02/19/04  Just what is Planet Venus?

A restaurant certificate of occupancy was issued February  12, 2004 under the name ?Planet Venus? for 3027 W Northwest Hwy, the old Santa Fe Cabaret location.

Mr. Thurston Robinson, who goes by Thomas, is listed as the owner. Such a name as ?Planet Venus? doesn?t make one feel as though this location will be an asset to the area. Much less conform to community retail zoning in which this business is located. 

A reliable source made the comment, ?You Bachman people will NOT be happy with this place.? This comment motivated me to investigate the site. As of today only clean up is going on.  All stages, mirrors, and bars remain as they were when it was a topless club.  A worker at the location made the comment to me that they were opening up a bar and then corrected himself that it would be a restaurant/bar.  Unfortunately, he had no idea what type of food would be served. Admittedly he did not look like a chef.

Mr. Alius Pico, as he called himself, told me he is the architect and engineer hired through Shaw/Hill, LLP located at 8700 N. Stemmons Frwy. Suite 470. Mr. Pico told me he has just started his business, Pico and Company, and thus the reason he?s not listed in the phone book.  Mr. Pico went on to inform me that as far as he knows ?Planet Venus? would offer dinner and a show.  He also made the comment that a building permit has not been issued.  But since he admitted he hadn?t finished the blue prints there?s no reason one would submit the paperwork for a building permit.  Mr. Pico went on to comment they are planning on ?blowing  out? the kitchen. 

Upon further investigation the location already has a very nice full sized commercial kitchen.  Mr. Pico estimated the new business would open in several months. However, the other man I spoke with told me they plan on opening March 1^st. 

So what?s the point of this information? Enforcement!

The city of Dallas must enforce the community retail zoning laws of the Bachman area if the legitimate area businesses are to survive, and have new conforming businesses move into the area.

For all I know, ?Planet Venus? will be the hottest new theme restaurant in the city, and I hope that?s the case.

But, if it?s nonconforming to the zoning, this test will go a long way to see how serious the City is about enforcement.  Not just for this location, but for several other proposed bars in the area, and the remaining nonconforming businesses.