POLL: Time For A Renewed Nightclub Crackdown In Port Chester?
It's been more than a decade since the community rallied to close a strip club in Port Chester, but nightclubs of a different breed have filled the void, some say.
Whether it was styled as a gentleman's cabaret or a restaurant, the former Diamond Club in Port Chester was a strip joint.
If there was any ambiguity about that, the line of protesters holding signs along Boston Post Road made it clear what kind of business was operating behind Port Chester's busiest shopping plaza.
The battle over the Diamond Club was waged publicly, and its legacy is marked in cautionary tales and carefully-crafted local laws designed to prevent the same thing from happening again.
But a different breed of nightclub exists in Port Chester, and some say those establishments offer much the same as the closed Diamond Club, with a more subtle way of drawing customers in.
Local anecdotes and internet posts indicate Port Chester is home to so-called "ficha clubs." Ficha -- or ticket -- clubs employ young women who work for commission, charging essentially for companionship and physical proximity.
Forum posts abound from men who have traveled to Port Chester for its ficha clubs, sharing their experiences and dispensing tips to other would-be patrons. Those posts name several nightclubs in Port Chester, some defunct, some still operating. Others identify which clubs might sell more than just bar-side companionship.
It's not clear if existing law, which was fine-tuned after the Diamond Club debacle, can be applied to so-called ficha bars. But a blog post on Port Chester Patch and the resulting feedback from the community indicate the clubs aren't exactly a secret with the general public, and some are calling for a crackdown.
Concerned Homeowner
9:40 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I wonder how many fights, stabbings, drug dealing, and robberies these "ficha" clubs have had in the past in comparison with the diamond club.
Sean A. McNerney
10:27 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I don't know how many there were at the Diamond Club, but I know my local bar, La Dolce Vita, has had at least 4 incidences over the last year or so alone.
John B
10:25 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
For a start, have a fire marshal and a police officer do periodic occupancy inspections.
Jim Byrne
10:31 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
This isn't the Wild West. These types of criminal activity breeding grounds should be STAMPED OUT. No question.
Concerned Homeowner
1:11 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Where are the protesters when we really need them at places like La Dolce Vita and La Gratta? Their is a difference between adult entertainment and criminal activity.
Byron Perez
1:50 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
THE WHITE MAN (MAFIA) OWNS THESE CLUBS, WITH THAT BEING SAID THESE CLUBS WILL NEVER EVER CLOSE DOWN DUE TO THE CONNECTIONS THE OWNERS HAVE IN THIS TOWN AND THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY WILL GIVE TO KEEP THEM OPEN..MONEY TALKS, CRIME PAYS AND WHEN EVERYONE IS GETTIN PAID THEY LOOK THE OTHER WAY..
Sean A. McNerney
1:56 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
While that kind of corruption oriented point of view may seem likely, I'd have to say the results at the Diamond Club beg to differ. And it's way more likely that the mafia ran a strip club than one of these places. I honestly believe shutting down a bar of any sort takes a lot of effort on the part of local officials. I understand the police shut down a dance club on South Main Street a little over a year ago. And my understanding was that it took them almost two years of collecting evidence to make that happen. I'm willing to give the town the benefit of the doubt as long as they show evidence that they're making an effort to improve things.
t
2:12 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Bring back The diamond club. Not everyone has a nice companion so satisfy them at night. The truth is these places will always exist. prostitution is the oldest profession and they're keeping it off the streets. but sadly this place is probably involved with human trafficking unlike the diamond club which was your average working girl. but theese other shit holes like le dolcevita and whatever other ones that around here that have all these people walking out of the bar stumbling and urinating on other peoples properties and leaving broken bottles all over the place those place, as well as the loud noise that is produced in an area that is shared with houses.
MONTANA86
2:49 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I think people should mind their own business!!! Im not a costumer of any of these places nor associate with it. People have to be aware of the less fortunate that make their money this way... in this case, its these females who most likely are single mothers that have to feed their child or children and survive!!! STOP worrying about what others do and worry about what you do!! If you dont like it just remember that Port Chester is not Rye or Harrison and if you live here its because your income is not good enough therefor you belong here along with everyone else in it!! STOP JUDGING!!!
Sean A. McNerney
2:54 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
That's great and all, but you know what, I live 3 doors down from this place. What they do ABSOLUTELY effects me 100%. When the kind of people that come to this establishment shoot guns off at 3 in the morning and pick fights in front of my house, it's a problem. So, sorry to judge, but this directly impacts my quality of life, so they can make a buck. So, please step down off your podium and realize that nothing is that self contained.
Sean A. McNerney
3:19 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
My last comment may have been a bit swift. The bottom line is our society has laws in place so that people my live their lives in peace. These establishments and their employees are breaking those laws. It's as simple as that.
Concerned Homeowner
4:18 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I agree with you when it comes to these low income women trying to put food on the table at home. but what about the drug dealing, the gun shots, the fights, the stabbings? This isnt rye or harrison but its also not a zoo.
MONTANA86
3:33 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I think its time to assimilate and move!!! just like the nomads did!! You seem like a smart humble man and i hear your concern but no one is going to do anything about it as long as that money "under the table" keeps coming in!!! we all know corruption pays!! and someone is getting payed well!!
Sean A. McNerney
3:39 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thanks for the complement, but I'd rather fight to protect my neighborhood and home than just run away. This is certainly not the first place to suffer this kind of problem and these battles have been one before. Maybe it makes me not so smart, but I'll give it my all before I give up my home.
