As Silk officials try again to open club downtown, alderman suggests designated area for adult entertainment

MILWAUKEE -- Silk Exotic officials have been trying for years to open a strip club in downtown Milwaukee -- and they're not giving up. A Milwaukee alderman may have a solution.

"It's just a moral issue. They don't like what we do," Jon Ferraro, Silk Exotic's owner said.

Jon Ferraro (owner of Silk Exotic)

In September, Ferraro continued his relentless effort to open a Silk Exotic gentlemen's club near downtown Milwaukee.

For the sixth time, Ferraro was denied.

"We are searching for a new location right now. We will be applying in the next couple of weeks," Ferraro said.

Silk Exotic officials have already filed two lawsuits against the city of Milwaukee, and there are plans for a third.

Silk Exotic

Ferraro says the city owes Silk hundreds of thousands of dollars -- though the case is still being appealed.

"It's just been a long road and uphill battle that I don't think is necessary," Ferraro said.

Milwaukee Alderman Tony Zielinski says he's working on legislation that could create a designated area for adult entertainment in the city.

"Most cities actually deal with these types of issues through zoning," Alderman Zielinski said.

Alderman Tony Zielinski

Zielinski is looking into heavy industrial zones, away from neighborhoods -- areas he says may be suitable for these types of licenses.

FOX6 News asked Zielinski whether this would create a red light district.

"It depends how you define red light district. There may be certain parts of the city where this type of licensing may be appropriate," Alderman Zielinski said.

Ferraro says this is something he asked for -- but regardless of zoning, he wants to be within three to four miles of downtown Milwaukee.

Downtown Milwaukee

"The business guy from out of town that goes to the high-end restaurant, high-end hotel, wants to be within three to four minutes on a Monday night," Ferraro said.

"I don't know whether we have any industrial areas within three or four miles and what those areas look like, so right now it's premature to dictate where it's going to be. There's a lot of research that needs to be done," Alderman Zielinski said.

Zielinski stresses that this proposal is still in its early stages. He says it may take a couple months to come up with a zoning plan and it is possible after doing all the research that they may decide against it altogether.

Meanwhile, Silk Exotic officials continue to pursue a new location in or near downtown.

Silk Exotic