Heritage Society Changes Name, Updates on 18th Century Home

In order to avoid confusion between similarly named groups, the Babylon Village Heritage Preservation Society officially changed their name following a meeting on Sun., Feb 24 at the Babylon Public Library.

After a vote amongst attendees, the organization has shortened its name to the "Babylon Village Heritage Society." The group faced confusion among village residents due to its similarity to the long-established Village of Babylon Historical & Preservation Society.

Stanis Beck, the president of the Babylon Village Heritage Society, said she hoped to quell the confusion since her group aims to help preserve the oldest homes that give the village its character.

The group is also moving towards becoming an official 501c non-profit group.

Beck also had a few updates concerning the home at 527 Deer Park Avenue, which caused an uproar when it was announced it faced demolition last summer.

"The home is eligible to be listed" on the National Register of Historical Places, Beck noted. The owners of the property, the Ognibene's, plan to make it apart of their plans for the property by moving the old home closer to Deer Park Avenue, dividing the property three ways and building two homes on the two other plots.

"We still need the owners to sign off on [the register], and we need some support from community groups," Beck said. The group has support from Leg. Wayne Horsley, Babylon Village Arts Council and other organizations, she said.

"We're almost there."