Village Mulls Zoning Change to Cooper Street Properties

The Babylon Village Board heard an application for zoning changes to a number of properties along Cooper Street during a public hearing held at Babylon Village Hall on May 28.

The application, petitioned by village attorney Joel Sikowitz, looked to change the zoning on multiple properties, mostly along Cooper Street, from "retail business" to "residence – O," the latter standing for office use.

"We've been working on this for six months," Sikowitz told the board. "All of these properties have professional offices of some type – attorneys, doctors, etc."

To change the zoning of certain properties, the village board must pass a new law.

The properties noted during the public hearing included the home of the International Student Exchange and the Gateway Life Center, both of which were along the street.

"In the event they would want the properties to be opened for retail, they shouldn't because it would be better there for office use," Sikowitz said.

He cited the nearby intersection with John Street and lack of parking compared with the business district of the village as additional reasons for keeping the spaces office-only.

The board, which did not ask any public questions during the hearing, reserved decision on the matter.