Riverbay in Williston Park expected to close

Riverbay, the longtime seafood restaurant in Williston Park, is expected to close later this year, and be replaced by a branch of TD Bank.

Dean Poll, owner of Riverbay, said a key variance has been approved by the Williston Park Zoning Board of Appeals. Approval for a drive-though lane was essential for plans to proceed for the new bank branch.

The Poll family has owned the property at 700 Willis Ave. for more than 30 years. Dean Poll said it would be more profitable to lease the site than to keep Riverbay in business there. TD first approached him three years ago.

Poll said he would consider reviving Riverbay or opening another restaurant with less seating, perhaps 140 to 160. Riverbay seats 250. “I would like to find another spot,“ he said.  He operates The Boathouse in Central Park.

Demolition of Riverbay would occur within 90 days of final approvals from the Town of North Hempstead.

Seafood at Riverbay.