Crestwood mayor prepares to fight proposed strip club

CRESTWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- Crestwood is preparing for a fight with a restaurant owner who wants to open a 10,000-square-foot strip club in the south suburb.

The mayor says beyond fights over zoning and other legal matters, he won't issue a liquor license for the establishment that would be built in an empty industrial building. But nearby towns have fought long and expensively to keep such adult entertainment facilities out - often unsuccessfully.

In the town famous for knowingly distributing tainted water to its residents, a new mayor says his reform agenda includes acting on the community's desire to bring the right kinds of businesses to Crestwood, not strip clubs.

"They just said it brings drugs in, it brings sex traffic in, all kinds of crimes - that's what they're telling us. And they don't want it," said Crestwood Mayor Lou Presda.

Jamie Marcanio, the owner of roadside eatery "At The Office" wants to turn a former granite countertop showroom in an industrial-zoned part of Crestwood into a gentlemen's club.

He's promising 20 new jobs, spruced up lands, and a continued commitment to the town's charities. But the mayor says he's got the people - and a united board of trustees - behind him for a possibly expensive fight.

"It's very personal. This is a great family town, a great family community, lots of young women. We have lots of great sports clubs supporting strengthening our young women in town, and I don't think it will be a good fit," said Theresa Flynn, Crestwood trustee.

But first amendment arguments have often allowed adult establishments to take root despite community concerns, including in nearby Bedford Park, where the town spent $400,000 in legal costs but eventually had to accept a strip club. In a place where the tainted water scandal set back taxpayers millions, the mayor says insurance will cover his legal bills.

"I think we can do it. We'll take a chance," said Presda.

In a phone call, Mr. Marcanio said he means well and it is the city that wants to take this to court. On an unofficial Crestwood Facebook page, he has some supporters, but at a planning commission hearing on the matter scheduled for September 26, he should be prepared to answer objections.

Crestwood's mayor promises any legal fight will cost local taxpayers nothing. He would not say how much he has set aside in the village's budget for a legal challenge which he says is sure to come.