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BaBylon _______________
HERALD BEaCon
Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Manetta reelected to LI business board
Obituary: Sister Jeanne Monahan
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VOL. 60 NO. 5
McCaffrey honored at Argyle Theatre Page 10
FEBRUARY 12 - 18, 2026
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Village officials outline summer plans — and more By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Carolyn James/Herald
Veteran Richie Tibbetts, a member of the Wade-Burns VFW in Lindenhurst, in front of photos of two veterans for whom the post is named.
Babylon Town okays property tax breaks for fallen officers’ families, combat veterans Town adopts new state-authorized property tax exemptions By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Town of Babylon approved legislation this week that will grant property tax relief to the surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty, as well as to active-duty military members who served in combat zones. The Babylon Town Board scheduled hearings on the two resolutions at its Jan. 28 meeting, following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signing of the measures into law on Dec. 19. Under state law, each taxing entity — including towns, villages and school districts — must opt in individually for the exemptions to take effect. “We want to do all we can to help and assist these very specific groups who have given their
lives and who are dedicating themselves to their country by putting themselves in harm’s way,” Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer said. “This is our way of saying thank you for their service.” If adopted, the measures would provide property tax reductions of up to 50 percent on eligible single-family homes. Town officials said they do not anticipate a large number of applicants. Babylon Town Assessor Matt Cronin said the town is preparing for passage of both measures and expects applications for the exemptions to be available by mid-February. They must be filed with the town no later than March 1 and must be renewed annually. “We will be here to assist any applicants through the process,” Cronin said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
During one of the coldest stretches of the year, the Babylon Village Board turned an eye toward warmer months ahead, discussing summer programming and community events at its Jan. 27 meeting. “We’re beginning to prepare for our summer activities and we’re already booking concerts for our Summer Concert Series,” Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert said. Seibert added that a new playground on Stowe Avenue is expected to be installed by summer, and applications for coaches and directors for the village’s Summer Recreation Program will open in mid-February on the village website. Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce President Tom Vitale presented the chamber’s 2026 event calendar, including an earlier start to its annual Block Party Series, scheduled for June 4. The board also authorized Mayor Mary Adams to sign a contract with L.E.B. Electric for the installation of four LED Musco field-lighting poles at the Village of Babylon Little League field. Adams said the work is being provided at no cost to the village. “We’re very fortunate,” Adams said. “Our children will be able to play longer in the summer. Our Little League does such a good job, and this is a home run
for the children.” Trustees approved a request from Save the Great South Bay to hold its 11th annual Babylon Village Community Creek Cleanup along Carll’s River, from Sunrise Highway to Argyle Lake, on March 21 from 8 a.m. to noon, with a rain date of March 22. Trustee Dominic Bencivenga encouraged residents to volunteer. “It’s one of those really special things,” Bencivenga said. “It’s a great organization, and we love our bay.” Bencivenga also noted that the village golf course could open around the last weekend in March, weather permitting. Trustee Jeff Szabo announced that he is working with the Babylon Beautification Society and the Conklin House Steering Committee to plan a memorial and celebration of life for Trustee Sean Goodwin, who died late last year. The ceremony is scheduled for April 22 — Goodwin’s birthday and Earth Day — reflecting his passion for nature and gardening. Szabo also invited residents to attend Babylon Connects, set for Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Village Hall. “This is a way to bring in residents who may want to get involved,” Szabo said. “Each organization will hopefully receive volunteers.” In other business, the board CONTINUED ON PAGE 3