| Sign up | Log in | Forgot Password |
The New York strip-club chain Scores has applied for an adult cabaret license in Philadelphia. The proposed location on 450 North 6th Street borders Philadelphia's Historic Area and would be a block and a half from the National Constitution Center and Independence Mall: the heart of America's history and one of the most heavily traveled tourist destinations in the country.
As Gov. Rendell noted in December, "I don't want a casino two blocks from the historic area. That would make no sense. If I were a family from Des Moines, that would turn me off."
If not a casino, then why a strip club? North 6th Street is a popular tourist route because it affords easy access by car to the National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, and soon, Mayor Street's revitalization of Historic Franklin Square, a family friendly park featuring a playground and the Liberty Carousel.
Conversely, Scores categorizes the proposed 6th Street location as an "industrial area," and touts its strip club as "the highest and best use." But while the zoning may remain industrial, industrial users have largely vacated the area. Former warehouses and plants are being converted into residential uses at a rapid pace to accommodate Center City's expansion.
Miles & Generalis, a real estate firm which has developed many projects in the immediate area, has invested $100 million in a 200-unit warehouse loft conversion at 444 North 4th Street. As Alex Generalis points out, 6th Street is becoming a "connecting corridor" that merges the new residential areas with the Independence Mall area. The presence of a strip club here "would seriously damage revitalization efforts."
The Reverend James D. Von Dreele, executive director of the Seamen's Church Institute, is also deeply concerned. Seamen's Church Institute has invested $5 million in its facilities at 475 North 5th Street. Scores "will degrade our investment in this community." He adds, "Clearly, this club is also not compatible with the residential development taking place here."
If granted a zoning certificate to operate, signage and advertisements on nearby billboards for an adult use would have adverse visual impact. Not only would a strip club repel growth at this location, but it could also create a pocket of stagnancy.
With its nationally recognized brand and reputation, a Scores strip club will attract customers no matter where located. There are many available locations further away from residences, playgrounds and national treasures; any of which would be far more suitable for a sexually explicit adult use.
View letters others have written.
This appeal was written by Mitch Deighan, a resident of Northern Liberties for over 30 years and past President of Northern Liberties Neighbors Association.
The person responsible for this letter writing campaign is Rev. James D. Von Dreele, email vondreele @ sciphiladelphia.org.