A resident living near a proposed bar and lounge on Jericho Turnpike described his many concerns about the proposal to the Mineola Board of Trustees.
The trustees held a public hearing last Wednesday on Indira Singh’s application for a special use permit to operate a lounge-type restaurant that serves alcohol at 174 Jericho Turnpike. Currently, the For Birds Only pet store is at the location, and part of the property will need to be renovated if approved by the board.
In a presentation, Frank Quatela, a Queens architect, described the lounge, Al La Bella Bar & Lounge, as a place of organic and tropical cuisine that can hold up to approximately 50 people, employees included. He said that the applicant has already obtained a liquor license from the State Liquor Authority. The applicant hopes to open the lounge seven days a week, starting in the afternoon to cater to a lunch and dinner crowd.
Gregory Hunter, a resident who lives on Banbury Road, expressed concerns during the period for public comment. He said as one of the property owners a block away from the proposed establishment, his major issue is noise, and he asked the board to do whatever it can to assure homeowners on the road it will not be a problem.
Hunter cited the lounge’s proposal to close after midnight, patrons’ possible access to the neighborhood from a nearby alleyway and adding potentially 50 people to what is already an inconvenient parking situation on the road.
“Banbury Road is one of those buffers that keeps the suburban quality of life in Mineola as what it is,” Hunter said. “People want to move in, we have young families on our block. Please watch out for us on Banbury Road.”
Quatela responded by saying the hours of operation are flexible and will be based on clientele while the business is being established. Singh said that the business will look for a more mature and adult crowd while respecting nearby homeowners.
Regarding the alleyway, Quatela said it is accessible through the back of the property, which will be a prohibited area to patrons, and noise is going to be reduced through a number of factors, including the kitchen only warming, not cooking, food and just ambient music playing.
Deputy Mayor Paul Pereira offered a motion to close the hearing and reserve a decision. He said the board will speak with village Attorney John Gibbons and consider adding conditions before making a decision such as no live music and keeping back doors closed at all times.
Another hearing was held for a fast casual restaurant proposed for the corner of Jericho and Maple Place.
Applying for the special use permit was Hootan Moeirzadeh, a real estate broker from the area. The Virginia native is currently working with Douglas Elliman. Before real estate, Moeirzadeh said he was an authorized retailer for Verizon Wireless in the Washington D.C. area following his graduation from George Mason University.
Moeirzadeh plans to open a fast-casual dining restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes at a site that currently houses a car wash. He said that a majority of the 1,000-square-foot property will be taken by the kitchen.
Hours of operation will depend on demand, Moerizadeh said, but he is considering operating six to seven days a week.
Following a few questions regarding parking and garbage pickup, the board reserved a decision following the closing of the hearing.
After reserving a decision in the first two hearings, the board approved an application from JP Mirana Inc. for a special use permit to move its Kumon Math and Reading Center of Mineola to another location. The center will move from 131 Jericho Turnpike, where it has been located for nearly a decade, to 44A Jericho Turnpike.
