FRANKLIN — A topless dancing club and city officials are at odds over whether Lady Liberty is a sign or a symbol.

Franklin officials say a topless dancing club's Statue of Liberty replica may violate the city's sign code. (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

        Last weekend New York-New York Cabaret in Franklin placed a 6-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty in front of the club in a display of patriotism, a manager said.

        But Franklin city officials said the statue may violate the city's sign code.

        “It doesn't make a difference to me if it's a patriotic sign or not,” City Manager Jim Lukas said. “We have a sign code that we have an obligation to enforce fully.”

        Mr. Lukas is consulting with the city attorney about the issue. City code defines a sign as words or a graphic representation. It limits a sign's height and size of display area, both of which the club's display exceeds, said Don Woods, Franklin's chief building official.

        Should the club be found in violation, it could face fines up to $100 a day, Mr. Woods said.

        The city twice rejected the club's requests for temporary sign permits. The club applied for the permits after city zoning employees said they needed it, said Michelle Day, club manager.

        “We'd concede to the city's point if she were topless,” Ms. Day said. “It's a freedom of speech issue.”

        The statue stands atop a 3-foot platform in front of a flagpole and American flag. The club's owner, Roy Smith of Dayton, wanted to show support for the country, Ms. Day said. After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the club put up a neon flag on the building.

        One resident said Lady Liberty and topless dancing shouldn't mix.

        “It's showing disrespect to the country,” said Mike Collins, 21. “Women showing their bodies off and the Statue of Liberty out front .... That's not right.”
       

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