Taco Bell decision postponed

An application before the Town of Hempstead’s Board of Appeals to construct a Taco Bell on Wantagh Avenue was adjourned on Dec. 17 until Feb. 25 so that residents will have an opportunity to meet with the developer.

Fred Parola, representing residents who have concerns that the fast-food restaurant could affect their quality of life, sent a letter to the Board of Appeals asking for the adjournment. Parola said that Taco Bell officials agreed to meet with residents at a community meeting sometime in late January “to discuss the value of the project,” he said. The Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Association will host the meeting.

Taco Bell hopes to knock down a vacant building at 1260 Wantagh Ave. in order to build a 2,148-square-foot restaurant with 40 seats and a drive-through on the west side of the street. The eatery would be near two other Yum! Brands franchises, KFC, just to the north on Wantagh Avenue, and Pizza Hut, which is around the corner on Jerusalem Avenue.

The restaurant would have 23 parking spaces, one short of the number required. In addition, the applicant — American Broadcast Employees Federal Credit Union/Taco Bell of America LLC — is seeking special exceptions required by the Board of Appeals for a canopy, menu board and speaker that would be part of the drive-through, and an illuminated, ground-level sign.

Residents who oppose the plan are concerned about traffic, the restaurant’s late-night hours, the potential for loitering and litter as well as the number of fast-food franchises already in the area.

The nearest Taco Bells are in Seaford, on Sunrise Highway, and in Levittown, on Hempstead Turnpike.

Those who support the proposal said that the restaurant would replace an abandoned building, create jobs and fit in with the commercial nature of the street.
Representatives for Taco Bell did not return calls for comment.

Andrew Hackmack contributed to this story.