January 27, 2026 - Public Hearing
PUBLIC HEARING
WAS HELD IN THE BOARD ROOM,
153 WEST MAIN STREET, BABYLON, NEW YORK,
ON TUESDAY,
JANUARY 27, 2026
PRESENT:
Mayor Mary Adams
Trustee Frank Seibert
Trustee Dominic Bencivenga
Trustee Jeffrey Szabo
Attorney Charles J. Casolaro
ABSENT:
Trustee Anthony Cardali
The meeting opened at 7:01 pm.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Trustee Bencivenga.
The Village Clerk read the following Legal Notice:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Babylon will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:00pm at Village Hall, 153 West Main Street, Babylon, New York 11702, to consider the following:
- Proposed Local Law 0127PH 269-9.1 of 2026 adding to Village Code §269.9.1 Exterior Lighting; and,
- Proposed Local Law 0127PH-336-6 of 2026 adding to Village Code §336-6 Trees.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at said hearings all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard on said proposed Local Laws at the place and time aforesaid. Copies of the proposed Local Laws will be available at the Village Hall at least five (5) days before the public hearing and may be seen during the regular business hours.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF BABYLON
Jean Marie Parker
Village Clerk
Dated: Babylon, New York
January 6, 2026
Village Code §269.9.1 Exterior Lighting:
Mayor Adams’ background on the law is that the Building Inspector has made us aware of New York State law of new codes for 2026 regarding permanent lights on houses. People are putting them up and using them year-round. The Building Inspector stated NYS law requires they must have proper wiring, be hard wired and prevent from shock or tripping of any nature for safety. They are also required to have an Underwriters’ Certificate. So, for regulations on proper wiring and safety concerns, we need to add this to our code. He also adds that these lights need shields to avoid illuminating neighboring properties.
The Mayor read a letter from resident, Claire Merz.
Trustee Seibert is in favor of the law and agreed that exterior lighting needs to be addressed; it does create a nuisance at times.
Trustee Bencivenga also is in favor, stating that lights are up year-round and it is a smart move to have the law.
Trustee Szabo stated, if it follows existing New York State Law and the Building Inspector has already addressed this with some residents, he is in favor. He questioned if there is a fee associated with these permits. The Mayor stated not at this time.
The meeting was opened to the public; the following persons addressed the Board.
- Jordan Hoffman. 172 Fire Island Ave.
- Luke Merz, 49 Belton Road
On the motion of Trustee Seibert, seconded by Trustee Szabo and unanimously carried, it was
RESOLVED to reserve decision.
Village Code §336-6 Trees.
Mayor Adams explained the Building Inspector was getting complaints of trees encroaching on neighbors’ properties. The Inspector wanted to put a code in place that limbs can be cut back up to the fence line only and should be cleaned up and disposed of by the neighbor whose property the limbs are encroaching on.
Trustee Seibert agreed to have this in place for consideration of the neighbor.
Trustee Bencivenga stated it makes sense, fair approach.
Trustee Szabo believes it is good to have in code, makes perfect sense.
On the motion of Trustee Seibert, seconded by Trustee Szabo and unanimously carried, it was
RESOLVED to reserve decision.
The meeting was opened to the public; the following persons addressed the Board.
- Mike Golub, 1 Stuart Ave.
On the motion of Trustee Seibert, seconded by Trustee Szabo and unanimously carried, it was
RESOLVED to reserve decision.
Meeting adjourned at 7:13 PM.
_____________________
Village Clerk
** For attachments contact the Village Clerk’s Office