The woman who got national attention last year when she sued Adams Township for not allowing her to open a pole-dancing studio has settled her case.

Stephanie Babines will receive $75,000 in damages and attorney's fees to end the federal lawsuit in which she claimed a violation of her First Amendment rigths to freedom of expression.

Ms. Babines, who works a day job in information technology, has been involved in pole dancing for about three years. In February, she leased space on Mars-Valencia Road to open a dance studio. After spending about $10,000 on renovations to the former children's clothing store, she was told by the township code enforcement officer she would not be allowed to open because he believed it was an adult business.

An agreement on the lawsuit was reached in October, and she began teaching classes in November.

"I'm sorry this turned into a federal lawsuit," Ms. Babines said. "But I'm glad the misunderstanding has been resolved and I can now concentrate on teaching women a form of art and exercise that allows them to have fun, feel confident about their bodies and express their sexuality."

First Published: January 30, 2009, 5:15 p.m.