Kids & Family

Locals Voice Concerns at Billy Dean's Public Hearing

The owner of the club went before the Hempstead Town Board of Appeals to attempt to renew his cabaret license.

Billy Dean, owner of Billy Dean's Showtime Cafe in Bellmore, went before the Hempstead Town Board of Appeals Wednesday in an attempt to renew his cabaret license and off-street parking variance, both of which expired March 28.

A decision was not made by the board on Wednesday night.

Residents and local officials expressed their thoughts and concerns on the North Bellmore establishment.

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Legis. Dave Denenberg said that he is against the renewal of Billy Dean's cabaret license.

"It has never been a cabaret, but an adult entertainment cabaret." he said. "A cabaret is for singing and dancing. It does not match what was issued."

Find out what's happening in Bellmorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Denenberg also said that there have been reports of numerous police calls to the location in the last two years.

Dean and co-owner Rori Gordon addressed the board. Dean said that a number of those calls were made by staff for larcenies in the business and for unruly patrons.

"We have an incredibly tight security system and we are known in this community for having a safe environment," he said.

At a recent civic meeting, North Bellmore 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 Highway in Wantagh where Dean had plans to open another club. On May 14, the New York Supreme Court upheld the Town of Hempstead’s decision to reject Dean’s cabaret application for the proposed Wantagh location.

"It is across the street from a school and a library and it should not be there," Milano said of the North Bellmore establishment.

Some disagreed with Milano.

Anna Feldman, manager of the 24-hour Dunkin Donuts near Billy Dean's, said that the club and its patrons are not an issue.

"I have worked until 11 at night and it's the neighborhood kids that have been a problem," she said. "I am constantly kicking them out and customers told me they don't want to come to the store because of them. Billy Dean's customers are not a problem."

Felicia Schneberg of Plainview also spoke in support of Billy Dean's.

"I am extremely comfortable there," she said. "I brought my husband and my 80-year-old mother there to enjoy it. ... It is a club open at night for adults. Kids are exposed to more on network TV or if you take them to eat at Hooters."

At the end of the hearing, Gordon told board members to make their decision with open minds.

"If this license is not renewed, 17 people will lose their jobs," she said. "It was renewed with no problems before and we will not let you down."

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