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Zoning board approves several residential variances, holds fence and special-exception items for follow-up
Summary
The Town of Babylon ZBA approved multiple residential variances and accessory-apartment conditions (applications 24-172, 24170, 24171), reserved decision on a corner-lot fence variance (24166) and heard a special-exception renewal for an established landscape materials business; specific conditions and referrals to Suffolk County Planning were recorded.
The Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed a sequence of land-use applications ranging from residential additions to commercial special-exception renewals and issued approvals, conditional approvals and holds.
Application 24-172 (Kavana Gray, 69 Coolidgeammer Avenue, Amityville) sought relief for front-yard setback, side-yard setbacks and a 0.3 percentage–point overage in total building area to permit a second-story addition and a roofed front porch. Applicant representative John Tufel, a professional engineer, described neighborhood porches that matched the proposal and said the 0.3 percent overage was minimal. After questions about an accessory-apartment permit, basement demolition and porch enclosure, a board member moved to approve the application "with all 4 conditions mentioned earlier." The board voted in favor.
Application 24170 (Padilla Hernandez / Villator) originally requested increased lot coverage but revised plans removed 350.7 square feet of concrete, reducing lot coverage to 29.9 percent so that the lot-coverage variance was withdrawn. The board approved the application as amended with conditions requiring the basement remain unfinished except for exterior walls, the shed be placed in a conforming location if rebuilt, and the accessory-apartment permit be maintained.
Application 24171 (Gregory Maddox / Erica Palazzo, North Babylon) sought to legally maintain a finished basement with existing egress wells. The board expressed concern that a three-piece bathroom could enable an accessory apartment; it approved the variance on the condition that the basement bathroom be permitted only as a two-piece.
Application 24166 (Kyle Ambury, corner-lot fence in Lindenhurst) asked for a six-foot privacy fence on a corner lot. The planning division raised visibility concerns; the applicant provided neighbor consent letters. The board held this matter and reserved decision to allow further review of sightlines and planning comments.
The board also considered a renewal request from Ascot Container Corp / J. Rose Realty Holding Corp for special-exception permits authorizing retail sales of landscape materials and outdoor storage of equipment. Attorney Mark Auerbrand said the operation had longstanding approvals and described mitigation measures including a 10-foot stockade fence, berm and plantings; neighbors spoke in support and one asked whether expansion would require a return to the board (the chair clarified that significant expansion would require a new application). The board addressed department comments and indicated next steps for referrals where needed.
What happens next: The board will mail written decisions to applicants and keep records open where Suffolk County Planning or other departmental review is required.
