SHAWNEE, KS (KCTV) -
A Shawnee, KS, club is closing after getting some unwanted publicity. A report called the group a sex club, but the man who operates it said that's just not true.
It's in a discreet industrial building surrounded by homes and even a school. Now concerned residents are upset with the city saying they can't shut down the so-called adult nightclub.
At first glance the business looks just like all the other industrial buildings off of Martindale Road near 71st Street, but a look through the tinted glass and people will see posted signs inside that some said could give the impression more goes on inside than they might think.
Many residents in the neighborhood said they have their suspicions that the business is a late-night sex club. Kyle Green lives down the street and said he always had a feeling something was going on.
"I've driven by and seen a lot of people and heard music going on," he said.
But the man who said he operates the adult club disagrees. He wouldn't go on camera, but told KCTV5's Stephen Mayer he's used the building for two years and has worked closely with the police and fire departments to make sure he's not violating any laws.
The man said no one has sex inside the building and that he simply provides a safe place for people with similar interests to meet.
City Manager Carol Gonzalez backed up his claims. She said the city hasn't found any violations and that, because it's a private party inside a private building, the city's hands are tied.
But that doesn't cut it for Green who's worried about crime creeping into the neighborhood – one that has a preschool just a few blocks away.
"I think the city should not have this in the neighborhood. Especially in a business area right next to a residential you will bring crime into the area," Green said.
The business' owner called KCTV5 Friday night and said Saturday's party will be their last at the Shawnee venue. He said the city has been good to them and he doesn't want to cause them any trouble.
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