Capo Trucks seeks approval to rebuild and expand West Babylon repair shop; board reserves decision

Capo Trucks owner representatives on Sept. 10 told the Town of Babylon Planning Board they want to replace a wind‑damaged diesel truck repair building in West Babylon with a larger, modern facility and requested multiple zoning variances and conditions modifications.

The applicant, represented by attorney William Germano of Germano & Cahill, told the board the proposal would demolish an existing 8,491‑square‑foot, two‑story diesel mechanic shop and replace it with an 11,790‑square‑foot shop with a partial second floor and basement storage at the northwest corner of Edison Avenue and Mahan Street. "Yes. We have reviewed it, and there is 1 item of concern that is covenant number 7 as proposed," Germano said, referring to a planning department memorandum that includes a no‑idling covenant.

Why it matters: The project would reestablish a long‑standing public garage use on a roughly one‑acre, industrially zoned corner lot and add vehicle storage, more service bays and staff, changes that prompted the board to seek clarifications about environmental controls, security fencing and operational limits near a nearby residential parcel and a cemetery‑owned solar site.

The application and discussion
The applicant said the existing building, which retains a certificate of occupancy from 1972, was severely damaged in an August 2023 microburst and has been vacant though still standing. William Germano described the business as a commercial truck repair and parts operation that serves business customers and not the typical consumer passenger‑car market.

James German of German & Clemens Architecture, presented site details and said, "The way the site's designed is pretty much the way that it's existed all along." He described keeping the existing curb cuts, adding landscaping, and replacing existing fencing. German said the proposed rebuilt facility would include seven repair bays, offices on a partial second floor, basement dry storage, about 38 employee and customer parking spaces and 11 truck service spaces.

Key details discussed at the hearing included: the existing certificate of occupancy dated 1972; the August 2023 roof failure attributed to a microburst; the proposed increase from roughly 8,491 square feet to 11,790 square feet; an anticipated staff of approximately seven technicians and four sales/service employees; usual hours roughly 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional Saturdays; and requests for zoning relief including a special‑use exception for a public garage, permission for outdoor vehicle storage, a 21% parking relaxation and parking in the front yard on Mahan Street.

Environmental and safety questions
Board members pressed for specifics on fuel and oil containment and on perimeter security. James German said the site includes a 250‑gallon containment tank for used oil that will be double‑walled and that Suffolk County Health Department approvals have been obtained for relevant systems. On spill response he said the applicant supplied a pig‑style spill response and removal protocol to the planning department.

On security fencing, German described replacing existing fences with the same style of barbed wire already on the site, citing theft prevention for vehicles and parts. One board member asked whether the proposed landscaping should avoid fruit trees because of spotted lanternfly concerns; German said replacing the proposed cherry with a nonfruit tree "shouldn't be a problem at all."

Idling covenant and operational limits
A major point of contention in the planning department memo was covenant number 7, which stated "no idling is permitted at any time." Germano said the applicant requested that covenant be modified to allow limited engine idling "associated with . . . repairs or emission tests that are required by law," and he emphasized the request would not allow queuing or long waits outside the building. "It's not it has nothing to do with the queuing of vehicles, waiting to enter the shop, or anything like that," Germano said.

Board deliberation and next steps
No members of the public spoke at the hearing. Planning Board member Juan Leon moved to close the public hearing and reserve decision; Planning Board member Julianne Nolan seconded the motion. The board closed the hearing by voice vote with no objections and reserved its decision to review the application materials and the planning department's conditions and covenants. The record was left open for written comments and additional materials.

How to view materials or comment
Planning documents and plans are available for inspection at the Town of Babylon Planning Department, West Wing, Town Hall, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.; the board announcement listed phone (631) 957-3103 and email planningcomments@townofbabylonny.gov for follow‑up.

Tapered closing note
The applicant said the rebuilt facility would add landscaping where none exists today and that the proposed building footprint and security measures aim to protect vehicles and parts on site; the board reserved its decision to consider the planning staff conditions, the requested modification to the no‑idling covenant, and the requested zoning relief before issuing a formal determination.