Wantagh Taco Bell approved

Taco Bell will be coming to Wantagh. After months of debate, plans for the fast-food restaurant were approved by the Town of Hempstead’s Board of Appeals on April 15.

Five members voted for the plan and one against, with one member abstaining. The board did set several conditions meant to lessen the impact on the neighboring community.

The double-faced, illuminated sign must be at ground level, and can have no blinking or moving lights. It can be no more than 32 square feet, and an be no higher than eight feet. It also must be set back at least 10 feet from Wantagh Avenue.

For the drive-through, the menu board with speaker and canopy must be kept in good condition, with soft, fixed lighting.

Representatives for Taco Bell appeared before the Board of Appeals on Feb. 25 with plans for the 2,148-square-foot, 40-seat restaurant. All variances were approved, including one allowing 23 parking spaces, one fewer than required by code based on the size of the restaurant.

Prior to that, representatives met with residents in a community meeting hosted by the Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Association.

Taco Bell will be built at 1260 Wantagh Ave., across from Flower Avenue and directly south of the post office. It will replace a vacant building that was last occupied by Chase Bank.

Residents who opposed Taco Bell said it would add more traffic to an already congested road, and create litter. They also said there is a proliferation of fast-food restaurants on Wantagh Avenue. People speaking in support of it said it would create jobs.

John Farrell, an attorney for Taco Bell, said it is unknown when construction would begin and that there is no target date for its opening. First, he said, Taco Bell must get building permits from the town.

“Obviously, we’re happy that it’s approved,” he said, “and we look forward to being part of the community.”