Hempstead zoning board is out on Bubba Bay eatery

The Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals has reserved a decision on an application for additional parking spaces, outdoor dining and other uses of facilities at J.D.'s on the Bay, a restaurant and boat storage area at Bubba Bay Marina, Inc. on Bayberry Avenue in Merrick.

Residents of Bayberry Avenue spoke at the Dec. 16 hearing to voice objections to the restaurant owner's requests, citing overcrowded streets, excessive noise, litter and boat racks built to heights that obstructed residential views of the marina.

Proprietors argued a long history of similar business use, including records dating back to the 1930s documenting the location's use as an eatery.

The Board of Zoning Appeals did not indicate when a decision would be reached.