Beachy Keen…NOT: Upscale Eatery NOT The Trump Card Long Islander’s Looking For

The lifestyle of the rich and famous; something we all aspire to, or is it? According to some, a new upscale eatery along the shores of Long Island, on the Jones Beach boardwalk to be exact is not necessarily palatably pleasing to all. In fact, some suggest that fancy food had little or no place among the fast food and family-friendly atmosphere that has been the main staple of attraction at Jones Beach for years. And, they are concerned that the 40 million dollar restaurant and catering hall slated to be built by “The Donald”, will change the climate of the beach that has offered “regular” folk an affordable alternative to the chichi beaches of the East End.

The project has already been approved by the state and has many apprehensive about how it may or will change the ambiance of the beach and those it attracts. And some have collaborated to express their concern and disdain noting that Trump’s plans are out of place at this public “platform”.

They suggest that the 36,000 square foot, three-story facility scheduled for construction in November and opened in the summer of 2008 would “discriminate” against the working class who could not afford the prices at this ritzy restaurant. And, they are quick to add, that they fear that the shift in atmosphere will reflect in other areas, such as the price of parking, etc. making it difficult for working class couples and family to take advantage of the public beaches and activities available at Jones Beach.

Still others feared that with “The Donald’s” trademark of ostentatious glitz and glamour, it would ruin the placidity, serenity and lucidity of the beach and it’s surrounding environment.

But, like with everything, there are always two sides to every story, and some, though not the majority, embrace, or at least partially embrace the new facility and upscale structure. It is their belief that it will add ambiance to an otherwise “average” beach, attract more high-profile beach goers, thus generating more money for the county, and finally rebuilding the vacant building that once house the Boardwalk restaurant and that could become a neglected eyesore in the future. Furthermore, they add, that having an upscale eatery will help contribute to ensuring the beach and it’s surrounding area remain well maintained, a viable “attraction” and a way to set Long Island perhaps apart from the city and it’s surrounding boroughs.