The anomalous relationship between adult entertainment and Cheshire Bridge Rd. may soon be coming to an end. The Atlanta City Council plans to vote Monday on whether adult businesses located on the street should be forced to move.
Residents of the area handed out fliers on Sunday insisting that people contact the council before the vote took place.
Jane Rawlings is hoping that the vote will help improve her neighborhood.
“Property values decrease as one approaches Cheshire Bridge Road,” Rawlings told WSB. “The neighborhood suffers from increased crime.”
Supporters of the change are convinced that if the mandatory removal of the adult businesses within five years is approved by the Atlanta City Council community conditions will improve.
On the other side of the vote, strip club employees are hoping that they will be able to remain working at their establishments.
“I am an example that we can have our children go to a prestige college by working at a strip club” says Danielle Granger, a strip club employee.
Opponents of the proposal believe it is illegal and feel that it will change the essence of the neighborhood.
“It’s diversity. Its strangeness. It’s excitement. It’s what makes Cheshire Bridge, Cheshire Bridge and what makes Atlanta, Atlanta,” attorney Aubrey Villines said.
Villines is a representative of the Onyx Nightclub and is willing to take the issue to court if the proposal is approved. Those who want the clubs closed are willing to go the same route.
“This is a bold new tool and it should be tested and hopefully it will be tested and decided in favor of the city of Atlanta,” Councilman Alex Wan said.
“We are a patient community. We are an engaged community. We intend to see the vision realized,” Rawlings said.
The bill was originally approved by the Atlanta Zoning Committee and the Council is expected to make a decision on the proposal today.
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