Byron Perez
3:33 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
LAWS ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN LOOK AT ANDY SPANO...WHAT A NICE GUY EEHHH!
Sean A. McNerney
3:41 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
That's why it takes concerned citizens to make sure someone calls out the ones breaking them. People can only get away with things that the rest of us let them get away with. It may take time, effort and a loud voice, but if we don't stand up for what we believe in, who will?
Oscar Delannoya
4:12 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Yes clubs are horrible and bring nothing but illegal activity . On a town that was once known for its night life now is only known for its political corruption , high taxes, traffic, or being the armpit of West Chester . It's a wonder how other surrounding towns can run these devilish sauna's and get away with it . Maybe it's possibly more work for the PCPD and another argument for the trustee's to dance around on why there cutting the budget .
JBT
6:46 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
what a joke... do you people live in a cave???? this has been going on here for over 15 years with complete knowledge of every police officer, trustee and official in the village. And if anyone of them says they didn't know about it they are either lying or need to find another profession.
by the way Montana
Are you saying it is ok to participate in criminal activity if you're down on your luck and need the money? AND some of us are here because we have been here all our lives and like it here. we don't want to be forced out or assimilate to what you and the rest of the illegals believe is acceptable behavior. It has nothing to do with what we can afford. Maybe that is why you are here.
juan
9:58 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
So they charge companiomship ,big deal.
juan
9:59 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Let the ladies work,some people lile the nightlife ,is a free country.
Sean A. McNerney
11:03 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Juan, charging for companionship is against the law in the NY. I myself enjoy the nightlife from time to time, but there are laws in Port Chester that are being broken. Our country is free, but not lawless.
MONTANA86
2:16 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
JBT, I am totally against criminal activity and behavior!!! Keep in mind that you can not change peoples ways or lifestyle, but YOU as an individual, can change the way you think about them!!! Criminals and their acts have been around and will be around. There is nothing us the "civilized" can do about it!! just don't associate yourself with it or play any part in it!! When you say "some of us are here because we have been here all our lives and like it here" such a poor excuse!! sounds to me like you've been handed down your property, therefore you give me the notion that you settled for what you were given and never strived for more! No one is forced to assimilate or do anything but "If the shoe fits, you wear it!!" I myself am not a Native of North America nor am i an "illegal immigrant", but just like almost 98% of the Port Chester population, my family migrated here in the 70's/80's, they legalized themselves through hard work and dedication, bought property and payed it off throughout the years, and moved on to better things! i am fully aware of what goes on in Port Chester and my goal is to make it out of here even though i grew up and love it here!! I would not want my children to be a victim of these acts or even become one of these wrong doers! When you say its not about money and what you can afford, you're 100% wrong! You're income places you were you belong! STOP LIVING IN DENIAL AND ACCEPT REALITY! STOP COMPLAINING AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! IN YOUR CASE, MOVE!
Sean A. McNerney
2:24 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
Montana, please understand that is only your view point. My wife and I actually moved to PC out of choice 4 years ago. We loved it here so much we bought a house here. Not because it's all we could afford, but because we love the community as a whole. While it may be difficult to change the nature of people, it is not impossible to change the nature of a neighborhood. The right amount of effort by the locals who want to improve conditions in a neighborhood can have a very positive effect in the long run. Just look at some of the amazing new establishments that have opened in PC over the last few years. Do you really think Mario Batali opened a restaurant here because he thought it was hopeless? Do you think the new waterfront condos are being built because they think they'll only ever be turned into low income housing? If you've given up, that's your decision. Just don't assume the rest of us share your attitude or situation.
John B
2:44 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
Way to go Mr.McNerney!! In the words of Jimmy V "Don't give up, don't ever give up.
Evil exists when good men do nothing.
PC Expat
2:54 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
Sean - I admire you for doing what you are doing and wish I could do it myself. Just keep in mind that you, the picture you paint and all the new businesses you cite are going to be seen as nothing but gentrifiers and will be portrayed as the "rich" villain by those who have an interest in keeping things the way they are. Hang in there. As long as you keep electing people like Trustee Didden things will continue to get better.
Sean A. McNerney
3:02 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
Thank you all for the kind words. Before I let my involvement get too blown out of proportion here, my main goal is to better my neighborhood of North Main Street. And to get a decent nights sleep. If I'm successful in both, hopefully it will continue to further the ripple effect of the improvements being made to PC.
Jennie B.
10:21 am on Saturday, February 18, 2012
Kudos to Mr. McNerney for having the chutzpah to speak out on this issue. I feel really bad for you and your neighbors for having to deal with this problem. Have you thought about organizing a neighborhood watch or tenant's association? This would provide you with additional support although it may be challenging to start one at first.
What I find frustrating is when I pass by these establishments at night, whether it is Dolce, or La Gratta or Brisas Marinas and see these young girls hanging out. Regardless of what anybody says, these establishment do not bring anything productive to our community, or any community. This past summer a person was found dead right next to La Gratta. Yet, I don't remember if the police were able to find out how he died, where he died (his body appeared in the lot but it doesn't mean he died there), or the killer. All these businesses do is inject a lot of cash into the black market and make the owners of these establishments extremely wealthy. By the way, Nik, can you tell us who the owners are? Have they been fined?