Smith's continued interest in developing the building is heartening to local residents and surprising, considering the current attempt by a former strip club owner to reopen another club close to the site of the proposed building. Club developer William Deyesso faces formidable opposition to his plan in the form of local business and civic leaders from nearby Chinatown, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and city councilor James Kelly. They want the Boston Licensing Board to reject the club's application.
At issue is the designation in the 1970s of this area as the city's adult entertainment district. Menino has fought to drive adult entertainment out but has not been wholly successful because of First Amendment protections.
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