Developer Proposes Retail Store, Apartments For Babylon Building

BABYLON VILLAGE, NY — A developer has proposed a retail store and a 12 apartment building in Babylon Village. The proposal, which was presented during a village planning board meeting last month, is for the building on 22 Railroad Avenue across the street from the Babylon LIRR station. The location is currently a two-story building available to house a retail store and about seven apartments above it.

According to Nicole Blanda, a Melville-based attorney representing the developer, the village code was amended to allow the building to be up to four stories to house more commuters who want to use the nearby train station. The proposed plan would house a retail store in the first floor, and add two more stories in order to build 12 one-bedroom apartments.

While some members presented concerns about parking, Blanda said that they have a lease agreement with the owners of the nearby Argyle Jewelers for parking for the proposed building to allow for 12 parking spots.

"I'm trying to create something nice," the developer, Joe Giaquinto, said. "Obviously we know that right now the building is not appealing."

After officially presenting the plan to the planning board, the proposal will now have to be presented for approval to the village zoning board of appeals.

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