By Ivan Pereira
The risqué lady who had been causing quite a stir for Rosedale homeowners and passing motorists has left the building.
The infamous billboard that featured a scantily clad woman that hung above the Platinum Club at 248-58 Rockaway Blvd. was taken down two weeks ago, according to City Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton). The billboard, which was legal, has the woman painted over from head to toe in black paint.
“The nearly nude woman has been spray-painted over. She has become invisible. She cannot be seen by the naked eye, at least outside the club,” he said.
The club’s managers were evicted by the owner of the building in April after failing to pay the rent for two months. For more than a year, the councilman and community groups protested outside the strip club, demanding that it take down the sign.
Sanders and Nassau County legislator Jeff Toback filed a nuisance lawsuit against the Platinum Club’s owners and Community Board 13 voted to prohibit the club’s owners from renewing their liquor licence.
Without being able to sell liquor, the club lost tremendous business and was forced to shut down, Sanders said.
The councilman called the sign’s removal a victory for southeast Queens residents and a reminder to any business owner who wants to bring lewd trade to the community.
“Let this be a warning to all who would want to lower the community decency: In the 31st [Council District], we fight these things,” he said. “In our community, we respect our children, we respect ourselves and we don’t give up until we win.”
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
