Residents urge revocation of Hands Across Long Island permit at 930 North Putnam Avenue; board continues hearing to April 8

The Town of Babylon rental board heard extended testimony from residents who urged the board to revoke a rental permit held by Hands Across Long Island for the building at 930 North Putnam Avenue in Lindenhurst. Wayne J. Donovan, an associate attorney representing Hands Across Long Island Inc., told the board the organization “deny[ed] the allegations in that letter.”

Neighbors described repeated incidents they said have degraded safety and quality of life around the building. Roseanne Roberts, reading a community letter, said the property “has become an epicenter of constant turmoil and disruption,” and cited reports of trespassing, soliciting, car break‑ins and, she said, a recent stabbing. Mary Mamina, a neighbor who said she has lived across the street for decades, described recurring drug activity and confrontations that led to prior tenant evictions years ago. Ann Williams said people had entered her home and approached her disabled husband, and told the board she no longer felt safe in her own house.

Anthony Toronto, who identified himself as a retired federal agent, said the neighborhood has been contending with these problems for years and called for the board to consider revoking the permit. “This neighborhood has had enough,” he said, urging stronger action.

Wayne Donovan, who stood in for the organization’s regular counsel Charlie Russo, asked the board to note the organization’s denial. The board also acknowledged receipt of an affidavit from investigator Timothy Gordon and an email with photographs from a resident, which were read and filed into the record.

Vice Chair Carla Bryant told the room that because counsel was unavailable to make a full record tonight the board would continue the revocation hearing to April 8, but she allowed residents to give testimony at the current session. The board moved to continue the hearing and approved the continuation by voice vote.

The board did not take final action on the permit at the meeting; the revocation matter will resume on April 8, when the organization and any additional witnesses will have the opportunity to make a fuller record.