Story posted Thursday, February 4, 2010
Dance Club Security Returns To Forefront
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Buffalo Grove's eSkape Family Entertainment owner Bill Feldgreber walked into the village boardroom Monday thinking that evening was going to be the night his proposed dance club would be voted on---if not approved. However, that was not the case.
Trustee Lisa Stone, who seemingly was in favor of the concept two weeks earlier, voiced concerns over security. The issue was deferred once again to Monday, Feb. 22.
"I think the concept is a great idea, but my position has swayed because I feel we have to lean toward the most stringent protection by ensuring we have the highest level of security there," said Stone.
Feldgreber is proposing that a 3,580 sq. ft., dance club be added within the current eSkape facility. The new dance area would be located in the empty laser tag area.
The proposed dance club would accommodate patrons under the age of 21 one weekend night and over 21 the other weekend night. The club would also be open on 10 evenings prior to or on national holidays.
Feldgreber is proposing to employ five security personnel, with two of them being off-duty officers---all at his expense. Stone now believes two uniformed police officers need to be present as well, and that is something Feldgreber said he can't afford.
The two uniformed police officers on site while the dance club is open would cost $68 per hour for five hours or a total of $680 for one night. That does not include security Feldgreber would hire.
Feldgreber said the amount of security the village is requesting in addition to what he is proposing would cost approximately $1,605 per night---and that is too much, he said.
The three board members seemingly in favor of the proposal last month were Stone, Steve Trilling, and Jeff Berman. Trustees against it at that time were Jeff Braiman, Beverly Sussman and DeAnn Glover.
Stone said if Feldgreber doesn't change his mind and add the two additional officers, she couldn't approve the proposal. If the other trustees' positions remain the same from last month that means the proposal would be denied by a 4-2 vote.
"I think they (trustees) really want me to work with the police department on a happy medium that works for both sides from a safety and economic standpoint," said Feldgreber.
Feldgreber said he has had an empty room where the dance club would operate for the past four months not generating any revenue.
"Unless there is some offsetting costs, which I haven't yet seen, such as no surveillance, I wouldn't be able to afford it," Feldgreber said regarding at what point he would walk away from the proposal.
Feldgreber and village staff are expected to meet tomorrow (Friday) morning to determine if a deal can be reached that both sides are pleased with.
"If Bill embraces the security, people would feel more secure with allowing their kids to go there," added Stone.
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