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.
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."
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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I will sum up your response and mindset in one comment "NIMBY" You really do not know what you are talking about. You poor thing.. You have no clue..... Have a cup of coffee or tea....and.... relax ... Maybe you should go to Billy Deans and relax. I will tell you what. My treat...........
As for Milano I have never meet the man but I commend him for his passion to fight for our community. 99% of the residents share his views of a safe and family oriented community . You seem like the guy with the self serving agenda. Ps I have heard that Mr Milano and his family (including his children) have been harassed and his home vandelized. He still fights on for our community. I will stand behind him over a strip club owner who wants to fill his pockets with cash generated from 18 year olds dancing topless on a pole.
Your Patch name is soooooo misleading... First - You said - You should realize that strip clubs bring undesirables into town. Wrong!. Did you know what you are referring to as a strip club has clientele that are your friends, neighbors, local residents, male, female, married, single, your friends and neighbors of legal age.... Second - You said - Prostitution is common in these clubs, parking lots of the clubs. Consensual sex has occurred outside of Long Island bars / clubs everywhere on a regular basis... FOREVER!! Or did you forget.....It is natural... Third - You said - It endangers my families safety and brings the property value down! Once again you are WRONG! Legitimate businesses create other types of businesses that pay taxes and generate revenue. Economics 101. If you need any more assistance please feel free to ask. We are happy to assist you...
You said - i have had to explain to my 2 young daughters what a strip club is. Not knowing the ages the only way they would know about the term STRIP CLUB is probably from you and others using incorrect verbiage. Please stop making mountains out of mole hills...
Maybe the editors of this online NEWS paper could learn a few things, if they read Mr. Finlays article i.e. get your facts from the source not second hand. Mr. Finlay took the time to take notes and report as great journalist's do.
Featured story by Doug Finlay in Bellmore Life/Wantagh Seaford Citizen/ http://merricklife.com/issue/thursday-may-31-2012/article/billy-dean-strip-club-owner-or-internet-marketer One criticism of Mr. Finlay's article. He neglected to mention there was not a single person from the BELLMORES in opposition of the renewal of Billy Deans permits in Bellmore. Sums up the concerns of those who live in the Bellmore community, no concerns what so-ever. The only people in opposition were the few residents from Wantagh, with little to add other than some ridiculous questions as to "how is the wrestling mat sanitised?", and Mr. Milano taking up way to much time of the zoning board saying nothing relevant and sounding ridiculously uninformed.
I live behind Billy Dean's shopping center with my sister who has three kids (now over 21). I work nights, and walk to Dunkin' Donuts after midnight. I walk the dogs around the block every night. I have never seen any problems in or around this area late at night. You will see all kinds of things at any bar anyplace. Want sex. Want drugs. Go to any bar and you will probably find it. I could see if Billy Deans was a problem. But Billy Deans is NOT a problem. So leave them alone, and stop the lying to get you way. They are a business with tax revenue for this community. Enough said. People like you, Ellen should go to Billy Deans and check it out.