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VOL. 60 NO. 6
FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 4, 2026
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Babylon Village okays new bonding By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Carolyn James/Herald Photos
Edward T. Bonahue, President, Suffolk County Community College, Labor Commissionre Roberta Reardon and Mike Fabrizio, director of SCC College’s CNC program.
State labor chief spotlights trades training, child care on visit to LI By CAROLYN JAMES & CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cjames@liherald.com As employers across Long Island struggle to fill open positions, New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon visited Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood on Feb. 17 to spotlight workforce training programs and emphasize child care access as a critical barrier to employment. “There are many pathways leading to middle-class, family-sustaining jobs right now, and many of them lead through community college programs,” said Edward T. Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College. “—an apprenticeship, an industry-recognized certification or license, or a two-year degree. Eventually, many of them can also lead to bachelor’s degrees as well, and I appreciate Commissioner Reardon helping to shine a light on these opportunities.” During her visit, Reardon toured the college’s
Advanced Manufacturing Training Center and met with students and educators. She also highlighted several workforce development and child care initiatives included in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget. Long Island faces ongoing shortages in skilled trades, including electrical work, heating and air conditioning, plumbing and advanced manufacturing. Nassau and Suffolk community colleges offer workforce training in those areas, as well as in health care. The Long Island Educational Opportunity Center, sponsored by SUNY Farmingdale, provides tuition-free vocational training to regional residents. Officials said the programs help create a pipeline of locally trained workers who can remain in their communities. Lonnie Patton, owner of Belle Aire Heating and Cooling in Bohemia, described the need for qualified workers in his industry. “It’s tremendously important for students to CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Babylon Village officials have approved $8.86 million in borrowing to fund major capital improvements, including the purchase of two new fire trucks, bulkhead reconstruction and upgrades to the Village pool. Of the total amount of the bonds, $3.2 million will go toward two new trucks for the Babylon Fire Department. An additional $5.15 million is earmarked for construction and improvements to Village bulkheads, and $500,000 will fund improvements at the Village pool, including resurfacing the deep end. The shallow end has already been resurfaced. One of the new vehicles will replace the department’s 29-year-old heavy rescue truck. Trustee Tony Cardali said the vehicle’s age has made it increasingly difficult to maintain. “There have been breakdowns where new parts had to be created because stock parts no longer exist,” said Fire Patrol Company No. 1 Lt. Jason Brunges. Brunges noted in a letter to the board that the truck responds to more calls annually than any other piece of department equipment and is frequently taken out of service. “It is in the best interest of the Village to have response time for our residents and to have a new rig,” he wrote. “The reliability of our current rig is
not all that high and it is safer for members, as well as residents, if the upgrade is made.” The second vehicle will replace a 25-year-old heavy rescue truck that should be considered for full retirement due to safety concerns, parts availability and lack of modern safety features such as airbags and rollover protection, according to Karry Carlock, truck committee chairman for Hook & Ladder Company No. 1. Village officials said they are awaiting analysis from underwriters before finalizing the bond terms and retiring old debt.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE BOARD:
• Authorized the establishment of a Façade Improvement Board to be added to the Retail Business District section of the Village Code. • Approved the Babylon Beautification Society’s 2026 Annual Fair for Sept. 13, with a rain date of Sept. 20. • Granted permission to the Better Babylon Party and trustee candidate Jordan Hoffman to maintain temporary campaign signs through March 18, the date of the Village election. Trustee Jeff Szabo abstained from both votes. The next Village Board meeting will be held March 10 at 8 p.m. in the Board Room at Village Hall, 153 W. Main St. Work sessions begin at 7 p.m. in the second floor conference room.