Header photos: courtesy Amityville Union Free School District, Deer Park School District and West Babylon School District, via Patch.
By I Love Babylon · Week of October 11–17, 2026
A proposed tax increase and two lawsuits over a Wyandanch industrial park put Town Hall decisions in focus, while IHOP plans a larger home in West Babylon. Across our neighborhoods, there are soccer and music milestones, a field hockey fundraiser, a bank-scam close call and updates from police and the courts.
TOWN HALL · PROPOSED BUDGET
Babylon tax proposal would add about $115 for the average household
A proposed Town of Babylon property-tax increase would cost the average household about $115 a year, according to town tax documents cited in Newsday’s reporting this week.
For homeowners following the town budget, that is the household estimate to watch as the proposal moves through the budget process. Newsday’s report describes a proposed increase; it does not establish a final adopted tax bill for every property.
DEVELOPMENT · WYANDANCH
Wyandanch industrial park faces two legal challenges
Two lawsuits seek to stop the proposed industrial park at Long Island Avenue and Little East Neck Road in Wyandanch, according to News 12.
One petition, brought by Love K. Foy, challenges the environmental review and raises concerns about groundwater, stormwater runoff, traffic and the clearing of more than 100 wooded acres. A second, from Concerned Taxpayers of Wheatley Heights/Dix Hills, raises concerns about traffic, truck noise and effects on neighboring communities and Pinelawn Cemetery.
These are the petitioners’ claims. News 12 said it was awaiting the Town of Babylon’s response when its report was published. For residents who travel Little East Neck Road, Long Island Avenue and Colonial Springs Road, the challenges put the project’s traffic and environmental review back in focus.
Source: News 12 Long Island.
LOCAL BUSINESS · WEST BABYLON
IHOP plans a larger home in West Babylon
West Babylon’s IHOP is planning to move from 651 Montauk Highway to 1035 Montauk Highway, in the Great South Bay Shopping Center. The destination previously housed Red Robin and, later, 88 Burger.
Newsday reported that the Town Planning Board approved the restaurant’s special exception on October 5. Citing a Town spokesperson, the report describes a 5,560-square-foot space with 196 seats; a building permit is still needed for the interior work.
An IHOP representative told Newsday the new space would give guests more room to dine in. An opening date has not been confirmed.
Source: Newsday.
SCHOOL SPORTS · AMITYVILLE
Amityville soccer celebrates win No. 200
Amityville Memorial High School boys soccer coach Mike Abbondondolo reached his 200th career victory October 14 as Amityville beat Miller Place, 9–0. He has led the program since 2013 and coached its three state-championship teams. Read the district announcement.
STUDENT HONORS · DEER PARK
Six Deer Park musicians earn All-County honors
Six Deer Park High School musicians have been selected for the NYSCAME Suffolk All-County Ensembles, with two also receiving statewide recognition.
Juniors Kesha Elmon, an alto, and Dante Tinoco, a bass, were chosen for the Division 4 Chorus. Junior Joshua Beylin, on B-flat clarinet, and seniors Aditya Kataria, on bass clarinet, and Nobin Nath, on flute, earned places in the Division 4 Band. Senior Emily Dong was selected for violin in the Division 4 Orchestra.
The students are scheduled to perform at the All-County Concert on November 13 at Half Hollow Hills High School East after three days of rehearsals. Nath also earned a place in NYSSMA’s All-State Symphonic Band, while Dong was named an All-State alternate.
Source: Patch, with information and photo from Deer Park School District.
COMMUNITY · WEST BABYLON
West Babylon field hockey raises $870 for breast cancer support
West Babylon’s varsity field hockey team wore pink shirts and socks for a fundraiser supporting the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition.
The effort raised $870 and brought athletes, students and community members together to support local individuals and families affected by breast cancer. The West Babylon School District thanked the people who took part and contributed.
Source: Patch, with information and photos from West Babylon School District.
SCAM ALERT · AMITYVILLE
Amityville couple spots warning signs in a bank-card pickup scam
An Amityville couple told News 12 they avoided handing their bank card to a caller who claimed it had been compromised and said someone would come to their home to collect it.
