Connecticut swingers club located near Baptist church has been ordered to shut down.
In a recent zoning dispute, Wicked Fun, a private swingers club located in Terryville, Connecticut, has been ordered to cease operations following a contentious meeting attended by local residents and officials. The club, which positions itself as a site for “fun, excitement, and maybe even a little mischief,” was given a cease-and-desist order due to alleged zoning violations, as confirmed by town authorities.
Wicked Fun’s establishment has become a focal point of controversy, particularly due to its proximity to the Riverside Baptist Church. Local zoning regulations mandate that adult-use businesses maintain a minimum distance of 1,000 feet from places of worship. The club’s location shares both a property line and a parking area with the church, leading to escalating tensions among community members.
The cease-and-desist order was issued on March 28, requiring the club to close within a ten-day timeframe. However, owner Steve Gagne contested this classification, arguing that Wicked Fun does not fit the traditional description of an adult-use establishment. Gagne emphasized that the club caters to “well-dressed professionals” who come together for social interactions, asserting that all activities are between consenting adults.
The situation reached a boiling point during a recent meeting of the Plymouth Town Board of Appeals, where nearly 100 attendees expressed their opinions on the club’s future. The discourse was marked by stark divisions, with members of the local church vehemently opposing the establishment’s activities. Pastor David Townsley argued that the presence of the club has negatively affected the community, urging the board to uphold the closure order.
During the meeting, Gagne had rallied supporters who advocated for “fairness, free expression, and legal transparency,” in hopes of swaying the board in favor of the club. Co-owner Jodi Gagne argued that the club does not feature explicit entertainment, such as dancers or other provocateurs, and insisted that their operations should not be equated with those of typical adult-use businesses.
Ultimately, the zoning board voted unanimously to deny the club’s appeal, resulting in an immediate closure. In response to this decision, Steve Gagne expressed his determination to pursue legal action against the town, signaling that the dispute over Wicked Fun is far from resolved.
The case has elicited varying reactions within the community, highlighting ongoing debates about personal freedoms, zoning laws, and the intersection of local ordinances with adult entertainment. As this dispute unfolds, it encapsulates broader societal conversations regarding the regulation of adult-use facilities and their impact on community dynamics.
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