Planning board closes hearing, reserves decision on Capo Trucks site rebuild in West Babylon

The Town of Babylon Planning Board on Sept. 10 closed the public hearing and reserved decision on Job2443A, an application by CUDA Realty LLC for a rebuilt commercial truck repair facility occupied by Capo Trucks at the northwest corner of Edison Avenue and Mahan Street in West Babylon.

The application proposes demolition of an existing 8,491-square-foot, two-story diesel mechanic shop that sustained roof damage in an August 2023 microburst and construction of an approximately 11,790-square-foot mechanic shop with a partial second floor, a basement for dry storage, seven repair bays and associated site improvements. Counsel for the applicant identified one concern with the planning department's draft conditions: covenant number 7, which as written states "No idling is permitted at any time" with "No exceptions." Planning Board chairman read that covenant into the record. William Germano, attorney for the applicant, said, "We have reviewed it, and there is one item of concern that is covenant number 7 as proposed," and asked that the covenant be modified to allow idling when required for repairs or emissions tests for the specific vehicle being worked on.

The application requests multiple forms of local relief: a special-use exception (public garage), relief for outdoor storage of vehicles, a 21 percent parking reduction, and permission for parking in the front yard. James German, of German and Clemens Architecture, told the board the site will use the existing curb cuts and that "we're keeping the same entrances off of the street, so we're not adding any new curb cuts." He said the design adds landscaping and calls for 38 parking spaces and 11 truck service spaces. German also said the rebuilt structure will be constructed to current codes and include proper tie-downs to address the roof failure.

Board members asked technical questions about hazardous materials and security. A board member asked whether the proposed 250-gallon containment tank is in use and what it will contain; German said it stores used oil and that the tank is double-walled. German said the facility's spill response plan uses absorbent "pig" materials and that required information has been submitted to the planning department. The applicant also seeks to maintain barbed wire around the interior perimeter for site security; German said the style will match existing fencing and will be replaced with new material. The board inquired about landscaping species because of spotted lanternfly concerns; German agreed to consider substituting a non-fruit tree.

The board received confirmation that the site previously held a certificate of occupancy for a public garage from 1972 and that, after the August 2023 storm, the owner moved operations to 21 Lamar Street; the damaged building remains standing but vacant on the site. German said Capo Trucks expects about seven technicians and four sales/service staff on site, operating primarily Monday through Friday from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional Saturdays.

No members of the public offered comment at the hearing. Planning Board member Juan Leon moved to close the public hearing "and reserve decision," and Julianne Nolan seconded the motion. The board voted in favor with no objections. The board left the record open for written comments and directed interested parties to the planning department; application documents are available 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the planning office in the Town Hall West Wing, by phone at (631) 957-3103, or by email at planningcomments@townofbabylonny.gov.

Because the application requests zoning relief and a special-use exception, German told the board the project will require additional approvals from the zoning board of appeals and that the Suffolk County Department of Health reviewed and approved the fuel/oil handling provisions. The board reserved decision to consider the planning department memo dated Sept. 10, 2025, and any further written input before issuing a determination.