of contention in the planning department memo was covenant number 7, which stated \"no idling is permitted at any time.\" Germano said the applicant requested that covenant be modified to allow limited engine idling \"associated with . . . repairs or emission tests that are required by law,\" and he emphasized the request would not allow queuing or long waits outside the building. \"It's not it has nothing to do with the queuing of vehicles, waiting to enter the shop, or anything like that,\" Germano said.

Board deliberation and next steps
No members of the public spoke at the hearing. Planning Board member Juan Leon moved to close the public hearing and reserve decision; Planning Board member Julianne Nolan seconded the motion. The board closed the hearing by voice vote with no objections and reserved its decision to review the application materials and the planning department's conditions and covenants. The record was left open for written comments and additional materials.

How to view materials or comment
Planning documents and plans are available for inspection at the Town of Babylon Planning Department, West Wing, Town Hall, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.; the board announcement listed phone (631) 957-3103 and email planningcomments@townofbabylonny.gov for follow‑up.

Tapered closing note
The applicant said the rebuilt facility would add landscaping where none exists today and that the proposed building footprint and security measures aim to protect vehicles and parts on site; the board reserved its decision to consider the planning staff conditions, the requested modification to the no‑idling covenant, and the requested zoning relief before issuing a formal determination.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Board Meeting - September 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Capo Trucks owner representatives on Sept. 10 told the Town of Babylon Planning Board they want to replace a wind‑damaged diesel truck repair building in West Babylon with a larger, modern facility and requested multiple zoning variances and conditions modifications.","taxTitle","Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York","taxId",52789,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":44,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":50,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5985213,"Planning board closes hearing, reserves decision on Capo Trucks site rebuild in West Babylon",445,526000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810919-925d3f287a2694d4fc02a73ed83e2d20&start=81&end=526","/articles/5985213/Town-of-Babylon/Suffolk-County/New-York/Planning-board-closes-hearing-reserves-decision-on-Capo-Trucks-site-rebuild-in-West-Babylon","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5985213-ac28a1a352a4aac1ce44ff07978c52ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175210&Signature=F1oC0C6qe65DjHnlwGdCvoviVI9zVWaRL4VgnPLL~XEc3cQn5D3F7kCRuadsYxVjvkLK~v9V5X~vysn8DdME3Hp-yxg9n-kwhNYIl36uWZ6mUG~Cu37s265INL84xg3wQHDimrCWZ-FUGvvb3Yt8QeepDOFXuXSbgJZfkhupsasdA0UKfv0jbnH6jpepAAeaaUmiCZ0rOTXvwgMty-yzB30KqWaOo68OBPNahhKhBxMOd7PezIlU3YXobdojL0eQExdx6Z5I9-Wmit10sTnw~CdpSCChJsZnO7KE7vqi9tZhS81pVPN-Dl11IqoVyCTXphfi1fZRrikC-7oquGiFXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Babylon Planning Board on Sept. 10 closed the public hearing and reserved decision on Job2443A, an application by CUDA Realty LLC for a rebuilt commercial truck repair facility occupied by Capo Trucks at the northwest corner of Edison Avenue and Mahan Street in West Babylon.

The application proposes demolition of an existing 8,491-square-foot, two-story diesel mechanic shop that sustained roof damage in an August 2023 microburst and construction of an approximately 11,790-square-foot mechanic shop with a partial second floor, a basement for dry storage, seven repair bays and associated site improvements. Counsel for the applicant identified one concern with the planning department's draft conditions: covenant number 7, which as written states \"No idling is permitted at any time\" with \"No exceptions.\" Planning Board chairman read that covenant into the record. William Germano, attorney for the applicant, said, \"We have reviewed it, and there is one item of concern that is covenant number 7 as proposed,\" and asked that the covenant be modified to allow idling when required for repairs or emissions tests for the specific vehicle being worked on.

The application requests multiple forms of local relief: a special-use exception (public garage), relief for outdoor storage of vehicles, a 21 percent parking reduction, and permission for parking in the front yard. James German, of German and Clemens Architecture, told the board the site will use the existing curb cuts and that \"we're keeping the same entrances off of the street, so we're not adding any new curb cuts.\" He said the design adds landscaping and calls for 38 parking spaces and 11 truck service spaces. German also said the rebuilt structure will be constructed to current codes and include proper tie-downs to address the roof failure.

Board members asked technical questions about hazardous materials and security. A board member asked whether the proposed 250-gallon containment tank is in use and what it will contain; German said it stores used oil and that the tank is double-walled. German said the facility's spill response plan uses absorbent \"pig\" materials and that required information has been submitted to the planning department. The applicant also seeks to maintain barbed wire around the interior perimeter for site security; German said the style will match existing fencing and will be replaced with new material. The board inquired about landscaping species because of spotted lanternfly concerns; German agreed to consider substituting a non-fruit tree.

The board received confirmation that the site previously held a certificate of occupancy for a public garage from 1972 and that, after the August 2023 storm, the owner moved operations to 21 Lamar Street; the damaged building remains standing but vacant on the site. German said Capo Trucks expects about seven technicians and four sales/service staff on site, operating primarily Monday through Friday from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional Saturdays.

No members of the public offered comment at the hearing. Planning Board member Juan Leon moved to close the public hearing \"and reserve decision,\" and Julianne Nolan seconded the motion. The board voted in favor with no objections. The board left the record open for written comments and directed interested parties to the planning department; application documents are available 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the planning office in the Town Hall West Wing, by phone at (631) 957-3103, or by email at planningcomments@townofbabylonny.gov.

Because the application requests zoning relief and a special-use exception, German told the board the project will require additional approvals from the zoning board of appeals and that the Suffolk County Department of Health reviewed and approved the fuel/oil handling provisions. The board reserved decision to consider the planning department memo dated Sept. 10, 2025, and any further written input before issuing a determination.","The Town of Babylon Planning Board closed a public hearing and reserved decision on Job2443A, an application to demolish a wind-damaged public garage and build a larger commercial truck repair facility; the applicant requested modification to a no-idling covenant and several zoning variances.","actionData","errors"]

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Capo Trucks seeks approval to rebuild and expand West Babylon repair shop; board reserves decision

Planning board closes hearing, reserves decision on Capo Trucks site rebuild in West Babylon