Demolition Begins On Long-Decaying Bavarian Inn On Lake Ronkonkoma

LAKE RONKONKOMA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) Demolition has begun for an eyesore on Long Island that had become a haven for gangs and the homeless, but what comes next for the former Bavarian Inn?

As TV 10/55 Long Island Bureau Chief Richard Rose reported, the Bavarian Inn catering hall on Lake Ronkonkoma has been falling apart ever since flooding drove it out of business six years ago. CBS 2s Jennifer McLogan reported in June on how teen gangs and the homeless were camping out on what had once been the gateway entrance to the popular lake.

On Monday, the wrecking ball stepped in. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Legislator John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) even joined in the effort with sledgehammers, according to a published report.

The Bavarian Inn was once one of the most popular wedding and catering hall venues in Suffolk County. But the inn was barely recognizable so many years after closing, with its graffiti-riddled, crumbling walls.

Two of my daughters got married here; always came here for lunch, said Joyce McGay of Lake Ronkonkoma. Its very sad.

McGay is not alone in her memories. Former chef Peter Bodnar, 81, showed off photos of the big birthday cake he baked on Christmas Eve 1969, during the heyday of the restaurant.

Its very painful to talk about, Bodnar said. I have a lot of good memories.

But others said good riddance to a building that had been overrun by gangs, vagrants and the homeless.

Its about time, said Peter Rendazzo of Lake Ronkonkoma. Its been an eyesore.

Suffolk County took over the property by default. After months of weighing the steep price tag to tear it down, Bellone decided the public health threat from the potential fire trap outweighed the cost.

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Demolition Begins On Long-Decaying Bavarian Inn On Lake Ronkonkoma