Thursday, July 10, 2008 | 2:19 p.m.
Oldtimers remember Commercial Center as a place for wholesome pursuits - picking up a birthday cake in the bakery at Vegas Village, or some hardware (hammers and nails, not computer components) at Von Tobel's, skating the couples' song at the Ice Palace or devouring a pastrami on rye at Commercial Deli.
But on the east edge of Commercial Center, just beyond the very prim and proper folk at John Fish Jewelers, a seamier side of Las Vegas thrives, and has for years.
You've heard the names... the Fantasy Social Club, the Red Rooster Too and the World Famous Green Door... names provocative enough to arouse curiousity yet obscure enough to skate just under the county's radar.
Then along comes Sextasy. Is there any doubt what's on the menu at this establishment, which sought and was denied a restaurant license? Owner David Cooper admits Sextasy is a swingers' club, as is the Green Door - just check its website. Cooper even sought the same licenses as the Green Door and through the same attorney.
The nearby Hawks' Gym and Entourage are licensed as health clubs (though one application specifies "no weights") but in reality are gay bath houses.
Regardless of your moral judgment of such activities, citizens should be concerned about what appears to be selective vision on the part of county licensing, which turns a blind eye to almost all the illicit operations.
Cooper thinks his bad fortune can be traced to politically connected competitors and the county's desire to buy the building for a redevelopment project. We wanted to ask the county about the denial and how it can use taxpayer money to relocate illegal businesses, but no takers.
Hear from Cooper and his attorney, Kristina Wildeveld, tonight.
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