Around 30 people this afternoon protested a strip club slated for West Carson Street, saying a judge, Pittsburgh City Council, or Mayor Luke Ravenstahl should do whatever it takes to stop it, and someone should investigate the lack of a council hearing on its zoning status.

The club plan, pursued by Elizabeth-based Marquise Investments, was the subject of hearings before the Planning Commission, which recommended against giving it permission to open up next to the Onala Club for recovering addicts.

But council never received paperwork that would have prompted it to hold a hearing, and Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Joseph James ruled that the lack of expert testimony on the club's health and welfare effects meant he had to grant it approval.

The city has filed a notice of appeal.

"How about if the judge vacates his decision," said Joe Panzino, Onala's executive director.

"Nobody gives us answers on why this happened," said Ginny Kropf, vice president of the Sheraden Community Council. "Nobody's taking responsibility for dropping the ball."

"We need an investigation of why all of this happened," said Marciana Rossi, president of West Side United Community Development Corp. In the meantime, city building inspectors should fine the building owner for work done without a permit, she said.

Council members Theresa Smith and Doug Shields, along with Council President Darlene Harris, appeared at the protest.

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