Venetian Shores residents press town to rein in CATCH over noise, traffic and alcohol at municipal park

At the Sept. 10 Town of Babylon meeting, residents of Venetian Shores said the park concessionaire Barefoot Puddles Hospitality LLC, doing business as CATCH, has turned the municipal facility into an overcrowded, alcohol‑focused venue that is incompatible with the neighborhood and adjacent Harding Avenue Elementary School.
Why it matters: Commenters said the concession departs from promises made when Venetian Shores was revitalized, raising questions about contract terms, enforcement and resident safety.
Residents cited broken promises. Melissa Clinton, who lives on Granada Parkway, told the board that a 2005 letter from then‑Supervisor Steve Malone ‘‘said that the whole basis of the Venetian Shores revitalization plan is to create a beautiful facility that is very family friendly’’ and that ‘‘there is no bar at this facility and there never will be.’’ She said CATCH currently promotes events with heavy alcohol marketing and loud music that ‘‘permeates the walls of my home’’ and disrupts family routines.
Several speakers said public advertising and out‑of‑area marketing had increased nonresident attendance, causing traffic gridlock, blocked driveways and reduced emergency access. William Biscardi, a long‑time resident, warned that cars parked in both directions and blocked streets are creating a safety hazard and said "something's gotta be done because somebody's gonna get hurt." Claire McKeehan, 826 Granada Parkway, urged the board to hold the tenant accountable, saying the site is not large enough for the scale of events being advertised outside the town.
Residents recounted two actions taken this summer: they said traffic and crowding prompted the town to restrict the facility to town residents on Aug. 18 and to place barricades and ID checks. Multiple speakers said the proposed response — adding more parking — would only attract more nonresident cars and worsen impacts.
Calls for town action included revisiting contract terms, enforcing volume and occupancy limits, and bringing greater transparency. Claire McKeehan asked the board to "revisit the terms of the contract and hold the tenant accountable," and Joy Brooks asked for clarity about any planned expansions for 2026.
Discussion vs. decision: Residents reported that the town temporarily limited access to the facility on Aug. 18, but no formal board vote or contract action was recorded during the Sept. 10 meeting. Several speakers asked the board for a transparent review and clearer enforcement of concession terms ahead of next season.
What’s next: Residents requested that town staff report back with the concession's contract terms, enforcement history and any planned changes to hours, parking or licensing before the 2026 season.