Strip Club Won't Be Coming To Chicago Ridge

CHICAGO RIDGE, Ill. (STMW) -- Southwest suburban Chicago Ridge plan commissioners on Thursday night shot down a proposed strip club, denying a zoning variance that would've allowed liquor sales in a light-manufacturing zone.

JTC Entertainment was seeking the variance so it could open a club that would sell alcohol across from the village's public works building.

Commissioners said a strip club would not be desirable in the village.

"It's not in the best interest of the residents," Commissioner Ed Stortz said.

Commissioner Don Cummings said such an establishment is not a good fit for the site, which is within a business park. He said adult entertainment is allowed by village ordinance in certain zoning, but the law prohibits "nude dancing along with the sale of alcohol."

JTC Entertainment attorney Larry Woodard contended that the strip club would benefit Chicago Ridge by bringing in needed property and sales tax revenue.

But Stortz questioned how much tax income the business would generate, saying the "negatives outweigh the positive of tax revenue."

He and commission chairman Roger Meslar said a strip club would be an added burden on the police department, which would likely need to have more patrols near it.

Woodard was vague on what JTC Entertainment's next move will be. It could take its request to the village board or propose that the club not sell alcohol.

But he seemed to suggest that the company would not pursue a strip club, saying "we look forward to working with the village to find other uses (for the property)."

-- SouthtownStar, via the Sun-Times Media Wire

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2011. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)