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Officials disagree with Go-Go ruling
Austintown officials spoke out against a judge’s ruling regarding the Go Go Cabaret.
By Elise Franco
AUSTINTOWN — Not everyone is happy that the Go Go Cabaret is allowed to reopen.
Township Trustee Dave Ditzler called a news conference Thursday to respond to a Wednesday ruling by Judge Lou D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
“Austintown officials are appalled and outraged at the decision,” Ditzler said.
Judge D’Apolito ruled May 27 that the club was to be closed for up to one year with a provision that the cabaret may apply for release from the order after 90 days.
Ditzler said he took issue with Wednesday’s ruling because the club was shut down for only 65 days, from May 27 to July 30. The ruling stated that the cabaret was given credit for the days it was closed beginning May 1 after police raided the business.
The township trustee said the quick reopening also didn’t allow township officials time to review the Go Go’s plans.
“The cabaret was required to file a specific plan to ensure the nuisances were abated,” Diztler said. “Reopening within three days of the filing ... doesn’t allow us the opportunity to review the plan or properly respond.”
He said he’s looking into ways to reverse Judge D’Apolito’s decision.
Trustees Lisa Oles and Bo Pritchard weren’t present at the news conference. Oles said she doesn’t want to get involved in the disagreement.
“As far as the ruling goes, it’s the judge’s call, not the trustees’,” she said.
Owner Sebastian Rucci “has 11 plans in place to stop the drug use, he paid the $10,000 and he removed all the obnoxious and flamboyant advertisements. He also dropped two zoning appeals,” she added.
Ditzler said that it’s true that Rucci has remedied the club’s zoning issues but that it’s not enough.
“You can visually see the zoning concerns have been removed,” he said.
Ditzler noted drug arrests were made at the business. “You need proof that won’t happen again.”
Oles said at this point Rucci doesn’t have a liquor license, so it’s likely the business won’t open right away.
“We are opposed to the liquor license based on the previous under- age drinking,” she said.
Ditzler said the Ohio Liquor Control Commission already has denied the club’s liquor license, and Rucci has appealed.
“I do believe the only reason he wouldn’t open tomorrow is because of that issue,” Diztler said.
Rucci couldn’t be reached to comment Thursday evening.
Police Chief Bob Gavalier said if and when the Go Go reopens, it will be treated as any other business in the township.
“As long as they obey the laws, we’ll have no problem with it being open,” he said.
Wednesday’s ruling stated Go Go management “has rewritten their employment policies, providing for pat-down searches, drug testing and criminal background checks,” the ruling said. “Other acceptable changes have been made to monitor the entertainers, employees and patrons.”
Ditzler, however, said he thinks the only way to avoid the same problems in the future is a change in management.
efranco@vindy.com
metz87 (869 comments)posted 3 months, 19 days agoLike that would ever happen. Canfield is too well perfect for that kinda stuff. Well they think they are.
TB (324 comments)posted 3 months, 19 days ago not too perfect for kiddie porn, drugs, and prostitution though
maybe if the building were made to look like a Victorian house from the 1800s it would be allowed
ChadSnaggler (44 comments)posted 3 months, 18 days ago there are more serious problems in austintown than the go go. why don't you clen up the dirt bags on fairview rd.
metz87 (869 comments)posted 3 months, 18 days ago Some things can not be figured out. I do think they pick on some people at times and let other people go.
TB (324 comments)posted 3 months, 18 days ago there's a difference between "picking on people" and targeting a business that has spotlights as bright as the bat signal that are visible for at least 5 miles in every direction...not to mention the signage and that ridiculous painting on the satellite dish that violated zoning laws.
foxtrot (681 comments)posted 3 months, 18 days ago The painting on the satellite dish was an objet d'art. The signage was no worse than that on the building on East Midlothian. This entire case is that of the township violating this business' right to freedom of expression.
dick (3 comments)posted 3 months, 18 days ago God bless the Bishop!
Churches are selling out to the world to win approval and it is good to see a man of conviction holding ground .
