BZA Rejects Sonic's Proposal for East Meadow Location

The Hempstead Town Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) decided Wednesday to reject the application from Sonic Drive-in, which was interested in occupying the space formerly belonging to Rita’s Ices at 1900 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow.

“The legal council is preparing the findings, which is a statement of explanation as to why the board denied the case,” BZA Secretary Richard Regina said.

Spencer Hart, the franchisee who also owns the North Babylon location, sought approval for eight variance applications. These included special exceptions to install a drive-thru window and use a portion of the premise for outdoor dining, as well as variances for off-street parking. Additionally, they were asking for permission to install 24 menu board signs under two proposed canopies, a drive-thru preview menu, a regular menu board and a speaker and confirmation screen system for the drive-thru.

According to Regina, Sonic has yet to be notified of the BZA’s decision.

“The client will get the decision of the findings just like everyone who signed in at the public hearing get,” he added.

Sonic could still potentially submit a modified proposal to the BZA for the property or they can appeal the BZA’s ruling.

Hart is being represented by William Cohn of Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo, Cohn, & Terrana LLP in Uniondale. Calls to his office were not immediately returned.

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