Trump to join rally in support of his Jones Beach catering hall

From left: Donald Trump and a rendering of the Jones Beach catering hallDonald Trump will appear at a Jones Beach rally supporting his controversial Trump on the Ocean project organized by the local business improvement district, Alliance to Revitalize Jones Beach, the Trump Organization announced.

Since 2006, Trump has intended to build a 37,291-square-foot catering hall and restaurant to replace Robert Moses’ Boardwalk Restaurant at the beach in Wantagh, which was torn down in 2004. The project was initially slated to cost $26 million at no expense to taxpayers, but the state has since waged war against the proposal, first over building permit issues, then safety issues and finally rent payments. Local residents also fear the attraction will create traffic problems.

“Nassau citizens need to unite and fight against governmental red tape, which stops economic growth in the form of real estate and construction,” said Rafe Lieber, the Plainview resident that founded the Alliance to Revitalize Jones Beach. The Trump project is projected to pump 300 jobs and $60 million into the Nassau County economy.

“This process has been extremely frustrating,” Trump said. “If I am successful in having the state adhere to my few truly simple requests, I will build a magnificent structure on Jones Beach that will make all residents proud.”

The rally will take place 11 a.m. Aug. 31 at the Central Mall of the Jones Beach boardwalk. — Adam Fusfeld