TB (324 comments)posted 3 months, 17 days ago <i>The painting on the satellite dish was an objet d'art</i>
hahahaha ok
metz87 (869 comments)posted 3 months, 17 days ago You know it really comes down to people's opinion on things some people had no problem with the sattlite dish,but others did. You mgith thnk sometihg is ugly while Imight tihnk it's beautuful. Are either of us worng,no but then again why side one way or the other?
TB (324 comments)posted 3 months, 16 days ago I guess if someone paints a large picture of male genitalia on the house next door to yours, then they should be able to. I wish I knew who lived next door to foxtrot and metz so we could see if they are that committed to what they propose.
metz87 (869 comments)posted 3 months, 16 days ago You see thats' is different,what is worng with a picture of a women,is it really that or the sattlite dish? There is notihng offensive about that unless you make it that way.
TB (324 comments)posted 3 months, 15 days ago okay. let's put a picture of a crack pipe next to the apartments you live in then
metz87 (869 comments)posted 3 months, 15 days ago Again bad example. Now if it was a picture of a women with her breasts showing yes that is wrong but it wasn't was it?
TB (324 comments)posted 3 months, 14 days ago Even if it's an objet d'art? Why would it be a bad example?
You yourself said there are drugs in the apartments.
metz87 (869 comments)posted 3 months, 14 days ago What I mwenat is you are comparing two different thigns,I never said it would be bad.
TB (324 comments)posted 3 months, 14 days ago but the premise holds true. if you're going to defend the sign, then defend them all
metz87 (869 comments)posted 3 months, 14 days ago Why it is not the same?
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Comments
Ditzler is a dipsh**!!
Ditzler is a ditz! There is no way to prove that a drug transaction won't occur ANYWHERE! Drug transactions occur in the parking lot of the Austintown Plaza, yet he knows he can't shut that facility down. He's just jealous that the girls at the Go-Go look a lot better than any he's ever had.
HAHAHAHAHA!! Foxtrot, you kill me! And you speak the truth! Funny cause its true!
He has had a lot of complaints from citizens regarding this business. I think he is doing exactly what he thinks best for the township.
He has had complaints from the usual bunch of complainers who have nothing better to do with their time than complain about everything that doesn't suit their lifestyles! If you don't like it don't go there! As for drugs if you want to stay away from them then stay in your house because they are everywhere!
Such a jaded out look on the world. There are not drugs everywhere. There are many people who felt that another strip joint in Atown was not needed. I have no problems with the business, I just don't think our community needed another one. Two aren't enough? Our trustees need to listen to the taxpayers, we vote them in. It is not about going there or not going there, it is about trying to better the community image and bring in new families and non-stripping businesses. Frankly, Atown needs to get rid of half the bars they have too. It is about trying to turn the image around and stop the progression of the YO into Atown. Thing is, I has this feeling that you Newt probably don't even live in Atown.
Obviously there is a market for the strip clubs and bars, otherwise they wouldn't be open. Best way to get rid of them is for nobody to patronize them.
I agree with foxtrot...Ditzler has his mind in the clouds if he thinks that Rucci can prove there won't be any more drug arrests at the club. If we held that standard to every business, no businesses would be open.
Those many people who "felt" that another strip club wasn't needed are blind to the realities of economics. The number of strip clubs needed are the number that can survive economically. Supply and demand applies here. If a 4th, 5th, or 6th club can make a profit, then 4, 5, or 6 clubs should be opened to supply the market. Competition is good, it will serve to keep prices uninflated and at equilibrium values. Austintown does not have an excess of bars, if it did then there would be liquor permits on "inactive" status. As far as Youngstown pushing into Austintown, you have Compass West and the several thousand apartments. As the apartments age and depreciate, they will turn into slums like aging apartment buildings always do. The west side has a long way to go before it is completely destroyed, so Austintown should stay nicer longer than Boardman will. Boardman has the south side slum right next to it, so it should fall fast and hard. Austintown should be trying to convince the bar owners on South Ave. to consider moving their bars there, and issue permits to those who move there.
