Legislation that would phase out Cheshire Bridge’s iconic strip clubs moved forward Wednesday with approval from Atlanta’s zoning committee.
Councilman Alex Wan is behind the proposal that would give adult entertainment clubs such as the Onyx and Bliss five years to relocate. Wan said he introduced the legislation, backed by residents and Cheshire Bridge neighborhood planning units, to help the area achieve its master plan. Proponents of the ordinance say the adult clubs are preventing economic development there.
“This is easily the most significant piece of legislation I’ve championed,” Wan said at the packed meeting, attended by residents and several dozen adult club employees. “My fundamental belief is that if a community goes to that much effort, the city should do everything it can to (implement) that vision.”
But opponents, which include adult club owners and employees, commercial landholders and developers, say the legislation amounts to a taking of property and pledge to fight it in court.
“I don’t think they understand the depth and threat of this ordinance … their efforts are unconstitutional,” said attorney Aubrey Villines, who represents the Onyx. “They can say they’re not taking it, but they’re taking it.”
The zoning committee approved the legislation by a three to two vote, with one abstention. Councilwomen Keisha Lance Bottoms and Carla Smith joined Wan in passing the measure. Councilmen Howard Shook and Ivory Lee Young, Jr. voted against it, and Councilwoman Joyce Sheperd abstained.
The legislation now heads to the full council for consideration and is expected to be taken up this Monday.
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