Police are cracking down on loud vehicle meetups that have been affecting residents in the town of Babylon.
Residents near these known meetup locations complain about loud music and loud engines. Some say it’s become their new normal.
“It used to bother me, but I’ve gotten used to it,” said Jeffrey Sinrilus, of Farmingdale. “Kind of like when you live near a train. At first, it bothers you, but then you just get used to it. So it’s been the norm.”
The town received multiple complaints about loud music coming from Bell Street in West Babylon Friday night. Police responded and impounded a car and its speaker equipment.
The Babylon town supervisor says it’s all having a major impact on residents’ quality of life. They created a special investigation unit in response to the situation to follow up on complaints in real time and target known meetup locations.
“There's no reason for them to be doing what they're doing other than that they have a big ego and a small mind,” said supervisor Rich Schaffer. “Because they're harassing so many of their neighbors in the town.”
The Suffolk Police Department will target Edison Avenue, an industrial area in West Babylon, as well as Carolyn Boulevard and Adams Boulevard in Farmingdale.
There will also be a meeting with Suffolk police and civic leaders later this week to talk about how to further address the issue.