Residents of Pittsburgh's West End outraged over a Belle Vernon man's plan to operate a strip club in their community were expected to express their anger late this afternoon on the steps of City Hall.
"This club is going to be located at the gateway of our community," said Sheraden resident Marciani Rossi, who organized the 5 p.m. protest. "Anyone coming to visit us, anyone coming to buy a home, to rent, to attend one of our schools is going to have to pass the club."
She said the club in the 1600 block of West Carson would attract prostitutes and encourage the use of alcohol and drugs.
Patrick Risha, 28, of Belle Vernon, first proposed "Club Marquise" in October 2008.
Neither Risha nor his attorneys could be reached for comment.
Residents believe the club will tarnish the West End neighborhoods. They say the site of the 5,000-square-foot club lacks parking, and customers could impede traffic on West Carson Street.
They also take issue with the club being next door to the Onala Club, a facility that helps people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Onala representatives have argued against the strip club.
In December, attorneys for the city appealed Allegheny County Judge Joseph James' decision to grant a conditional-use permit for the club.
James ruled that the building meets all the objective requirements for an adult-entertainment facility and said the Pittsburgh Planning Commission's decision in November 2008 rejecting Risha's request was made "without making specific findings of fact or reaching any conclusions of law."
Nearly two-dozen opponents spoke before the commission, but James said their arguments represented "allegations of mere possibilities of harm and fall short of the high-degree-of-probability standard necessary to sustain objectors' burden of proof."
Residents said their voices should be heard.
City Councilwoman Theresa Smith, who represents the area, said it's important for residents to have their objections documented officially.
"If the community has concerns, I have concerns," Smith said. "I feel they should at least be afforded a public hearing."
