June 25, 2024 - Public Hearing
PUBLIC HEARING
WAS HELD IN THE BOARD ROOM,
153 WEST MAIN STREET, BABYLON, NEW YORK,
ON TUESDAY,
JUNE 25, 2024
PRESENT:
Mayor Mary Adams
Trustee Frank Seibert
Trustee Anthony Cardali
Trustee KathyAnn Miga
Trustee Dominic Bencivenga
Attorney Charles Casolaro
The meeting opened at 7:05 pm.
Trustee Seibert led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Village Clerk read the Legal Notice:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Babylon will hold two Public Hearings at 153 West Main Street, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, commencing at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to consider the application of Peter Phelan, member of DHT Babylon, Inc. to open a full-service restaurant and bar at the location of the Argyle Grill, at 90 Deer Park Avenue.
Copy of application and plans and the proposed local law may be examined at the Office of the Village Clerk, between the hours of 10am and 4pm Monday through Friday.
All interested persons should appear at the above time and place and they will be given the opportunity to be heard. All applicants and their duly appointed representatives must appear in person at the above hearing.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Jean Marie Parker, Village Clerk
Date: June 5, 2024
Babylon, NY 11702
Applicant:
Peter Phelan
120 N. Nassau Ave
Massapequa, NY 11758
Brian McDermott – 1 Country Squire Court, Dix Hills
Peter Phelan - 120 N. Nassau Avenue, Massapequa
Chris Daro - 2 Silverpond Circle, Commack
Joseph Mantovani - 324 Unqua Road, Massapequa
Business: Restaurant, The Dark Horse Tavern. 90 Deer Park Avenue, SCTM: 010-03-057
Mr. McDermott introduced himself as the president of DHT Babylon Inc. He discussed his plan to take over the space of the Aryle Grill, as full-service restaurant called The Dark Horse Tavern. He would like to keep it similar to the Argyle Grill, with revamping the menu and a few interior renovations. Mr. McDermott stated that they own (3) other establishments in the villages of Massapequa, Rockville Centre, and Farmingdale, which are very successful.
Trustee Seibert noted that 52 parking spaces would be needed. Mr. McDermott stated that it would be the same situation as Argyle Grill and would utilize the municipal lots. Trustee Siebert also questioned the change in layout in the bar area, and if the menu would change, as well as clarification of the operating hours. Mr. McDermott confirmed they would remove two of the tables in the bar area and remove the wall, but other tables will stay. The menu will be New Age American - steaks, chops, seafood and they are hiring a new chef so all food will be made on premises. Business hours will be 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM.
Trustee Bencivenga inquired if there will be a jukebox, dancing, or live music; stating that the hours sound more like a bar. The applicants clarified that there will be live music (1-piece acoustic music) during dining hours, which will end at 10:00 PM. The hours requested are NYS standard hours, but they will comply to Babylon Village regulations. Trustee Bencivenga also noted that there were 40 employees (not all at same time) and they need to utilize Employee Parking Permits.
Trustee Cardali informed the applicants that recently there was a small kitchen fire and asked what was the extent of repairs that were made, and to make sure all ducts are done and fire alarm is recertified. The applicants stated they were unaware, but will have it looked at and inspected. Trustee Cardali also asked if take-out food will be available and to work out a backdoor pickup so not to block fire hydrant in front. Additionally, Trustee Cardali noted that with the jukebox music, to be careful with after out music being too loud. The Village noise ordinance is in affect by 10:00 PM. He also noted we had an understanding with the Argyle Grill in maintaining the side alley, and would like that to continue.
Trustee Miga asked about the 12 seats outside and what time does that end? The applicants stated they are seeking the same outdoor seating approval that the Argyle Grill had and outside seating would end around 10:30-11:00 PM. Dinner will be served until about 10:30 PM as well, with pub food being served after 11:00 PM.
Mayor Adams asked for clarification of the establishment - their other locations run more like bars with dancing and deejays and events. The applicants explained that this location will run as a restaurant; no deejay music or dancing. There will be security at the door just as an extra level to ID patrons. Mayor Adams also asked for the reason to expand the bar into the back room. Mr. McDermott explained he wanted to bring the bar into the dining area for private parties or events such as showers, parties, etc. The mayor also inquired if there will be television at the bar. The applicants confirmed that there will be televisions in the bar and dining area throughout the establishment. The mayor reminded them that they will need to go to the Architectural Review Board for any sign change.
Mr. McDermott stated that they are proud of their establishments and want to be part of the Babylon Village experience.
The meeting was opened to the public; no one addressed the Board.
On the motion of Trustee Seibert, seconded by Trustee Miga and unanimously carried, it was
RESOLVED to reserve decision.
On the motion of Trustee Seibert, seconded by Trustee Miga and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.
_____________________
Village Clerk
** For attachments contact the Village Clerk’s Office