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Neighbor tells Town of Babylon board accessory apartments are transforming single-family blocks; board cites inspections
Summary
A long-time resident told the Town of Babylon hearing that accessory apartments and illegal rentals are increasing density, parking and hygiene problems on her street; the board said inspectors will follow up and placed related applications on reserve.
A resident testified that accessory apartments and frequent turnover have transformed her block from single-family homes into what she described as an apartment complex, raising parking and sanitation concerns that the Town of Babylon board said it would investigate.
"I've lived in my house 42 years," said Doris Hidalgo, a resident of 12 Toysome Lane, who spoke during the public comment portion of an accessory-apartment hearing. "On our block, we have, like, 15 houses, and now we have 9 apartments... Many cars, each house, I think they have 5 or 6 there." Hidalgo told the board she has observed people bathing and brushing teeth outdoors and said the increased turnover has weakened neighborhood familiarity.
A board member confirmed Hidalgo's concerns would be addressed through the standard process: the board placed nearby applications on reserve where inspections were incomplete or questions about ownership existed. In one case the board stated that a "final inspection has not been completed" and that a second kitchen had not been approved; the hearing record shows the applicant will receive a second inspection.
At least one applicant who appeared in response to a neighbor's remarks said the household was limited to family members and that they did not intend to rent the accessory apartment. The applicant told the board the family had four cars and that prior exterior bathing occurred while an interior bathroom was being renovated.
Why it matters: Neighbors' complaints about accessory apartments often trigger enforcement actions, inspections and potential permit denials that affect housing availability, parking and neighborhood character. The board's use of reserve status and inspection follow-up is the primary local mechanism for addressing such concerns.
The board asked staff to follow up on outstanding inspections and ownership questions and informed speakers that applicants on reserve would be contacted with the next steps.
