UPDATE JAN. 25: A Reno city councilwoman is accusing the owners of a strip club of using low-income residents as "political pawns" by threatening to raise the rent at an adjoining weekly motel if the city follows through with a plan to force existing strip clubs out of downtown.
The Reno Gazette-Journal reports dozens of tenants of the Ponderosa Motel pleaded with council members Wednesday to strike a deal with the clubs after the owner of the motel and neighboring White Orchid club threatened to double their rent.
Velma Shoal, who lives at the motel with her 15-year-old granddaughter, was among those who responded to the owner's plea to put pressure on the council. She said the motel is the only thing that keeps them from becoming homeless.
Councilwoman Neoma Jardon says using the tenants as "political pawns" is a "disgusting tactic."
ORIGINAL STORY
RENO, Nev. (AP) -- The owners of a Reno strip club are threatening to raise rent at an adjoining motel if the city approves an ordinance forcing strip clubs to relocate out of downtown.
The Reno Gazette-Journal reports the owners of the Wild Orchid strip club on Tuesday sent letters to residents of the Ponderosa Motel, urging them to lobby against the city council and the planning commission from adopting the proposed changes.
Owner Kamy Keshmiri says the club subsidizes the motel, and he would need to double rent to as much as $1,300 a month if the ordinance is approved.
The city council decided to pursue new ordinances in September to relocate four strip clubs and an adult bookstore.
The planning commission is expected to make a recommendation to the council in March.
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Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com
