Babylon board considers declaring 1531 Straight Path public nuisance due to crime

A significant public hearing took place at the West Babylon Town Board meeting on March 26, 2025, focusing on the troubling issues surrounding the property at 1531 Straight Path. The discussion highlighted the location's alarming history of criminal activity, particularly drug-related offenses, prompting the board to consider declaring it a public nuisance.

Sergeant from the First Precinct provided a detailed account of the ongoing problems at the site, noting that it has consistently been a high-priority area due to frequent police calls and numerous arrests. "Since I started, this location has been a constant concern for us," the Sergeant stated, emphasizing the high volume of 911 calls related to drug use, loitering, and other illegal activities. He reported that in just a three-month period, there were ten arrests, primarily for controlled substances, underscoring the severity of the situation.

The board is contemplating a drastic measure to shut down the property unless the owner takes proactive steps to address the issues. The Sergeant pointed out that while there has been some cooperation from store managers regarding calls for service, the lack of action from the property owner has hindered efforts to improve the situation. "We need the landlord to take responsibility," he said, highlighting the importance of their involvement in curbing the ongoing problems.

Assistant Town Attorney Jorge Rosario added context to the discussion, explaining that the nuisance law aims to prevent locations from becoming hotspots for illegal activities. He noted that the presence of individuals engaging in unlawful behavior is directly linked to the property's failure to maintain compliance with community standards.

As the board deliberates on the next steps, the community is left to grapple with the implications of this potential declaration. The outcome could significantly impact the neighborhood's safety and the property owner's responsibilities moving forward.