By Gary Lloyd
Trussville Mayor Gene Melton would oppose the possible opening of a new club where Sensations, a strip club that used to be located on Derby Way in Birmingham, once operated.
“We’re opposed to it,” said Melton, who said he is “hard and fast” opposed to the possibility of a club opening in the location. “They could do much better with this property.”
Birmingham City Councilwoman Kim Rafferty said last week she has heard the building’s owner has approached neighborhood residents about possibly seeking to open a new club in that location. The owner was supposed to meet with the Liberty Highlands Neighborhood Association last week, but the meeting was canceled, Rafferty said.
Rafferty said the owner potentially coming to the Birmingham City Council seeking appropriate permits would be a “moot request” because there is already an appeal in the court system from a past liquor license rejection.
Melton said he and Irondale Mayor Tommy Joe Alexander would likely attend any future meetings regarding the club.
Although the building is in Birmingham city limits, Trussville and Irondale are close in proximity. Melton opposed Sensations opening in 2010.
On May 1, 2010, two victims suffered gunshot wounds at Sensations Gentlemen’s Club. Birmingham Police Department East Precinct officers responded and learned that two victims suffered gunshot wounds and that the suspect became rude and was asked to leave by a club security officer and staff member.
After arriving at the door to the business, the suspect drew a handgun and began to fire, striking the security officer and staff member, said Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Johnny Williams. The security officer was transported to St. Vincent’s East by an employee and later transported to UAB Hospital for treatment of his wounds. Both victims recovered from their injuries.
Barry Colston, 48 at the time, of Birmingham was charged with attempted murder and assault. Colston was taken into custody after he received treatment for a gunshot wound he sustained to his leg as a result of the gunfire, Williams said. Colston is expected to be released from prison May 28, 2015, according to Alabama Department of Corrections records.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.