Neighbors and engineers clash over parking at proposed Copiague convenience store; board reserves decision

The Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals took public testimony and technical evidence on an application to reopen a convenience store at 2225 Great Neck Road in Copiague and to grant a parking variance for six on-site spaces where the zoning code requires 14. Attorney Eugene L. DeNicola presented the application and said the proposed hours would be 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and that the owners would limit truck deliveries at night.

Traffic engineer Kian Cody of R&M Engineering told the board his firm observed the surrounding blocks between Dixon Avenue and Church Place on Sept. 20–21 and identified 15 public spaces; he said the site’s 2,971-square-foot building would generate, by industry standard, about 10 parked vehicles during peak periods and that the six on-site spaces plus observed street vacancies would be adequate. "Based off our observations along solely the west side of Great Neck Road, there would be at least 13 vacant spaces," Cody said, adding that ITE parking generation rates imply the off-site demand could be absorbed.

Several residents and local business representatives disagreed. "People are gonna be parking out on Great Neck Road or on the residential street. That's not right," said resident Susan Girusa, who urged the board to consider safety and traffic impacts. Joseph Gargiulo, who said he serves on a local business board, warned of past problems at convenience stores and said the intersection is already accident-prone. Donna Farina, president of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, said she is “all for the businesses” but worried the site’s parking constraints would push cars into nearby residential streets and the adjacent Gateway Park.

Applicant representatives highlighted proposed physical and operational changes. Steve Christiansen, who said he worked with the owners, described planned landscaping and façade improvements and told the board the owners intend to use smaller delivery vans and to provide a larger turnaround area on the lot so vehicles would not need to wait in the street.

The applicant agreed to limits recommended in the staff report and in testimony: hours limited to 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; no truck deliveries during designated overnight hours; and site improvements including removal of old roll-up gates, new lighting and landscaping. The board closed the hearing and reserved decision while keeping the record open for any required referrals to Suffolk County Planning.

What happens next: The ZBA will circulate its decision in writing to applicants and parties of record once it reaches a determination; the board kept the record open for the planning commission referral and did not vote on the variance the night of the hearing.