UPDATED: Village Oks Cupcake Store, Mulls Eatery Ownership Change

The Babylon Village Board is approving an application for a retail cupcake business, called , slated to open by year’s end on Railroad Avenue and is reserving decision on an ownership change at the Armadillo Grill restaurant.

Garrison Gross, the cupcake proprietor, was wished good luck by village trustees who unanimously approved his business application at Tuesday night’s regular meeting.

Gross, who runs a wholesale cupcake business in New York City, said he was happy to get approval and that the next business steps involve electrical and plumbing certifications. He hopes to open in the location, which formerly housed a pet grooming business and is east of the high school, by the holiday season.

Prior to its regular meeting the village board held a public hearing on an application from Joseph Sgambati, who is taking over the Armadillo Grill, at the corner of Deer park Avenue and Main Street.

Sgambati, an Islip resident, plans to rename the restaurant the Tidewater Grill & Tavern and make minor décor and menu adjustments.

During the hearing trustees asked questions about changes to the service bar and reminded Sgambati that any music must be contained within the eatery.

Sgambati said the service bar will not be expanded and he plans no major renovations. He’s already received approval from the village architectural review board on a new awning and said he will remove the current etching décor on the windows and adhere to all current covenants and restrictions.

“It’ll be a little nautical [in décor] and the menu will stay American fare,” said Sgambati. No one spoke in favor or against the proposal and the board is expected to make a decision by its next meeting on October 25.

In other action the village board approved the annual Veteran’s Day Parade event, run by the American Legion, and approved reappointing Patrick Kevin Brosnahan as special counsel to the village for an undetermined hourly rate.

Village Trustee Deb Basile noted the past weekend’s apple and arts event at the Conklin House was well attended and $2,500 was raised through the sale of apples, mums, and food goods. Over 60 artists participated in the annual event with 115 artwork pieces showcased during the three days, said Basile.

The Conklin House will host its first-ever Halloween event this year on October 23. There will be pumpkin carving and story telling events. Residents are being asked to register for the programs by calling 669-8164.

Prior to the regular meeting Mayor Ralph Scordino said there is no update at this time regarding the burglary at village hall last month and that the police investigation is continuing.

Published reports stated thieves stole $3,000 in coins stored in village office filing cabinet and that the money been collected through the village's parking meter program.

The update clarifies the information regarding the village hall burglary.