Anti-Sonic Fliers Passed Around East Meadow
Sonic officials respond to the verbiage in the document.
Pdfs
A flier has been passed around East Meadow to try and dissuade locals from supporting the impending arrival of Sonic, the popular fast food chain that's yet to open its doors in Nassau County.
The letter, which is titled "Protect the Aesthetic Integrity of Your Community and Your Home Values, Stop Sonic Drive Thru from Opening in East Meadow Plaza," highlights negative reactions that the writer, who was not disclosed, believes will have on the local community.
Here are some of the points:
- High capacity parking and off-street parking creating transient traffic at all hours and people in the parking lot at all times of night. This will make this center, which is already suffering from vagrancy, even more vulnerable.
- The center has no security and has not done any maintenance in ages. Who will patrol to be sure these customers are not in area streets parked in front of residences?
- More must be done to enhance this center that is a focal point of our community. Before they even consider a fast food drive thru where people eat in their cars in a parking lot, they should consider more stable tenants that can bring value to the community. The amount of jobs a drive thru, eat in the parking lot and loiter establishment will bring, is negligible.
Sonic officials released a statement in response to the flier, listed below:
"SONIC has been delighting customers for nearly 60 years and has over 3,500 drive-ins throughout the country. The East Meadow SONIC will be a typical SONIC Drive-In with drive-in stalls, a patio and drive-thru. We hope that our investment in the SONIC will enhance the entire center.
Our signature Carhop service is part of what differentiates SONIC from other restaurants; our crew members look forward to getting to know their customers’ favorite menu items. As with every SONIC opening, we develop a traffic management plan in coordination with local officials to ensure there is a constant flow and traffic is managed without disrupting the surrounding area. High traffic volume is usually a short-term issue.
SONIC has been a good community partner in North Babylon. We have received tremendous support from local businesses and residents, and our Limeades for Learning Program, which funds teacher-requested learning projects at local schools, was a great success in North Babylon.
East Meadow is an excellent location and a great community to build another drive-in. We look forward to providing new jobs for community residents and increasing the tax base to better the community. SONIC is excited at the opportunity to become an East Meadow community partner.
An adjournment was granted to the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce at the recent BZA meeting on Jan. 25. The new hearing date is set for March 7 at 2 p.m. at the town’s Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion in Hempstead.
Do you agree with the points made in this document or are you excited for the potential of Sonic coming to East Meadow? Tell us in the comments.
Jon L.
8:04 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
They don't stand a chance now that the Chamber (East Meadow Republican Club) and our fabulous elected Town Officials have essentially come out against them.
If they were smart they would just pull the plug and find somewhere else to go. If they were like me they should fight them to the death or the Eastern District of NY whichever comes first.
Since the Supervisor and her appendage Mr. Hudes want to maintain the suburban charm of the People's Republic of Hempstead I say kick out North Shore Fitness and Frantoni's and bring back the East Meadow Flick and The Pizza Kings maybe the Modell Family will consider opening a supermarket on the site.
The Town of Hempstead 368 years of existence unimpeded by progress...
paul
9:37 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I think the person who instituted this letter/flyer should first be fined for illegally distributing flyers and leaflets,
Second - The corporate response is a correct one.
It is very professional and understanding to the needs of the community.
They are a sound well established company.
People in the area are up in arms without a clue about the business model or the company.
They only know what miniscule and mindless comments have been made on the Patch..
Some in the community do not understand economics 101. (I am not surprised).
Sonic should be given an opportunity to request what they need and see what the town etc, will do.
This is a business that obviously chose this location for several reason:
Off a main road
near a county park
within reason to the coliseum (if that is still around)
Large open parking lot adjacent to the property that will be zoned off for Sonic within the parking lot.
Any and all big chains do studies and whether it is feasible for there business opportunities.
This is it. Hope they do not miss this chance and thrive.
The businesses in the East Meadow Plaza will ALL benefit from a Sonic. ABSOLUTELY.
P.M.
10:04 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I agree with Paul......................1000%...........................................
Julie Papa
10:05 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I welcome Sonic to East Meadow - I've lived here my whole life and now own a home here. The traffic will eventually die down and things will go back to business as usual. Stopping Sonic from coming to East Meadow is not going to bring back the East Meadow that was here before my time in the 1950's - those days are long gone. Even the East Meadow I grew up in of the 80's and 90's is gone. Sonic will not hurt us - only help. IMO.
P.M.
10:10 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Come on let's play fair....that lot needs...a business...I do not see anyone else interested...
Bill Alderman
10:33 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Has anyone here been in that lot recently on a Saturday night at 8-9pm?
