The Town of Baton Rouge Zoning Board of Appeals reserved decision on application 25-105 for a proposed dormer and related work at 36 William Street in Copiague after neighbors raised concerns about property maintenance, scale and privacy.

Applicant Tom Locascio, who said he purchased the property several months earlier as an investment, told the board he plans to add a dormer "just above the house" and not above the garage. Board members raised concerns during a site visit about exterior maintenance, noting tall grass, gutters with weeds and bamboo in the rear. Locascio said he had inherited cleanup bills sent to the prior owner, that he planned to clear the bamboo and begin construction, and that the property would remain single-family.

Neighbor Doris Hughes Jabali, who lives at 34 William Street next door, opposed the variance request in the hearing. She said the proposed structure would "severely impact my family's privacy and our quality of life" and described the proposed scale as out of character with the neighborhood’s modest single-family homes. Jabali also voiced concern that the larger house could encourage illegal rentals and said the property’s current neglected condition made her doubt the owners’ stewardship.

The chairperson closed the hearing and reserved decision; the board will issue its written decision by mail. The record includes planning division and environmental control memos and a survey and photographs submitted by the applicant.