Judge agrees cabaret strip club signs violate Austintown zoning

AUSTINTOWN— The manager of the Go Go Girls Cabaret strip club on Clarkins Drive and the owner of the hotel that houses the club have been found guilty of displaying illegal advertisements.

Judge David D’Apolito of Mahoning County Area Court ruled that a banner exceeding 60 square feet in dimension and a satellite dish with a woman’s face painted on it as an advertisement violate Austintown’s zoning code.

Michael Kurilla, township zoning inspector, said the banner was removed before the trial began. But because it violated the timetable for removal from when the complaint was filed, the defendants Robert Neill, club manager, and the Chatur Corp., owner of the Economy Inn Hotel, were found guilty.

He said Judge D’Apolito is giving them 30 days to paint the satellite dish before deciding on a penalty.

“He is giving them an opportunity to remedy the violation,” Kurilla said. “If they don’t comply I’m sure it will have an effect on the judge’s decision for a penalty.”

Neill was not available for comment on Wednesday afternoon, according to a person who answered the phone at the club.

Kurilla said the dish, located next to the hotel, visible from Interstate 80 and state Route 46, is considered a violation because under the zoning laws all signs for a sexually oriented business must be mounted to the building.

Kurilla said the club is still open.