By Scott Brinton
The superintendent and school board each issued letters to the Hempstead Town Board of Zoning Appeals, calling on the BZA to reject the proposal. School officials say the eatery, which is known for its Friday-afternoon happy hours, would pose a number of possible dangers to children.
Susan Schwartz, the Merrick Board of Education president, and Melucci wrote to the BZA, "Just as bar patrons would be making their way to this restaurant for Friday 'happy hour,' our young children would be coming back to the Lakeside School (just a few blocks away) for afternoon activities, including Little League games and practices. [We are] truly concerned that the nature of this establishment, which serves alcohol, would adversely impact on the schools, the neighborhood and the entire Merrick community."
(For complete letter, see the Herald's Letters to the Editor section.)
Two weeks ago, the zoning board adjourned a hearing over this matter, saying the developers of the planned Meson Ole! hadn't properly notified the community about their intentions. Gerald Wright, the board president, also said Meson Ole!'s variance application was flawed.
(For the Herald's first two stories on this issue, check out the Merrick Herald online at www.liherald.com. The story headlines are "Bar proposal has parents riled," and "Bar protest grows.")
Comments about this story? Sbrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
