Hearing Date Changed for Proposed Arby's Restaurant...Again

Earlier this year, an Arby's franchisee submitted an application to the Hempstead Town Building & Zoning Department to construct a fast food restaurant on Sunrise Highway at the old Speedy Muffler location.

While the eight zoning variance requests from the proposed Arby's were originally scheduled for a hearing Wednesday, April 14, that date was postponed until May 12. Another adjournment will likely be granted and the case will then be heard before the board on Wednesday, June 30.

Members of the Bellmore Preservation Group, along with Legislator Dave Denenberg have sought this adjournment.

Several families in the Bellmore Preservation Group recently fought against a White Castle application, proposed a few block west of the Arby's location on Sunrise Highway. A decision on that case is still pending.

Members of the Bellmore Preservation Group and the attorney representing Arby's applicant Thomas J. Clarke, William F. Bonesso, Esq. met at Legislator Dave Denenberg's office on Monday night.

"It went quite well," Bonesso said. "We want to make modifications to our site plan in accordance with requests and comments that we heard at Monday night's meeting. It also gives the residents time to digest some of the information we gave them."

While Bonesso said the Town of Hempstead Zoning Board secretary was already notified of the ajournment request, he would still appear next Wednesday to formalize it.

Clarke, is seeking variances for:

• front yard average setback
• construct building for proposed Arby's restaurant
• Special exception to install drive-thru window in conjunction with proposed restaurant
• Special exception to use part of premises for outdoor dining
• Variance in off-street parking, waive design standards for on-site maneuvering (five parking spaces not at 90-degree angle)  and special exception to park in front yard setback
• construct trash enclosure
• Install one double-faced, illuminated, detached ground sign, setback 10' from front property line and 15' 9" from side property line
• Install one menu board sign (not permitted) in conjunction with proposed drive-thru window

Arby's is a franchise operation. According to a QSRmagazine.com article, Clarke signed a multi-unit development agreement about 10 years ago to build several Arby's locations. He also owns a few Burger King stores.

The hearing will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30. The Board of Appeals is located at Town Hall, 1 Washington St. in Hempstead.