Darius Panovka, the applicant for application 25-1114, told the Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals he wants to finish the basement of a West Babylon rental property and change the basement entrance to the rear.
The request was presented at the board’s hearing, which included planning and environmental-control memos and a site plan; Panovka said the basement would not contain bedrooms but would be used for living space such as a TV or sitting area and that he intends to provide a sink and toilet but not a shower. “No bedrooms. Just… the people wanted more space,” Panovka said.
The board asked questions about access, plumbing and rental permits. Board member Shepherd asked whether the basement entrance is currently on the side of the house and whether the applicant had rental permits for both units; Panovka said he had applied for rental permits for both the first and second floors "a few months ago." The board also asked whether the basement would include cooking or sleeping, and Panovka replied, “No. No. It’s just… the people… have the couch and the TV.”
Chairman and staff noted planning and environmental-control memos in the record, a survey dated Oct. 20, 2019, and a site plan dated Jan. 2025. With no members of the public asking to be heard, the board closed the hearing and "reserved decision." The applicant was told he will receive the board’s decision in the mail.
Why it matters: finishing a basement in a rental property can affect occupancy, building-permit requirements and neighborhood impacts. The board’s reserve-decision signals it will review documents and testimony before issuing a written determination.
The board did not vote on the application at the hearing; the record will remain open to allow staff review and issuance of a written decision.