Is anyone truly aware that the TOH is proposing a trolley and tracks that will go from the Mineola train station and Winthrop Hospital to NUMC in East Meadow, passing Hofstra, NCC, Nassau Coliseum, RXR, Eisenhower Park, Hooters, Modells along Hempstead Turnpike ???
You might want to Check out http://www.nassauhub.com/about/Alternatives.htm#Alt-3
Susie Trenkle-Pokalsky
10:58 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Bill,
Thank you for your concern, however, as noted in the title, this is a Nassau County proposal, not Town of Hempstead. That being said, you might want to check to see if this proposal is current or if it is from the previous county administration.
Susie Pokalsky- Town of Hempstead Press Secretary
paul
1:33 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
To Bill:
Yes I have been in the East Meadow shopping center lot at night quite often.
The hours you mention and through the wee hours of the morning.
I do not see you complaining about all the glass bottles, left over sexual aids etc, left behind after hours in the lot, or even your homeless buddy and his friends hovering around the Rita Ice location as well as Eisenhower Park.
For some reason this does not bother you as much as a Sonic wanting to be in an area that is zoned for such an establishment, in a section of a property that can probably thrive due to its location...
As for the proposal of trolley and tracks as you mention, would be a great idea - but I am doubtful of any mode of transportation being built using a rail.
However, a bus or trolley type bus would be an expanded asset to the transportation system with pickup and drop-off points as indicated in the survey.
This vision of the expanded transportation hub goes back to the late 1990's for those who want to know..
Plenty has changed since then.
Special buses making only specific stops as indicated in the report are an asset to the county.
I got one better, a special bus that picks up at the Queens border and brings people to the shopping areas, as well as other venues as mentioned.
Where do you see this as a problem?
When was the last time you were ever on a county bus?
Once again miniscule and mindless thoughts.....
Jon L.
9:41 am on Friday, February 3, 2012
Mr. Alderman-
You have not figured out that the HUB is dead on arrival yet? While the County and State are still going through the motions, Madam Supervisor has won this in favor of keeping our "suburban charm". There will be no trolley in the Democratic People's Republic of Hempstead, not as long as Kate Murray has her office on Washington Street and her name on EVERY town vehicle.
Independent of that, you complain about Saturday Nights in East Meadow Plaza, the three most stable tenants are responsible for that traffic (Aura, formerly Buttle's, Zachary's and Callihan's). Take out the most recent incident in the lot that was a result of someone trying to take his life and all you have are some minor criminal mischief incidents and fights between patrons that have over indulged. What exactly is your problem with the lot and what the heck does it have to do with a trolley that is never going to be built?
TOM RUSSO
10:59 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
YOU NEGATIVE PEOPLE ARE MAKING IT SOUND LIKE THERE BUILDING THE COLISEUM OVER THERE. ITS A FREAKING FAST FOOD BURGER JOINT..THERE IS SO MUCH ROOM IN THAT SHOPING CENTER TO ABSORB THE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC..I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WERE THE OFF STREET PARKING WILL BE..ITS A DRIVE IN..THIS WHOLE DISCUSSION IS A JOKE. THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN EAST MEADOW ARE LOOKING FOWARD TO THIS..I DONT RECALL HAVING PROPLEMS AT HOOTERS WHO PROPABLY BRINGS IN MORE TRAFFIC THAN ANYBODY..AS FAR AS THE VAGRANCY, THE AREA IS DARK AND DEAD AT NIGHT CURRENTLY, THATS WHY THE BUMS HANG OUT THERE.WANTS THE TRAFFIC COMES IN THE BUMS WILL LEAVE BECAUSE THEY CANT DO THERE THING..PEOPLE OF EAST MEADOW THIS DEAL IS LIKE A BASEBALL TEAM BRINGINGM IN A STAR PLAYER. OTHER PLAYERS SEE THIS AND ALSO WANT TO JOIN THE TEAM..THIS CAN ONLY BRING THE AREA MORE GREAT BUSINESS TO FILL THE DARK EMPY VACANT STORES
Bill Alderman
11:38 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Dear Susie Pokalsky- Town of Hempstead Press Secretary
I asked 2 questions.the first still has no answer. The second refers to a meeting that I attended in in the Legislative Hall in Mineola on Tues 1/31/12 at 7pm. with people like Leg. Dave Dennenberg, Sen Hannon's Aide and many more. The project was given 13 Million dollars in federal, and local funds so far to date. The proposed trolley and tracks would impact this lot , the businesses there now and future and the traffic to it alot it seems. I just wanted to know if and of the responders knew about this as well.
paul
1:33 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
As for the proposal of trolley and tracks as you mention, would be a great idea - but I am doubtful of any mode of transportation being built using a rail.
