Local News in Brief : Zoning Board Unable to Decide Club’s Fate

About 20 residents complained to the Los Angeles Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday that a Reseda nightclub should be closed, but the fate of the club was left undecided.

The board voted 2 to 1 to allow the 10-year-old Country Club to continue to operate.

But the vote--which followed about two hours of testimony from the residents, who complained of noisy patrons and lewd behavior--may have no impact.

Two members of the five-member board were absent, and they must consider the club’s appeal before any action is final, board Chairwoman Ilene Olansky said.

However, neither member is obligated to listen to tape recordings of the hearing or vote on the issue, she said. If the absent board members decline to vote, a decision in February denying the Sherman Way club’s liquor and dancing permits will stand, she said.

Club operators have said they will appeal any further denial of their right to serve liquor and have dancing to the City Council.

Meanwhile, the club will continue its usual operations until a final decision is reached, said James Crisp, an associate zoning administrator for the city.

Councilwoman Joy Picus, whose district includes neighborhood where the club is located, said she would urge council members to vote against the club’s appeal. She said it has failed to be a good neighbor for the past 10 years.