CNBNews

By Linda Boker-Angelo

NEWS Correspondent

GLOUCESTER CITY-There was not a vacant seat in the house as attorneys representing Cheerleaders gentlemen’s club presented an application for a use variance at last week’s Gloucester City Planning Board Meeting.

They asked for the club to remain open as a go-go establishment, without selling alcohol. But, patrons would be able to bring in alcoholic beverages.

Patrons, dancers and employees of the local go-go bar filled the City Hall courtroom to listen to the proceedings.

The state’s ruling prohibits club owners from serving alcohol, thereby changing the nature of the property’s use and leaving the adult entertainment business in question.

In the 1980s, Gloucester City Council had adopted an ordinance prohibiting adult entertainment establishments. Any such businesses that pre-dated the law were able to continue operating, but no new adult clubs could open.

Attorneys submitted copies of deeds showing that the property has been home to a go-go bar since 1976.

Testimony was given by individuals who have patronized the establishment, under different ownerships, from that time to the present, as to the kind of entertainment, food and drink that was offered.

In the end, the Planning Board voted to table the issue until next month, giving each member more time to review the ordinance and make an informed decision.

The Board approved an-other application for a two-story addition to be erected on a property in the unit block of Harvard Avenue.

The 24 by 23-feet addition will add living room and upstairs bedroom to the home.

Board members elected Frank Wunsch to preside as Chairman for the year. Pat Cerrone was chosen to serve as Vice Chair.

The Board reappointed the following professionals for the year ahead: Anthony Costa, Board Solicitor; Larry Waetzman of the Waetzman Planning Group, Board Planner; and Norm Rogers, Board Engineer.

The next Board meeting is Wednesday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall.

source Gloucester City News