Taking a strong stand against blighted and neglected properties, the Town of Babylon today demolished the vacant 25,000-square foot building at 1305 S. Strong Avenue in Copiague that has been a public nuisance and threat to the safety of the community. Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer discussed the history of the derelict property and the negative effect that it has had on the surrounding area. The dilapidated property was once home to a missile-component test facility, as well as a manufacturing facility, a wallpaper production company and a car and boat repair facility before sitting empty for 17 years.
The property’s rap sheet includes:
- A 2015 blaze thought to be started by squatters tore through the building, making it even more of an eyesore.
- An unsafe makeshift skate park that was discovered during a tour of the building with Senator Chuck Schumer
- A tin roof that has flown off dangerously in previous storms
- Crumbling facade
- Continued occurrences of vandalism
- Cited by New York DEC in 2011 as a “significant threat to public health or the environment”
“This property has a long and uniquely sordid history and I can speak on behalf of the Town of Babylon and entire community that I’m glad to see it finally come down, I’m tired of this and I know everyone else is tired of it, too,” said Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “I would like to thank the New York State DEC and the Copiague Fire Department for cleaning up this property and keeping it safe. I look forward to future development on this site,” he added.