Donald Trump to Speak at Jones Beach Rally for Catering Hall Proposal

The Alliance To Revitalize Jones Beach (ARJB) announced Thursday that a rally for the long-stalled Trump on the Ocean project will be held on Aug. 31 that will be attended by the proposed catering hall’s developer-- famed real estate mogul Donald Trump.

The Aug. 31 rally is scheduled to take place on the Boardwalk in Wantagh starting at 11 a.m. and will feature remarks from Trump, who first conceived his vision to invest more than $30 million for the creation of a 70,000 square-foot restaurant catering facility five years ago. Since then, the project has been hung up in the courts after Trump filed lawsuits for lost revenue following the New York Department of State Review Board rejection of the proposal due to the plan's 26,710-square-foot basement, which they said could not be constructed in a flood plain.

The New York State Parks Department has said they are prepared to move forward with the catering hall if Trump would agree to a compromise plan they approved in 2008 that would be roughly the same size but with a more limited use of the basement.

The ARJB, which is organizing the Aug. 31 rally, by Plainview resident, Rafe Lieber, who worked as a legislative aide to former State Sen. Craig Johnston. Lieber said the Trump On The Ocean project is projected to create 300 new jobs over a two-year span and stimulate the economy by $60 million.

“I am honored by the support shown by this Alliance,” said Trump in a statement. “This process has been extremely frustrating. If I am successful in having the state adhere to my few truly simple requests, I will build a magnificent structure on Jones Beach that will make all residents proud.”

“Who knows better than Donald Trump when it comes to seeking out worthwhile opportunities, while doing his part to help stimulate the economy,” said Lieber. “He will be an honored guest and a welcome addition to our rally. His presence will cause the event to be a huge success.”