KVUE
by Jim Douglas
ARLINGTON, Texas — An alleged swingers’ club in an upscale Arlington neighborhood has been ordered to cease operation because it violates zoning.
On a swingers’ website, Eutopia is promoted as an exciting, upscale “lifestyle” venue.
Neighbors say it’s not a venue, it’s a home. And they’ve been trying for weeks to get the city of Arlington to crash the party.
“This is a sexually-oriented swingers’ club in my neighborhood,” said neighbor Jon Vecchio. “We don’t want it here.”
Vecchio lives a few blocks from the half-million-dollar home at the corner of Cooper Street and Beady Road. The yard has been paved to accommodate 70 cars. It’s owned by an Azle man.
But a man in Weatherford told us he’s been hosting parties since last summer. The home has hosted close to 60 erotic parties, some with themes, since it opened in May 2014.
David Esopenko said off-camera it’s not a swingers’ club, because he doesn’t charge… But the suggested donation is $80 per couple, $20 for single women and $80 for single men.
Esopenko said the money mainly covers snacks and drink set ups. The city says up to 200 people have attended some parties, which could add up to thousands of dollars in one night. Esopenko said not everyone pays and that no money is collected at the door. He saID guests write a number on an envelope, and drop the cash into a box.
“Shocked,” Vecchio said. “Couldn’t believe it was going on. We don’t want it in our neighborhood.”
The city just sent the owner, James Self, and Esopenko an order to cease operations. According to the city, Eutopia is a business because it offers promotional advertising, regular hours (every weekend from 8:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.), and services such as food, beverages, and condoms.
The house is furnished, but unoccupied. Esopenko said he plans to move in.
“Yeah, right,” Vecchio said. “I don’t believe that any more than he’s just having parties for a hundred of his closest friends.” …