Town of Babylon rental board denies one permit, extends others and continues review of Lindenhurst property

The Town of Babylon Rental Board on May 6 denied a rental permit, approved another, granted extensions for two applications and continued review of a Lindenhurst property after the operator pledged corrective measures.

The board opened the meeting, explained hearing procedures and swore in applicants before taking the cases. For 1573 9th Street in West Babylon, the applicant agreed to the board’s requirements to remove debris, cut grass and trim hedges; the board moved to extend the matter to May 20 to allow time for photos and reinspection.

The board addressed 9 Neptune Avenue in West Babylon next. Board members told the applicant that the driveway must be replaced, bushes trimmed and debris removed; the owner discussed which items had already been addressed. The board extended that case to June 24 to allow the driveway replacement and removal of pictured fence debris.

The board approved a renewal for 8 Rosewood Avenue in Amityville after no board member or audience speaker objected. The motion to approve was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

The most contested matter involved 26 Flanders Place in West Babylon. Multiple neighbors testified about a narrow street blocking concerns, past emergency securing and ongoing exterior neglect. A board member told the owner that ‘‘the presentation for the sake of your community and your neighbors has to be as good or better than a property that’s owner occupied,’’ and urged the owner to clean the property, trim bushes and vet tenants. Mark Smith moved to deny the permit; the motion carried and the board denied the application. The chair explained that the owner may reapply after addressing neighbor concerns.

Later in the meeting the board discussed a revocation matter for 930 North Putinham Avenue in Lindenhurst. Board members reported that Halley, the property operator, and its attorney had met town officials, installed live-in security, removed squatters, upgraded cameras, agreed to coordinate with mental health services and to notify town staff of incidents. A board member summarized those steps and said the situation was ‘‘significantly different’’ than in prior months. Patrick Nolan moved to continue the permit so staff can monitor implementation; Carla Bryant seconded the motion and the board carried the continuation.

Actions taken at the meeting were procedural and administrative: short continuations to allow exterior repairs and documentation, one permit approval, one permit denial, and one continued review tied to operator commitments. The chair invited attendees to remain after the meeting for questions and noted the session was live streamed.

What happens next: the applicants granted extensions must submit photographs to the Rental Division for reinspection by the stated dates; the denied applicant at 26 Flanders may correct the cited deficiencies and reapply; the Lindenhurst property will remain under board review while the operator implements the agreed measures.