SLT concerned about proposed strip club in Stateline

Publisher’s note: The letter below is dated Jan. 31 and was sent to Michael Brown, manager of Douglas County, by South Lake Tahoe City Manager Dave Jinkens.

Dear Mr. Brown:

Happy New Year to you and county officials! I hope that the year is a good one for all of you. We have certainly had our challenges with a slow economy, and I know we all need to stay focused on ways to improve it in 2010.

I am writing to you in regard to the rumored and reported proposal to open and operate a “Strip Club” at the property near Stateline, Nevada, previously operated as Bill’s Casino. Individual members of the City Council and community members have voiced concerns regarding this proposed activity and its compatibility with existing and proposed businesses in the Stateline area.

Existing operators of businesses in the Stateline area have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to create a diverse venue of gaming, skiing, summer sports, and entertainment that is attractive to the millions of tourists that visit our communities for family-oriented fun and recreation. Great efforts are being made, with the support of the Nevada and California business community (through LTVA and the joint chamber), to promote family-oriented tourism to our communities, and I believe we are making progress in this regard in spite of a slower economy.

I do not claim to be an expert on strip clubs or adult-oriented businesses. I have heard and been told that strip clubs attract a certain clientele that are likely to be incompatible with existing business activity in the area, and it will detract from the family-oriented tourist trade we are seeking on both sides of the Stateline area. I am told as well that strip clubs may contribute to illegal activities that lead to the area becoming less attractive and less safe for local residents and visitors.

I understand and respect that the proposed location of a strip club is not in South Lake Tahoe or California and that the decision to permit such a use rests exclusively with Douglas County officials. I am respectfully asking that your office, other reviewing county departments, and county commissioners carefully evaluate the request and the possible adverse ramifications it could have on the existing Stateline business community and on proposed future development on both sides of the State line. Please ask yourself if this business activity adds to or detracts from the type of Stateline we want to have and create for the future?

I am available to discuss the matter with you or other officials if you wish to do so.

Thank you for your consideration in this regard.

Respectfully,

Dave Jinkens, MPA, South Lake Tahoe city manager