MADISON, Tenn. — After Metro Council passed a zoning amendment that blocked a group of developers from opening a sex club near Goodpasture Christian School in Madison, many thought the issue was dead.
But developers may have found a loophole in the new law.
For months, the vacant building near Goodpasture Christian School has been the subject of controversy after members of the community found out the new owners wanted to open a swinger’s club.
Opponents were so outspoken that last month, Metro Council passed a zoning amendment that stopped the club in its tracks.
Now, developers have filed a new set of plans with Metro Codes asking permission to renovate the building as a church.
“That, to me, in many ways just seems to be irreverent,” said Ricky Perry, president of Goodpasture Christian School. “And it just seems like there’s nothing you wouldn’t stoop to to try to accomplish what you’re trying to do.”
The school sits next door to the property in question. Perry said the revised plans are essentially the same as before, only what was once labeled “the dungeon” has now been converted to a “choir room.” And the former “game room” is now called the “fellowship hall.”
“It’s obvious to me that all they’re trying to do is find another way to legally, or through some loophole, accomplish what they want to do,” Perry said.
Metro Codes has given the owners permission to renovate as a church. Before they open for business, they will have to prove worship is actually going on behind closed doors.
Federal law specifically protects churches.
Though there will likely be some legal wrangling, Perry said he’s convinced the community will prevail.
“If folks are trying to circumvent the law, we will expose that and we will exhaust every resource we have to expose that,” he said.
Councilwoman Karen Bennett is currently working on legislation that would create a designated zone for businesses that want to cater to swingers and/or open sex.
