Springfield weighs in on possible downtown gentleman’s club

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The recent announcement of a gentleman’s club concept possibly opening in a downtown venue has generated a lot of discussion among Springfield residents.

A Facebook post made in February announced that Jazzy G’s Gentleman’s Club, a new “test concept” establishment, would be opening at 42 N. Fountain Ave., the site of the the Voodoo Moon House of Blues and Brews, in May. The club, which will feature no nudity but will have “lingerie-clothed waitresses,” is currently being monitored by the city because of a possible zoning violation, according to a letter from the city sent to Voodoo Moon owner Renea Turner.

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News of the concept coming to the downtown area has garnered both positive and negative attention from city residents. Comments left on the Springfield News-Sun Facebook page regarding the matter have loaned a voice to both sides of the issue.

Some commentors feel the idea could be harmful to the family environment surrounding businesses provide.

“This should not be allowed,” Christie Phillips wrote. “Springfield needs more positive and healthy places. Our families and city need and deserve better. The city shouldn’t be giving a warning, it should stop it from happening.”

Ava Trinkler wrote, “I thought we were cleaning up the downtown, making it safe and family friendly. If you put this club here, all the businesses that are already there will leave, then we are back to being a ghost town.”

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Other commentors feel the new idea will spark life into the city’s night scene.

“Downtown is dead,” Joshua Stevens wrote. “I see it like this: if they can make it a success and it brings more business then why not.”

“It will be good to have something in Springfield because there ain’t nothing to do in this town,” David Bobbitt Jr. wrote.

Many reader comments show concern about what could happen to the surrounding area in the future if the business were allowed to operate, such as what might happen to the First Friday events hosted by the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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