Billy Dean Sues BZA over Cabaret Rejection on Wantagh Property

North Bellmore strip club owner Billy Dean has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) six weeks after its  of a cabaret application for his planned Wantagh business.

The suit, filed in Nassau County Supreme Court by Dean, who owns in North Bellmore, argues that the Hempstead BZA should have never revoked its original June 2010 approval for cabaret usage on 3500 Sunrise Highway in Wantagh. The zoning board decided this past March to schedule a of Dean’s application due to vocal that mounted against the development as well as a belief that not enough people were notified of the original hearing. In late August, soon after learning of the zoning board's rejection of the cabaret application, Dean's attorney William Cohn  to appeal the decision. 

Cohn said the suit filed Tuesday is aimed at reversing the BZA's late August ruling and does not seek any monetary damages from the town. He said the suit argues that the zoning board "had no basis" for revoking its previous approval of cabaret on 3500 Sunrise Hwy., which Dean acquired two years ago for $950,000. Cohn said the property has had cabaret usage for previously opened bars and restaurants going back to the late 60's. 

“We will vigorously defend the decision the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals,” said Hempstead Town spokesman Mike Deery. “We think the decision to deny the cabaret license was right on the merits and the right one for Wantagh and Seaford residents.”  

If Dean is able to have the BZA’s decision reversed and be granted a cabaret license, it would enable the 3500 Sunrise Highway business to offer live music, dancing and entertainment. However no topless or nude entertainment would be permitted.

Billy Dean’s website provides a link with information that describes the planned business as one that will offer dinner entertainment with audience participation catering to bachelor, bachelorette and birthday parties. Dean was granted a parking variance by the zoning board for his Sunrise Highway property, which is located on the corner of Oakland Avenue. 

Dean, of Commack,  his planned business during a May 18 zoning board hearing as one that would feature  “a Las Vegas style feel” with jugglers, knife throwers and dancers. He recently signed a new lease for his North Bellmore business, located on 158 Newbridge Rd.

Many Wantagh and Seaford residents have expressed concerns that Dean would operate the business similar to his North Bellmore establishment, which is described on its website as Long Island’s No. 1 strip club. Opponents have protested in front of where the Wantagh plan has been pitched,  that an adult entertainment establishment would have a negative influence in the community.