City OKs building, but adult entertainment remains on hold

Raleigh, N.C. — City officials have approved plans for a strip club in northwest Raleigh, but an ongoing court battle could prevent the club from ever opening as an adult entertainment venue.

Capital Cabaret would be a two-story, 10,700-square-foot club on Mount Herman Road near Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Plans include a large stage and several VIP rooms.

Neighbors have fought the club, which formerly went by the name The Runway, for three years, saying it would adversely affect the value of their businesses.

The city's approval of the building plans means the club's owners can start construction, but the challenge to a city permit allowing it to operate as a strip club remains before the state Court of Appeals.

The state Supreme Court ruled in December that the neighbors have the legal standing to challenge the city permit because of the traffic, parking and safety concerns they raised.

Attorneys for the club owners said they hope the Raleigh's approval of the building plans will bolster their cause in court.

Thee Doll House on Yonkers Road, which opened in 1992, was the new last strip club approved in Raleigh. The city doesn't allow adult entertainment clubs to locate within 2,000 feet of residential areas, offices, churches, day cares, schools or other adult clubs.

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Latest Comments

I'm sure it will be approved, because half of the legislature will be in there after sessions.

streetfightinman
February 20, 2009 1:09 p.m.

But it's near Brier Creek!!!

Red
February 19, 2009 8:18 p.m.

Neighbors are worried about property value? This place is across the street from Ward Transformer, which is a highly contaminated PCB superfund waste site that currently has a toxic waste incinerator running 24/7. It is also right under the final approach path for a major airport. I don't think you could find a less desirable plot anywhere in the city. A strip club could only help property value!

smitty
February 19, 2009 7:34 p.m.

"The city doesn't allow adult entertainment clubs to locate within 2,000 feet of residential areas, offices, churches, day cares, schools or other adult clubs."

since they are building houses, offices, churches, day cares and schools on every piece of available land it will be hard to ever find a piece of land that can be used for an adult club...!!!