“I guess they’re right, because it is heading that direction,” said Doug Williamson, owner of the Babylon Bicycle Shopper. The man told WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall that the area was once “party city.” But despite the perceived improvement, many said new regulations are a good idea. One man who has lived in the area for 30 years added: “The biggest problem is parking, especially on the weekends, but it’s better than when 30 years ago when it was all dive bars and there were no restaurants.” READ MORE: 2 Islanders Games Postponed Amid COVID-19 Outbreak “We don’t need any more, you know, drunk kids walking around after midnight and vandalizing our town.” She is absolutely opposed to a bar next door, especially considering the recent vandalism.
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Stephanie Mangano owns a beauty salon right next to what had been a yoga fitness studio. Because it is a hot nightspot, village leaders want to be sure that bars and restaurants do not open in retail stores that become vacant. The mayor said the ban will not affect any existing bars, although he has asked them to close earlier. “I’d like to see more retail in our village for more walkability.” “We have about 30 bars and restaurants in our village right now – 30-plus,” Scordino said.
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Instead, Scordino said, it is about creating the right mix to boost foot traffic for all of the village’s businesses.
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Police blamed it on some out-of-control bar-hoppers.īut Babylon Village Mayor Ralph Scordino said the new ban on new bars has nothing to do with loud complaints from residents about out-of-control bar patrons. They set flags on fire and urinated on the property. Just last month, surveillance cameras captured the scene as vandals tore up a Babylon village holiday display. READ MORE: US Officials: Only A Matter Of Time Before Omicron COVID Variant Found In America (CBSNewYork) - There will be no new bars or restaurants anytime soon in one of the most popular downtown scenes on Long Island.Īs CBS2’s Ali Bauman reported, Babylon village trustees approved a one-year moratorium.