Billy Dean's Lawyer Addresses North Bellmore Residents

An attorney representing Billy Dean, owner of Billy Dean's Showtime Cafe, addressed residents at a packed North Bellmore Civic Association meeting Monday.

Dean will go before the Hempstead Town Board of Appeals on May 23 to renew his cabaret license and off-street parking variance, both of which expired March 28.

Attorney William Cohn defended his client at the meeting and was met with opposition.

"We are not in violation of anything and we are in compliance of the law," Cohn said. "There has just been speculation due to the establishment's advertising."

Billy Dean's, which opened in the early 1990s, touts itself as "Long Island's Number 1 Strip Club," on its website.

Many residents said that they do not want the establishment in their community, especially in close proximity to a school and a library.

Wantagh resident Kevin Milano has organized protests in front of the business in 2011 and in front of 3500 Sunrise Hwy. in Wantagh where Dean has plans to open a another club.  On Monday, the State Supreme Court upheld the Town of Hempstead’s decision to reject Dean’s cabaret application for the proposed Wantagh location.

"I live in Wantagh, but my child goes to school in Bellmore," he said. "We are all Town of Hempstead residents and putting strip clubs near our children needs to be stopped."

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Towards the end of the civic meeting, Milano asked Cohn if Billy Dean's is a strip club.

"What is a strip club?" Cohn asked. "If it means people are getting completely naked then no, no, no. They dance and come out with costumes. They don't take their clothes off."

Mindy Saltzman-Olynyk of North Bellmore agreed. She said that she has been to Billy Dean's many times.

I have been there for many bachelorette parties and they have always been respectful," she said. "They don't bare all. I have no problem with it. I hope it stays." 

County Legislator Dave Denenberg told residents that no matter what their thoughts are, they need to let their voices be heard on May 23.

"If you have a problem, come down to the zoning board of appeals meeting," he said. "Speak on your concerns."

The Billy Dean's board of appeals public hearing will be held on May 23 at the Town Meeting Pavilion at One Washington St. in Hempstead at 2 p.m.

Do you think Billy Dean's licenses should be renewed? Are you against the establishment being in North Bellmore? Tell us in the comments below.