Town of Babylon Rental Board extends multiple permit renewals to Oct. 30, 2024, and approves several renewals

SAL MIGUEL, chairman of the Town of Babylon Rental Board, presided over a public hearing in which members approved several rental-permit renewals and granted extensions for multiple properties to Oct. 30, 2024, while requiring specific exterior repairs and proof of compliance.

The board opened by outlining procedures: applicants must be sworn, state name and address on the record, and ensure a public-notice sign is posted at least 10 days before their hearing. “All speakers will be sworn in by myself,” Chairman Sal Miguel said as he read the board’s procedures.

Votes at a glance

- 807 Center Ave., Lindenhurst — hearing continued/postponed; applicant Mary Anne Murphy was asked to provide dated photos showing the 10‑day public-notice sign and to remove or replace railroad ties around the property. The board instructed the applicant to reapply/set a new date after the sign requirement is met (motion recorded in the hearing).

- 5 Denton Place, Farmingdale — renewal for applicant Erica Soyman approved after the board confirmed receipt of application materials and an email from staff (motion carried unanimously).

- 52 South 23rd St., Wyandanch — renewal extended to Oct. 30, 2024; applicant Melbourne C. Price was directed to replace the entire driveway, remove debris and repaint the stoop and handrails, then submit photos showing work in progress or completion for inspection.

- Several Amityville and West Babylon addresses (including 7 Patrick Court and 92 North 22nd St.) — board extended cases to Oct. 30, 2024, and required removal of debris and unlicensed vehicles, replacement of driveways and sidewalks where applicable, painting and power washing, and generally improved maintenance to meet neighborhood standards.

What the board required and why

Board members repeatedly emphasized the town’s posting and exterior-maintenance rules. Members said a public-notice sign must be posted for 10 days prior to the scheduled hearing; when dated photos or inspector photos did not confirm the sign’s presence for the required period, the board either held the hearing open or set a new date. For several cases the board asked applicants to provide dated photographs — including photos taken when work (for example, ripping up a driveway) is in progress — so staff inspectors can verify the work.

Board member Mike Murray and others walked applicants through specific exterior items: removal of debris from yards, replacement of railings or railroad ties, replacement or repair of driveways, repainting stoops and handrails, power washing houses and fences, and removal of unregistered vehicles. For one applicant, a board member noted that an interior inspector had visited earlier but that the exterior inspection raised additional issues.

Public comments and neighborhood concerns

Longtime West Babylon resident Sheila Nickens told the board she has been following a particular property for decades and said neighbors have complained about noise, frequent visitors and lack of upkeep. “I had concerns about the property,” Nickens said. “A lot of my neighbors are concerned about this house on the block.” The board said it takes such neighborhood complaints into account when reviewing renewals and that owners must follow the list of required repairs to bring properties into compliance.

Next steps and enforcement

For extended cases the board set a uniform compliance deadline of Oct. 30, 2024. Applicants were instructed to call the Town of Babylon rental office after completing work and to send dated photos (including photos taken while a driveway is ripped up) to trigger a reinspection. The rental office will schedule staff inspections after applicants submit proof of repairs or a request for additional time. The board cautioned applicants that permits can be revoked if information submitted to the board is later found to be inaccurate.

The board approved uncontested renewals where applicants confirmed they had read and agreed to the town’s terms and conditions. For contested or incomplete cases, members approved extensions to allow time for applicants to complete exterior repairs and provide dated photographic proof.

The board did not announce a subsequent meeting date during the hearing; applicants were told to contact the rental office to set new hearing dates or inspections.