However, a bus or trolley type bus would be an expanded asset to the transportation system with pickup and drop-off points as indicated in the survey.
This vision of the expanded transportation hub goes back to the late 1990's for those who want to know..
Plenty has changed since then.
Special buses making only specific stops as indicated in the report are an asset to the county.
I got one better, a special bus that picks up at the Queens border and brings people to the shopping areas, as well as other venues as mentioned.
Where do you see this as a problem?
When was the last time you were ever on a county bus?
Once again miniscule and mindless thoughts.....
Susan Bernstein
11:50 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Susan Bernstein
Lett's not miss an opportunity to bring business to East Meadow. The presence of Sonic will bring traffic to a shopping center that needs customers. A large vacant lot with an empty store does not speak well for our neighborhood. Perhaps increased traffic will encourage a business to open in the vacant store. The person or persons distribting the flyer should identify himself. The residents of East Meadow deserve a
chance to hear all sides and express their opinions.
Jaime Sumersille
3:48 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
@paul please do not personally attack others' opinions. A difference of opinions can exist without attacking. Thank you.
Jaime Sumersille
Regional Editor, Nassau County
paul
4:01 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
To Jaime:
Thank you very much for your response.
I am more than delighted to respond to you, and it is a privilege to do so.
There have been no personal attacks on anyone.
Just personal responses between persons opinions.
It actually adds flavor and livens up the responses between others.
Makes for a more colorful blog of information.
As you can see certainly without the use of any vulgarity like some others have done using quite glaring improper grammar of the english language.....
Rina Cohen
3:55 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I have been against the Sonic for the following reasons - traffic, element and litter, but would very much like to see more business in the area and this center. I like what's there now and can only hope more businesses find our town a good place to "open shop".
Has the property owner come forward with any plans to improve the shopping center? The "Pearl" store would be perfect for a medical group or MRI facility.
I plan on attending the 3.7 meeting and hearing any and all sides of the situation.
See you all there!
Timmy B.
3:55 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I am still waiting for a certain person to deliver the demographics I requested in response to the photos .. that still has been unanswered... and yeah.. I got the unsolicited flyer placed on my window on my private driveway.. I dont appreciate that.. and didnt Aura/Savannah Club/Zacharys place a "please respect our neighbors" sign at the entrance to the plaza off East Meadow Avenue?? If you are so worried about trash.. why not ask sonic to place a sign like that.. i dont see why they wouldnt comply!!!
Neighbor
2:23 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Patrons of Aura/Savannah Club/Zacharys DO NOT RESPECT THE NEIGHBORS!!! They leave litter and park on the side streets so they look like they are walking home after patronizing these establishments!!! Some even sleep in their vehicles after a fun night at these establishments!!!
Timmy B.
4:10 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
.. and I agree with Paul.. if someone posts their opinion on here and we dont agree with it, i dont see it as a personal attack if we are calling them out on an opinion they themselves posted in a public forum... I dont see that as a personal attack.. i see that as DEBATE... reminding/asking someone how they can say one thing when they openly and Voluntarily stated something else on a public web page.. I agree to disagree!!
paul
10:53 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
To Timmy B:
Thank you for helping point out it is a lively debate and nothing more.....
Lets debate some more, it is the American way......
Christopher
5:04 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
The flyers are probably from the owners of Jakes Wayback/Checkers/McDonalds. I am sure they do not want a quality eatery to overshadow their so called "food". I really can't believe how much controversy a burger joint can generate. It is not like they are building a crack house at this location. Some people even commented on the trash and element Sonic would attract. What element is that exactly? Whatever the case may be, I am sure its a step up from the vagrants that infest the parking lot right now.
paul
10:26 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
To Chris:
I will say that I certainly doubt Mcdonalds would ever stoop to a childish act as an anti Sonic flyer.
They are #1 in the business,
They are what all the followers want to be.
Whether one likes their food or not they are the ones for others to emulate.
The trash issue will go with the territory and I am sure Sonic will be responsible a neighbor.
To those who do not know, Mcdonalds policy is that they are responsible for an area surrounding the establishment.
I forgot what that was but it is either a 1 - 2 block radius or 100 feet surrounding.
Sorry I forgot what the corporate policy was. (it is something like what I said)
As far as an element - I too do not know what that means, but I will say all are welcome to shop, and enjoy all East Meadow has to offer.
Except the bums and vagrants... ;o)
Bill Alderman
5:19 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
To Timmy And Paul
saying "miniscule and mindless thoughts....." is a personal attack!
saying " homeless buddy hovering around the Rita Ice location! " is a personal attack and could not be further from the truth.
saying in other Patch responses "your thoughts are warped" is a personal attack and cyber bullying too!
