Coney Island- Coney Island community leaders got an eye-popping surprise when a “gentleman’s club” that throws sexy bachelor parties opened right under their noses – two floors down.
The “Foxy” club promises patrons champagne rooms, private dancers and “the visual thrill of finding their ‘Perfect 10.'”
Two flights up at Surf Ave. and W.12thSt. is Brooklyn Community Board13, where local officials vote on zoning matters and quality of life issues. The board okayed a liquor license for a bar in the space a year ago – but not for what they say was converted to an illegal strip club last month.
“Can it [the license] be reevaluated? Yes, which is what we’re going to do,” said board District Manager Chuck Reichenthal.
Foxy owner Nadia Federova insists her upstairs neighbors have it all wrong.
“It’s not a strip club,” she said. “The girls are pretty Russian girls in long, pretty dresses in high heels. I’ve invited everyone to see it – the community board too.”
Reichenthal and local Councilman Domenic Recchia admit they haven’t been inside – but plan to take Federova up on her offer. If, as they say, Foxy really is a strip joint, it would be illegal.
Recchia thinks a jiggle joint would send the wrong message – especially so close to Coney Island’s famed amusement district.
“We spent a lot of time cleaning up the prostitution that used to be here and we don’t need this kind of thing in our community,” said Recchia.
The controversy has the locals atwitter.
“There’s a community board upstairs!” said a shocked Robin Mangua, 43, who was picking up nephews from nearby Public School 90. “I’m speechless on that one. It’s crazy.”