Top-10: Stories of 2011

This year was a busy one. Next year is likely to be even busier given new leadership on the town and county level, more stores looking to move into the business district and a looming school budget challenge that will require residents' and school leaders' collaboration to tackle.

It was also a year of Mother Nature proving her power, first with some hefty snow falls at the start of the year and then a surprising powerful tropic storm, called Irene, putting a damper on the end of summer celebration.

As the New Year arrives police will be still trying to solve the Gilgo serial killer case, village officials hope to embark on a $6 million dollar capital bond improvement project, and the business district will welcome the biggest restaurant yet to Deer Park Avenue.

Here's a look back at what happened in 2011.

The Gilgo Serial Killer Investigation

From the moment a set of human remains were found on December 11, 2010 until this month, the serial killer investigation relating to 10 victims has dominated the news headlines. It all began with a missing person’s case of a sex escort last seen in Oak Beach in May, 2010 and police searched the bay side of Ocean Parkway between Robert Moses and Jones Beach continuously during the year looking for Shannan Gilbert and evidence into the 10 victims’ remains. Gilbert was finally found this month, but police have no person of interest in the serial killer case. The latest debate is over whether Gilbert drowned, which is the theory of Police Commissioner Richard Dormer, or was killed, which is what her family believes. Meanwhile Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota disagrees with Dormer’s assertion that the 10 victims were killed by the same man. He believes several killers are involved. It’s a case that promises to remain in the headlines as a new police commissioner comes on the scene in January due to Steve Bellone taking the helm of Suffolk County.

Stunning Snowfalls Don’t Shutter Village

It’s the last week of 2011 and not one snow flake has yet been spotted but that certainly wasn’t the case when 2011 dawned. The first snow storm in January, 2011 came just weeks after a major blizzard hit Babylon in late December, 2010. The storm that hit in mid January didn’t stop village stores and businesses from operating as streets were cleared quickly and the village storm response was applauded by both residents and shop keepers.

The Burgeoning Business District

Unlike many downtown business districts, Babylon Village remained a stable, robust business center in 2011, and while some shops closed doors, notably the hardware store so loved by residents, many new businesses are operating along Deer Park Avenue and Main Street. A good majority obviously believe village residents all have more than a few sweet teeth as frozen yogurt, smoothies, chocolate specialties and cupcake operations are now luring in shoppers. But the list also includes a new cheese shop that had a line out the door during the recent Old Fashioned Christmas Village event. Coming in 2012 the business district will get even busier as a 275 seat restaurant, called Monsoon, plans to open in February and a new wine and cheese tasting spot will open next to Solo Vino. Babylon Village also got its first ever Tae Kwon Do studio this year.

The School Budget Dilemma

By reducing spend and relying on more fund balance monies, this year’s school budget passed muster with voters but it wasn’t without some battles and debates. The one thing everyone, from residents to school leaders, do agree on is that the 2012 budget year will be even more challenging given the implementation of a state tax cap. Right now a rollover budget scenario would require a million dollar budget increase to meet mandated expenses of compensation, retirement and healthcare, officials stated during a recent board meeting. The tax cap, if not rejected by voters, would require major cuts in programs and likely staff, which the district avoided this year. The board of education has been negotiating all year with the teacher’s union as well and the financial impact of final agreements may not be known for several months and well into the budget review process.

Village Outlaws New Bamboo

Citing residents’ complaints about the invasive, and damaging impact of bamboo, the village board enacted a ‘no new bamboo’ law this year and gave some legal teeth for residents wanting some enforcement about bamboo damage. It seems bamboo grows quick and deep and has the power to crack house foundations, cement sidewalks and overtake gardens and lawns. Bamboo must be contained to a homeowner’s plot and no new bamboo is allowed to be planted.

Babylon Says Goodbye to West Bab Father 

In one of the most heart wrenching events of the year, over 15,000 police officers and well wishers descended on St. Joseph’s Church on December 19 to honor slain New York City Police Officer Peter Figoski who was killed on duty investigating a break-in in the Bronx just days earlier. The heroic cop was remembered by dignitaries as a dedicated cop and loving and doting father of four girls. The sea of blue filling the village is a sight no one will ever forget.

The Impending Arrival of a Monsoon

All this year construction crews have been busy renovating the former Bank of NY building on Deer Park Avenue into a 275-seat Asian fusion eatery that will be called Monsoon when it opens its kitchen come February, 2012. The proposal drew a standing room only audience when reviewed by village board members but just a smattering of residents spoke against the business idea. The big concern is parking availability given that parking can already prove challenging. The developers though believe there are ways to mitigate the parking issues and say the goal is to enhance the business district and bring diners even more choices and options.

Irene’s Unexpected Visit

Preparedness and early warnings played a critical role to getting ready for what was initially termed a hurricane but later downgraded to a tropical storm in late August. Irene did her damage though as floods took over south village roadways, hindered train service and caused tons of house damage all along the south shore. The good news was no one was killed or injured during the natural disaster event.

Elections Bring a Hometown Political Landscape

With the election of Babylon resident Steve Bellone to the role of Suffolk County Executive, and his ongoing appointments of town residents to various posts, many village residents can likely boast they know a few key town leaders come 2012. Tenured Babylon resident Wayne Horsley was also re-elected to his spot on the county legislature and that bodes well for funding and projects in and around the Babylon Village community. Babylon resident and current Democratic Party leader Richard Schaeffer is expected to step in as town leader.

New School Leaders Spur Changes

The Babylon School District likely had more administration changes this year than it has had in a decade given the resignation of Dr. Ellen Best Laimit as superintendent and principals retiring at two of the district’s three schools. Interim superintendent Peter Daly is not interested in the role fulltime and is expected to resume his role of business superintendent once a new chief is hired early in 2012. The hiring search effort is now in its second phase with board members expected to consider a slate of candidates once the New Year begins.