DDRJ Holdings seeks special‑exception permit for Deer Park cannabis dispensary; board reserves decision, asks for revised plans

The Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals heard application 25‑032 from DDRJ Holdings seeking approval to operate a licensed cannabis retail dispensary at the property on Grand Boulevard near Tanger Outlets in Deer Park.

Brian Kennedy, attorney for the applicant, told the board the site is roughly 2.5 acres improved with a 30,000‑square‑foot building; the proposed tenancy for the cannabis retailer would occupy about 11,000 square feet along the building’s southern portion. Kennedy asked the board to amend the application to request a special‑exception permit as described in the planning memo; the board recorded a motion to amend and members answered "Aye." The board closed public comment and reserved decision.

David Kinney, a principal of DDRJ Holdings, described proposed operations, saying the business expects to employ about 15 people and will staff two full‑time security positions at all times. The applicant told the board there will be no on‑site consumption and no delivery operations from this location. The applicant proposed 106 parking spaces onsite—exceeding the 92 spaces the applicant said are required—including six ADA spaces; the applicant said the surplus (about 15 percent) would help accommodate operational needs and staff parking.

Engineer Richard Falco (Hayduck Engineering) outlined site improvements: a new repaved and regraded parking lot, traffic circulation improvements, drainage upgrades and a septic system replacement to a Suffolk County I/A system to meet current Department of Health standards. The applicant presented a landscape plan that proposes removal and replacement of certain maple trees identified with signs of Asian long‑horned beetle damage and proposed dark‑sky‑compliant lighting to limit light spill.

The record included a planning division memorandum dated 03/20/2025, an environmental control memorandum dated 03/24/2025 (which noted a stormwater pollution prevention plan was required), and a fire marshal report dated 03/27/2025. The board asked that the applicant resubmit revised site plans, the SWPPP (stormwater pollution prevention plan), floor plans and elevations; the applicant agreed to do so. Steven D. Machaski, operations director for Tanger Deer Park LLC, spoke in opposition on behalf of the shopping center across the street, stating Tanger’s opposition to the proposed use adjacent to its family‑oriented center.

At the hearing the applicant confirmed hours of operation (Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and affirmed security and surveillance commitments. The board closed the hearing, left the record open for revised submissions and reserved decision; no final permit was issued at this meeting.