Valley Stream zoning board OKs Olive Garden

After getting the answers to a few questions concerning the restaurant application, Valley Stream’s Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved plans for a new Olive Garden at the site of Green Acres Cinemas on Sunrise Highway. The BZA voted 4-0 in favor at its Nov. 22 meeting with board member Jerry Frusci was absent.

“We are happy to see it,” said BZA member George Malekian, who made the motion to approve the new restaurant, which is expected to open next fall.

BZA member Salvatore Pizzolo said he had no problems with the restaurant’s approval though he was initially concerned about lighting around the building. The site’s lighting is not going to be changed, but additional lights will be added on the building, said attorney Dominick Minerva Jr.

Jon Brandt, another BZA member, wanted to know if the restaurant would be buffet-style. Chairman Ken Bond responded that customers can order and take out food but not get the food themselves.

Olive Garden will be a one-story building about 8,000 square feet. There will be 120 employees, with 30-35 working at a given time and it would seat 314 people, at 610 W. Sunrise Highway. Demolition of the existing cinemas will begin in early spring, followed by the restaurant’s construction and opening.