Dear Editor,
For weeks there seems to be an ongoing debate on the site about the support or lack of support for the new
While all of the residents the fact that a business wants to move into our fine neighborhood, some of the responders have severe reservations that this would be a mistake for Sonic to take over the old Rita’s location as currently proposed. Anyone doing the research on this proposal sees that, if not properly monitored, this would make that site a huge problem for years to come.
Some responders have chosen to argue for the proposal as if they are willing to let almost any business locate to East Meadow, but that is not really the case. Some responders have chosen to argue for the proposal saying that Nassau County is not Suffolk County or Rockland County or Newark. Some responders have chosen to argue for the proposal by saying traffic on eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike will not worsen. It seems that they are just fooling themselves and willing to compromise their principals so they can fill the spot.
Enclosed you will see photographic proof of what a nightmare 1900 Hempstead Tpke. will become to the residents, visitors, police and neighboring businesses if the New Sonic Restaurant is given permission to move there as their current proposal states.
I did send a letter with disturbing photos of other Sonic Restaurants to the Town of Hempstead. Please do not get me wrong; I think a Sonic Restaurant would be a great asset to Nassau County, but in a different location. A location on Merrick Avenue where the old SYMS/Filenes was would be ideal. A location across from the Tri-County Shopping Center where the old HSBC bank was would be another ideal location. Although they are on Hempstead Turnpike, there is a service lane there that would act as a great buffer.
I can be as emotional as the next resident, but I tend to try to speak with facts and data with proof to back up my opinions. I am not opposed to fast food, just all Sonic-proposed design of all the covered vehicle stalls with service. I am not arguing that this would become a teen hangout. I am not arguing that there is crime in that lot. I am saying that location is the most hazardous road in the tri-state area where multiple deaths have occurred. This would magnify that.
This proposal is very, very perilous. It needs to be altered greatly or moved to a safer place for the good of all involved and to be successful. I have wracked my brain, driven around and asked fellow residents where in East Meadow would you put the Sonic? The most common response is "Sorry not in East Meadow, but nearby instead." There are many other businesses that could use the Rita’s location without a detrimental result.
Look at the pictures I have supplied (I have others) or take a ride to another Sonic and you’ll see what my concerns are.
Sincerely,
Bill Alderman
East Meadow Resident
Want to respond to Bill's letter? Email a response in 300 words or less to Michael.Ganci@patch.com or tell us in the comments!
