History In The Re-Making: Town Officials Want To Make What’s “Old” New Again

Italy, Venice to be specific has always been deemed the city of love. And, perhaps that is why many Long Islanders are in love with the idea of preserving the romance of a local community that brought a little bit of amore to our streets.

The town of Babylon was originally designed to pay homage to the eclectic tastes of Venice, a concept that was established in the 1920s in a small community in Copiague.

Now, decades later, the town is set on restoring and preserving this “romantic” and uniquely historic landmark.

Officials cite that nearly a century ago (80 years to be exact) the town’s developer had a vision of creating a charismatic community fashioned after the Italian city of Venice and calling it “American Venice”. And, back in 1925 a local newspaper ad encouraged those looking for local homes to take up residence in the town which boasted of a “turquoise lagoon under and aquamarine sky”, depicting Venice’s Piazza San Marco.

This area spanned across the Copiague-Lindenhurst border, and still offers some nostalgic reminders from that time, including a few Venetian-style bridges and homes featuring their original stucco.

In fact, so rich is the history that in 1989 locals fought the town in its efforts to tear down aging construction, such as the brides, prompting officials to repair them instead.

Today, town and county officials share the enthusiasm and sentiments of local residents and express a desire to refurbish the area, and they plan on offering gondola rides to residents along the Grand Canal, the path that runs along Montauk Highway and goes through “American Venice” and into the Great South Bay. Plus, part of the proposed plan includes building a replica of a Venetian-style gazebo that once stood at the head of the canal.

Currently, this location running along Montauk Highway is home to the RPM Marina. And, officials are seeking to purchase the property and restore it to its original park-like setting.

Officials note that their efforts fro rebuilding the area also include petitioning the Babylon Historic Preservation Commission in efforts to designate certain structures and residences/homes as historic; as well as surveying the area and looking into designating it as a historical site.

The town is anticipating a hearing regarding the matter sometime next month.