The call appeared to come from the number on the back of the husband’s TD Bank card, the couple said. His wife became suspicious, and the couple refused to answer the door when someone arrived. They then went to their bank branch, where employees told them the call was a scam and that the bank would not send someone to collect a card.
Their experience is a local reminder that an apparently familiar caller ID can be misleading. The couple said their money remained safe.
Source: News 12 Long Island.
COURTS · WEST BABYLON
Guilty plea in the fatal West Babylon house-party stabbing
Aiden Zachary, 18, of Syosset pleaded guilty October 15 to first-degree manslaughter in the death of 15-year-old Liam Delemo, according to prosecutors cited by Greater Long Island.
Prosecutors said Zachary arrived uninvited at a West Babylon house party last November, was asked to leave, and stabbed Delemo during an altercation. Delemo died after being taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 4.
Source: Greater Long Island.
ROAD SAFETY · WEST BABYLON
Police investigate serious Little East Neck Road crash
A Babylon man suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle collision on Little East Neck Road in West Babylon, according to a Suffolk County Police account published by LongIsland.com on October 16.
Police said Michael Toth, 68, was driving south when his Chevrolet crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Chrysler. The other driver, Maria Rivera, 62, of West Babylon, and her 18-year-old niece suffered injuries described as not life-threatening. All three were taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital.
First Squad detectives are investigating. Anyone with information can call 631-854-8152.
Quick Hits
Amityville honors four Coast Guardsmen for a July rescue
A new Coast Guard video recounts how four off-duty Station Eaton’s Neck members helped save a man near Gilgo Island on July 1. They aided a man who had been ejected from a vessel and suffered life-threatening injuries. Amityville’s mayor recognized the members, who reunited with the survivor. This week’s update is the recognition and released video; the rescue happened in July. Watch the Coast Guard’s report →
A new freight terminal in Deer Park
New freight terminal in Deer Park. Saia announced October 13 that it has opened a Deer Park terminal serving Long Island and the wider New York metro market. The company says the facility adds freight capacity and connects local shippers with its national network. Read Saia’s announcement.
Rich Schaffer named Lindenhurst’s 2027 parade grand marshal
Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer has been named grand marshal of Lindenhurst’s 2027 St. Patrick’s Parade, according to an announcement shared by community contributor Lori-Ann Novello on Patch.
The announcement took place at Belfast Gastro Pub in downtown Lindenhurst. The gathering also recognized charitable donations from this year’s parade to the Promise of Hope Foundation and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island.
The announcement lists next year’s parade for March 20, 2027, with the Grand Marshal Green-Tie Gala on March 5 at The Piermont in Babylon.
Nearby
An Amityville law firm backs a Veterans Day art contest for St. Rose students
The Law Office of Alena Shautsova in Amityville is sponsoring a Veterans Day art contest for students at St. Rose of Lima School in Massapequa. Entries close October 30, and a parent or guardian consent form is required. The contest asks students to reflect on service, sacrifice and gratitude; it is limited to that school’s students. See the school-specific contest details →
Coming Up Around Babylon
A few nearby options from the live I Love Babylon calendar:
- E-Waste Recycling — Saturday, October 17, 10:00 local time.
- Thomas H. Smith Ragamuffin Parade — Saturday, October 17, 10:00 local time.
- 35th Annual Post Office Cafe 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run — Saturday, October 17, 10:00 local time.
Check each listing and organizer updates before heading out. See the full weekend guide →
Remembering Our Neighbors
We remember Frank Croce, 88, of Babylon, who died October 15, and Carmela Marullo, 90, of West Babylon, formerly of Copiague. Our condolences to their families, friends and everyone mourning a neighbor this week.
Frank Croce’s family notice → · Carmela Marullo’s family notice →
What Residents Should Watch Next
- Hearings and final action on the Town’s proposed property-tax increase.
- Next steps in the Wyandanch legal challenges and any Town response.
- Building-permit work and an opening announcement for IHOP.
- The November 4 sentencing in the West Babylon stabbing case.
- Deer Park’s musicians take the All-County stage November 13.
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See you around town,
I Love Babylon
