Opponents call for vote at Babylon mixed-use development hearing

Citing concerns over traffic, school overcrowding and a diminished quality of life, opponents of a proposed mixed-use development permit in Babylon Town called on the town board at a hearing Wednesday to let residents vote on the controversial plan.

“We ask you to put this to the people,” said Diane Thiel, president of the West Babylon Main Street Organization, one of 17 people who spoke critically of the permit.

“Let there be a public referendum,” she said.

Opponents were countered by five who spoke in favor of the proposed permit, which, if approved, would allow developers to construct buildings of three stories with a mix of apartments, offices and retail spaces on lots two acres or smaller in business, industrial and multi-residential districts.

“Young families such as ourselves would benefit,” said Issy Mercado, 30, of Lindenhurst, noting the obstacles young people face to buy homes and the rental housing the permit could bring.

The hearing, which brought about 100 people to Babylon Town Hall, was the latest public debate on the permit, which the town first proposed late last year. Planning experts and pro-development groups have praised the idea, saying the mixed-use buildings allowed under the permit could enliven flagging downtowns, ease the area’s rental housing crunch and bring new customers to local shops.

But supporters were outnumbered Wednesday night by opponents of the proposal, which would allow up to 35 apartment units per acre.

“We would not only be changing the look and feel of our town, but we would also be taxing our already overutilized infrastructure,” said Denis Garbo, 69, of Lindenhurst.

In response to such concerns, town officials earlier this year reduced the height of buildings allowed under the permit from four stories to three, and excluded large industrial zones from the districts where it could be used.

The town also sent residents a mailer with statistics showing that apartment-dwellers typically drive less and have fewer school-age children than those in single-family homes.

The town board did not vote on the permit Wednesday. Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer said the board would “continue to deliberate” on the issue.