‘Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday’

Ruby Tuesday’s was often crowded by diners who craved the restaurant’s Creole-style food and garden bar. In contrast, there were few local residents who craved having the Long Beach Motor Inn in the community, a facility that had deteriorated and become a haven for released prisoners and the homeless.

Both Ruby Tuesday’s and the motor inn have been closed for more than a year, devastated by Hurricane Sandy and never reopened. Locals say they lamented the passing of the restaurant, but not the motor inn.

Now, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. Joined by Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Town of Hempstead Senior Councilman Anthony Santino, announced on Nov. 4 plans for redevelopment of the Island Park community, which includes the Long Beach Motor Inn and adjoining Ruby Tuesday property.  Mangano said at a press conference that for too long, the abandoned properties have stood in the way of Island Park’s revitalization efforts. While no specific plan have yet been developed for the site, Mangano said that he envisions senior citizen housing where the restaurant and motor inn once stood.

“As we continue to rebuild from the damage of Hurricane Sandy, my administration is committed to revitalizing the Island Park community in partnership with local civic organizations and the Town of Hempstead,” said Mangano.  “The Long Beach Motor Inn and surrounding property have long stood in the way of community redevelopment and will be replaced so that we can truly make Island Park a better place to live, work and raise a family.”