LH Press Library
Club Plans Dropped for Controversial Spot
Lake Highlands: Group had opposed bar in area of slaying, robberies
The Dallas Morning News, by Bob Pittman
December 31, 2005
A Dallas businessman has abandoned a controversial plan to open a nightclub near Skillman Street and Adleta Boulevard in Lake Highlands, the man's representative said.
Businessman Frank Vu will not appeal a Dallas Plan Commission recommendation against issuing a specific-use permit required for the club, said Derek Coker of Real Estate Solutions, which represented Mr. Vu on the zoning matter. Tuesday was the deadline to appeal the request to the Dallas City Council.
However, Mr. Coker said his client is still considering opening a restaurant at the site.
On Dec. 15, the planning commission unanimously opposed a specific-use permit filed for the club, which was to be called Club 102 and was to feature Vietnamese music.
Although the planning staff had previously recommended that the permit be approved for a two-year period, subject to a site plan and conditions, the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association opposed the request and spoke against the proposal during a hearing.
Sean Christopher, the association's executive vice president, read a formal letter from the organization's president, Steve Wakefield, outlining the group's concerns about the club planned near LBJ Freeway.
Billy Williams of Glenn Heights was shot to death July 24, 2004, outside Sheba's Palace, a club and restaurant that formerly operated at the site. Police said that apparently he was shot after an argument inside the club. There have been several armed robberies in the area, and a number of restaurants have closed in adjacent strip shopping centers.
"Frankly, the thought of another late-night bar/nightclub at this location, given this history, is scary, and in our opinion, does not benefit the neighborhood, particularly in light of the limited information we have about the proposed owner/manager of this operation," Mr. Wakefield's letter said.
The letter continued, "We need your help to assure that we do not take a step backwards by permitting the establishment of a business that is likely to bring crime and disruption to our area. We cannot afford another setback."
Late last week, after the commission's vote, Mr. Coker met with Mr. Wakefield to ease residents' concerns about his plans for the club.
"It's a very delicate situation," Mr. Coker said. "There is only so much we can actually do to prove ourselves to be a good [potential] neighbor."
Mr. Coker said he had met with owners and operators of other businesses in the area before the zoning vote and found "virtually no opposition" and "indifference" to Club 102.
Still, he said Mr. Vu was willing to provide improved security inside and outside the club. Mr. Vu had also offered to cut back club hours to minimize crime and agreed to have the permit reviewed after a year of operations.
But improvement association board members still had qualms about the club, Mr. Coker said. As a result, Mr. Vu decided not to appeal the zoning recommendation.
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