04/09/04  Planet Venus

Here’s a picture of the new ‘Planet Venus’ sign that went up Wednesday. Even though they have shown their cards to the neighborhood as a probable sexually oriented business, it appears Planet Venus’ management is confident they will be allowed to open. However, there is the question of the supposed legally binding agreement to prevent sexually oriented businesses back into the area negotiated by the city of Dallas.
 

	First sign the City made them remove.		New sign camouflages actual use for club seeking restaurant CO, although it's a sex club and dance hall.

Another hot topic is what kind of certificate of occupancy the establishment will work under, and if the city will in fact enforce the requirement of the proper certificate of occupancy. Area leaders are not optimistic the enforcement will take place.

The Bachman Northwest Highway Community Association contends there are at least six establishments, not including Planet Venus, operating without proper occupancy certification:  El Volcan, Gitaneo Bar, Los Compass, La Guira and Taqueria Lupita.

In July of 2003, City Attorney Madeline Johnson promised the Bachman NW Community Association she was negotiating with the  non-conforming establishments to bring them into code or close them down. So far, that promise has not been fulfilled. I listened to former Police Chief Terrell Bolton tell citizens what they wanted to hear at countless community meetings, but never followed up on his promises. I hope our City Attorney will follow through with her promises for a Bachman Lake area that is full of properly certified tax-paying businesses.

Councilman Steve Salazar has recently met with a new business forum for the Bachman area and promised his assistance to help remove non-conforming businesses.

We will keep you informed.