Strip club proposal resurfaces in Mendon

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Written by: 195 on Mar 5, 2010

MENDON — The town has received another adult entertainment license application from Showtime Entertainment, which has made changes to its proposed strip club conform with the town's bylaws.

The town received the application Monday. In it, Showtime proposed a 2,000-square-foot building at 49 Milford St., which is in accordance with the town's bylaws. It is 321 feet away from the nearest house.

Showtime owners George and Christopher Funari submitted their third adult entertainment license application in January, which they withdrew shortly before the town's public hearing on it.

In that application, they proposed a 6,800-square-foot building which was only 301 feet away from the nearest house.

The new application comes with new floor plans, which include tables and chairs that seat 74 people, a 6-foot security clearance between the stage and patrons, a dressing room and 103 parking spaces.

The floor plans also include a kitchen and a security office.

On the stage, the application says, performers would dance nude to recorded music.

Showtime would be prohibited from selling alcohol of any kind at the club, and patrons would not be allowed to bring alcohol in, according to town bylaws.

Selectmen have not yet set a date for a public hearing. When they do, a group called Speak Out Mendon will make sure its opposition is heard.

Laurie Sweet, a member of the group, said it doesn't matter how big or small a strip club is.

"There are still effects in town as far as police force, the traffic on the road, and anything else that comes with this type of enterprise. We still need to make sure we can handle it as a town and keep patrons and citizens and customers safe," she said.

Sweet hopes people will follow the developments and support Speak Out Mendon.

"A new business will make a wave, no matter where you put it," she said.

Sweet urges people to e-mail volunteer@speakoutmendon.org if they'd like e-mail updates or to help the effort.

Showtime Entertainment's first license was denied in September 2008 after selectmen voiced concerns about parking, traffic and public safety.

Selectman Michael Ammendolia said he was concerned about the business owners' lack of experience running a strip club. In their application, Christopher Funari is described as a "landscape supply owner/businessman," and George Funari is described as a "builder/businessman."

Showtime Entertainment applied for the same license in March 2009, but selectmen denied it, citing a law that no similar application may be filed within one year of a previously denied application for an adult entertainment license.

Showtime took Mendon to court on the matter, arguing the second application was not similar to the first, but the court sided with the town.

Selectmen will set a date for the public hearing on the new Showtime application during their meeting Monday night.

Krista Perry can be reached at kperry@cnc.com or 508-634-7546.

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