It didn't take the city planning commission long to reject plans for a proposed strip club on West Carson Street near Station Square yesterday.

Shortly after hearing from more than 20 people opposed to the idea, including representatives of a drug and alcohol recovery center located next to the proposed site, commission members quickly voted 8-0 to deny the conditional use application.

"You don't need that place there," member Pete Czuczman said.

The room erupted in applause right after the vote, as officials of the Onala Club and residents of the West End, Elliott, Sheraden and other neighborhoods celebrated the decision.

"Tonight, we're happy. And, hopefully, the fight is over. But if it's not, we will go on to the very end," said Norene Beatty, a representative for the West End Elliott Citizens Council.

Marquise Investments sought to open the strip club at 1635 W. Carson St., next door to the Onala Club and less than one mile from Station Square. It would feature a 75-foot-long stage and four private rooms for lap dances.

Patrick Risha, owner and operator of Marquise, called the planning commission's decision "premature."

He believes the club met all the legal requirements for a conditional use permit and vowed that the setback won't stop him. He plans to take his battle to City Council.

"If they reject us there, then we will sue," he said.

At least seven of nine City Council members must vote in favor of the conditional use to override the planning commission's vote.

Mr. Risha said the proposed address was the "most appropriate location" for his club in the city. He said there were no residences nearby and that his plans to upgrade the building would actually improve a bleak stretch of West Carson Street.

He also said he would serve no alcohol, just complimentary juices and sodas, although he reserved the right to request a liquor license "if necessary." He promised a low-key approach to business to guarantee "those driving by won't be offended."

But those opposed weren't buying it. They said the proposed club would create more problems on a dangerous stretch of West Carson where by one count there were 155 accidents and five fatalities from 2003 to 2007. Opponents also said the proposed club would hamper efforts to improve West End neighborhood business districts, serve as a blight on the city's image, and be a magnet for drugs, sex and alcohol.

Representatives from the Onala Club said such a business so close to their center could be a danger to their clients, some of whom are less than one week into their recoveries.

"We were very pleased with the outcome," Joe Panzino, executive director of Onala, said after the vote. "I think a lot of lives are going to be saved in the long run by this."