By Laura Lane
In the request, Tito A. Restaurant Corp. is seeking off-street parking and a storage addition to the existing restaurant. Residents have learned that the plan is to build a Meson Ole! restaurant on the property.
The chain eatery is also requesting a liquor license. Dr. John Kohnken, the Levy-Lakeside principal, supports all efforts to stop the restaurant from opening. "I'm concerned about what kind of folks are going to be hanging around," said Kohnken. "And I'm concerned about the parking. Where will they park, in the street and in our school yard? They'll probably park in front of people's houses, too."
A spokesperson for Meson Ole! confirmed that the restaurant was requesting a liquor license, but declined to comment further.
Al Belbol, a 36-year Merrick resident, plans to lead the fight against the eatery. "This restaurant would only be 200 yards away from the school," said Belbol. "The neighbors and I did our own research. They're planning for a 72-seat establishment, which means they'll get rid of that building and build a larger one. There's already a parking issue over there, and this place will create traffic and congestion."
Belbol said the other restaurant locations are popular because of happy hour, which begins at 4 p.m. He's concerned that children may be in danger as they return home from after-school activities. "The after-school program for working parents goes until 6 p.m. People could come out of the restaurant after drinking, and they'll be going out of the parking lot while children are going home," said Belbol. "Little League starts at 4 p.m. And there are plenty of other activities later on at night, like sports night and the scout meetings."
Members of Levy-Lakeside's PTA are also outraged by plans to build the restaurant. "Al asked us to support him in opposing it, and we took a vote and it was unanimous," said Co-President Michele Chernet. "Kids ride their bicycles near there."
Kohnken said he would support a PTA petition, which Chernet said is in the works. Chernet hopes construction of the restaurant may be a moot point. She said, "I don't know if they're in compliance with how many miles a bar has to be from a school."
A public hearing before the Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals is set for Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m. Many people from the community plan to attend. "My confidence is that the Town of Hempstead will be sensitive to children's needs, and that children will come first," said Belbol. "I was surprised the restaurant didn't pick a better location."
Comments about this story? LLane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
