A controversial Long Island City strip club is refusing to have its last dance — despite losing its fight for the right to party with alcohol.
Show Palace, formerly known as Gypsy Rose, is slated to open on May 31 at 42-50 21st Street in L.I.C. — despite strong community opposition and having its request for a liquor license rejected twice.
In response to the rejections, Show Palace has opted to offer full nudity, which is not allowed in establishments where alcohol is served.
Community groups, civic leaders, elected officials and neighborhood residents have all publicly denounced the club, and a rally was held on January 12 protesting Show Palace’s opening.
Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer believes the strip club is bad for the neighborhood, and he says the community is currently discussing holding another protest in the coming weeks.
“These guys have just been sticking their fingers in the eyes of their neighbors, and that’s not the way to come into a community – by showing a real lack of concern and appreciation for the people around you,” Van Bramer said. “People getting off the Queensboro Bridge who exit at 21st Street, the first thing they see is that club. Great things have been happening in L.I.C., and it is an amazing place to live, work, own a business and raise a family, and it is going to continue to be so. I think we don’t want anything to detract from that and that’s why we have been opposed.”
Attempts to contact Terry Flynn, the attorney of Show Palace’s proprietors, were unsuccessful as of press time.
The club’s Twitter account publicizes it as the “newest, largest, most upscale FULL NUDE Adult Nightclub/Restaurant in NYC.” The message also ironically exclaims, “We raised the bar!”
Show Palace’s web site says it is open from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Although the club opens at 7 p.m. on Saturday, its closing time is answered only with three question marks.
Despite its dull and dreary exterior, a picture on Show Palace’s Facebook page portrays a lavish interior with bright purple lighting and chandeliers.