And saying "I think you are the one responsible for the anti-sonic flyers" is a blatant lie and a personal attack.
A debate or difference of opinion does NOT involve personal attacks or derogatory comments and they can chase away other responders. Which is exactly what Jaime was referring to. You want to add "flavor"? , try some old salt on your food instead of your responses..
paul
10:48 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
To Billy:
Don't worry I wont confuse my comments.
Yes some of your thoughts are in fact "miniscule and mindless"
You choose to go off on some strange tangents regarding certain topics.
You have every right to.
"your thoughts are warped" is not cyber-bullying, it is an opinion of some of your thoughts you share as a blogger
Next:
"homeless buddy hovering around the Rita Ice location!".
You are the one that admitted to knowing of a certain homeless person roaming around the streets of East Meadow...
I did write previously that "I think you are the one responsible for the anti-sonic flyers" however you neglected to complete my statement that also stated "it may not be you, but I doubt it".
Yes we all enjoy a lively debate, especially the Patch.
Bill you have previously used some strange childish comments similar to caca doo poo poo. I will locate them if you want me to.
I will pass on the salt but if you feel wounded by any of my comments please feel free to rub some on your wounds...
Timmy B.
5:58 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Oh.. I see your point.. but I personally did not say you are responsible for the Sonic Flyers or many other of those.. I can see those as personal attacks.. its ok to disagree but be ready to be called out thats all I am saying... I love that we have a First Amendment right!!! I definately dont agree with a majority you say.. but hey.. I am sure people dont agree with alot that I say.. atleast we can say it!!! so lets build SONIC and have a sit down meeting!! HA
Bill Alderman
6:27 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Timmy , I never said YOU said those. Someone else said them. You just seemed think that disagreeing with me was that same as that. Now I think you see a difference. It is okay to argue and debate. To say what you believe will happen will be different than what I think will happen, or what the Mayans think will happen. Opinions are like skin , everyone has some , most are different. If you want , we can meet at the Suffolk Sonic some night soon and I'll treat for Coney dogs and Limeade.
Bill Alderman
9:04 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I STAND CORRECTED....
Is anyone truly aware that NASSAU COUNTY, NOT TOH is proposing a trolley and tracks , yes tracks , 2 metal rails imbedded in the asphalt, that will go from the Mineola train station and Winthrop Hospital to NUMC in East Meadow, passing Hofstra, NCC, Nassau Coliseum, RXR, Eisenhower Park, Hooters, Modells along Hempstead Turnpike ???
You might want to Google - Nassau Hub Transportation Project
My apologies to the people working diligently on other projects at the TOH.
paul
11:04 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
As for the proposal of trolley and tracks as you mention, would be a great idea - but I am doubtful of any mode of transportation being built using a rail.
However, a bus or trolley type bus would be an expanded asset to the transportation system with pickup and drop-off points as indicated in the survey.
This vision of the expanded transportation hub goes back to the late 1990's for those who want to know..
Plenty has changed since then.
Special buses making only specific stops as indicated in the report are an asset to the county.
I got one better, a special bus that picks up at the Queens border and brings people to the shopping areas, as well as other venues as mentioned.
Where do you see this as a problem?
When was the last time you were ever on a county bus?
Andy
12:26 am on Friday, February 3, 2012
I am for it not only for the tax revenue to East Meadow but it can only be an improvement to the look of that shopping center.
Ida
9:56 am on Friday, February 3, 2012
Let Sonic open up! There's no reason not to have new businesses in East Meadow. Lord knows we need them! Give this place a chance - that location has been empty for so many years and Hempstead Turnpike can certainly use some new blood. This establishment also offers jobs to local teens. Traffic is traffic - it will continue to increase as our community grows.
Timmy B.
12:20 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012
I say open SONIC.. but also do something to save the Coliseum and Islanders!! so sick of Kate Murray saying she is for the coliseum when nothing has been done in years.. I think the problem is too many people want their hands in the cookie jar.. Bill maybe you know.. if the new coliseum is to be built.. the TOH has a say, Nassau County has a say, the State has a say, NIFA probably has a say and the Nassau County Veterans has a say and finally Mr. Wang has a say????
