Deer Park car wash plan raises concerns

The Babylon Town Planning Board is considering a proposal to put a car wash on a narrow strip of vacant land at 760 Long Island Ave. in Deer Park.

The parcel, east of Deer Park Avenue and next to Long Island Rail Road property, would house a 5,611-square-foot building, with 17 parking spots for employees and customers.

Neighbors at Monday night’s hearing said they feared the business would bring traffic problems. “There are tractor trailers up and down” Long Island Avenue for most of the day now, said Jack Rugen, who lives on nearby Glenda Drive. “It’s going to cause a hazard.”

Customers exiting the car wash who want to get back to Deer Park Avenue could wind up using Glenda Drive as a parallel route or for a U-turn, neighbors said, which would endanger children accustomed to playing on the street.

The board extended the comment period to July 25. The applicant, John Arnon, also must seek permission from the town zoning board of appeals, said planning board chairwoman Patricia McMahon.