Possible Strip Club Raises Concerns in Southwest Oklahoma City

Some residents and business owners in a southwest Oklahoma City neighborhood are working to drive an adult establishment out of the area.

Tuesday, January 5th 2010, 4:28 pm

By: News 9


By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Some residents and business owners in a southwest Oklahoma City neighborhood are working to drive an adult establishment out of the area.

Neighbors say the club in question has been a thorn in their side for years and they're hoping something is done before things get worse. The club was previously known as IN ZONE, described by some as a rowdy sports bar. But the club has now changed its name and, according to some, taken a turn for the worst.

Club Fusion is in the crosshairs of neighbors who say it has been nothing but problems for years.

"They're supposed to close at 2 in the morning," said Neighborhood Association President Peggy Reece. "They stay in the parking lot until 3:30, 4 in the morning."

Reece says she can see and hear activity at Club Fusion from her patio on any given night. She has gathered signatures from residents and business owners over new concerns.

"They just don't abide by the rules and it keeps getting worse, and now they have asked for an adult entertainment," Reece said.

Club owners have posted signs asking for dancers all along South Western. One of them is directly outside a paint shop and that led to an increase in unwanted foot traffic.

"They'll come in and say, 'Can I apply for the dancing job,' and they know it's not us and some people are serious," Manager of His Paint Tom Malone said.

It also caught the attention of the city.

"We've been working this now for a little over a month…adult entertainment and an illegal sign," Chief Zoning Inspector with the City of Oklahoma City Jim Wilson said.

City ordinance prohibits strip clubs from being within 500 feet of a church, park or residence. Wilson says this is a clear violation and citations could soon be issued.

"Hopefully taking money out of people's pockets when you're fined on something, that would lead you to close down the establishment," Wilson said.

And that, says Reece, is the goal.

"We hope that we get this stopped and that they can't have the adult entertainment there," Reece said.

The owner of Club Fusion is meeting with the board of adjustments Thursday to try to get that a variance on the 500 foot ordinance. If they get it, that would allow them to continue to run their strip club. If not, they would have to make the necessary adjustments or risk fines of up to $500 per citation.

Inspectors have delayed issuing citations until after Thursday's meeting.

Club Fusion's owners could not be reached for comment.

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