Village Board Mulls New Store Applications

The Babylon Village Board is reserving decision on three new store applications all of which would offer some sort of sweet dessert fare.

The proposals were presented at public hearings Tuesday night. The village trustees reserved decision on a new smoothie store, a self-serve yogurt eatery, and a chocolates and candy franchise.

During each hearing, village trustees stressed the importance of garbage maintenance, permits for signage, and making sure that the three eateries stayed within scope and didn't include additional on-site cooking or table service.

The first application, by Christina Fiore and Christian Carlone, is Natural Blendz, an independent organic smoothie and juice bar slated to open at 17 Deer Park Avenue.

The all take-out operation would be open from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with reduced hours on Sunday, depending on traffic. No residents spoke for or against the application, and the only concerns raised from the board came from Trustee Alice Vanderveldt who asked about garbage facilities.

John Murray III, from West Wantagh, presented his application to open a Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream location at 130 Deer Park Avenue. The corner storefront would be a franchise of the national high-end confectionary shop and feature homemade fudge in the front of the store, along with a selection of treats. Proprietary ice cream and chocolates would also be sold.

This would be the first location to open in New York and representatives from Kilwins flew out to visit Babylon and check out the area, which they think fits in well with their business model, said Murray. He said he plans to be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weeknights, with hours extending until 11 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

"We hope to get some of the evening business in the village," he said.

Trustees discussed the potential of litter that a take-out shop could potentially generate.

"I'd like to see you make sure that your area is clean," said Trustee Alice Vanderveldt. "We know kids will come and they aren't always the most diligent with their garbage."

Local real estate agent Lori Beldiny spoke in favor of the application, adding that Murray was a "great businessman who had researched and had the capital to make it work," and Kilwins was a "fabulous presentation and an all-American product."

The third application discussed was a self-serve yogurt shop proposed by Jordan Eddi, of Merrick, who hopes to open at 80A West Main Street. The eatery would be an independent shop in which patrons would prepare their own yogurt and toppings and pay by weight. The store would have seating and be open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. during the summer and until 10 p.m. during the winter. Village Attorney Joel Sikowitz asked about the profitability of a single-product establishment, to which Eddi's attorney replied that these stores have been very profitable in other towns.

"We're turning into a village for special desserts," said Vanderveldt. "Never mind all the restaurants that bring people in, now we can offer a variety of desserts."

The board requested that Eddi keep in mind the cleanliness of his outdoor area, and to make sure that the shop would be welcoming to customers of all ages and not become only a young persons' "hang out" spot.

The board is expected to issue decisions at the next board meeting on January 10.