A planned Gentleman’s Club near the Twin Bridges on Lake Murray has created a controversy.

Neighbors question the construction of a business with a prominently displayed sign on US 378 that may have a sexual orientation.

But Lexington County Department of Community Development officials said the developer told them they have no intention of operating a sexually oriented business.

“The term “gentleman’s club” by definition does not directly correlate with a sexually oriented business,” county officials said.

“However, the term was misconceived as one due to other business ventures within the county.

“There is a zoning permit for new development at this location, to include land uses consistent with a club/ bar.

“The zoning ordinance does allow a ‘coming soon’ sign, provided a valid zoning permit has been issued for the project and it is under construction, which both criteria are met.

“At this time, staff cannot require the sign to be removed. We will continue to monitor the situation and address if additional facts or information are discovered that change the scope of this issue.”

We have asked county officials for the identity of the developer and owners of the new club, their experience operating such clubs and where they are located.

Neighbors wth additional questions may email cdcustomerservice@lex-co.com .