On the contrary, AtownParent, I do live in Atown and have for some time but I also am not blind to the fact that drugs are in places that you are obviously to oblivious to see! To many people are putting down a business because of a drup issue that is not the businesses complete fault. I am not saying that there completely innocent but if they are willing to take measures to combat the breaking of laws then who are you or anyone else to say they can't open a reputable law abiding business. The location is not in a residential area, and is not noticeable any longer from the freeway so if you aren't looking for it then you wouldn't even know. Any families that are looking to move to the area, which I might add is absurd considering we have nothing but a decline in jobs and we won't let potential ones come back, are looking in areas that are no where near that the Go Go. People are going to go to clubs of this nature, whether they be here or in another town, we might as well get the business.
I am just glad that it is Ditzler in office instead of any of you.
Well AtownParent, I'm also glad its him in office rather than me because I would have shipped your self righteous arse out a long time ago. Go live with the mormons where your beliefs and dislike for any societal beliefs other than your own will be more common!
Yeah, I said it, Mormons, Utah, where you can marry as many wives as you want but you can't be open to the rest of the world! Hypocritic tools!
Ditzler's just doing his job for his constituents. At least he's doing something. Atown has a history of board members and trustees who are pretty much mute.
You are right TB but you have to weigh the goods and bads when starting a fight!
O yeah the GO GO better get over to Giant Eagle and cash my coins in Be nice to AtownParent america you can say what you want and if a strip club opens in your hood you don't have to like it. But man that place is way better then the phonylawn.
You can't completely keep drugs out but If they are going to operate then they need to keep contol of the crowds and get rid of anyone trying to start a problem before it happens if not they should be closed down.
I live in Austintown, and I don't have a problem with the club, as long as they are able to control their patrons while they are on the premisis. If they prove that they can do that, they should be allowed to operate.
There is no objective evidence that strip clubs degrade the communities in which they operate. As long as they are properly run and operate wiithin the paramaters set by the community, there's nothing wrong with them. As far as Ditzler goes.......he's a politician. He'll say whatever he thinks will keep his constituents happy, whether he actually believes what he's saying or not. I doubt he's going to be able to overturn the court's ruling.
These trustees should be voted from office for hindering economic development. The exotic entertainment industry is a solid one, with continuing high demand and profits. Austintown would make a perfect destination community for those seeking this type of entertainment. The fast food restaraunts surrounding these areas would benefit substantially from the increased traffic. The hotels would profit form those who come from out of town to stay here and visit each and every dancer bar. In Rhode Island, the legislators there were smart enough to legalize indoor prostitution, and the bed taxes collected on the motels has been a windfall for the state.
They also have a law that allows 16 year olds to strip. Let's model ours after theirs!
I think someone should open up methlabs in foxtrots community. Think of the economic boon!
TB, I've dealt with your socialist arse before, as you well know. You are just mad because it isn't a government-owned facility that's priced to welfare standards.
boohoo
I proposed something that came from a purely economic standpoint without any clouding from emotion or rationality. Think of the revenue that would be brought in if someone opened a couple meth labs next door to your house! Those people have to eat, sleep, etc. somewhere! It's not like I proposed a homeless shelter or a free clinic. You of all people should see the value of all that money flowing into your neighborhood.
TB, what you are suggesting is illegal. An adult entertainment business is perfectly legal. Exotic dancers are respected by me 100x more than a welfare mother. The exercise provided by the dancing prevents the lady from becoming fat and obese like a typical welfare trash mother. The dancers typically have less children because they know each child results in a loss of income during pregnancy and from stretch marks. This extreme responsibility towards human reproduction saves the taxpayers much as compared to an obese, food stamp receiving, lazy, and entitlement-mentality welfare mother. The dancer will require less medical care due to her physical fitness. Austintown is the perfect community to bring all of these benefits and many more to our region.
