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COMPTON — Work continues on a strip club development project on Route 30 that was closed a few years ago.
Albert Bruno, a Norridge-based business developer and new owner of the former Candy Factory club at 2849 Route 30, approached the Lee County Zoning Board last year with plans to make it viable again after been closed for more than 3 years.
Because the business was closed for at least 3 years, the county began the process of rezoning the property from heavy industry to agriculture. However, Bruno raised an objection to the Lee County Zoning Board, citing its development plans and the need to retain current zoning.
The property bears heavy industrial zoning as it is the only acceptable category for an adult entertainment establishment, according to the county code.
In September, the zoning board agreed to keep the zoning as is – as long as the zoning administrator was informed of development progress every 3 months.
Zoning Administrator Dee Duffy told council Thursday that she had received an update on the project, as well as they were working on a demolition contract for the house and barn on the property. Then they plan to apply for a permit to build a new well.
They hope the demolition of the two structures will cut septic tank production in half and address those concerns, she said.
Other planned upgrades involve remodeling the grill and cafe and cleaning the interior and exterior.
The business would be a strip club and include a video game parlour. Project manager Tony Arena said the target customers would be truckers due to freight traffic along Route 30.