Construction continues on Wantagh cabaret

Some Wantagh residents are concerned about construction continuing at a site where strip club owner Billy Dean wants to open a cabaret.

The residents and Dean are waiting for a decision from the Hempstead Town Board of Appeals on whether to grant Dean the cabaret license he needs to operate. About 200 residents at a rehearing in May requested the board permanently rescind approval of the cabaret proposed for 3500 Sunrise Hwy., just feet from Wantagh homes.

"We hope that the zoning board does the right thing, pretty much what they should have done in the beginning," said Kevin Milano, 55, of Wantagh, who organized protests outside the proposed cabaret.

Dean's attorney William S. Cohn, of Uniondale, said the board should adhere to its decision in June 2010 approving the application. A cabaret permit would allow Dean to open, but would prohibit topless, bottomless or nude entertainment.

"Construction has continued pursuant to the permits that were previously issued and will continue until the alterations are completed," said Cohn, adding the club could open as early as September.

Some residents fear Dean, who owns Billy Dean's Showtime Cafe in Bellmore, which bills itself as "Long Island's Number 1 Strip Club," could open the same kind of club in Wantagh. Residents said that would damage the area's character and quality of life as well as increase traffic and parking problems.

"If the board were in favor of Billy Dean and against the community, I would be shocked," Milano said.

Richard Regina, secretary for the board, said both sides have until August 8 to submit papers. It is not know when the board will rule, he said.