Indoor children’s play business requests change of use at Tanger outlet; fire marshal review remains open

Elker Casictus, owner of Go Playland, an indoor children’s play center, appeared before the Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 18 to request a change of use from retail to indoor recreation at a space in a Deer Park shopping outlet. The board closed the public hearing and reserved decision pending receipt and review of the fire marshal’s report.

Casictus described the business as an indoor playground for children ages 1 to 10 with jungle-gym structures, ball pits and slides, birthday-party service and snack sales. He said typical staffing would be two employees per shift with additional staff during busy periods or parties, and that parents remain on-site and are responsible for their children; parents sign waivers. “Typically, we have 2 employees, but if it gets busier, we will have 3, 4,” Casictus said.

Planning staff filed a memo dated Sept. 8, 2025, and the town received a fire marshal report dated Sept. 18; the board kept the record open to allow the applicant to address fire-safety items identified by the marshal. Mr. Montiglio asked questions about operations, hours and staffing; Casictus said hours would align with mall hours, roughly 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and described a franchise-like chain with about 15 regional locations though not franchised.

The board asked for confirmation that the applicant received the fire marshal’s report and that required fixes would be made; Casictus said he had spoken with the marshal and would address the items. No public comment was offered at the hearing. The board will issue a written decision after staff confirms the fire marshal’s required corrections.