Court denies bid for Bellmore White Castle

If Harold and Kumar come to Long Island, they will have to go somewhere other than Bellmore to get their burger fix.

A State Supreme Court justice backed the Town of Hempstead zoning board of appeals' decision to deny White Castle's application to build a restaurant near homes on Sunrise Highway in Bellmore.

"We are thrilled," said Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray. "This [restaurant] would have ruined the neighborhood and surrounding blocks of well-established residential homes."

White Castle proposed building a 24-hour drive-through restaurant, asking the board to approve drive-through windows and waive parking restrictions.

The zoning board of appeals denied White Castle's request after nearby residents flooded a March hearing in protest, expressing concerns about loitering customers and traffic on side streets. Community members also presented testimony of real estate and traffic experts who echoed residents' fears.

"The board's decision was largely influenced by community opposition" and not the facts, said Thomas Pantelis, the Mineola attorney representing White Castle.

State Supreme Court Justice John M. Galasso disagreed, writing in his decision that the board "rationally balanced the relevant considerations."

Pantelis said last week's court decision was "disappointing" and that White Castle was considering its options.

Eileen Casazza, 42, helped lead the opposition to the restaurant and said the court decision shows the power of grassroots organization.

"A lot of communities have to know that this is your community, you have to protect it," she said.