The Jefferson County Zoning and Planning Commission on Tuesday evening recommended denial of a conditional use permit that would allow the construction of a strip club near area schools.

The decision was reached after a half-hour of deliberation in a closed, executive meeting.

The proposal for the club came from Lawrence businessman Zach Snyder, who owns the Douglas County gentleman’s club Paradise Saloon, north of Lawrence. The location of the proposed building would place it about 900 feet from Jefferson West High School and within 800 feet of Jefferson West Middle School. The club would also share a property line with the Jefferson West Unified School District.

And although the planning commission’s recommendation does not bar the establishment from becoming part of the community just east of the Meriden city limits, many area residents in attendance felt the issue was headed toward the right end.

“It was perhaps a little frustrating,” said Duane Simon, who lives west of Meriden. “But the decision it came down to in the end I feel was a good one. It was worth the wait.”

Tuesday night’s meeting at Oskaloosa Middle School was the third in a series of public hearings, the last of which took place Jan. 4. The crowd was a little more sparse than crowds at past meetings, but the community support was the same among those who made it out.

“We’re both pretty proud that that’s the decision they came up with,” said Brad McNary, standing with Charlene Hardee. “It’s been pretty drawn out.”

“I think they had to do what they did according to the law,” Hardee said. “Even though it’s frustrating because we had to come back three times.”

The zoning and planning commission cited several reasons for recommending the denial for the conditional use permit. Among the reasons were a lack of sufficient parking spaces, a lack of parking for oversized vehicles such as buses and extended limousines as well as a data-supported concern that the club would bring an increase in criminal activities.

“I don’t agree with that club being built in that spot and allowed to operate,” Simon said.

The zoning and planning commission will send its recommendation to the Jefferson County Commission for consideration. From there the commission will have a final vote on the matter, with the option to adopt the recommendation, deny it or return the issue for further consideration.