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Strip club upsets community
A topless club is getting ready to open in the heart of Springfield's revitalization district this June, in a familiar location.
For three weeks, workers contracted by the Richmond-based strip club Paper Moon have been feverishly remodeling the inside of the former Dauphine Steakhouse.
“You'd be surprised how much we've accomplished in three weeks,” said one worker.
Closed since July 16, 2006, the topless steakhouse operated for decades under a grandfather clause that allowed it to remain a strip club, despite state laws against such establishments.
Paper Moon bought the property in March. The club will open just in time to meet the two-year window that will allow it to operate under the same clause.
No exterior modifications will be allowed on the property, except for accessibility improvements and signs, or else the 1980 provision allowing the club to operate will be null and void.
The strip club will be the third in Northern Virginia, joining the Crystal City Restaurant in Arlington and the 1320 Club in Springfield, the latter owned by the former owner of the Dauphine Steakhouse.
Representatives from Paper Moon refused to comment and the owner of the 1320 Club could not be reached.
Although Paper Moon could not be denied a permit to run its business, Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay (D) said, “You can be assured that our building code inspectors, police, and ABC Board will closely monitor them. This is not the type of business we want to see in our revitalization area, or anywhere for that matter. Springfield deserves better.”
According to the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan, central Springfield is intended to be a community “focal point,” where the county hopes future development will result in the construction of a town center.
That image faded when long-awaited plans for the mixed-use Springfield Town Center were shelved last year by developer Kettler, due to rising construction costs and a deteriorating housing market.
Springfield Civic Association president Tawny Hammond said that regardless of people's moral standards, from a business standpoint, a strip club in the area is degrading to the community and hinders growth.
“Over the past five years, people have been talking about creating a walkable community that included a community theater, a renovated library, a coffeehouse, a specialty grocer ... Walking to a strip club on a Friday night is not what was envisioned and does not add to the value of homes,” Hammond said.
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