A public hearing will take place Tuesday, June 16, before the Chelsea License Commission regarding an application for an upscale strip club proposed by Phantom Ventures at the former King Arthur’s location on Beecham Street.
At last month’s meeting, an attorney representing Phantom Ventures submitted the application, characterizing the establishment as a luxury gentlemen’s club featuring a dress code and completely nude dancing. The submission also detailed building renovations and included a request for a liquor license.
During its regular meeting, the License Commission will conduct the public hearing at 6 p.m. The Commission is not expected to vote on the application at that time, however.
The hearing will instead provide community members an opportunity to voice support or opposition, allowing Commissioners to gauge public sentiment on the proposal.
District 8 Councillor Dan Cortell has already weighed in with an op-ed urging rejection of the application.
“Prior to last year, King Arthur’s was a remnant of Chelsea’s past we were stuck with until the opportunity to see it closed presented itself,” Cortell wrote. “Now a city without a strip club, I see no benefit to the opening of a new one at the same location or anywhere else in our city that has long been working toward better things. Based on Chelsea’s small size, all property, I believe, is worth more now that it is no longer within a mile or so of a strip joint, especially Admiral’s Hill and The Waterfront neighborhood, both even closer. I urge all who agree with me to make his or her opinion known to Licensing Commissioners in person during the public speaking section of the meeting.”
King Arthur’s closed last summer after owners lost their licenses on a technicality stripped by the Commission.
The location might possibly be grandfathered for continued use for at least another year, though this determination has not yet been officially made.
The Tuesday meeting agenda includes other matters as well.
Plaza Mexico infractions will again come before the Commission, with discussion of police reports from an incident earlier this year. Previously, operating hours were reduced and the license suspended following an extended hearing held over two sessions last month addressing police concerns dating to 2013.
El Carriel at 9-11 Williams St. will also appear before the Commission to address complaints filed against the bar/lounge.