Adult businesses allowed to stay on Cheshire Bridge Rd.

ATLANTA — Atlanta's City Council has rejected legislation that would have forced adult entertainment clubs and shops along Cheshire Bridge Road to move within five years.

Councilman Alex Wan's legislation failed by a 9 to 6 vote on in a Monday night meeting.

The battle between strip club owners' employees and nearby homeowners has been going on for years. There are at least six adult businesses on Cheshire Bridge Road.

A group of residents spent the day Sunday handing out fliers, urging people to call and email the council ahead of Monday's vote.

Jane Rawlings hoped the vote would be the defining day for her neighborhood.

"Property values decrease as one approaches Cheshire Bridge Road. The neighborhood suffers from increased crime," Rawlings said.

Supporters believe that will change if the Atlanta City Council approves forcing the adult businesses along the road to move within five years.

"I'm an example that we can have our children go to a prestige college by working at a strip club," strip club employee Danielle Granger said.

Opponents call the proposal illegal and say it will only strip the area of its character.

"It's diversity. It's strangeness. It's excitement. It's what makes Cheshire Bridge, Cheshire Bridge and what makes Atlanta, Atlanta," attorney Aubrey Villines said.

Villines represents the Onyx Nightclub and promised a lengthy court battle if the measure was approved. Supporters who want the clubs to relocate promised the same if the measure had been rejected.

"This is a bold new tool and it should be tested and hopefully it will be tested and decided in favor of the city of Atlanta," Councilman Alex Wan said.

"We are a patient community. We are an engaged community. We intend to see the vision realized," Rawlings said.

WSBTV