A proposed West End strip club faces opposition from a city councilman and at least one neighborhood group unhappy that exotic dancers and alcohol could be available steps from an alcoholism recovery center.

Patrick Risha, 26, of Belle Vernon, asked the Pittsburgh Planning Commission Tuesday to approve his plan to open a club on West Carson Street near the West End Bridge because it meets city zoning requirements and would not touch any residential areas.

Risha said the 5,000-square-foot strip club would be in a now-vacant building about 800 feet from the Ohio River. He described it as “higher class with leather couches and sofas,” and said it would be named after his company, Marquise Investments Inc.

“It is not going to be a dive bar in any way,” Risha said.

He said the business could benefit from clientele traveling to or from the North Shore casino set to open August 2009 on the opposite side of the Ohio River.

“There’s no denying that having a casino would help,” Risha said after he spoke before the commission.

In 2005, City Council passed a law that prohibits strip clubs, pawn shops and check-cashing stores from being built within 1,000 feet of a gambling venue. Risha’s club would fall outside that zone.

The planning commission will review his plans at a public hearing set for Nov. 4. City Council must approve the application as well.

“I have some concerns with the location,” said Councilman Dan Deasy. “Next door they have a facility for recovering alcoholics. It just sends a bad message.”

The operators of the alcoholic recovery organization known as the Onala Club protested the building’s use as a strip club in 1999.

An Allegheny County judge ruled the owners could not allow strippers to perform in what was then called Tiffany’s Place because the occupancy permit permitted a banquet hall, not a strip club.

Planning Commission member E. Paul Dick asked if Risha plans to acquire a liquor license.

“Liquor will be given away,” Risha replied.

“That will bring you a lot of customers,” said Wrenna Watson, chairwoman of the planning commission.

Elmer Clark, president of the West End Elliott Citizens Council, said he wasn’t aware of the proposed club.

“That’s not the kind of development we want to be here,” Clark said.

“I don’t know how that’s going to work with our Weed & Seed program,” Clark said, referring to the federally funded effort under way in eight western city neighborhoods to reduce crime and encourage wholesome developments such as senior centers and playgrounds.

Risha said his father, West Mifflin Area School District Superintendent Patrick A. Risha, is not involved in his plans. The elder Risha did not return a message left at his office.

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