Colleen Ann
5:04 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012
I like my money in my pocket and the more businesses that come into East Meadow and fill up the vacant spaces, the more money that will STAY in my pocket. Not to mention that Rita's shuttered building looks horrendus and is a magnet for graffiti. Make sure if you're selling your house you don't give the people coming to look directions past that place. The traffic is a non-issue. Hempstead turnpike is a 3 lane road. It may slow the right lane a little but it's not going to be grid-lock people. The shopping center has about 5 entrances and exits so it's not like every car has to go in or out the same way. Hopefully if Sonic is successful, maybe someone will occupy that old Pearl Paint building that is a tremendous waste of space and tax revenue.
paul
10:23 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012
I am happy to see some opinions were left by big thinking, intelligent individuals...
Katy
8:12 am on Saturday, February 4, 2012
I am almost afraid to jump in here...
I think Sonic is a great idea - my only issue is LITTER. There is so much litter in East Meadow and Westbury! I live behind the courts and all I see is trash left behind when everyone leaves for the day. It's so frustrating. But I digress...
I want to hear more about this HUB and why everyone thinks it's a good idea. It sounds like East Meadow is going to look like Queens if this thing gets built. Thank you for your POLITE and CIVIL responses.
paul
10:30 am on Saturday, February 4, 2012
To Katy:
Litter? It is not confined to East Meadow and Westbury. Pick a town anytown, you will find litter. There are much worse places on Long Isalnd with litter issues. Anyway Sonic, would probably be a responsible neighbor if given a chance..
The Hub is a different issue. The business Hub as mentioned has been mapped for several years now... It is referred to as a business Hub due to the fact that it is a large area of economic growth for the county.... Includes shopping and other venues which are already here etc.
As far as your comment about Queens, I am not sure what you mean but if any part of Long Island wants to emulate Queens or Brooklyn etc I am all for it...
Maybe the county should take notes and emulate what works....
Katy
6:53 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2012
Like I said, I actually think Sonic is a great idea. Anything is better than an empty parking lot. I'm just worried about the litter. I lived in Brooklyn for 10 years and never saw the amount of litter that I see out on the Island. I guess Brooklyn has city funds to keep streets clean, while out here...well, let's just say I don't want to see my taxes raised any further. As for the hub, I have to do some more research on it before I comment further. Thanks for explaining your point of view!
paul
8:07 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2012
To Katy:
Happy to know we have agreed on some stuff.
The tax payer on LI, does not get a good bang for the buck.
Street sweeping once a month only warmer months.
Mass transit not perfect but it has survived... (that's another topic)
Garbage pickup mishaps (that too another topic)
The administration may need lessons on economics 101 before they spend any more funds.
They claimed that the Aquatic Center was a loosing proposition, but if marketed correctly it should be a revenue creator..
They look at the small picture.
Using pennies now to only spend more dollars later..
By the way "Brooklyn Rocks!!!!!!"
paul
9:05 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Everybody - You can also sign up online for the "SONIC CRUISERS CLUB".
Get a head start on receiving the Sonic newsletter, promotions and coupons sent right to your email.
Since its next stop may be East Meadow you might as well be prepared!
http://www.sonicdrivein.com/login/cruisers.jsp
det2659
7:34 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
I attended last night meeting regarding Sonic coming to East Meadow. I am all for an improvement at this dismal parking field of horrors. To hear the bleating by some seemingly for, but yet opposed to Sonic was some of the most ridiculous diatribe I ever heard. Have those people never parked at a Wendy's and had to walk from their car to an entry door? Were they in fear of their lives, and would they have this same feeling at Sonic to walk to a patio area? Traffic E/B on Hempstead Turnpike will always be a disaster. If lane X can hold 400 cars will Sonic now make this Lane X hold 600 cars and increase traffic? Simple and logical answer is NO!!!
And to attempt to take a poll as to who has eaten at a Sonic, when, where, was totally ridiculous and had no bearing whatsoever on the subject at hand. Would that person then ask the same about every other fast food establishment along Hempstead Turnpike? I wish I was able to stand up with the folks from Sonic and answer some of the question posted.
Some people should learn to breath through their nose for a while.
All I can add is GO FOR IT SONIC!!!
Chuck
10:15 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
A friend of mine who was at the meeting did say that the people from Sonic did a real terrific job on all of the community concerns about Sonic being in the neighborhood.
He also told me that questions from the audience were unusual and were grasping at straws to say no.
Did someone really mention that Sonic may cause jaywalking across Hempstead Tpk to get to Sonic from the park?
Sorry I missed the comedy.......
paul
10:44 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The official release by the BZA has not yet been distributed.
As stated by another writer it was not yet typed up for mailing.
I was given the same response today in person at the TOH.
If the decision is something that can be reasonably appealed I am pretty sure an attempt will be made.
Keep writing/blogging all your positive comments.
The right people are reading them...
When an official response is received please feel let the BZA know how you feel....