CENTRAL CITY, Colo. — A heated debate is going on in Central City after the mayor unveiled a proposal to relax city ordinances, paving the way for strip clubs and other adult entertainment venues.
The contentious proposition wasn’t on Tuesday night’s city council agenda, but the meeting still drew a significant crowd, many of whom voiced strong opposition during the public comment session.
The proposed changes would ease restrictions on sexually oriented businesses (SOBs), specifically enabling a steakhouse strip club to occupy a prominent building at the entrance to the city's main street downtown.
Mayor Jeremy Fey is the primary advocate for the plan. He explained that the city initially approved the concept when RCI Hospitality Holdings presented it a few years ago, but now faces challenges in amending the ordinance to accommodate the business.
Fey argued that this move would stimulate the local economy and spur further development projects. He highlighted an empty lot across from Main Street, earmarked for a potential hotel and casino, as a key area for revitalization.
"Those types of developers want to see a vibrant, full Main Street. They don't want to see empty buildings," Fey said. "Economic revitalization of this town is very important to me, and we're just in the sixth inning or so; we've got a few more innings to go."
However, many residents who spoke at the meeting expressed concerns that such establishments would be inappropriate for the city, especially its Main Street. They feared the potential increase in crime and the type of crowd the strip club might attract.
"Why a strip club? If you wanted to have a fine dining experience, I understand, but I'm just curious why a strip club?" one woman questioned during the public comment session.
Eric Langan, CEO and president of RCI Hospitality Holdings, also spoke during public comment, asserting that a strip club is the only viable option to draw tourists from the nearby gambling hub of Blackhawk to Central City. If approved, it would be the first strip club in the entire gambling district.
City council has yet to announce a date for the vote, and it could be several months before a decision is made.
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