Why this area always strives to get gambling approved yet do not want to fully exploit the entertainment industry is lacking in reason. As a wealth transfer mechanism, an exotic dance bar is far more efficient than a facility equipped with gambling machinery. No expensive or technically complex machinery is required. In gambling, odds are only slightly in favor of the house. As a result, the time required for a profit to be generated by the house is relatively lengthy. A dancer on the other hand, takes in money continuously, and the transfers are one-way with no "odds" or money going back and forth.
The number of worker-hours to generate a profit are substantially less, thus guaranteeing economic viability. It is a real WIN-WIN situation. We have the ability to make this area a destination hotspot with current laws. And yet some prissy-minded snobs try to block this due to an obsolete moral philosophy.
Let's legalize it then. We can tax it and use it to generate revenue! You're missing the bigger picture. I'd have thought you could see the financial upside to legalizing meth in your neighborhood.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
This is beyond everyone's control...so relax. The club is owned by a Lawyer and a deal was most likely cut with the Judge long before it was announced to the public.The owner expected a 90 day closure and has been preparing to reopen based on that agreement. The publicity being generated is appreciated and will aid in the operation's success.
Foxtrot, I don' t think we are on the same aisle when it comes to politics, but you are so right. In the GoGo business who really gets hurt? If it's run correctly the girls don't get hurt. They dance, they make money, it's all good. If the girls are buying drugs with their money, then that's an issue, but it's not the fault of the business. TB doesn't have a clue, meth is illegal, if you make it legal, that would destroy many lives, increase crime, and would be uncontrolable. I know your just trying to make a point, you just need to keep trying.
Like many before me said, it's a legal business, if you don't like it don't go there. If one's moving in your neighborhood, then move.
hmmmm...well let's see then. Instead of a meth lab, let's make it...a massage parlor.
I could use a good massage! When is it moving in?! And where?!
Like Club 76 is any different......
Actually drugs prpbably happen in all of them it just goes unreported. I wonder if maybe the trustees go to these other strip clubs sometimes like CLUB 76 and the Bablyon. It would not shock to many people and it is as normal as they going to a bar. nothng wrong with a drink or two or some entartinment.
I am not oblivious to the drugs in any community, but why invite in establishments where drugs, underage drinking, and other illegal behaviors are more likely to occur. While I am not blind to the issues in our community, I am not inviting more in like you are. It is not about being Mormon or a socialist, it is about saying enough is enough and taking a stand to stopping the drugs and illegal activities in our community. If that means one strip club at a time so be it.
They all will have to be clsed then as they all have drugs just maybe not as much or it is not reported.
There is a lot more drugs in the apartment complexes than there is at any business within Austintown. There is no more drugs inside any dancer bar than there is inside any other business that employs people of that age group. This is a case where people are trying to tie an external phenomenon, in this case drugs, to a legitimate business. Drugs are far more likely to occur at Compass West or any of the many apartments located off of Raccoon Rd. There is not much underage drinking at any bar in Austintown. Permits are worth too much and fines are too high for anyone to risk behavior of this sort. At a dancer bar, the typical customer is a middle-aged man, so underage drinking is hardly a concern. It is a known fact that most illegal activity in Austintown occurs within the first 1.5 miles from the border with Youngstown. All of the concerns raised thus far against dancer bars are illusions created to mask a determination to discriminate based upon an obsolete moral philosophy.
http://pics4.city-data.com/ztrends/44515...
They were cited for underage drinking at the Go-Go. There goes your theory.
Doesn't Austintown already have enough strip clubs? Club 76 and the Babylon along with all the trouble in the Wedgewood plaza have created enough trouble for the township and police to deal with.
I praise the trustees for trying to get rid of this place.
If you truly cared how your kids were going turn out, then you would have moved to Canfield. Canfield is far superior to Austintown. Austintown is ready-made for partiers, bikers, unruly juveniles, truckers, prostitutes, drug users, and naive people. Even if you were to close all bars there, it wouldn't change conditions one iota. The huge numbers of apartments there, all aging and depreciating, will seal the fate of Austintown. The police blotters show the huge discrepancy in crime between Austintown and Canfield. It amazes me that people expect to live in a decent area, yet they can't afford or aren't willing to pay what it costs to do so.
