Hempstead BZA Has Restrictions Set Up for Planned Wantagh Nightclub

Wantagh residents concerned about a North Bellmore strip club owner's plans to open up a new business in their neighborhood may be able to take comfort in restrictions established by the Town of Hempstead designed to prevent any adult entertainment.

Bill Dean, owner of in North Bellmore who acquired property on 3500 Sunrise Hwy. in Wantagh, went before the Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on April 14 seeking a special exception for public assembly and amusement including cabaret, live music, dancing and entertainment. The Hempstead BZA granted Dean's request on May 17 with eight conditions, including that there be no nude entertainment and that no employees be topless or bottomless.

Once Dean's business opens, if he wanted to try and turn it into a strip club similar to what he owns in North Bellmore, he would need to go back to the zoning board to ask that the restrictions it established in May be modified, according to Hempstead Town spokeswoman Susan Pokalsky.

Billy Dean's Showtime Cafe had previously announced on its website that a new entertainment facility was planned for Wantagh that would feature "a full service restaurant, cocktails and extraordinary entertainment such as the likes of the Coney Island sideshow combined with unusual acts typical to "Americas Got Talent," along with complete dinner theater packages." The announcement on the Billy Dean's Showtime Cafe website, which has since been removed, prompted from Wantagh residents that an adult entertainment facility would be moving into their neighborhood.

Hempstead Town Councilwoman Angie Cullin, R-Freeport, whose district includes Wantagh, said the BZA is separate from the town board she serves on will watch closely what Dean has in store for his business.

"I have spoken to the building department and asked them to monitor this facility closely and ensure that there is not any type of activities occurring which would be objectionable to families and local residents," said Cullin. 

President Ella Stevens said her organization would also be keeping a close eye on what Dean has planned.

"Until we know what is actually happening there we can't speculate," said Stevens. "We'll be watching what transpires there."