The Tennesean
by Tony Gonzales
Calling a proposed swingers sex club “evil” and a would-be “cancer” on Madison, the leader of a Christian school put voice to local concerns during a meeting Monday that aired opposition.
“We will exhaust every legal, every political, every kind of resource we can find to stop it,” vowed Ricky Perry, president of Goodpasture Christian School, about a half-mile from the proposed club.
Perry spoke to more than 200 people who packed the Madison Police Precinct. Even before arriving, almost 3,000 had signed petitions — including online — against the relocation of The Social Club to 520 Lentz Drive.
Despite the club’s efforts to stay quiet or suggest other intentions, news of the relocation surfaced to some officials in November and more broadly this month. The club sold its building on Division Street, south of downtown, in October, which prompted the move.
“I’m not for what they want to do, but they have legal rights, too,” area Councilwoman Karen Bennett told the crowd.
Current zoning would allow a private club at its proposed location, officials said. But Bennett has started asking city staff about changes that might prevent it — although she wouldn’t share details and made no promises.
“Let’s face it: In the end, we will probably be sued,” Bennett said. “It’s what they do.”
The councilwoman noted she’d spoken to some club members in favor of the location. But none spoke up.
Many who did speak Monday had their minds made up, raising a loud alarm about the future of Madison, invoking their faith and asking about tactics to derail the club. They raised the spectres of alcohol, sexually transmitted diseases and sex offenders.
“Will we be a place where children are safe?” asked Pastor Maury Davis ofCornerstone Church. …