Our Hometown
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300 attend 'Pussycat' lounge meeting The public had nearly two hours to voice concerns about the proposed adult entertainment complex planned for Newark's Main street. Last night's hearing at the Alex Eligh Community Center was attended by more than 300 people. Mayor Fred Pirelli assured the crowd that no decision had been made yet, but it would be made at the village board meeting immediately following the hearing. Village Attorney Arthur B. Williams explained the proposed local law and procedures required to regulate this kind of enterprise. In effect, if a proposed local 'stand alone' law was adopted by the board, it would confine the adult entertainment business to Newark's I-1 industrial zone. This zone is north of Van Buren Street, and south of Bloom Road. Pirelli stressed that in no way can Newark outlaw this proposal entirely, due to First Amendment Constitutional rights. Mike Grande of Rochester, one of the owners of the proposed adult arcade, was introduced by Pirelli. He explained what was planned for the South Main St. building. He indicated that all three floors of the building would be used for an upscale restaurant, topless club and comedy club. Grande, who plans to reside in Newark, said he had no plans to back down, and he reminded folks that this is a free country. "If you don't approve of this (adult entertainment), then don't go there." He went on to say that he could not be stopped, and never saw such hostility in a community. Gail Chambers presented a stack of petitions carrying over 3000 signatures of people opposed to the "strip club." Chambers indicated that surrounding towns were polled and they don't want it here, either. Churches were well-represented at the hearing. Earl Greene of the Church of Christ, who works with incarcerated people, sees things in the proposal that would only add to existing problems that face our young people. Dan Benedict of the First Baptist Church asked Grande how long it would take him to gather 3000 signatures from those in favor of the strip club. Several residents were upset because Grande and his associates have had a presence in Newark since May, yet citizens started finding out in September. Newark residents Peter Wohlrab and Kathy Semmler asked about the delay in taking action. Pirelli maintains that he "knew nothing about the situation until about two weeks ago." School Superintendent Robert Christmann congratulated the community for taking a stand. Father Peter Clifford of St. Michael's Church indicated that if the unwanted enterprise succeeds in locating downtown, that everything in his power will be done to make conducting business there uncomfortable. Copyright © 1998 |
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