PITTSBURGH -- Dozens of concerned and angry residents packed the West End/Elliott Citizens Council meeting to voice their opposition to a proposed strip club in Pittsburgh's West End.

Owner Patrick Risha was grilled about his plans to turn a vacant building at 1635 Carson Street into a gentleman's club that could include exotic dancers and a massage parlor.

"What I see you bringing in is not going to boost our community. It's not going to bring stability to our community. It's not going to be a community people will want to raise a child in, " said Debbie Whitfield, of Sheraden.

"You would not be here if it weren't for the casino going up across the river," shouted Mark Bolla, of Elliott.

Risha applied for a conditional use permit and hopes to get a liquor license. He told the crowd the club is not a done deal.

"I don't have anything set in stone," he said. "I want to look at the neighborhood concerns and come up with the best possible manner to operate this club."

Others are concerned because the proposed club sits just 50 yards from an alcoholic recovery organization called Onala Inc.

"These people are really struggling and to have this to deal with right at the point in time when you are so vulnerable, it just seems so difficult. It will be difficult," said Joe Panzino, of Onala Inc.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Nov. 4 before making a recommendation to City Council. Council must then approve the application.