RSS 2.0 FeedMay 13, 2011, Cover Stories, Wantagh Seaford Citizen
Hearing to be opened on Wantagh cabaret
Hearing slated for this week.
The Town of Hempstead’s zoning Board of Appeals will hold another hearing in a case related to Billy Dean’s, a cabaret that is planned to open at 3500 Sunrise Highway in Wantagh. The new hearing will take place on Wednesday, May 18, at 9:30 a.m. at Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street in Hempstead.
The case was reopened in response to residents concerns about the nature of the establishment. Area residents have been staging rallies for the past several weeks, protesting the BZA’s decision to grant a special exception and variances to Green 2009 Inc., the corporate owner of Billy Dean’s.
On Tuesday, March 29, the Hempstead Town Board asked the zoning board to hold another hearing. This effort was spearheaded by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilwoman Angie Cullin, said a press release from the town. On March 30, the zoning board agreed to another hearing.
“I am pleased that the Board of Appeals will reopen this case,” stated Supervisor Murray. “Neighbors have expressed concerns, and a rehearing will give residents a greater opportunity to be heard on this issue.”
Kathy Volz told The Citizen that residents will continue to rally in order to make people aware of their concerns. “We will hold another rally on Saturday, April 9, at 10:30 a.m. at 3500 Sunrise Highway. We encourage people to come down to the rallies with their protest signs,” said Mrs.Volz. “We also hope people will attend the May 18 hearing.”
Mrs.Volz and others have expressed concern that the establishment will feature adult entertainment, similar to what is now offered at Billy Dean’s Showtime Cafe in North Bellmore. Resident Kevin Marino has told The Citizen that he is concerned about the nature of the club, even if the permit says “No nude dancing.”
“Does that mean you can wear a bikini or pasties and a g-string?” he asked.
Billy Dean’s has repeatedly said, through a written statement, that the new establishment will feature “variety style entertainment for the family.”
“If that’s the case, why are they open until 4 a.m.,” asked Mr. Marino. “What family is out at that hour?”
Additionally, he and Kathy Volz also raised concerns about overflow parking onto residential streets. The zoning board granted the owner a parking variance.
Mr. Marino also pointed to the impact this establishment may have on quality of life.
The Board of Appeals provided approvals in June of 2010 sought by Green 2009 Inc. associated with the restaurant with a cabaret. Billy Dean’s did not immediately comment prior to press time on the BZA’s decision to re-open the hearing.
Ella Stevens, president of the Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners Association, told The Citizen she learned about the rallies and “called the town to see if we could get an attorney to come down and talk with residents.”
Charles Kovitt and Michael Venditto were present at the WSHA March 29 meeting, said Ms. Stevens and Ms. Volz. Ms. Stevens said “Mr. Kovitt explained how the [zoning board] is a separate and independent entity from the Hempstead Town Board. But the [town] board would speak to the [zoning board] about another hearing. Of course, WSHA does not want a club of that nature in the community if that’s what it would be,” she stated.
County Legislators Dennis Dunne and David Denenberg also want the BZA to take another look at this application. Mr. Dunne said he would “get the fire department, board of health and the police down there to make sure they don’t break the law.”
Legislator Denenberg has sent a letter to the zoning board in support of the neighbors, urging them to reopen the case. “The use of the property as a cabaret raises numerous concerns,” stated Mr. Denenberg in his letter. He pointed out that among other things, “the permitted late hours of operation raises safety concerns. Our belief is that a strip club with insufficient parking and late hours of operation will diminish the market value of neighboring homes and adversely affect the quality of life and nature and character of the neighborhood.”
In closing, town Councilwoman Cullin urged residents to attend the May 18 meeting. “Supervisor Murray and I will work with residents to protect the suburban character of our neighborhoods,” she said.
