Levittown club owner seeks permit renewal

Levittown residents and the acting Nassau police commissioner spoke out against renewing the cabaret permit for the owners of Industry Night Club, saying the club had been a magnet for trouble.

The Hempstead Town Board of Appeals held a public hearing Wednesday to consider an application from the owners of the nightclub, formerly the Shy Lounge, at 2686 Hempstead Tpke. in Levittown. The owners want to renew grants for live music and dancing, and waive off-street parking restrictions.

Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter testified against granting the permits. He pointed out that in the last 12 months, 53 calls for service have been received and 22 case reports have been filed for the club's location. The most serious crimes to have occured there included a fatal stabbing just outside the club in May 2010 and a shooting in June 2010, he said.

"This club has been problematic . . . and has consumed a lot of resources," Krumpter said.

One club owner, Sheldon Rosenblum, said his competitors and people turned away from the club made most of the 911 calls about the facility. He said there are usually 22 security guards at the club.

"We go overboard on security," Rosenblum said. "It is our largest expense."

Rosenblum said they recently decided not to host any more Latin or hip-hop theme nights because those events seem to be the most problematic. Instead, they are looking into hosting college nights, rock concerts and other events to attract an older crowd, he said.

Representatives from the Levittown Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Levittown testified in support of the owners who, they said, have donated the space for charitable events.

"Industry is a good neighbor to Levittown," said Richard Santer of the Kiwanis Club.

But Ronald Render Sr., of Levittown, and other residents, who sent e-mails and letters against the application, don't see it that way. "We want more and deserve more," Render said at the meeting. "We want our safe community back."