JULY 25, 2026 - Public Hearing
PUBLIC HEARING
WAS HELD IN THE BOARD ROOM,
153 WEST MAIN STREET, BABYLON, NEW YORK,
ON TUESDAY,
JULY 28, 2026
PRESENT:
Mayor Mary Adams
Trustee Frank Seibert
Trustee Dominic Bencivenga
Trustee Anthony Cardali
Trustee Jeffrey Szabo
Attorney Charles J. Casolaro
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 Village of Babylon will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Babylon Village Hall, 153 West Main Street, New York 11702, or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to consider the following:
A) The Application of 185 West Main, LLC seeking approval to open a neighborhood market at 185 West Main Street in the Residence-O District.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at said hearing all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard on said proposed Application at the place and time aforesaid. Copies of the filed documents of the proposed Application 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
July 8, 2026
Applicant:
185 West Main LLC
612 Muncey Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Roberto L. Nicolia, 100 Thompson Avenue, Babylon – Managing Member
Donna Sesto, 100 Thompson Avenue, Babylon - Owner
Business: Argyle Bloom, 185 W. Main Street Babylon, SCTM: 009-03-014
Mr. Nicolia opened by stating this is not a restaurant. They have no intention at this time of serving alcohol or will be a bar , and there will be no food delivery or pickup such as Uber Eats. As for parking, he has already made arrangements with Webster Banck across the street for 3 employee parking spots.
Mr. Nicolia explained they are looking to open a Flower Shop /Café. This is a grab and go type of establishment and flower shop. Regarding patron parking, he feels Argyle Lake is a walking destination for residents, and the parking would be people coming from outside the community. This shop would be an amenity to add the Argyle Park area.
Ms. Sesto explained that she is the owner of Argyle Bloom and is also the owner of the Babylon Mercantile. They are looking to maintain the flower shop as it was and take it to the next level, while maintaining the aesthetics and quaintness of the Village. From the floral component, they are looking to sell grab and go bouquets; sell some herbs such as basil; expand the plant component; sell terrariums, succulents and giftable plants and things for your home. There will be no wedding or funeral arrangements being sold. The café component will be coffee, ice cream, something small, grab and go type of food. Nothing will be prepared on site, but food will be prepared and brought mostly from the Mercantile or other local businesses. There will be less than 8 seats just to eat quickly or grab and go. There will be no table service or servers.
Ms. Sesto stated that there is ample space in the back to sell outdoor plants and host events, such as craft classes and events geared to kids (wreath making, flower arrangement, pumpkin decoration). They will cater to families and children with holiday events.
Trustee Seibert asked for clarification on the hours of operation which are stated sunrise to sunset. The applicant’s stated hours are in line with Argyle Park hours, but would also be in line with events, and the hours will vary according to daylight hours . Trustee Seibert asked for clarification on obtaining a liquor license in the future. Mr. Nicolia stated that in the future, if he paired with other businesses in the area such as Babylon Cheese Cellar, he would like to offer Prosecco, wine or light cocktails. Trustee Siebert asked if it would be catering and private events. The applicants’ classes will be more seasonal events and sporadic. The private events will be more geared to wedding parties who are taking pictures at Argyle. Trustee Seibert also asked for clarification of outdoor seating. The applicants stated there is no outside seating; they can use the outside Atrium area.
Trustee Bencivenga asked the applicants to explain more about what is being done with the open space. Mr. Nicolia explained he is still trying to figure that out. He is renovating the existing greenhouse and will be selling outdoor living components; fire pits, barbeques, Adirondack chairs, pergolas, outdoor kitchens - similar to a showroom, but still figuring out. They will not be selling any outdoor plants/ landscaping. There is no inventory going out of there, just taking orders and shipping.
Trustee Cardali asked where the trash containers are located and who picks that up. Mr. Nicolia stated there is a dumpster already on property and there is a private waste company that picks up. Trustee Cardali also asked for clarification on the greenhouse and the atrium attached to the main building - where are classes being held? Applicants are still deciding; it’s not that big of a space.
Trustee Szabo thanked the applicants for coming and complimented them on being innovative and forward-thinking. It is very different and he likes the proposal, however, he is concerned about parking. He asked if there any plans for providing additional parking? Mr. Nicolia stated he believes retail businesses have no parking requirements; however, it is no different than having any other events. People will find parking or most local people will walk, and there will be a big turnaround. Trustee Szabo asked how much of the food will be brought in? The applicants stated no cooking will be done on the premises, but will have a prep kitchen, warming ovens and maybe a small grill. If approved, they will have to expand the bathroom to be handicap accessible.
Mayor Adams asked about the Village port-a-potties; will they remain there? Mr. Nicolia stated that they are the Villages and will stay there.
Trustee Cardali asked about the renovation timeline; the applicants stated it shouldn’t take too long.
The meeting was opened to the public. No one addressed the Board.
On the motion of Trustee Seibert, seconded by Trustee Szabo and unanimously carried, it was
RESOLVED to reserve decision.
On the motion of Trustee Seibert, seconded by Trustee Szabo and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM.
_____________________
Village Clerk
** For attachments contact the Village Clerk’s Office