Dear Editor,

I have had many conversations with members of our City Council and know that we all share the goal of promoting Central City as a center of arts, family-friendly entertainment, outdoor activities, as well as to support the casino industry that benefits not only Gilpin County, but historic preservation projects across the state. However, the ill-advised effort to approve a strip club in the most prominent location on Main Street in Central City puts that future at risk.

The potential harm is very real, and even the proposed ordinance seeking to amend the municipal code states, “Sexually oriented businesses can have deleterious effects on both neighboring businesses and surrounding residential areas, causing an increase in crime and a decrease in property values.” While the City claims that these risks can be mitigated, the risks are not worth the revenue.

After an outcry from residents in 2022, the City and RCI assured everyone that they would not open a strip club and would operate a steakhouse/casino instead. RCI put up billboards along the Parkway earlier this year announcing its new casino properties. Their application for a gaming license from the Colorado Division of Gaming was delayed, so they are now returning to the strip club concept. Out of nowhere, proposed ordinances to change the municipal code were presented at the May 21 meeting of the City Council. Residents are rightfully upset about the lack of transparency around how all this came about and how it is presented as a “done deal.”

A January 16, 2024, article in the Denver Post reports that, while strip clubs in Denver are fairly well-regulated, it is not uncommon for young women in the clubs to be arrested for solicitation for prostitution, adding that charges are rarely filed. While it is important to note that these young women are not part of the business operations of the clubs, it is an example of the kind of activities that can result from sexually oriented businesses.

We recognize the First Amendment challenges faced by the City in seeking to accommodate sexually oriented businesses. Being on the City Council is a tough job and we are grateful to all the members for their service. However, they must take time to ensure the right decision is made for the good of residents and the City, seeking legal advice from state officials as needed. The right approach would be to table the ordinance until this due diligence is completed.

Please plan to attend one of the upcoming public meetings to learn more. They will be held at the Elks Club at 6 p.m. on June 2 and 3.

Peter Droege, Central City