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J-Town Community Revs Up to Fight Strip Club Two long-established Japanese American institutions were joined last Tuesday by the Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) in a fight to prevent a gentleman’s club from opening in the Arts District adjacent to Little Tokyo. In a unanimous vote, LTCC members agreed to supportNishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and Fukui Mortuary in their appeal of a Los Angeles City zoning administrator’s decision that would allow alcoholic beverages to be sold in conjunction with entertainment featuring “clothed and topless dancers.” Last Aug. 14, the zoning administrator granted a conditional use permit to Mohammad Hosseinahmadi of SP Star Enterprises after hearing testimony failed to make a strong case against the sale of alcohol. The permit allows the club, which will be housed in a converted warehouse, to operate from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week. Both the temple and Fukui Mortuary are located within 500 feet of the planned Penthouse Gentleman’s Club at 711 Ducommun St. Other nearby property owners, like Wilson Liu of Taira Investment, have pledged to join them in the appeal. Eric Kurimura, speaking on behalf of Nishi Hongwanji, emphasized that the temple’s weekend services, children’s day care, Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs will be impacted by the close proximity of adult entertainment and possible presence of intoxicated patrons leaving the club. The temple was built in 1965. Another appellant is Gerald Fukui, whosefamily-owned mortuary and chapel have been prominent in the Japanese American community and in the same location for more than 60 years. Even if the alcohol permit is denied, the club could serve non-alcoholic beverages and nudity would be allowed. It would be open to customers with a minimum age of 18. The fear, according to police authorities, is that it could become a hangout for young people and possibly attract gang members. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12, 4:30 p.m., at City Hall, 10th floor. The public is invited. |
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