Senator Fuschillo Joins WITH Local Officials and Residents in Applauding Denial of Permit for Wantagh Night Club

Charles J. Fuschillo Jr.

August 25, 2011

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today joined with local officials and residents of Wantagh and Seaford in applauding the Zoning Board of Appeals for rejecting an application for a new "entertainment" venue in Wantagh.

Many local residents strongly objected to having this venue, commonly referred to as "Billy Dean's," come into their community. The applicant, who was seeking a permit to have live entertainment at the facility, advertised the new venue as having "creative and unique acts." The new venue was advertised on the same website as his other business, which bills itself as "Long Island's Number One Strip Club." Residents were extremely concerned that this was the type of business that was being brought into their community. Senator Fuschillo shared the concerns of the community and strongly urged the Zoning Board to deny the application.

"The Zoning Board's rejection of this application is a victory for the community, which strongly oppoosed this type of 'entertainment' in their neighborhood," said Senator Fuschillo. "Residents raised serious concerns about how this establishment, located right near a residential neighborhood with young children, would severely harm their quality of life. As someone who fully shared these concerns, and strongly opposed this proposal, I'm pleased the Zoning Board listened to the community and respected its wishes."

Senator Fuschillo is pictured with Assemblyman Dave McDonough, Supervisor Kate Murray, Councilwoman Angie Cullin, Councilman Gary Hudes, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin, County Legislator Dennis Dunne, and residents of Wantagh and Seaford in celebrating the Zoning Board's decision.