North Raleigh Nightclub Spurs Neighbors To Action

The crowds come from the Supper Clubb at Spring Forest Road and Atlantic Avenue. The owner of a nearby 24-hour gym is sweating it out, but his worries have nothing to do with an exercise routine. Mike Inabinett says it has to do with a history of problems at the nearby Supper Clubb and partiers hanging out in front of his business.

"Some of these folks are intimidating in their appearance, dress and actions," said Inabinett. "When you have hundreds of people gathered in the parking lot, it's unnerving for individuals."

Inabinett said nighttime business has dropped 17 percent because his customers feel unsafe. Homeowners in Fox Run say Supper Clubb patrons are parking in their neighborhood and causing havoc.

"They are a nuisance and something needs to be done," said Inabinett.

City Attorney Tom McCormick confirms he is building a case to have the Supper Clubb declared a public nuisance.

"When a business is not safe and running a safe operation, we do need to look at shutting them down," said Raleigh Council Member Jessie Taliaferro.

When the City Council meets next Tuesday, it will consider ideas to help calm concerns. One idea: "No Parking" signs in the neighborhood. Another is to change the ordinance to hold the club accountable for illegal activity that occurs in the parking lot.

In a letter to businesses, a club supporter calls the situation appalling and inexcusable discrimination. Taliaferro strongly disagrees.

"We cannot continue to have one isolated business taking all our police resources in the district for the business and impede on the rights of the neighborhood," he said.

The club owner and attorney did not respond to WRAL's requests for an interview. A community meeting about the Supper Clubb and the city's response will be held Wednesday at Millbrook Baptist Church beginning at 6:30 p.m. Raleigh Police Chief Jane Perlov is one of the city leaders expected to be there.