In an ethically fuzzy move, WSVN aired what basically amounted to a self-serving editorial disguised as a news reports about the horrors of a possible strip joint that would have opened directly next door to their studios multiple times yesterday (in fact, its also been uploaded to their website under a headline declaring it an "Investigation"). The timing wasn't coincidental. The North Bay Village Zoning Board held a hearing on the strip club last night, and unanimously opposed the idea. Though, the city commission can still ignore the decision and allow the strip club plans to move forward.
WSVN used to share Broadcast Key, one of the many islands that make up the man-made archipelago of North Bay Village, with the studios of radio station WIOD. Back in 2003, WIOD sold their half of the island to developer Scott Grenwald. The station has always had problems with Greenwald's plans for the property even before the notion of a strip club emerged, and sued him in 2008. Though, the area is just about the only plot in town where a strip club could be built under the city's zoning laws, so Greenwald has now been pushing to make good on the opportunity.
So WSVN's "report" on the strip club, which features an interview with station owner Ed Ansin, was just the latest battle in their war with Greenwald.
Of course, many NBV residents have problems with a strip club being built in town that have nothing to do with the fact that it happens to be next door to the news station. WSVN's report might have been a little less shady if it highlighted the concerns of citizens, and not their own gripes.
Residents showed up in mass last night at the zoning board meeting according to NBVReality.com, and the board unanimously voted against the strip club. Though their decision isn't binding, and the city commission can still overrule the zoning board.
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