Press
Release
Zoning blocks Cordova
strip joint
Local officials calm citizens about windowless building
By Pamela Perkins,
Commercial Appeal
May 18, 2007
As it stands, zoning conditions will not allow a nightclub operator to turn
a proposed Cordova restaurant into a topless club, local officials told
about 200 citizens who showed up Thursday night for a community forum.
And an ordinance that might go before the Shelby County Commission within a
month could make it difficult for any such club to open or remain open in
the county, said Commissioner Mike Ritz.
He spoke at the Cordova Leadership Council's forum at the Memphis Home
Builders Association on Germantown Parkway.
At issue was Memphis topless nightclub operator Steve Cooper intention's for
the windowless building going up across the street at 7955 Fischer Steel
near Germantown Parkway.
Cooper and the construction's project manager have told The Commercial
Appeal that an Italian restaurant will occupy the building. A sign that
reads "La Italiano" marks the site.
But Cooper's son, Steve Cooper Jr., who also attended the forum, told the
newspaper Monday that his father allegedly is just waiting for construction
to be completed and alcohol licenses issued to turn it into a topless
nightclub. The father has said his son is lying and "unstable."
Cooper's involvement, however, already had citizens concerned.
Ritz assured those at the meeting that the site is too close to Cordova
Church of Christ on Macon Road and areas zoned residential for a topless
club.
It is zoned light industrial, which allows adult entertainment as long as
such a business is not within 1,500 feet of a school, recognized church,
public park or an area zoned residential, said Leadership Council board
member Brian Stephens, in his presentation.
Ritz said the city and county workers surveyed the distance and the city
attorney confirmed it is less than 1,500 feet from the residential areas and
the church.
Regarding the proposed ordinance, Ritz said it would mandate that topless
nightclub employees, dancers and owners be licensed and fingerprinted. It
would also mandate stricter hours.
"I am confident that this industry is going to fight this ordinance with
everything they've got," Ritz said.
Stephens said Nashville has already adopted the law, which was upheld in
federal court.
Leadership Council officials said citizens should be prepared to keep Cooper
from getting a license to serve beer and liquor from the Memphis Alcohol
Commission.
