WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington adult entertainment club (Cheetah Premier) says they weren’t contacted before a decision was made by New Hanover County commissioners to use eminent domain to buy the building for parking.
Club representatives claim they first learned of the action from news coverage shared November 7th on social media.
“At no time prior to this date did the County, the County Manager, its agents or employees, acknowledge to us that they needed additional parking, or were willing to use significant tax payer money to purchase our location,” a statement said. “If anyone represents that the property owner or business owner was contacted by anyone identifying themselves as acting on behalf of the county, it is an absolute untruth.”
The claim goes on to say the club was given no notice, nor were the citizens of New Hanover County, of the vote of November 6th to take the property.
“We are happy and eager to assist with, and more than satisfy, the County’s parking needs,” Jeff Melendy, Director of Operations for the club said. “We gladly offer a shared parking agreement to the County providing over 70 parking spaces which will more than satisfy their suggested parking demand. We are the perfect partner for this accommodation, because we open at 6:00 pm, seven days a week. Most importantly, we are willing to do this at no cost to the New Hanover County Taxpayer.”
This Gentlemen’s Club has been in continuous operation since 1997, and under current ownership for the last seven years, providing jobs to fifty five to sixty five people.
We’ll have more on our news tonight.