Village turns down restaurant proposal

Farmingdale Village officials on Monday struck “restaurant” from the list of permitted uses being considered for the former Chase Bank property on Conklin Street, effectively eliminating an Islip-based restaurant group’s chances of opening shop on the strip.

“The concept of an office-residence district was to maintain a residential feel,” said Mayor George Starkie. “After applying the code to other potential properties, it was a no-brainer not to allow it to go forward.”

Bohlsen Restaurant Group, owner of six high-end Long Island eateries, including Tellers in Islip, had sought to open another bank-themed restaurant in Farmingdale.

The group’s co-owner Michael Bohlsen Tuesday said in a statement, “We wish the village success as the Bohlsen Restaurant Group works to find new and exciting locations for future openings on Long Island.”

Several residents at a public hearing last month opposed a restaurant, saying an eatery would invite late-night traffic and even rodents.

Permitting one restaurant would force his hand to permit more restaurants in the district, Starkie said.
Farmingdale officials are still considering altering the district code to allow an art gallery, bed-and-breakfast, day care center or nursery school, and other businesses to be built on Conklin Street.