The Tempe city council meeting voted unanimously Thursday night to allow Nita's Hideaway to relocate Southern Ave. and Loop 101 despite objections from area residents.
Several hundred citizens and representatives for the Tri-City Baptist Church showed up at the meeting, while several dozen voiced concern or support for Nita's move.
Councilmember Ben Arredondo said he made his decision based on what was right for neighborhood and for business. Before the council cast their votes, Arredondo made sure Nita's owner, Mark Covert, agreed to address the concerns of neighbors.
"We have to make decisions that would be best for everybody," he said.
Several residents who live near Nita's new location are angry because they say a nightclub does not belong in their neighborhood. During the meeting, they said relocating Nita's to their area would cause an increase in crime, noise and traffic.
Nita's will have a complete security plan and will close the plaza's exit on to Malibu Road from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. They will also build a wall on the south side of the location to reduce noise and will be reviewed by the council after one year.
Nita's supporters said neighbors misunderstood the venue with allegations of crime and drugs at Nita's. They said patrons visit to enjoy music and that Nita's is a clean, non-rowdy place.
Tempe resident Tracy Lee said that the market will grow and prosper as a result of Nita's moving to the new location.
"It's the passion for the music," she said at the meeting. "Please don't let this be the day the music dies."
Despite Nita's efforts to fit into the neighborhood, some residents are still upset about the new location.
"I am opposed to Nita's going into this location," said Mark Roberts, a Tempe resident. "I have been going to Tri City Baptist Church for 30 years and I think it is important we listen to the folks that live right there."
Reach the reporter at erin.hawksworth@asu.edu.