I suggest that all real-estate agents desiring to sell a home in Austintown show the prospective buyers the Compass West facility. Maybe then fewer people will be conned into the idea that Austintown is a strictly middle-class community. The people against these entertainment establishments have misguided thoughts regarding the source off all of the problems in Austintown. It is not the businesses fault, it is the fault of those in the past who allowed a massive amount of apartments to be built.
Some parts of Austintown aren't bad, some are, depends on what side of the town you live on.
Drugs are a real hidden issue in Austintown, I don't think people of the township want to admit to themselves that there are plenty of drug problems. Especially as you point out in the apartments and also on the Youngstown side of Austintown. The Wedgewood area also seems to be pretty bad to me as far as crime in the apartment area.
Foxtrot, you hit the nail right on the head. You must sacrifice and pay for the better things in life. I left the area years ago for a better life for my family. I grew up on the Southside a 1977 grad from South high and I swore my family would not be subjected to that life. Because of that My daughters one a nurse and the other a Dr.
Hey foxtrot, you wouldn't happen to have an interest in this place, now would you? I ask only because you are really defending it. Which one of these strip clubs have the best looking dancers? Seriously, you do bring up a few good points. These clubs are in existance because there is a market for it. There are a few in the area that have been in existance for quite some time. If they weren't getting the customers in, they would close. They should be a safe distance from residential areas, kept clean, have security and check ID's. Most are in truck stop areas anyway. Afterall, it is called "adult entertainment." However, the flip side of this is that most of the women that work at these clubs are stripping to support their drug habit, and are not above doing other things for additional cash on the side. I did say "most", not all. Although the owners cannot and do not promote prostitution for fear of losing their liquor license, most have backrooms that are advertised as being for lap dances, but is there anyone watching to verify that is all that is happening there? How many dancers actually get fired for going home with a customer, or out to the parking lot? What would these women be doing if they didn't strip for money? Probably living in Compass West? I wonder if there is a hiring process.
"Canfield is far superior to Austintown."
I don't know. This summer I remember multiple prostitution busts, drug busts, and even an arrest for child pornography. Sounds like Canfield isn't all it's reported to be.
http://pics4.city-data.com/ztrends/44406...
about a $30000 drop in house prices...yikes!
Hey I happen to live in Compass West myself. As long as you mind your busniess nothing will happen,athough the kids kinda rule the place since no one watches them and if you tell mangement they tell you to leave the kids alone. As for drugs idon't know many places that don't have them,it seems to be no worse here then say at Kerrybrook or Fountian Sqaure. It is true though that we had alot of people come over form Valley View and things do seem to be getting worse over time.
I have no interest in this particular place, however I do have an interest in the overall economy of this entire region. I live here too. All of the people traveling down the freeways in Austintown have money, and they are going to spend their money somewhere. If we get them to leave the freeway and spend their money here on anything, then that is more money spent here and not spent down the road. Irregardless of what the dancers and workers spend their money on, that is money spent in this region and that will benefit this region. Austintown is particularly well situated to benefit from this as it has 6 highway approaches (80w/11s, 680w, 11n, 76e, 76w, 80e).
Maybe instead of relying on naked women for income from the interstate travel, another field could be pursued?
Every other market is saturated. Many of you, especially socialists, are just jealous that fine women are worth more economically than are non-fine, obese women. Not all dancers use drugs, either. I've dated some dancers years ago, and some of them didn't even drink. Some of the finer girls at Compass West and the various other apartment complexes may choose to dance in order that they may move to a nicer area. By them not having a place to work, it would keep them in poverty and on the dole. Capitalism rules! All people are NOT worth the same! So don't be getting jealous over the economic value of these fine women.
Well then that is the answer! Hey, listen up all you "fine women" that live in Compass West and other low rent apartment complexes who want to get out of poverty. Go get a job at a strip club and you too can improve your status on the social ladder!!!
That tears it then...strip clubs on every other corner in Canfield! Foxtrot has convinced me.