When last we spoke of ÒgentlemanlyÓ things, Lake HighlandsÕ pride and joy known as ÒP.T.Õs GentlemenÕs ClubÓ was scheduled to go before the CityÕs License and Appeal Board to plead its case to retain its special exemption to operate as a sexually-oriented business (i.e., strip joint).
Many of you have asked me insightful questions like: Is there a cover charge? Do they offer group discounts? And is anybody videotaping plates in the parking lot? Well, keep your pants on Ð hereÕs what happened.
The hearing took place on Aug. 26 and lasted three hours. The first thing I learned is that P.T.Õs is owned by a guy named Nick Mehmeti. So why isnÕt it called ÒN.M.ÕsÓ? I guess Neiman Marcus would object.
Anyway, Mehmeti owns another strip joint and three restaurants, but he testified that P.T.Õs is his best money-maker, grossing from $2.5 million to $3.5 million annually. Annual tax revenue (all taxes) exceeds $1 million. With numbers like these, it is very likely that P.TÕs is the most successful restaurant/club in Lake Highlands. Why hasnÕt the Exchange Club recognized such success?
As you probably know, a City ordinance prohibits strip joints from operating within 1,000 feet of a residential neighborhood, church, school, park, Marv Albert or Bill Clinton. P.T.Õs is within 1,000 feet of a residential area and the White Rock Park bike/jogging trail and, therefore, violates the ordinance.
However, if a strip joint can demonstrate that it is not lowering property values, causing urban blight or threatening public decency Ð and is making somebody a lot of money Ð it can obtain a one-year exemption from the effect of the ordinance.
MehmetiÕs lawyer Roger Albright presented three witnesses at the hearing: Wesley Roemer, a real estate appraiser who testified that P.T.Õs has absolutely no effect on surrounding property values; Dr. Neil Stout, who conducts random drug tests on MehmetiÕs employees every month; and Robert Payne, who owns the land on which P.T.Õs sits and leases it to Mehmeti.
Dr. Stout testified that he had tested 310 employees at P.T.Õs since Jan. 1 and had found ÒonlyÓ 30 or so who tested positive. Mr Payne described Mehmeti as a model tenant, who always pays his rent on time (which is most landlordsÕ definition of a model tenant). He also described the park as nothing more than Òswamp.Ó
I also learned that Mehmeti is a deeply religious man, whose beliefs forbid him to drink alcohol. Although P.T.Õs is open seven days a week and Mehmeti visits the club every day, he prefers not to work on Sundays because that is when he likes to spend time with his family.
Several homeowners from the Cloisters and Merriman Park homeownersÕ associations testified at the hearing in opposition to P.T.Õs. They said a strip joint just doesnÕt fit in a family neighborhood.
After three hours, the three-member panel deliberated for 15 minutes and granted P.T.Õs another exemption to operate. The panel members were: Charles Contreras (appointed by City Councilman Steve Salazar), Sheli Barnett (appointed by City Councilman Louis Finkelman), and Darnell Pemberton (appointed by City Councilman Barbara Mallory).
Do you agree or disagree with the panelÕs decision? Just because P.T.Õs is a strip joint that sells sex and alcohol with employees that are tested (and fail 10 percent of the time) for drugs every month and it happens to be next door to a retirement home, residential neighborhoods, townhouses, and a heavily-used bike/jogging trail, is that any reason to shut it down?
After all, Mr. Mehmeti is a deeply religious man who doesnÕt drink alcohol and likes to spend time with his family. HeÕs just trying to make a living. I understand he also has some swampland in Florida he would like to sell you.
Hello? Is anyone paying attention?
Bill Keffer, a Lake Highlands resident, writes about neighborhood issues each month. Editorial cartoons are drawn by neighborhood resident Brad McMillan. Their opinions are not necessarily those of the Advocate or its management. Send comments and ideas to them at 6301 Gaston, Suite 820, Dallas 75214, or FAX to 823-8866.
