ZBA approves Taco Bell signage variances for Lindenhurst site, holds site plan pending county review

Attorney Greg Alvarez presented a plan to demolish an existing Taco Bell at 85 East Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst and replace it with a modernized building and a reconfigured site with dual drive‑through lanes, a small outdoor seating area with a canopy, and new site access (SEG 1676–1706). The applicant also sought multiple signage variances related to order/menu boards, canopy signs and a corner monument sign.

Design and engineering consultants described how the two‑lane order area, mobile‑pickup signage and canopy features are integral to the proposed drivethrough operation. The team noted safety features (bollards) around outdoor seating and said lighting would be dark‑sky compliant and down‑directed. David Bittner (Boller Engineering) explained the proposed sign areas and said the Bell logo itself would fit within the town’s normal signage area even if the overall measured rectangle produced a larger conservative area (SEG 1926–1966).

Board members asked about hours of operation and prior neighborhood complaints at other locations; counsel said operations vary by demand but agreed to abide by town conditions and to return for any change of hours. Members also asked about menu‑board audio/volume control; the applicant said ambient controls and volume limits are in place.

On the signage application specifically, the board voted to approve the signage variances for a five‑year period with the conditions discussed (SEG 2148–2153). The broader site plan and variances tied to routing and county jurisdiction remain pending Suffolk County planning review before the board will finalize site approvals.