Visions for Vacancies: Reader Feedback on Babylon Paint & Hardware

The former Babylon Paint and Hardware building, on Deer Park Avenue, has stood vacant since Bob Norman closed his store in November 2010.

An application to run a healthy breakfast/deli operation proposed last April didn’t get far into the approval process before it was withdrawn and the newest rumor is that a golf simulation facility operator may be eyeing the property.

In the meantime Patch asked local residents on its Facebook page what they’d like to see move into the location.

As Pandemonium boutique owner Jacqueline Di Donato, and several other people noted, everyone is missing the Norman family.

“I was so excited when I heard it was going to be a healthy option cafe, sorry it did not work out,” wrote Di Donato. “Otherwise, I would like Bob and the family back, truly miss them not being there,” she added, ending her sentence with the unhappy smiley face.

Stacey Tapinis and Jean Cerniello Grumpel echoed her comments.

Tapinis is hoping for a retail operation that will encourage business district traffic.

“I want another reason for people to come, spend the day, stroll and shop our great village. NOT another real estate office, nail salon, food establishment,” she wrote. “A lot of diverse shopping is what helps a village thrive.”

Gumpel would love to see a great big bookstore, like Huntington's Book Revue.

“Of course, I miss the hardware store, where I always got such good reliable advice,” she added.

What do you think of the proposed ideas? What store does the village need? Comment below or on our Facebook page.