City stands by decision on Crazy Horse Too expansion

Although the approved expansion of the Crazy Horse Too strip club does not conform with city zoning regulations, planners do not believe residents who are appealing the approval to City Council have a case.

The Board of Zoning Adjustment on Jan. 5 approved a variance to allow a 6,000-square-foot addition to the club.

A variance was needed because the zoning code prohibits sexually-oriented businesses from being within 1,000 feet of each other. Before the BZA approved the variance, city planner Phyllis Hargrove told board members that expansion of the club at 2476 Industrial Road should be allowed because there are three sexually oriented businesses in the vicinity, including Crazy Horse Too, that are within 1,000 feet of each other.

"Sexually-oriented businesses are permitted in this zoning district, and staff finds that an increase of this type would not negatively impact the surrounding area," Hargrove said.

But Andrea Smith Banks, one of two residents who have appealed the decision to City Council, disagrees.

"There are a lot of kids in that neighborhood," said Banks, who has owned a 24-unit apartment complex near the club for 28 years. "These kids are here looking at the limos and the ladies coming in to work.

"The little girls are going to grow up to be topless dancers, for God's sake," she said.

Banks said her biggest concern is the increase in crime, drugs and prostitution that could result from the expansion.

The City Council will hear the appeal at its 2 p.m. meeting Monday.

Crazy Horse Too owner Rick Rizzolo said he expanded the club's floor area to provide a new dressing room for the performers with lockers, rest rooms, a tanning area, showers, a steam room and a make-up area.

The old dressing room was converted into another stage area for entertainment, complete with a new bar, storage room and rest room.

Theresa O'Donnell, the city's director of planning and development, said that because Crazy Horse is in a zoned industrial area where sexually-oriented businesses are permitted, she does not believe the expansion has a negative impact.

She is recommending the council reject the appeal.

Chuck Gardner, an attorney representing the neighbors who have appealed, alleges the granted variance violates the city's zoning code in five ways, including the minimum distance requirement.

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