Editorial: Sex and the city

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007 | 7:09 a.m.

A strip club's proposal to replace its current electronic sign with a much larger one will give the Las Vegas City Council an opportunity Wednesday to show that it respects the views of residents concerned about the integrity of their neighborhoods.

If not rejected, the sign will be a much larger advertisement for the Deja Vu-Little Darlings strip club on Western Avenue, between Charleston Boulevard and Sahara Avenue. It would reach 80 feet into the air, so that its messages would distract - er, attract - even more motorists on Interstate 15.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Mark Hansel, in a story on Monday, wrote that nearby residents fear that the sign will be an X-rated gateway to their community. They are skeptical of the attorney representing the club who says the sign will only flash information and the occasional picture of a woman's face.

"Once it goes up, free speech comes into play," said Stephen Grogan, president of the homeowners association of the Scotch 80s, one of Las Vegas' older neighborhoods.

The Las Vegas Planning Commission granted a variance that permits the sign to be much larger than what is now permitted by city zoning code. The City Council will vote to accept or reject the Planning Commission's approval.

The club's current sign fits within the 720 square feet permitted. The new, double-sided sign is listed by the city at 2,470 square feet.

Two weeks ago Councilman Gary Reese put a hold on the city's vote, expressing concern that the sign's imagery would create a safety hazard on I-15.

We share the concerns of Reese and the Scotch 80s residents. Zoning codes are in place for reasons, with safety and appearances being among them. The city should vote no on the variance request.